Chapter 996
She expected Cole to mention the ring next, but he remained silent on the subject. After reassuring her, he concentrated on the road ahead, leaving the ring completely unaddressed.
Elliana studied his profile, confusion mounting. Why this deliberate silence about something so crucial? Did he assume she was oblivious to its devastating power? That seemed likely—otherwise, why leave such a weapon in her hands?
Just as this thought crystallized, Cole struck without warning. “Do you understand what that ring in your possession truly represents?”
Elliana’s composure wavered, but she maintained the lie. “Not at all.”
Cole’s eyes found hers, a predatory smile ghosting across his lips. “That belongs to me. With that ring, you could bring Blaze Wildfire to its knees. Didn’t Harry, that scoundrel, explain its significance when he gave it to you?”
Harry? Elliana’s brow furrowed as she searched her memory, finding no trace of anyone by that name. One truth emerged clearly—Cole had convinced himself that Harry was her former lover and the ring’s original bearer.
Still, she deduced that anyone possessing such an artifact would undoubtedly rank among Blaze Wildfire’s inner circle, likely one of Cole’s most trusted lieutenants. Cole had branded Harry as her ex-lover, and knowing Cole’s possessive nature, what vengeance had he already unleashed? Had Harry joined Myles and Aron in exile to Sundara?
If so, unease crashed over Elliana like a crushing wave, stealing her voice entirely.
Her silence, however, triggered Cole’s worst assumptions—he imagined her lost in romantic memories of Harry, and his expression transformed into something dark and dangerous. “What’s this? Pining for your precious ex-lover?” Before Elliana could formulate…
“Harry has been cast into Sundara’s wasteland. He will never return, never reclaim his throne as Blaze Wildfire’s vice president. Is that pathetic fool truly worth your melancholy?”
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The revelation hit her like a physical blow. She finally grasped Harry’s true identity—Blaze Wildfire’s vice president, now condemned to exile because Cole had mistaken him for her ex. Words abandoned her completely. She had unwittingly become the cause of Harry’s downfall without even knowing his name.
Though she had never known the vice president of Blaze Wildfire was named Harry, she knew his reputation—unwavering loyalty and exceptional brilliance, a man who had elevated Blaze Wildfire to unprecedented heights. Because of one careless lie from her, this pillar of the organization had been torn down by Cole’s jealous rage and banished to oblivion. What a catastrophic mess she had created!
Drowning in self-reproach, Elliana touched her nose nervously and forced a weak smile.
“You discovered the ring was in my possession last night. Why didn’t you just take it back then?” Elliana asked with genuine curiosity.
Cole shot her a cold look and completely ignored her question. Instead, he said in a commanding tone, “I don’t want to hear about whoever you were with before me. That’s ancient history now. Don’t bring him up when we’re together, and don’t sit around thinking about him when you’re alone either. Are we clear on that?”
His entire presence radiated authority and control, as if he were challenging her to defy him. The unspoken threat was obvious—if she pushed back, he’d probably dump her on the side of the road.
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