?Chapter 191:


    Hailee had only just started at the club. She didn’t know Manley owned it. In fact, she had never even noticed him before. And she had no idea that whispers about her had already begun to swirl among her coworkers. She had always drawn a line between her personal life and her job.


    She always kept her head down, always focused on work.


    She hadn’t wanted a job at a ce like the Royal Club—not really. But the pay was good, and her boyfriend’s supposed medical bills weighed heavily on her. With her education, natural charm, and professional attitude, she cleared the interview with ease. Once hired, she worked hard, spoke little, and kept to herself.


    Still, her private life had be a favorite topic of gossip. And behind it all was Boris. He had carefully nted the rumors to make things ufortable for her.


    It was the same scheme Boris had used to manipte Hailee into joining The Heiress’ Graduation Trip. The name said it all. A morous getaway meant for the rich and privileged. Not someone like Hailee.


    But Boris had connections. He used them to push her into the spotlight, not to help her, but to watch her struggle in a world that wasn’t hers. Oblivious to his schemes, Hailee had attended, all for earning money for his so-called surgery.


    Her pain had be his entertainment. The more she sacrificed, the more it proved her profound love for him—and, in his twisted mind, his power over her. He fed off the admiration of his shallow friends, feeling important with every sacrifice she made.


    Myles stood at the base of the gangway, waiting as instructed by Elliana. When Hailee approached, he gave her a respectful nod and said, “Ms. Loftus, the ne is ready. Pleasee aboard.”


    Hailee paused for a moment. “How’s Elliana? Is she doing okay?” she asked softly. Though she knew Elliana was tough, she couldn’t shake the concern gnawing at her.


    Myles offered a polite smile. “Mrs. Evans is already on board. She’s doing just fine.”


    Only then did Hailee exhale, her shoulders rxing. She followed Myles onto Cole’s private jet without another word.


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    A few momentster, An and Manley boarded, too. Once the cabin doors closed, the engines roared to life, and the ne lifted off the yacht.


    Inside, Elliana sat on a plush sofa, curledfortably in Cole’s arms. Their closeness was clear.


    Merlin lounged on another couch while An and Manley took seats across from him.


    Hailee lingered near the aisle, unsure of where to sit. Everything about the luxurious cabin made her uneasy. She wasn’t used to this world. Private jets, designer interiors, and elitepany—it all felt far from the modest life she’d known. Worse, she had just shed with Merlin. That tension still clung to her, making her feel even more out of ce.


    Ellianapletely understood what Hailee was feeling and had every intention of sitting with her to help her feel less alone. However, Cole hadtched onto her like a second skin, his arm securely fastened around her waist, leaving her with little room to move, let alone join Hailee. Calling Cole out didn’t feel right, especially since he had taken a bullet for her earlier. So, for now, she let him cling without protest.


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