Chapter 4
Owen’s gaze locked onto the girl in the corner, piercing and unrelenting
Selena followed his stare, her smile instantly freezing. She quickly shot a look at Eliza, signaling her to act
Eliza, sensing trouble, quickly stepped in. “Owen, that girl just got back from the countryside. She’s really shy, always kept to herself–never met strangers.”
But Own
Owen didn’t seem to care. He simply turned to his assistant, giving him a look that said it all. The assistant immediately understood, bypassing Selena and Eliza and walking straight to Hailey.
He spoke softly but respectfully. “Miss, our boss would like in speak with you.”
“Me?” Hailey raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. After all, she didn’t even know Owen
“Yes,” the assistant nodded, gesturing for her to follow.
Considering his obvious status, Hailey didn’t want to cause trouble, so she reluctantly walked over to him.
“What’s this about?” Hailey asked, meeting his gaze head–on
Up close, Owen’s features were even more striking–cool, almost otherworldly, with skin as pale as marble. He had that kind. of beauty that could make anyone second–guess their own feelings.
Meanwhile, Owen studied her just as closely.
Hailey, still wearing yesterday’s clothes, had her long, flawless legs on full display, and they were hard to miss.
Owen’s eyes lingered on them a moment too long, and Hailey thought to herself, ‘What the hell is this guy’s deal? Why the hell is he staring at my legs like that?
“What’s your name?” Owen’s voice broke the silence, and his eyes shifted to her face.
Selena’s heart sank. That little bitch is already making moves on Owen!”
“Owen, this is my sister, Hailey Dalton.” Selena quickly interjected. “She’s already engaged.”
Hailey raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Engaged News to me.”
“Yeah, you didn’t know?” Selena grinned with fake sweetness. “Mom and Dad are setting you up with a really great guy. Once you marry him, you’ll be living the good life.”
Hailey crossed her arms lazily, clearly unimpressed. “So why don’t you marry him instead?”
“Mom and Dad picked him for you, sis, Selena said, playing the innocent act, though her eyes gleamed with something else. “I couldn’t steal your guy.”
Hailey smirked. “Oh, but you’ve stolen enough already, haven’t you?”
Selena’s smile faltered. “What do you mean by that?”
Hailey’s voice was playful but pointed. “Oh, nothing. But you know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve got plenty of dirty little secrets, don’t you?”
Selena froze, clearly rattled by Hailey’s words. But with Owen standing there, she couldn’t afford to lose face.
“You sure know how to joke around, don’t you?” Selena forced a laugh, trying to maintain her composure.
1/3
Chap 4
his in
Owen glanced at Cassistant, who promptly opened the car door for him.
Ashe got in tedene quickly moved forward, her youre full of fake sweetness. “Owen, are you grang to the efficer Mense be
she bega rambling like a broken record.
kept
Owen’s patience not Bring her in
pan
The assistant hesitated, unsure whether Owen meant belena or Hailey.
After a beat, the assistant wisely tuned to Hailey, Miss Dalton, please get in the car?
Please
“She can’t just get in Owen’s cart Eliza shouted in disbelief.
Hailey raised an eyebrow, a little annoyed. What the hell is this guy playing at? Why does he keep trying to pull me into
Before Hailey could respond, a large hand shot from the back seat, grabbing her waist and yanking her into the car without warning The door slammed shut behind her.
“Hailey Dalton, get the hell out Selena screamed, her face twisted in fury as she banged on the window.
Hailey rolled her eyes. Seriously? You think I want to be in here?
The assistant slid into the front seat, and the car took off, leaving the two sisters standing there in stunned silence.
“Hey, don’t you think it’s time to let go? Hailey found herself awkwardly sitting on a guy’s lap, his arms still wrapped tightly around her waist.
She was seriously uncomfortable with how in control he was over her.
Hearing her request, Owen eased his grip just a little.
Seizing the opportunity, Hailey quickly slipped out of his arms and moved to the other side, glaring at him. “What the hell do you want? You trying to kidnap me in broad daylight”
Owen’s icy gaze rested on her face,
She was absolutely stunning–fair skin, eyes that seemed to sparkle, and emotions dancing across her features.
She looked effortlessly natural yet totally captivating. Her hair was loosely tied into a ponytail, giving her an innocent yet alluring vibe.
“He my girlfriend,” his deep voice rumbled.
Hailey blinked in shock, then snorted in laughter, rolling her eyes as she looked away out the window.
A few seconds later, she glanced back at Owen, only to find that his gaze was still firmly locked on her.
Unable to take it anymore. Hailey leaned back slightly and deadpanned, “So lame.”
The assistant in the front seat couldn’t help it and let out a quick laugh.
Owen’s cold, calculating stare shot over to him. The assistant, Tom, immediately stiffened, his heart racing He quickly snapped back into a serious, rigid posture, refusing to even glance sideways.
06:13 Fri, 28 Mar
Chapter 4
“You can tell me what you want, Owen said again, his tone still calm.
Hailey looked at him like he was a complete idiot. After a long moment of silence, she finally spoke, “Are we even that close?”
“It’s only a matter of time,” he replied, casually reclining in his seat, radiating that cocky confidence. “You can think about it. Being my girlfriend won’t hurt you.”
Owen was so confident. But considering he was the heir to the Calhoun family, he probably had every reason to be.
“I don’t need to think about it. I’m not interested. Hailey shot back, not even hesitating.
“Interest is something you can develop over time,” Owen said smoothly.
Hailey let out a soft laugh, looking at him like he was out of his mind. “Okay, let me ask you: What exactly do you see in me? Do you want me to change something?”
She didn’t think she was that charming. ‘How the hell could such a successful guy fall for me at first sight? Unless he is after something else entirely, she thought.
Owen frowned, his mind ticking. “Should I tell her I like her legs? Yeah, no, that’d be creepy as hell.
Meanwhile, Hailey was mentally playing out every possible scenario. “Maybe his family’s pressuring him to marry, and he needs someone to fake it as his girlfriend? And I just happen to fit the bill?
The more she thought about it, the more it seemed to make sense.
But then again, the Calhoun family was one of the four biggest families around, and Owen was in charge. If she could work with him, it would definitely be to her benefit.
“If you need me to pretend to be your girlfriend to get your family off your back, I can do that,” Hailey said with a sly grin, tapping her chin. “But you gotta do me a favor in return.”
Owen raised an eyebrow, slightly confused. I wasn’t planning on pretending. What the hell is going on in her head? Does she think I’m being insincere?”
But hey, if she was willing to negotiate, he was all for it.
