?Chapter 212:


    Merlin offered no response. Instead, he reclined against the sofa and sealed his eyes against the world.


    That suffocating sensation enveloped Merlin again after witnessing Cole and Elliana’s intimate moment. His mind reyed Hailee’s teeth sinking into his wrist, refusing release. The whisper of her lips against his skin had ignited a fever throughout his body, like poison coursing through his veins. He couldn’t possibly vocalize this affliction. Manley would subject him to merciless ridicule if he ever confessed.


    The next day, the aircraft descended upon Regal Grove’s helipad as the first light fractured the horizon.


    Cole and Elliana remained entwined in slumber, and not one soul dared disturb their sanctuary.


    An, Merlin, and Manley disembarked silently, departing for their respective residences.


    Myles arranged an escort to convey Hailee safely to her dwelling.


    Subsequently, Regal Grove surrendered to profound stillness. The Fletcher brothers and security personnel maintained their positions by the aircraft, awaiting directives.


    Cole had previously mandated absolute confidentiality regarding Elliana’s abduction by Merritt. The public remained unaware of Merritt’s demise, and knowledge of Cole’s injury was restricted to their intimate circle.


    Light flooded the sky when Cole’s eyes finally opened. He had slumbered deeply, content with Elliana nestled against him.


    Elliana had been conscious for some time but hesitated to disturb his repose. She had remained motionless within his embrace, anticipating his awakening. Unlike him, rest had eluded her. His body emanated excessive warmth, and his grip was so unyielding that she felt subjected to slow immtion throughout the night.


    Detecting his consciousness, she immediately attempted to create distance between their bodies.


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    But before she could savor even a moment’s reprieve, powerful arms reimed her. Her fleeting liberation vanished as his heated embrace enveloped her once more.


    “Honey, you attempt to escape the instant I regain consciousness. What justification do you offer?” Cole inquired, evident displeasure infusing his tone.


    Elliana’s lips formed a pout. Unable to articte her difort, she pivoted the conversation. “Merritt has expired. What strategy will you implement going forward?”


    Even though Merritt was gone, his underground operations in Ublento hadn’tpletely vanished. With no one left in charge, the entirework had likely crumbled into chaos—broken apart and scattered. If anyone tried to rally them, they could easily im they were seeking justice for Merritt just to stir up trouble for the Evans family.


    Cole, however, didn’t seem the slightest bit concerned. “Merritt made plenty of enemies while he was alive. Now that he’s dead, those same people will be scrambling to snatch up whatever power he left behind. His time is over. No one would be foolish enough to reveal what really happened, much less go after the Evans family.”


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