Ruben proceeded to explain the burden Cole carried—his status as a carrier of Psychephrenia, a genetic condition so rare that most medical professionals had never encountered it.
When Ruben finished his explanation, his voice grew heavy. “Cole must have sensed an episode approaching like a gathering storm. He couldn’t bear the thought of dragging you into his darkness or allowing you to be harmed by what he might become. That’s precisely why he demanded the divorce and spoke those calculated, cruel words—to drive you far from the danger he might unleash.”
The final pieces of the puzzle clicked into place within Elliana’s mind with devastating clarity. However, the revelation about Psychephrenia failed to shake her composure or fill her with the horror Ruben had expected.
As a physician at the pinnacle of her profession, Elliana maintained her clinical ivity when confronted with rare conditions. Moreover, Psychephrenia was not entirely foreign territory for her. Hidden within a data chip that represented her mother’s final legacy, she had discovered extensive research on this very condition.
Her mother had devoted countless years to pursuing a cure for Psychephrenia but had been forced to abandon her work when circumstances drove her away from Ublento. Nevertheless, the chip contained detailed research notes, and driven by scientific curiosity, Elliana had absorbed every word, conducting her own in-depth investigation into the mysteries of Psychephrenia.
Elliana devoted countless hours to understanding Psychephrenia. Even so, she had only read about it in journals and had never encountered a real case—until Cole.
Elliana had barely opened her mouth to press Ruben for specifics on Cole’s condition when an uproar echoed up from the foyer.
Not a minute passed before Bertram appeared at the doorway and knocked. “Dad, Carter’s downstairs. He brought people with him, and they’re all insisting we hold a family meeting. Their goal? They want to remove Cole from his position as the family head.”
Letting out a long breath, Ruben shook his head. “Does Carter ever tire himself out with all this nonsense?” A sharp glance landed on Bertram. “Take everyone to the conference room on the first floor. Tell them I’ll join them soon. I’m curious to see what scheme they’ve cooked up this time.”
Chapter updates at gln ov els.
“Alright, Dad.” Bertram didn’t waste a second before slipping out. Ruben remained seated, his hands resting on his cane, a frown creasing his brow.
Anyone could see it—the endless plotting of Carter Evans, Ruben’s brother, was eating at Ruben, no matter how composed he tried to look.
Jason had already shared the basics with Elliana back when they were still in Podgend. She’d heard how Carter had stirred up trouble for Cole, criticizing Cole for bringing her along to the trip to Podgend.
Standing in the middle of the storm, Elliana felt obligated to speak up. “Is all this backlash against Cole because of me?”
Ruben met her eyes and didn’t hesitate. “No. That’s not it. You’re just a convenient excuse. Carter is determined to secure the leadership for his grandson, and he’s been watching Cole like a hawk for years, waiting for any slip-up he can use.”
Every word lined up with Elliana’s suspicions. “Does this weigh on you?” she asked, her voice soft.
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