Chapter 69: A Mix of Shock and A Dash of Joy

Eliana caught Chase's curious stare and quickly got the drift. She nodded towards Howard, grinning, "Hey, meet the hubby, Chase. And this dude here's his sidekick, Austin." Both Howard and Chase were like deer in headlights. Chase's eyes widened with surprise. He hadn't expected Eliana to drop the "hubby" bomb so casually. He figured she'd brush off his inquiry with a shrug. His emotions? A mix of shock and a dash of joy. Chase's rigid expression softened. "Nice to meet you, Howard." Howard glanced up. "Pleasure to meet you, Chase. What do you do for a living?" "He's got a fight club, just your average tough guy," Eliana chimed in. Chase's momentary joy fizzled out. Did she just sum him up as a gym rat? But how many gym rats cooked and nursed you back to health? Howard chuckled, suave as ever. "Boxing keeps the brain sharp. It's all about quick moves, just like running a business." "Don't tease him, Howard. Brute strength's cool and all, but you ain't in his league," Eliana i