Elliana flinched momentarily and then offered Cole a mischievous smile to defuse the tension.

Trinity, witnessing Cole and Elliana’s intimate exchange, experienced a surge of envy. She manufactured a smile and addressed Elliana, “Elliana, the entire family has heard about Merritt kidnapping you. Are you recovering adequately?”

“Thank you for your concern. I’m fine,” Elliana replied with deliberate detachment.

Receiving no warmth from Elliana, Trinity redirected her attention to Cole. “Cole, I’m departing overseas tomorrow with Professor Sampson to arrange a confidential meeting with Dr. Atkinson. Your grandfather requests that you compose a personal letter to Dr. Atkinson. Something heartfelt, you understand? It might persuade Dr. Atkinson to accept Barbara’s case.”

Trinity cast a surreptitious, triumphant glance toward Elliana, implicitly broadcasting her significance. She craved universal recognition that she contributed far more value to the Evans family than Elliana.

Elliana intercepted Trinity’s look but simply averted her gaze.

Since Ruben had mandated it, Cole couldn’t refuse. He signaled to Myles for writing materials, crafted a formal invitation, and delivered it to Trinity.

Trinity accepted the letter, declaring, “Rest assured. I’ll employ every conceivable strategy to get Dr. Atkinson on board with Barbara’s case, thus permanently resolving the family’s difficulties!”

“Exercise caution regarding international swindlers, Miss Craig,” Elliana, the actual Dr. Atkinson, remarked with subtle sarcasm.

Elliana’s pointed remark froze Trinity’s smile in place. This was the second time Elliana had challenged her so publicly, and fury burned through her chest.

Trinity felt certain that Elliana was consumed with jealousy over her chance to meet Milena and potentially become the Evans family’s most valuable asset. This bitter envy, she assumed, drove Elliana’s cutting remarks.

“Elliana, do you secretly long to witness Dr. Atkinson’s legendary brilliance yourself?” Trinity asked, masking her anger behind sugary sweetness. “If you want to come with us, I could speak with Professor Sampson. Change your look a little, and you might join us as a medical assistant.”

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“I appreciate the offer, but no, I’ll pass,” Elliana replied with the faintest smile.

Trinity kept up her righteous act. “We’re family now. No need to be shy. If something’s bothering you, just say it outright. Don’t make things more complicated than they need to be.”

Trinity’s words carried a hidden accusation—that Elliana’s pride kept her from admitting she wanted to participate, so she resorted to passive-aggressive comments instead.

After speaking, Trinity shot a calculated look toward Cole and Jason. Jason’s gaze turned colder as he looked at Elliana, his already poor opinion of her worsening thanks to Trinity’s clever manipulation. Trinity savored Jason’s obvious reaction. But Cole’s response caught her completely off guard.

Instead of looking embarrassed by Elliana, Cole watched her with growing fascination, as if he’d discovered something unexpectedly impressive about her.

Trinity’s mind raced. What was driving Cole’s reaction?

While Trinity puzzled over this development, Elliana’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “I already said no to the offer. I’m not speaking in riddles. I’m warning you to be careful about potential deception. That’s all I’m saying, nothing more.”

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