Hugh stepped forward and held out the delicate box as if presenting a royal treasure. “The ownership documents are inside,” he said softly. “Mr. Evans wanted you to have them.”

Elliana opened the box. Inside was a crisp stack of official paperwork confirming her new ownership of Sweetyrium—one of the biggest candy companies in the world. The company was worth at least a billion, if not more. And Cole had just handed it over without blinking.

Heather let out a dramatic gasp. “Are you kidding?”

“Me?” Heather shrieked. “Elliana, this isn’t just spoiling—this is fairy tale-level devotion! Girl, you’re basically a candy queen now!”

Elliana rolled her eyes inwardly. Was Cole seriously trying to drown her in a sugar avalanche? It was absurd, excessive, and yet strangely endearing. Despite her silent complaints, something soft and warm stirred in her chest. This wasn’t just extravagance for the sake of it. It was thoughtful. Wildly over-the-top, yes, but thoughtful all the same. How could anyone say no to that?

Feeling unexpectedly cheerful, Elliana looked over at Hugh—still blushing like a schoolboy—and gave him a small, genuine smile. “Tell Cole,” she said, her voice soft but amused, “I appreciate his gifts.”

Hugh nodded, clearly relieved. “Alright.”

But just as quickly, the warmth in her gaze vanished. Her tone dropped several degrees, her voice suddenly cool and sharp. “And while you’re at it,” she added, eyes narrowing ever so slightly, “tell him—”

Hugh perked up, hanging on Elliana’s next words. It was painfully clear—Cole was trying to win her back. Gifting her an entire candy company was a desperate, obvious attempt at love. Elliana’s reaction could make or break Cole’s grand plan.

“Tell Cole that he can’t win me back with just candy. He needs to drop the idea for good,” Elliana said flatly.

Hugh’s jaw dropped. Seriously? That was it? It was a billion-dollar empire Cole had gifted her. Rejecting Cole was one thing, but dismissing such a gift so casually? Wow.

But Elliana was Cole’s obsession, and Hugh knew better than to cross her. He managed a weak smile and nodded. “Alright. I’ll pass it along. Word for word.”

Though Hugh’s smile was placid and his voice meek, his mind was reeling. This time, his silent frustration wasn’t with Elliana—it was all for Cole. Talk about digging his own grave. Elliana had been head over heels for Cole, but Cole had shoved divorce papers in her face. Now, merely three days after the divorce, he was throwing candy empires at her feet—and she didn’t appreciate the gesture. Needless to say, Hugh’s internal monologue went entirely unnoticed.

ЯE P?ΛTΞ? IИ GΛ?И?VΞ.

With a lazy yawn, Elliana turned toward the stairs, tossing out orders as she went. “Butler, show our guests out. Handyman, clear out the room next to mine. It’s going to be my candy chamber.”

Before her voice finished echoing, she was gone, swept away up the staircase.

Kieran suddenly jolted to attention since he was the butler now. Clifton, recently reduced to handyman, grunted. Kieran glanced at Hugh and motioned toward the door. “This way, please.”

Hugh hesitated. He hadn’t expected to be booted out so fast—not right after the gift was accepted.

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