Emotion strangled Lance’s voice, tears threatening to spill from eyes that had seen too much sorrow. The memory would never fade—he remained Elliana’s devoted mentee, bound by invisible threads of respect and admiration. Elliana lifted her gaze to meet Lance’s, and though his expression carried less raw intensity than Jeff’s desperate relief, she sensed the profound depths of feeling he harbored for her. This mentee deserved her guidance for all the years that stretched ahead. Should River ever require a successor, she would gladly offer this precious opportunity to Lance without hesitation.

“This tale weaves itself through countless threads; we must settle ourselves and unravel it properly.” Elliana’s words carried the promise of revelation.

“Of course,” Lance responded swiftly, his hands working to arrange the sofa cushions, creating a comfortable space for Elliana’s rest.

Jeff’s grip remained ironclad around Elliana, his fingers refusing to release their precious hold.

Elliana lacked the heart to pry Jeff away, so she captured his hand within her own gentle grasp, guiding him to settle beside her on the welcoming sofa. Time worked its healing magic, and Jeff’s emotional storm gradually subsided into calmer waters. He positioned himself close to Elliana’s side, his posture straightening with attention as he waited for her words to paint the truth.

Elliana began weaving the tale of her staged death and her phoenix-like return to Ublento, wearing the carefully crafted identity as Lilah.

Certain secrets, however, remained locked within her heart—Cole’s battle with psychephrenia would never cross her lips, nor would she reveal her birthright as the Campbell family’s rightful heiress. Cole’s psychological struggles deserved burial in time’s deepest vaults, never to surface again. Her true heritage required continued concealment, at least for now, wrapped in layers of protective silence.

“Elliana, so Wanda and Eva orchestrated this cruelty against you?” Jeff’s question blazed with righteous anger.

“Precisely,” Elliana confirmed, her voice steady as stone. “I embraced this deception to escape what I assumed was the Campbell family’s relentless pursuit. But those fears have dissolved completely, as my investigation revealed that Eva and Wanda’s actions stemmed from their own twisted motives, bearing no connection to the Campbell family, who harbor no desire to bring me harm.”

Lance and Jeff had been completely unaware that Eva existed as an unloved shadow within the Campbell hierarchy, and that Wanda merely occupied the role of an adopted daughter who would never gain their recognition. Today, understanding finally illuminated their confusion.

Lance’s curiosity sparked suddenly. “Elliana, what purpose drove Jason to seek you out moments ago?”

This particular truth required careful reconstruction. Elliana lied smoothly. “Jason possesses the keen sight of a hunting falcon; he pierced through my disguise and approached to confirm his suspicions.”

Lance and Jeff nodded in perfect synchronization, their trust absolute and unquestioning.

“And what of your situation with Cole?” Lance pressed further.

Elliana removed the wig from her head with fluid grace, then began the careful process of removing layers of makeup with damp cloths. Her hands moved with practiced ease as she addressed Lance’s inquiry. “Dismiss your concerns regarding our relationship. Time will eventually witness our remarriage.”

Lance and Jeff demonstrated their respect through silence, asking no further questions when boundaries had been clearly established.

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