Chapter 1118

“You must be starving,” Heather said, piling a bit of everything onto Elliana’s plate. “Go on. Try these! I spent days experimenting with new dishes for you. They’re supposed to be perfect for the babies.”

Elliana felt a little awkward with all the overt care. “You know, I’m only pregnant. You don’t have to roll out the royal treatment. I’m starting to feel like I’m about to be crowned or something.”

But as she finished, Elliana noticed Heather freeze, mid-serve.

A glance told Elliana why. Heather’s attention had snapped to Hugh, and she was gazing at him with eyes that sparkled like she was seeing her favorite movie star.

Elliana couldn’t help but take in the scene. Hugh looked completely out of his depth — blushing bright red, hands hanging awkwardly at his sides.

Now this was a textbook example of two people completely infatuated with each other.

Elliana almost spoke up to tease Heather for ditching her so quickly. But before she could get a word out, Heather set down the serving fork and put on her best innocent voice. “Oh, Elliana, I’m making you uncomfortable? Sorry about that. I’ll give you some room.”

Heather tossed a playful wink at Hugh and then slipped away without another word.

Hugh’s heart practically leaped out of his chest. He turned to Cole, cheeks still flaming, and tried to sound composed. “Uh, Mr. Evans, I should… probably get out of your hair, too.”

Hugh didn’t stick around to hear a reply. In a heartbeat, he was off, hurrying after Heather.

Watching the whole thing unfold, Elliana and Cole both fought back grins. Meanwhile, Adah, Clifton, Kieran, and Damian exchanged synchronized eye rolls. The room practically buzzed with romance — enough to make anyone feel like they’d walked into a love story. Strangely, the loving couple, Elliana and Cole, were bystanders this time. All the warmth poured off Hugh and Heather, who had stolen the spotlight with their clumsy affection.

Soon enough, attention drifted elsewhere. Hugh and Heather faded into the background, their love story continuing offstage.

After lunch, Elliana and Cole changed their focus. It was time to question their captives, Jules and Katrina.

Given Jules’s suspected connection to the Henderson family, Elliana chose to see him first. She’d already contacted the Hendersons earlier this morning about Jules’s capture, arranging for a DNA test to confirm if he really was their missing Cutler.

By the time Elliana and Cole stepped into the drawing room, the Henderson family had arrived at Rosewood Villa, eager for answers. Gatlin, Eloisa, Charles, and Barbara entered together, anticipation lighting up their faces.

Charles was the first to approach, waving a sheet of paper with trembling hands. “It’s really him! Cutler is back — he’s my brother!”

Gatlin and Eloisa could hardly contain themselves. Tears shimmered in their eyes as they realized the boy they lost so long ago had finally been found.

Elliana told the Hendersons everything about Maxine.