Chapter 1438
Chapter 1437:
Elliana was beginning to change the way she saw Merlin. There was a time when she couldn’t stand him — she found him insufferable, and had it not been for his bond with Cole, she probably would have smacked him every time he came near her.
However, seeing the tenderness with which he treated Hailee, she was starting to think that when it came to love, that man was genuine and gave himself completely once he made up his mind. That kind of steady, unwavering devotion was, unexpectedly, admirable. With time and a broader perspective, perhaps he really was the right person for Hailee.
Unable to contain her curiosity, she asked carefully. “Hailee, tell me the truth — do you have feelings for Merlin p>
Hailee nearly choked and shook her head immediately. “What are you talking about? I’m nobody special, and Mr. Blakely is on a completely different level. He’s a real big shot. What could I possibly offer him? I know my limits. I’m not naive enough to chase after something impossible p>
She faltered for a moment and her voice grew quiet. “Besides, Boris hurt me deeply. Now the very idea of love and marriage terrifies me. I think I’d rather stay single for the rest of my life. It feels safer that way p>
Elliana pressed gently. “So you’re determined to be alone forever p>
Nodding, the young woman replied. “I fall too fast and too hard. The moment I start to feel something, I become an open book — vulnerable and easy to hurt. The only way to protect myself is to never let any man get close again p>
Seeing the resolve in her eyes, Elliana decided not to push further. Nowadays, many people chose to remain single, and after everything Hailee had been through with Boris, she had more than enough reason to fear love and marriage.
Elliana knew she couldn’t fix this for her. All she could do was offer support and let her make her own choices.
Elsewhere in the ballroom, Ruben and Raymond were locked in a verbal duel as cunning as it was stubborn. Despite being well past eighty, they argued with the obstinacy of two children.
From a distance, they looked like old friends chatting casually, but anyone who drew close enough would notice the barbs carefully buried in every sentence, each man determined to outdo the other.
It began with polite greetings, though it quickly transformed into a full-blown chess match played with words.
𝖱e𝗮𝖽 𝘰𝘯 𝗮𝗻у 𝗱𝘦𝘷𝗂𝖼𝘦 о𝗻
Raymond struck first, visibly proud. “Who would have imagined that Adah would become a star? She’s a real source of pride for the Shaw family p>
Ruben fired back instantly. “If I recall correctly, Allan and Adah broke off their engagement quite some time ago. So her fame doesn’t bring much honor to the Shaws, does it p>
“What nonsense,” the other replied calmly. “As far as I know, they’re still together. In fact, they’re even talking about getting married soon and giving me a great-grandchild to spoil p>
Unfazed, Ruben countered. “Oh, really? How interesting — because Adah told Lance not long ago that she was done with Allan. She even mentioned that Lance is exactly her type and that she’s set on joining the Evans family p>
He promptly struck Lance on the shin with his cane. “Lance! Back me up here. Isn’t that right p>
Caught between the two old men, the young man looked miserable. These two had spent their entire lives bickering, and now they were dragging him into their personal war. In truth, he had never wanted any part of this mess.
But under his grandfather’s stern, expectant gaze, he knew there was no escape. He gave in and lied just to keep the peace. “That’s right p>