Within days, Hailee’s appearance had grown visibly haggard. Worried that her sorrow might ruin her health, Merlin had dropped everything and flown her back to Ublento. He had arranged this meeting to find out if there was more to the story of Eliana’s supposed death.

“What exactly happened?” Merlin asked quickly as he stepped into the room.

“Is it true? Is Eliana really dead?”

“It’s hard to say,” Allan replied with a shrug.

Manley chimed in, “Most people don’t know what Eliana is capable of. But we do. It’s unlikely for someone like her to perish so easily. However, without any news of her, we can’t be certain.”

Hailee stood silently behind Merlin, listening closely. Every part of her hoped to hear something—anything—that would prove Eliana was still alive. She had seen Eliana’s strength on Merritt’s cruise. It didn’t make sense that someone like Eliana could fall so easily. Hailee hoped Allan and Manley would bring good news—that Eliana was still out there, somewhere.

Hailee’s eyes were red and swollen from crying. Her skin had lost its glow after days of barely sleeping or eating.

Merlin, heart aching for her, patted the seat beside him. “Hailee, take a seat.” Hailee looked at him and gently shook her head. “Thank you, Mr. Blakely, but I’m fine standing.”

Though Merlin never made any romantic advances, Hailee wasn’t blind. She saw the way he looked at her. She knew he was waiting, simply giving her time to forget Boris. Sooner or later, he would make his intentions clear. He wanted her to become his woman.

But she couldn’t bring herself to accept any man again. Especially not someone like Merlin—wealthy, powerful, charming. That was why she kept her distance. She constantly reminded herself not to let him get too close, not even for a moment.

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Merlin could feel her quiet resistance. It left him at a loss. He didn’t want to force her or scare her away. If he pushed too hard, he might lose the chance to see her again.

After a long glance at Hailee, Merlin turned back to Allan and Manley. “What about Cole? What does he think?”

Allan and Manley exchanged looks, unsure how to begin.

“Did something happen to Cole too?” Merlin asked, frowning. “He cared about Eliana more than anyone. Is he okay?”

“How come you haven’t heard about it?” Allan asked.

Merlin raised a brow. “Heard what?” He had just returned from overseas. There was a lot he hadn’t caught up on.

Allan let out a quiet sigh. “Cole doesn’t remember Eliana anymore. He’s engaged now—to the daughter of the Campbell family. As far as he’s concerned, Eliana is just a stranger. Naturally, he’s not bothered by a stranger’s fate.”

Merlin and Hailee both froze in shock.

Hailee stepped forward. “Why did Mr. Evans forget about Eliana?”

Everyone knew Merlin’s feelings for Hailee, so Allan and Manley didn’t treat her like an outsider.

Allan looked at her and explained, “We’re not clear on the details, but he got into a car accident. When he woke up, he couldn’t remember her.” Read full story at fι?dnοvel.net

Manley nodded. “Yeah. He remembers everyone else, just not Eliana. Maybe she couldn’t take it. She sold Regal Grove, took the money, and left the country. Then, something happened to her abroad.”

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