Chapter 88: Nab Her in No Time

Eliana strolled out and spotted the gang, now huddled together like scared kittens, their faces no longer boasting that cocky vibe. Instead, they whispered, looking as if they'd been hit with bad news.

"Did we step on someone's toes? Why did we all get a warning at the same time?"

"Beats me. We didn't even mingle with the Wilkinson Group folks. What's Mr. Wilkinson mean by 'watch your mouths' anyway?"

"Who knows? Let's just zip it. Can't afford to rub anyone the wrong way."

With a nod and a murmur, they dispersed, maintaining a low profile.

Eliana caught snippets of their convo. That Mr. Snarky Wilkinson was involved too?

These high society types thought they ruled the roost, but now they've crossed paths with Ethan? Big oops.

Remembering Ethan's demands from a few days back, Eliana felt a flicker of annoyance.

After a quick hello to Margaret, Eliana headed back to her pad.

Opening the door, it felt strangely empty. Like something was missing—a dude lounging on the couch with a book, or standing on the balcony puffing on a smoke.

Eliana hit the shower, threw on some comfy PJs, and started texting around, trying to snag a big venue.

After a bit, she finally took a breather in her room.

Next day, she rocked up to the horse ranch in her riding gear, no makeup, just sunscreen and lipstick.

When she met the gang, everyone was laid-back, waiting for her.

Eliana looked adorable in her riding outfit, her curves accentuated by the snug fabric.

"Lena, you look like you're still in college. Bet people think you're a student," Margaret teased.

"We're like college buddies playing hooky," Eliana shot back, giving Margaret a shoutout.

After a ride, Eliana showed off some moves, getting everyone pumped and clapping.

"Don't butter me up too much, I'm just scratching the surface," Eliana blushed. Back in the day, her and Jeremy used to hit the ranch often. Turns out, she was better at horse riding than him.

Margaret suggested they explore, so Eliana and Mike rode off to chill in another part of the grassy area, chatting away for over an hour.

Eliana planned to bring up Lyn's venue search once the mood lightened.

Meanwhile, upstairs in the leisure area, a pair of eyes were fixed on them.

"Let's go for a run," Austin called out.

"Nah, you go ahead. I'm not in the mood," Chase grunted.

Austin wanted to cheer Chase up, but his mood was getting worse. Looking out the window, he spotted his wifey out with another dude.

"If you don't wanna see your wife out with some other dude, why not stake your claim?" Austin couldn't figure out why Chase was sulking around here.

Chase huffed, "Who cares who she talks to? Not my business."

Austin sighed and sat down. "You mad at her?"

Chase scoffed, his face screaming 'I don't care'. "What's she done to make me mad?"

Austin facepalmed. Did Chase know his jealousy was obvious?

He tried to analyze, "Answer me this. First, do you worry about Eliana like she's your own? Second, does it bug you when she doesn't catch your drift? And third, most importantly, do you find her adorable, the kind of cute that grows on you?"

Chase wanted to argue, but he couldn't get a word out. Because he realized he fulfilled all three, big time.

He scowled, "Nope."

Austin saw right through him. "You, with zero experience in wooing ladies, wanna try my expert advice? With me on your side, you'll nab her in no time."

"Hah, like I'd use your lame tricks," Chase dismissed.

"Stop hiding like this, when are you gonna make a move? Like last night, the minute someone talked trash about Eliana, you called to warn her. But you didn't even tell her it was you who helped out. How's she gonna know?"

"Who cares if she knows? I just don't like those women," Chase said, sticking to his guns.

In his book, you didn't need to brag about every good deed.

Austin was exasperated. Chase did nice stuff but didn't talk about it, and Eliana didn't even know about it. How were these two gonna get together without some divine intervention?

"Fine, whatever you say. Wanna me to talk to her tonight? Maybe get a feel for her thoughts?" Austin offered.

Chase warned, "Don't meddle, and I don't care what she thinks."

Meanwhile, Eliana and Mike were wrapping up their chat. Eliana mentioned Lyn's venue search.

Mike suggested they try Global Plaza, spacious and trendy, plus it belonged to a buddy of his. Easy peasy to snag it.

"I'll check and let you know?" Mike offered.

"Great, thanks, Mike," Eliana smiled.

Back at the ranch, Margaret suggested dinner, but Eliana had other plans.

Margaret didn't push, and they all went their separate ways after leaving the ranch.

Back in her apartment, Eliana had just finished showering when there was a knock at the door. Chase knew the passcode, so she cautiously checked the peephole, only to see Austin's handsome face.

Why was he here?

Must be Chase not telling him he wasn't home.

Opening the door, Eliana greeted, "Austin, Chase isn't home."

"It's fine, even if he's not home. I bought some muffins to thank you for last time." Austin grinned.

Out of politeness, Eliana changed into sportswear before inviting him in.

Austin walked in with the muffins, "Eliana, when's Chase coming back?"

Eliana didn't want to bring up their argument, "He's busy with the gym lately. Probably won't be back tonight."

Austin figured out why Chase was in a bad mood these days. Too bad the guy's stubborn and he won't say a word. So, Austin had to come over and see for himself.

With a little prodding, he got the situation. "No wonder Chase's been grumpy lately. You guys had a fight, huh?"