Chapter 1437
Chapter 1436:
Manley’s eyes widened in surprise, and a grin spread across his face. “Wait — are you saying Allan is actually going to win her over? That doesn’t make sense. I’ve heard she barely gives him the time of day. Why are you so sure she’ll choose him over Lance? If you ask me, she seems far more interested in Lance p>
Cole glanced toward the entrance, where Lance was still lingering, eager to be the first to see Adah arrive. Then he shot Manley a pointed look. “In the war of love, anything goes, and everything can change in an instant. You, who fancy yourself an expert with women — how is it you don’t understand something so simple p>
Manley searched for a response. His reputation as a heartbreaker was well known, but he had never put his own feelings on the line. Women had always come to him; he had never had to work to win anyone over.
Merlin immediately grasped what Cole was implying. “Cole… are you suggesting that Allan disappeared for a month and a half just to plan the perfect way to win Adah’s heart p>
Cole nodded calmly. “Just wait and see. Tonight there’ll be a surprise — Adah will end up with Allan. Poor Lance won’t even know what hit him p>
His words trailed off as he watched his younger cousin, still standing by the door, completely oblivious to the heartbreak heading his way. Cole knew there was nothing he could do to prevent the inevitable.
While the men murmured about Allan’s plans, Elliana turned her attention to Hailee and began questioning her about Merlin. “Tell me, Hailee, are you happy working with him p>
A bright, confident smile appeared on her face. “Absolutely! Working with Mr. Blakely these past few months has taught me so much. For the first time, I’ve felt capable and independent. It’s true what they say — you learn so much faster when someone at the top of their field is guiding you p>
Elliana studied her closely, and the change was unmistakable. The shy, cautious Hailee who used to tread carefully around everyone was gone. In her place stood a woman who was poised, elegant, and self-assured. It was clear that Merlin had given her the space she needed to prove her talent and shine.
“Has he ever given you any trouble?” Elliana asked.
Hailee’s eyes widened in surprise before she understood the implication. “Not at all. He may have spoken harshly once or twice, but ever since I became his secretary, he’s always been professional and respectful. He has never made me feel uncomfortable — not even slightly p>
Elliana frowned, puzzled. She had noticed Merlin’s interest in her friend from the very beginning. It struck her as strange that he had gone to such lengths to hire her only to keep his distance. A man as dominant as him seemed more inclined to pursue boldly than to play the role of a flawless gentleman.
𝘋𝗶ѕс𝗼𝘃𝖾𝘳 𝘩𝗂𝗱𝖽𝗲n g𝗲mѕ 𝘰n
Intrigued, she glanced at him across the room and lowered her voice. “Has he always been that well-mannered? Hailee, are you sure you’re not missing something p>
“I’m sure,” she replied firmly. “Mr. Blakely has never crossed a line. I’m available around the clock, yet he has never said or done anything inappropriate — he hasn’t even flirted. I suppose when he said he wanted me to be his woman, he was only joking p>
Elliana looked at Merlin again. Everything about him radiated confidence and determination; he didn’t seem like the kind of man who would joke about something like that. If he had said he wanted her, he surely meant it. So why hadn’t he acted? Perhaps he was afraid of scaring her. Perhaps, for once, he was holding back his natural intensity just to make sure she felt safe by his side.