Chapter 23

Eliana leaned forward, her posture stiff with focus."What is it you need to tell me?"

Stella's lips parted, but she paused, as though every word had to be weighed before release. "I've arranged a marriage for you."

The shock hit instantly-Eliana's head lifted, her gaze locking on her mother in disbelief.

Several seconds ticked by before she could speak."Mom... I've barely come home, and you're already pushing me into marriage?"

A hollow feeling settled in her chest. Was this just like Janessa all over again-someone who saw her as a responsibility to pass off rather than family to cherish? If so, she would walk away without hesitation. But then Stella's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I wish I could keep you here with me longer. You've heard enough to know our situation is dangerous.I may not be able to protect you much longer... sol need to find someone who can."

Understanding dawned, quiet but sure-Stella wasn't trying to get rid of her; she was trying to protect her.

Eliana's expression softened, and she reached for her mother's hand. "You don't have to do this for me.I can stand on my own. I don't need a man to keep me safe or give me a good life. I can manage that myself."

Stella shook her head slowly. "It's more complicated than you think. Your dad's been taken in for investigation. Someone is working against us, and our company's been dragged into it as well. The only way I'll be at peace is if someone powerful is there to protect you."

The Murray household was already walking a tightrope, and Eliana's sudden return had never been part of the plan. For Stella, keeping her safe became the first priority.

With a crease forming between her brows, Eliana asked, "Who's really pulling the strings against us?"

"This isn't a single enemy," Stella replied, her tone unyielding. "There's more than one person waiting to see our family collapse. Their influence runs deep-far deeper than anything your dad or I can counter.I can't promise you'll be untouched, so you have to trust me on this."

"Mom..." Eliana's voice wavered with hesitation.

Placing a steadying hand over her daughter's, Stella said, "You don't need to worry. The man I chose for you is decent. He's the head of the Pearson family in Eighvale-young, accomplished, and more than capable. I made a verbal agreement with the Pearsons for you years ago, and they just confirmed it. The engagement will be made officialthis month."

"The head of the Pearson family? You mean...Jermaine?" Eliana asked, her voice tightening. A flicker of surprise crossed Stella's face. "You've met him?"

Choosing not to give herself away, Eliana kept her tone casual. "Carl mentioned a few prominent names on the way back."

Stella seemed satisfied with that answer. "He pays attention, I'll give him that. But it isn't Jermaine I've chosen. It's another Pearson son-Tristan. His background has its complications, but from everything l've learned, he's trustworthy. More importantly, he carries the Pearson name, and no one would dare cross him."

The name gave Eliana pause. She knew almost nothing about this man.

Yet her mind drifted to the young man she'd encountered at the Clarkes' estate earlier. Could they be one and the same? She distinctly remembered hearing someone address him as Mr.Pearson.

"In the next few days, I'll set up a meeting between you two," Stella continued. "Spend some time with him. If he doesn't suit you, I'll look for another option."

Even so, Stella doubted she could find anyone as solid and untouchable as Tristan right now.

"You don't need to worry," Stella said with quiet resolve. "This engagement is only a safeguard. Once your dad gets through this storm, and if you still feel nothing for Tristan, I'll end it myself."

Eliana's lips curved into a strained smile, her words ready on her tongue.

But the door opened, and Jordy stepped in. "Mrs.Murray, we've got a problem. A group is here claiming the estate."

Stella's expression hardened instantly. "Claiming it?On what grounds?"

"They're saying the property was forcibly mortgaged and that we have three days to clear out," Jordy explained grimly.

A sharp edge entered Stella's voice. "That's impossible. Even if the company went bankrupt, this estate was never mortgaged. What right do they have to take it?"

"I'm not certain," Jordy admitted. "But I checked the paperwork-it's stamped with the court's seal."

Stella made to rise from the bed, but Eliana placed a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Mom, you're still recovering. Let Carl and me handle this," Eliana said gently.

"Are you sure the two of you can manage?" Stella asked,her worry plain.

"If we can't, I'll call you right away," Eliana replied.

"Fine," Stella responded. "Jordy, take Carl and Sean with you-and make sure Eliana isn't harmed."

Stella didn't yet realize Sean was nowhere in the house.

"Will do," Jordy said without missing a beat.

Eliana kept close behind as they made their way downstairs. The moment they stepped into the living room, the air was heavy with tension-Carl stood rigid, locked in a standoff with three men in tailored suits.

"This is my home," Carl snapped, his voice sharp with anger. "You have no right to seize it. Leave now,or I'll have the police here in minutes."

The man at the front let out a cold, derisive laugh."Still in the dark about your own situation, I see. lf you want to play tough, then forget the three days-we'll have you out before the sun goes down."

Carl snapped, fury rising fast, "You-"

Before the words could leave his mouth, Eliana stepped forward, positioning herself squarely between him and the intruders.

Her tone was calm but carried an edge. "Show me the contract. I want to see exactly what you're basing this on."

For a brief moment, something like admiration flickered in the leader's eyes, but it vanished beneath a stony mask. "And who might you be?"

"I'm part of the family," Eliana said evenly. "That gives me every right to examine your contract."

One eyebrow arched, the man in front flicked the document toward her. "Be my guest. Read every line if you want. It's all there-your property was sold under a court order, and my boss already owns it."

She didn't bother engaging with his smugness,her attention fixed on the pages in her hands.

The court's seal was authentic, and the wording was crystal clear-the estate had been mortgaged,seized, and auctioned off.

The winning bid? A meager ten million.

Carl leaned in to read over her shoulder.

His temper snapped as he scanned the text. "We never mortgaged this property/! We didn't even know it went to auction. Who the hell are you people, and who signed off on this?" "Not our problem," the man said flatly. "We followed legal procedure and bought it fair and square. Our boss just isn't fond of the small house to the west.Move out peacefully, and you can live there."

Carl's voice rose into a roar. "Bastard! That's where we keep the dogs! You're telling us to live in a kennel?"

"Take it or leave it," the man scoffed. "A dog house is us being generous-otherwise, the street's always an option."

Another man let out a low, derisive laugh. "Still clinging to the illusion that you're the old powerful Murray family? Your company's gone under,your kin are sitting in prison, and you think you can keep living in such an estate?"

"You..." Carl drew in a sharp breath, ready to fire back-but the sound of tires outside cut him short.

At the gates, several unfamiliar cars stood parked,and Sean came striding in, his gaze sweeping the room. He took in the tense standoff in seconds, his eyes locking on Eliana with a flash of hostility. "This mess is on you!"

Carl's face hardened. "Sean, if you're set on blaming someone, look at them-not Lia."

Sean gave a cold snort. "I'm guessing you haven't heard. She marched herself over to the Clarkes'home and tried to con them. What's happening now is probably payback."

"Con?" Carl turned toward Eliana. "Lia, did you really go to the Clarkes'?"

"I did," she said without hesitation. "But I went to treat someone,not to cheat anyone."

Carl's voice firmed. "You hear that? You jumped to conclusions. Apologize to her."

Sean's temper flared. "Apologize? I watched it happen with my own eyes. You'd side with her-a woman who's barely stepped back into this family-over me, your own brother? She played the part of some famed doctor, and Miguel ended up coughing blood. That's why the Clarke family is retaliating. 1told her to apologize, and instead she ran back here acting like she's done nothing wrong. Don't let her fool you."