Chapter 28

"I'm sorry... Mom... I really messed up." This time,Sean's admission came from more than just a bruised ego.

His bolunder wasn't just about trusting Leyla too much;it was also born from that stubborn streak of his, the need to be right even if it meant pushing others into silence.

Once Sean decided on something, he wanted everyone around him to accept it without debate.Many had called him argumentative, and they weren't wrong.

Leyla had never challenged him, which only drew him closer to her over the years.

Now, standing here in front of his mother, he was starting to wonder if that blind agreement had done him more harm than good.

"In the past, your recklessness might have been excused! Your father and I could shield you back then.But times have changed. You can't keep going on like this-your attitude has to change!"

With his head bowed, Sean muttered, "You're right..."Stella's breath came sharp before she continued,her tone laced with disappointment. "Your two older brothers are still out there running themselves ragged for your father, hardly getting a bite to eat. And you?You nearly jeopardized the entire family with your impulsive choices!"

The guilt hit him hard enough to make him wish he could land a punch on himself. "I was wrong, Mom."

Rather than answer him, Stella reached for Eliana's hand instead. "Eliana, you've had a rough day. You went to the Clarke family all by yourself and even managed to lessen the threat against us, and yet Sean turned against you..."

Eliana gave a small shake of her head and replied,-"It's okay. I don't feel wronged."

"I'm angry for you! You are his sister, his blood. Instead,he clings to someone who abandons all of the second trouble comes knocking! It makes my blood boil!"

Stella's agitation grew with each word, her breathing turning uneven until Eliana hurried to steady her.

"Mom,please calm down. Your health comes first."

Sean's nerves frayed as panic set in. "Please, Mom,you can hit me, yell at me, anything you want-just don't work yourself up like this. I swear I've learned my lesson. I should never have spoken without knowing the facts. You have my word that I wvill never do it again!"

Stella steadied her breathing, though her reddened eyes betrayed the storm still swirling inside her."Sean,I just want you to start thinking before you act, and stop clinging so tightly to your own opinions."

Shame etched itself into Sean's features. "Everyting that happened was my fault. From now on, I'll do whatever you tell me to. And, Lia, I owe you an apology. If you're angry, you can hit me."

Eliana's posture tensed for a moment. "There's no need for that..." she replied evenly. Violence had never appealed to her.

If Sean could avoid repeating the foolishness of today,she would consider that enough of an apology.

A long sigh slipped from Stella as she said, "Our family has problems,but none that can't be solved. What we can't afford is to turn on each other-because that's when our enemies will find a way in."

Bowing his head, Sean said, "Mom, I'm terribly sorry..."

"Go to your room and think about your actions. This time, I expect you to mean it."

"Yes, Mom." Sean's nod was firm, though his mind churned with realization.

Little by little, he realized Leyla might not be the person he had imagined, and she wasn't nearly as untrustworthy as he once thought. It was time to reflect for real.

By then, Stella's medicine had been prepared, and with Ashley's assistance, she made her way upstairs.

Carl came through the door not long after.

Noticing Eliana sitting alone in the living room,he tilted his head. "Lia, where is everyone?"

"All of them went to their rooms."

Carl nodded, his eyes brightening. "You're incredible.I've never seen the Clarkes treat us with so much respect before."

The admiration in his gaze was unmistakable.

Eliana had long since learned to take his doting in stride.

Before Carl could speak again, she said, "I need your help with something."

"Name it."

"I have a few friends looking for a large space to work in-somewhere quiet would be perfect."

Carl thought for a beat before answering, "There's an old factory on the west side. We once planned to make it a tourist spot, but the road access is so bad it's been sitting empty ever since."

"Could my friends use it for a while?"

"Absolutely!" he replied instantly, not a flicker of doubt in his tone. Meeting Lia's needs felt like meeting his own, and her happiness was the only return he wanted. That patch of land meant nothing to him.

"Give me two days, and I'll transfer the property to your name. You can lease it to your friends and keep the rent money for yourself," he added.

The offer brought a quiet thrill to Eliana. She could have rented somewhere on her own, but securing such a big space out of the blue would only invite questions. The Onyx Syndicate still needed to keep their heads down until the handover was complete.

With the Murray name attached to the property,no one would think twice.

Being a member of the Murray family had its perks.

"Thank you, Carl," she said sincerely.

"My pleasure. You must be exhausted after that visit to the Clarkes. I've already run a hot bath for you-it should still be ready. Go take a good bath and relax."

"Thanks."

"Head upstairs, take a bath, and rest for a while. I'll call you down when dinner's ready."

"Okay." She gave a small nod before heading up the stairs and slipping into her room.

The space was a vision in pink, untouched since the day Eliana was separated from her family.

When Leyla was adopted, she'd been given another room entirely.

That decision had spoken volumes-the Murrays had never truly let Eliana go. They had kept this place waiting, as though she might walk back through the door at any moment.

Every inch was spotless, Ashley's handiwork shining in the polished surfaces.

Eliana's fingertips trailed over each familiar piece of furniture, and with every touch came a subtle wave of comfort that eased the hollow ache in her chest.

Inside the bathroom,warm steam curled up from the tub Carl had promised to prepare, rose petals floating lazily on the surface. Easing herself into the fragrant water, Eliana let out a slow, contented breath.

Her moment of peace broke when the phone began to ring.

Seth's name flashed across the screen. "Boss,remember how you asked me to check into the Pearson family? I think I've found something."

"Let's hear it."

"There are two sons in the family-Jermaine and Tristan. Everyone thinks Tristan's the illegitimate one,but here's the twist. Take a guess."

"Stop making me wait. Spit it out."

"Tristan is actually the legitimate heir. His father's mistress swapped him at birth with her own son,Jermaine.The truth only came out last month."

Eliana raised her eyebrows and replied, "That explains why the Pearsons suddenly named a new heir around then."

"Jermaine's been shipped overseas, and Tristan's taken the reins. On top of that, he's proven sharp and has already reshaped the Pearson Group headquarters in Eighvale within a month." Eliana's thoughts drifted to the man she had crossed paths with earlier that day. "Send me a photo of him."

"Got it. Sending now."

Within moments her phone buzzed with Seth's photo.

Even in the photo, the man's striking features and commanding presence were impossible to miss.

"So,it really is him..."

"What was that?"

"Nothing," Eliana said. "Get me his address. I need to meet him."

"Got it."