?Chapter 391:


    Meanwhile, Hailee was walking beside Elliana, their conversation hushed and serious.


    “Elliana, I need to tell you something,” Hailee said, her voice hesitant.


    Elliana nced at her, catching the unease in her eyes. “What is it? You look worried.”


    Hailee hesitated and then exhaled slowly. “I just signed an employment contract with Merlin. I’m officially his secretary now.”


    Elliana’s eyes widened. “Wait—seriously? Was that your choice?”


    Hailee nodded firmly. “Yes, no pressure. He’s helped me a lot, and I wanted to repay him somehow. When he asked me to be his secretary, I epted. It’s actually a great opportunity.”


    Elliana pressed her lips together, forcing a smile. That cunning jerk. Merlin needed a secretary? Please. If he posted a job ad, qualified candidates would be fighting for the spot. This wasn’t about work. It was just a clever excuse to keep Hailee close after she turned him down.


    But Elliana didn’t say any of that. Instead, she smiled and squeezed Hailee’s hand. “If you’re happy with it, that’s what matters. Just remember—you can alwayse to me if anything feels off.”


    Before Hailee could respond, Merlin appeared beside them. “Hailee, ready to leave?” he asked casually.


    Without missing a beat, Hailee straightened up, slipping into a more professional demeanor. “Yes, Mr. kely.”


    Merlin gave Elliana a smug little nce before heading to his car.


    “Elliana, I’ve got to go,” Hailee said quickly, offering Elliana a small wave as she followed after Merlin.


    Momentster, Merlin’s car pulled away from the Evans estate, disappearing down the road.


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    Elliana stood still, watching the taillights fade into the distance. She let out a slow, worried sigh. Hailee had certainly grown—she was gentle yet wiser now, no longer the naive girl who let others walk all over her. But deep down, she was still too trusting, unaware that she had stepped into Merlin’s trap.


    Cole walked over and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Don’t worry too much,” he said gently. “Merlin can be a pain, sure, but he’s not a bad person. He won’t hurt Hailee.”


    Elliana looked up at him, her expression sharp. “You better be right. Because if he ever hurts Hailee, I’m holding you responsible.”


    Cole gave her a soft smile.


    At that moment, Paulina appeared and bowed to Cole. “Your grandfather wants you to stay the night. The whole family will be having breakfast together in the morning.”


    Cole nodded and guided Elliana back toward the mansion.


    Now that everything had been resolved, the Craig family had no reason left to stick around. After exchanging a few polite words with Ruben, they quietly took their leave.


    Trinity, however, remained behind. Though thoroughly humiliated earlier, the Evans family hadn’t officially cast her out—so she clung to thest shred of her dignity by staying under their roof.


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