?Chapter 379:


    Hailee and Briggs watched him, stunned and speechless. They had never served anyone this important before, but they had seen such scenes on television. None of those people acted like Merlin. By the time they came back to their senses, Merlin was already gone.


    “Oh no!” Briggs gasped and rushed after him.


    Hailee blinked and then hurried to follow.


    When they got to the dining room, Merlin was already sitting at a table, quietly savoring his spaghetti. Though the spaghetti was so overcooked that they fell apart at the slightest touch, ruining the texture, he seemed to enjoy every bite. Finding the vor a little nd, he even added two extra spoonfuls of chili oil to give it a kick.


    The simple, unpretentious way he ate left both Hailee and Briggs utterly baffled.


    Briggs hurried over, bowing his head in apology. “Sir, I am so sorry. You came all this way for our spaghetti, even booked the entire restaurant, and yet we’ve disappointed you.”


    Merlin smiled warmly. “Don’t worry about it. When I was on missions, I ate tougher things—like roots. Trust me, this is luxury.”


    “On missions?” Briggs repeated, puzzled.


    Merlin gave a small chuckle. “I was once in the military. Went through harsh training and faced plenty of hardships. I’m no spoiled rich kid, so really, don’t stress about it.”


    Briggs let out a deep sigh of relief, a flicker of admiration now lighting up his face as he looked at Merlin. Just moments ago, he’d been grumbling about how this guy must’ve been out of his mind—but now, all those doubts were gone. This big-shot boss was surprisingly humble and down-to-earth. Honestly, he seemed like a genuinely good person!


    Merlin easily picked up on the change in Briggs’ demeanor, and it amused him. He gave Briggs a friendly smile before turning toward Hailee, eyes twinkling with humor. “Let’s call this one a practice round,” he said yfully. “But next time Ie by, I expect the real deal—got it?”


    Hailee gave a sheepish nod, flustered and apologetic. “I’m really sorry, Mr. kely. After everything you’ve done for me, I couldn’t even manage a proper te of spaghetti. I—”


    g???????ν??????.??????,  ???????? ???????????????? ????


    Finally, it clicked for Briggs. His eyes widened as he looked at Hailee. “Wait—you know this gentleman?”


    Hailee nodded. “This is Mr. kely. He’s a friend of Elliana’s and has helped me out a lottely.”


    She didn’t go into detail, especially not about the whole kidnapping ordeal. She’d never wanted her father to worry, so she kept that chapter quiet.


    Merlin, reading the situation perfectly, kept silent on the matter.


    Briggs’ expression softened with realization and then turned deeply sincere as he looked back at Merlin. “Mr. kely, I had no idea. Thank you for helping my daughter. I really appreciate it. I’m not even sure how to repay you.”


    Merlin gave a lightugh. “Just don’t mistake me for a shady character, and we’re good.” He paused and then added, “Actually… Once I finish this bowl, I was hoping…”


    “To borrow Hailee for a little while. Need her help with something. Is that okay with you?”


    .


    .


    .