?Chapter 190:


    Back at the cabin entrance, Manley narrowed his eyes and leaned toward An, lowering his voice. “What’s going on between Merlin and Hailee?”


    The whole thing didn’t sit right. Merlin had carried Hailee off the yacht like some kind of hero. Since when had he ever touched a woman, let alone carried one? Hadn’t he always said he found physical contact with women disgusting? Then, after they talked, his mood had suddenly turned sour, and he walked away like someone had just insulted his entire bloodline.


    An didn’t have an answer. Merlin’s behavior today felt off to him too. As confusion clouded both their faces, Merlin stormed past them at the bottom of the gangway without so much as a nce. He disappeared into the cabin, radiating a tension that warned them to keep their mouths shut.


    One look between Manley and An was all it took. Neither of them dared to speak. No one messed with Merlin when he was in a mood—not unless they wanted to get burned.


    Just as the silence settled in, Hailee reached the gangway steps herself. Manley’s gaze shifted to her face, studying her carefully. A thought suddenly crossed his mind, piecing together something unexpected.


    Cole had traveled from Ublento to Merritt’s yacht, which was anchored in international waters. He had arranged for a sizeable security detail, cleverly splitting them between two flights to keep the kidnappers off bnce. His own ne arrived at the yacht first, while the other—packed with bodyguards—remained in the area, circling over the waters and awaiting his signal.


    Back when Merlin fetched Hailee, the second aircraft descended onto the deck, swiftly picking up Paige and Vivien before immediately departing for Ublento.


    All the while, Cole’s ne waited in readiness, prepared for Merlin and Hailee’s return.


    As Hailee reached the boarding ramp, Manley immediately recognized her. Recently, she had started working overnight shifts as a server at the Royal Club to supplement her ie. Manley, as the club’s owner, had crossed paths with her on two asions, though she had never noticed him.


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    The Royal Club was expansive, and normally, Manley wouldn’t spare a thought for new staff. However, Hailee had caught his attention after he overheard whispers among the employees. She was the subject of gossip—described as both pitiable and naive.


    Despite being an academic standout from a prestigious university, earning des in the Starry Oil paintingpetition, and holding a respectable position at a publishing house, her current circumstances were bewildering. By all rights, she could have enjoyed afortable, independent life based solely on her achievements. Instead, for a boyfriend she’d only known a few months, she had willingly embraced hardship—juggling multiple jobs, enduring exhaustion, and surviving on little. What shocked everyone most was the rumor circting among the staff that she was preparing to donate a kidney to him.


    When Manley first heard those rumors, he hadughed them off. A woman that devoted? In this world? He found it hard to believe. He had met too many women who only cared about money. In his eyes, innocence was just an act—until he met Hailee at the Royal Club. She stood out in a ce drowning in greed. Her calm presence, the way she carried herself—it all seemed pure. That was why he remembered her. So, seeing her again today on the yacht took him by surprise. He never imagined she’d be connected to Elliana.


    Though Manley recognized her instantly, he yed it cool, pretending not to know her. There was no point stirring up old memories or inviting awkwardness.


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