Chapter 42

Anaya understood her talents had limits, yet she relied on her own repertoire-especially the kind that worked behind closed doors.

Her attempt at the Moonlight Club had fallen flat the other night, but the situation had been far from ideal.

With Tristan's men crowding the room, she hadn't found a single opening to act.

Still, she was certain that the moment she caught him alone, her chance would arrive.

Eliana walked on for a long stretch before sensing the woman's eyes finally drift away.

She had a sharp instinct for reading people's real character, and this one radiated the air of someone well-versed in handling men.

It startled her that Tristan would bother with a woman like that. Unexpected as it was, it somehow fit.

There was no chance her engagement to Tristan would moveforward now.

When Eliana returned to the villa, Doran was already hurryingtoward her, a trace of concern in his eyes."You're back so soon? Did you finish your walk?"

"I did," Eliana replied, her tone giving nothing away.

"Would you like some coffee? We just got a fresh batch of beans-supposed to be top quality," Doran offered eagerly.

"That's kind of you, but don't trouble yourself. I'll'go check on Sean Murray," she said, giving a small shake of her head.

Without another word, she made her way upstairs, her steps calm but deliberate.

Scratching at his hair, Doran leaned toward his subordinate and murmured, "Did I mess up somehow? She looked like she took that the wrong way." His subordinate blinked in confusion. "Doesn't seem like you said anything bad. But women... they're a mystery. Guys like us, still single, don't stand a chance at figuring them out."

"Guess you've got a point." With that, Doran let the thought drift away.

Upstairs, Sean had already woken from his nap and was testing whether he could ease himself out of bed when Eliana stepped through the doorway.

Eliana's voice stayed even as she asked, "How's your body holding up?"

Sean straightened slowly, testing his balance. "Much better. I think I can walk on my own now."

While his scrapes were nothing serious, every breath sent a sharp stab through his ribs.

Eliana stepped closer, her fingers deft and sure as she slid a few silver needles into precise acupuncture points. The pain in his chest eased almost instantly.

"Wow, that's incredible," Sean murmured, wide-eyed with surprise.

Eliana didn't acknowledge the compliment, only remarking, "If you walk through the door like this, Mom will worry herself sick. I'd rather you stay at a hospital for a few days to recover. Does that sound reasonable to you?"

"Sure... if it keeps her from worrying, I'll go along with it," Sean said with an easy shrug.

"Then it's decided. I've numbed the pain for now, so let's head out while we can," Eliana said.

"Got it." Sean dipped his head in agreement and followed her from the room.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Doran stepped forward in a rush. "Already on your way?" he asked,eyebrows lifting.

"That's right." Eliana's eyes drifted toward the snug two-story cottage. "We've troubled you guys here long enough-it's time to clear out."

"Don't say that! Since you'll be looking after Mr. Elbert Pearson from now on, the doors here are always open to you," Doran said quickly, his tone full of welcome. Eliana's lips curved in a faint, private sneer.

They might be fine with it,but she was certain the woman she'd encountered earlier wasn't.

Besides, she'd never been one to impose on others.

Her tone left no room for argument. "Thank you for the kindness, but there's no need. When Mr. Pearson returns, please let him know l'Il visit his father when I have the chance."

Doran's anxiety mounted.

With Tristan still absent and Eliana preparing to leave, he had no idea how he'd explain this later.

He racked his brain, even weighing whether to stop Eliana and Sean by force, when footsteps echoed from outside.

Turning toward the sound, he caught sight of Tristan striding back. Since this place was near the police station, Tristan hadn't been gone long before returning.

"Leaving already?" Tristan asked, stepping into the room with sunlight spilling across his shoulders.

His tall frame closed the distance between them in a few long strides.

"He's fine now, so we won't impose any longer," Eliana said.

After a brief pause, she asked, "So, how did things turn out?"

"All of them have been detained and will face trial soon. The Fist Guild is finished," Tristan repled.

His speed in resolving the matter was nothing short of remarkable.

Eliana dipped her head slightly. "That's probably for the best. They won't be coming after you again."

Tristan inclined his head in agreement before adding, "Still, a few from the Fist Guild are unaccounted for.

You'd better keep your guard up for now and avoid unnecessary trouble."

"Thanks for the warning. We'll make sure to stay cautious," she assured him.

"It's not easy to catch a taxi out here. If you're okay with it, I can give you a ride," Tristan offered. She almost turned him down, but one glance at Sean's pale complexion-and the thought of nis pain returning-made refusal impossible. "In that case, we'll trouble you one last time," she said.

"No trouble at all. I'm heading back to the office anyway." His easy smile accompanied a casual gesture for them to follow.

They walked together toward the car, Tristan sliding into the front passenger seat while Eliana and Sean settled into the back.

The car eased out of Maples Villa, its tires whispering against the pavement.

Eliana lingered in silence before her curiosity slipped out. "Mr. Pearson, is it true you're about to get engaged?"

From the rearview mirror, Tristan's gaze met hers, his eyes cool yet edged with a hint of amusement."Seems you're not just a renowned doctor-you read minds too. It's true-my family arranged a marriage for me."

Family? So it wasn't by choice. That suited Eliana just fine.

She chose her words with care, her tone steady. "If there's already someone you care for, you shouldn't wait too long. A loveless marriage will only make both of you miserable."

Tristan's shoulders went rigid. How could she possibly know there was someone else in his heart? His gaze flicked toward Doran, who instantly shook his head in silent denial.

Turning back to the rearview mirror, Tristan's voice was even. "Do you want me to end the engagement?"

"Yes, absolutely," Eliana answered without hesitation-then caught herself. A faint, apologetic smile softened her tone. "I only mean that mutual affection should be the foundation of marriage. Without it,you're both just wasting precious years. Don't you agree?"

Tristan's mouth curved in faint agreement. "As it happens, I feel the same. I'd intended to end the engagement today, but the Fist Guild mess got in the way."

A spark of satisfaction lit in Eliana's chest. "If that's the case, there's no reason to waste another minute.I can deliver the news on your behalf."

He arched a brow, turning his head to study her. His gaze, dark and incisive, seemed to strip away every layer.

Eliana briefly questioned whether he knew she was Louis and Stella's daughter.

Instead, his voice came low and deliberate. "Do you have close ties with the Murray family?"

Her eyes flicked toward Sean. "If I didn't, I wouldn't have saved him."

Tristan's gaze sharpened. "What exactly is your connection to the Murray family?"

Eliana's lips curved faintly. "Are you trying to dig into my background?"

"Not at all-just curious," he replied with a small shake of his head.

"There's no need for curiosity," she said evenly. "I'll take care of calling off the engagement. You get what you want without wasting time. Isn't that simpler?"

The thought of visiting the Murray family had never appealed to Tristan.

After saving Sean today, he figured the Murray family owed him a favor and wouldn't take offense at breaking the engagement.

"In that case, I'll leave it in your hands: My thanks," he said at last.

"Happy to oblige," Eliana answered without hesitation, genuinely eager to see it done.