Elliana’s mind was nothing short of extraordinary. Even a brief encounter with Victor fifteen years earlier had left his features permanently engraved in her memory. Today, however, Quentin triggered an odd sense of déjà vu. Try as she might, she couldn’t place his face anywhere in her recollections.

But no matter how hard Elliana searched, the memory simply wasn’t there. That could only mean they’d never met. So why did everything about Quentin feel so strangely familiar? Nagging at the edge of her thoughts, the sensation refused to disappear.

While Elliana kept her focus on Quentin, a sudden glare, sharp and unrelenting, locked onto her and cut straight through her concentration. Glancing up, she caught Cole glaring in her direction, his expression as dark as a storm cloud. The chill in his eyes felt like icy blades grazing her skin.

A laugh nearly slipped out from Elliana’s lips. Was Cole honestly jealous? He had shut her out, turned his back on every word she tried to say, and shoved her aside without a second thought. And now, after the divorce was final, he actually had the audacity to feel jealous just because she gazed at another man? Oh, so he wanted to play the jealous ex? If he wanted a reason to be jealous, she’d make sure he had one—and it wouldn’t be subtle.

With a mischievous spark, Elliana sent Quentin a brilliant, teasing smile. “You’re so charming. I couldn’t bring myself to hold onto the grudge any longer. I’ll forgive your nephew for your sake just this once.” Her playful words only made Quentin’s grin grow wider.

“The Hudson family has always been dear to you—there’s no need for formalities between us. I used to live overseas, which explains why we’ve hardly seen each other. Now that I’m back, I am only one call away. And you might not know, but my father insisted you be taken well care of.” Quentin’s father, Lenard, was well-known for doting on Elliana, so the explanation sounded perfectly natural.

Without missing a beat, Quentin took out his phone. “Let’s trade numbers.”

“Sure.” Elliana matched his gesture, pulling out her own phone as they quickly swapped contact details.

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With their numbers saved, Quentin motioned to a quieter corner. “Would you like to join me for a while?”

“Absolutely not!” Before Elliana had the chance to speak, Jeff jumped in, his voice firm and unmistakably possessive. “She doesn’t have time for that. She’s staying with me!”

Looping his arm firmly through hers, Jeff made it clear he wouldn’t be letting go.

Elliana had no intention of engaging with Quentin anyway, so she went along with Jeff’s interruption. “Sorry about that,” she said, giving Jeff’s arm a gentle pat. “He’s hopelessly attached. Maybe another time?”

Unfazed, Quentin offered a courteous nod. “No problem at all. I’ll reach out soon.” A simple nod was his parting gesture before he melted into the crowd.

Arms crossed, Jeff gave her a stern look. “Seriously, Elliana—have you lost all sense of caution? You can’t just hand out your number to anyone who asks!”

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