As Ruben’s words lingered, all eyes shifted toward Hailee, still half-tucked behind Merlin like a startled deer.
Merlin, ever smooth, simply smiled and reached for her hand, coaxing her gently to his side. “Come,” he said, voice warm, almost teasing. “Say hello to Ruben.”
The way he said it, the way he held her hand with such casual intimacy—it all felt like a man proudly introducing his bride-to-be. Hailee winced inwardly, heat flooding her cheeks. Mortified. She didn’t dare call him out on it—not with all those eyes watching. So instead, she gave a polite bow and murmured, “Hello, Mr. Evans.”
She’d chosen her words carefully, sticking to formality. Addressing Ruben by his name during their first encounter would’ve crossed a line.
She knew better. Respect had its boundaries, and titles carried weight. As discreetly as she could, she slipped her fingers out of Merlin’s grasp. Ruben’s eyes crinkled with approval. She might’ve come from modest beginnings, but she clearly had poise. Mannered, thoughtful, soft-spoken—he liked her already.
Across the room, Cole let out a soft, amused chuckle—not at Hailee, but at Merlin. This was the same Merlin who once claimed to have an allergy to romance and a deep loathing for public displays of affection. And now here he was, practically parading some poor girl like a prize. Elliana, meanwhile, sat stiffly, a muscle twitching in her cheek. If she had a rock handy, she might’ve hurled it at Merlin’s smug face without a second thought.
Elliana clenched her jaw, seething at Hailee’s uneasy, evasive behavior under Merlin’s overbearing, husband-like demeanor.
Elliana had always found Merlin cold, boring, and irritatingly nosy, but his shameless behavior, acting like Hailee’s husband in front of everyone, was a new low. Hailee, clearly uncomfortable, kept trying to distance herself, yet Merlin carried on as if they were already wed, oblivious to her discomfort.
Unable to bear seeing them together any longer, Elliana stood, gently pulling Hailee to her side, and started introducing her to the others.
Once away from Merlin, Hailee visibly relaxed, greeting everyone Elliana introduced with effortless grace and courtesy.
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Merlin, meanwhile, stood off to the side, glaring at Elliana with discontent. Yet, he was too intimidated by her now to challenge her directly. Since provoking Elliana wasn’t an option, he sidled up to Cole, lowering his voice to complain, “Can’t you do something to keep your infuriating wife in check?”
To his surprise, Cole had no intention of holding Elliana back. He gave Merlin a mocking glance and snapped, “After that ridiculous show you just put on, acting like Hailee’s your woman? I’m tempted to throw something at you for Elliana’s sake.”
Merlin’s face burned with embarrassment, his ego thoroughly bruised. At that moment, Elliana finished introducing Hailee to the group. The pleasantries were over. Now it was time for the real business—getting the Craig family to apologize to Hailee in person.
Elliana guided Hailee to a single armchair and then fixed her gaze on the Craigs. They understood her signal immediately.
Norwood and Joslyn stepped forward first, cutting through the tense silence as they approached Hailee and bowed deeply.
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