Chapter 54

The door eased open, and standing there was Eliana herself.

Her white gown caught the light, its soft shimmer giving her the delicate beauty of a white rose in full bloom.Yet beneath that elegance lurked a sharpness that warned against getting too close.

Even Tristan wouldn't dare get too close to someone like her, not when one glance could cut him to the bone.

"Lia, come over here," Stella called out, beckoning her closer.

"Mom..." Eliana stepped forward, her eyes sliding warily toward Tristan before shifting to Stella. "Ashley told me you were feeling tired and went upstairs to rest, but when I checked, you weren't there... I didn't expect to find you here instead."

With an easy smile, Stella tugged her down beside her. "Tristan's mother and I were very close. Since it's not often we run into each other, we decided to catch up."

"You can catch up anytime," said Eliana, her smile polite but thin."Still, you've had a long day. You should be resting upstairs."

A faint ache in Stella's lower back reminded her that Eliana was right.

Satisfied that she'd said all she needed, she nodded. "Alright, I'll head up now. See Tristan out for me later,will you?"

"Of course," Eliana replied.

Once Ashley arrived to escort Stella away, the pleasant curve of Eliana's lips disappeared.

Her eyes fixed on Tristan, her voice level. "What exactly did you two talk about?"

Tristan's fingers idly rotated the coffee cup in his hand. "Nothing important-just setting the record straight on a few things." "What exactly?" she asked, her tone pressing for detail.

His eyes met hers with a deliberate steadiness. "Some misunderstandings. Between you and me.

Elíana continued to ask, "And what misunderstandings would those be?"

"Well, for starters... the idea that I already have a girlfriend," Tristan said evenly.

Eliana's brow knit in displeasure. "You do have a girlfriend, so what's there to misinterpret? I'm well aware you only came near me to help with your father's injury. Don't worry-I gave my word, and I won't take it back. But I'd appreciate it if you stopped feeding my mother stories."

Tristan tilted his head slightly. "What stories did I supposedly tell?"

"How should I know every word you said?" she retorted.

"If you don't know, then what makes you so sure I said anything untrue to your mom?" Tristan asked, his tone calm.

"You-" The word slipped out, but she quickly clamped down, reminding herself it wasn't worth sparring with him.

A slow breath steadied her before she asked, "Forget everything else-did you mention the Fist Guild incident to my mom?"

Tristan raised an eyebrow lightly. "Now that you've brought it up, I realize I haven't told her yet. Maybe I should let her know how her daughter took on the entire Fist Guild members alone. That way, she won't lose sleep worrying about you."

The moment he rose from his seat, she felt a spike of panic.

Her hand shot out to grab his sleeve, but the pull came too strong.Fabric slid under her grip, nearly yanking half his jacket off. A button popped from the black shirt beneath, revealing the lean line of his collarbone.

Frozen, she released him at once. "I... didn't mean to do that."

Tristan's gaze held no trace of anger-only a slow, knowing smile. "We may have an engagement arranged back when we were children but there's really no need to rush. Some things are better when the timing is right, wouldn't you agree?"

What was he even talking about? Eliana could barely process the absurdity of his words.

A shadow crossed her face as she said, "I already said it wasn't intentional. Now put your jacket back on."

The thought of anyone walking in and seeing them like this made her stomach knot.

Tristan, on the other hand, seemed entirely unbothered.

"One of my shirt buttons just came off," he remarked casually.

"So?" Eiana asked.

"So you're going to sew it back on. Otherwise, if someone catches a glimpse, my good name will be ruined,"Tristan replied without a hint of shame.

Grinding her teeth, Eliana demanded, "What 'good name' are you even worried about?"

"My standing as a respectable, unattached man," Tristan answered seriously.

Her hands curled into fists as she forced herself to stay calm. "Fine. Just stay here. I'll go get Ashley," she said at last.

"You can't. If she hears about it, that so-called good name of mine will be finished anyway," Tristan replied.

"She isn't the type to gossip. And besides, nothing happened between us. There's no risk of a misunderstanding," Eliana reassured him.

"Are you truly certain you're not worried about mjsunderstandings?" He leaned back slightly, eyes fixed on her.

Something in his look made her feel he was quietly scheming.

Still, she held his gaze and said evenly,"Absolutely certain."

"Fine then, forget the sewing. I'll just head straight to your mom and share how fearlessly you handled yourself, so she never needs to worry about anyone pushing you around again," Tristan said with a slow nod.

A jolt of alarm shot through Eliana. "You can't tell her anything! Not a word about the Fist Guild,and definitely not about Sean's injury."

"Oh?" Tristan raised an eyebrow.

"I suppose I can keep that a secret

but ony if you do something for me in return. Seems fair, doesn't it?"

Forcing her voice to stay even, she asked, "What is it you want me to do?"

"Nothing complicated," Tristan replied. "The Pearson Group is holding a charity exhibition in a few days.

There'll be several famous paintings on display, and I need someone to attend with me."

Her brows knit together. "You mean you want me to go as your date?"

"Well, look at that. You have beauty and brains. You're spot on," Tristan replied.

A small step closed the distance between them. "By the way, can I call you Eliana?"

The request was ordinary, but when he spoke her name,the warmth in his voice unsettled her.

Her skin even prickled with goosebumps. "You'd better stick with Ms. Murray!"

Tristan's lips curved slightly. "Strange, I'm starting to think 'Eliana' has a nice ring to it."

It became painfully clear to her that in a battle of words, he was far too skilled.

So she let the fight drop altogether.

She simply said, "Call me whatever you want! But if you expect me to go with you to this exhibition, what about your supposed girlfriend? Shouldn't she be the one on your arm? Or are you not worried she'll be furious?"

Tristan's expression stayed calm. "I don't have a girlfriend, so there's nothing to fear."

Her brows drew together. "Afraid to admit it? What happens when she hears you denying her existence-do you think she'll just smile and let it slide?"

Tristan was utterly confused. "Who exactly told you l have one?"

"She did," Eliana replied matter-of-factly.

"And who is this mysterious 'she'?" Tristan pressed.

"Your girlfriend," she answered without blinking.

"Like | said, I don't have a girlfriend..." Tristan realized that they were going in circles.

A hand dragged across his forehead before he muttered, "Whoever planted that idea in your head was wrong. It's nothing but gossip. I've never been involved with anyone."

Her eyes narrowed on him. "You almost sound proud of that."

"Shouldn't a spotless reputation be worth some pride?" Tristan retorted smoothly.

"Fine,whatever. I'll go. But you have to keep your mouth shut around my mom. Her health isn't that good,and the last thing she needs is bad news. That means nothing about Sean, and nothing about the Fist Guild," she said firmly.

Tristan replied earnestly, "If you show up as promised, you have my word-not a single word will escape me."

"Good. I'll agree, but make sure you set things straight with your girlfriend. I don't need drama, and I won't stand for being accused of something I didn't do," Eliana warned.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again-I really don't have a girlfriend," Tristan remarked with a sigh