?Chapter 381:


    Hailee had been sitting like a rabbit caught in headlights. She felt his stare but kept her head low, determined to stay quiet. But then he spoke. His voice hit her like a…


    Hailee jolted, flinching slightly. She wanted to lie. She really did. But honesty beat her to it. “I’m a little scared of you.”


    Merlin raised an eyebrow. “Do I look scaly?”


    “No!” She shook her head quickly. “You’re handsome. And charming. But your presence… It’s sharp. Like you’d cut me just by looking.”


    Merlin gave a slow nod. Fair enough. Five years in the special forces had carved him into something sharp. It was natural that he gave off that kind of edge. “I mighte off a bit lethal, but I don’t hurt people without reason. And never the innocent. You don’t need to be afraid of me.”


    Hailee nodded.


    Merlin softened his voice. “If you don’t like this part of me… I’ll change it. For you.”


    Even steel could bend for the right reason. He’d spent years being nothing but iron, but for her, he’d learn to ease the edge.


    Hailee, of course, didn’t see how deep those words ran. To her, his offer felt heavy. He didn’t need to change. They weren’t close, and she didn’t n on letting them get close.


    Trying to draw a line, she took a deep breath and looked up at him. She found him already watching her. Their eyes locked, her heart skipped. But she didn’t look away. “Mr. kely, there’s something I need to make clear.”


    Merlin already sensed her next words. His eyes flickered with annoyance, but he let her continue.


    Hailee said slowly, “You’ve done so much for me. I’m really grateful. Truly. But I have nothing to offer in return, and I—”


    “You’re worried I’ll expect you to repay me by being my woman,” Merlin interjected tly.


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    Hailee bit her lip, her cheeks burning.


    Merlin sighed. “Rx. I won’t force you to be my woman unless you want to.”


    Hailee let out a quiet breath, her shoulders loosening just a little. Then, her eyes dropped to his sleeve. It had ridden up, exposing the angry scab on his wrist. Guilt tugged at her. “Mr. kely, how’s your injury?” she asked gently.


    Merlin nced at it. “Doctor said it’ll scar,” he replied with azy shrug.


    Her guilt deepened. She didn’t know how to respond. Merlin looked at her again. Then suddenly, he narrowed his eyes slightly.


    “Since you’ve already admitted you owe me,” Merlin said, his voice silk-smooth but unmistakably pointed, “even if you’re not ready to be my woman aspensation, surely there’s another way you could settle the debt.”


    Another way? Hailee stared at him, caughtpletely off guard. “What exactly could I do for you?”


    He didn’t skip a beat. “I’ve reviewed your credentials. Ublento University, Secretarial Studies, top of your ss. Not exactlymon. I must say, I’m impressed. And coincidentally, I happen to be in need of a secretary.”


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