Chapter 19
Owen tightened his arms slightly around the girl assess I love to make sure the ear more they he thought
The drive, which should have taken forty minutes, stretched to a full hour Hailey dilladeep when they a Owen didn’t wake her.
About ten minutes later, Hailey suddenly jolted awake, her voice groggy as she asked “Are we there yapıpla
Richard, sitting in the front, thought to himself, We’ve been here for a while now Hot he woulder dire cay it outomat
Owen smiled. “H‘ you’re still tired, go ahead and sleep a little longer.
Hailey had woken up completely by now. She answered. “No. I’m good. Thanks And thanks for the ride
Her tone was polite yet distant. But Owen didn’t mind. He was the one who fell first–he wax willing on rade dinge’ favela
“All your luggage is in the car. I’ll walk you in Before Hailey could refuse. Owen added, “It’s been in while sheet leur ce your grandpa.”
Left with no choice, Hailey nodded.
Inside the house. Thomas had been waiting. His sons had moved out long ago, only coming back for holidays or ins birthday.
Meanwhile, Thomas never kept a big staff–just a housekeeper, a butler, and a driver. So the large home often felt empir
But when he heard Hailey was moving in, Thomas had been overjoyed. He even ate extra food for breakfast
As soon as Hailey stepped inside, Thomas beamed and walked over, his wrinkled hands holding hers. It – goon to nauwer back. I’ve already got your room set up. Go take a look and see if you like it.”
In her past life. Hailey had only met Thomas once–at a party. Even then, she remembered the way he had looked at her,– mix of kindness and quiet sorrow.
Thomas had treated her well, just like he did now. But before Hailey ever got the chance to be part of his life, he had passed: away. She had never had the chance to care for him
A gentle smile appeared on Hailey’s face. She said softly, “Thank you, Grandpa,”
Owen watched her closely. ‘Is this the first time I’ve seen her like this?
Her bright eyes shimmered with warmth, reflecting the soft golden sunlight. Her hair bounced slightly as she mixologis her a fresh, youthful energy. Hailey almost seemed to glow.
1000
Xavier stepped forward to take her luggage upstairs while Thomas led her to the couch, chatting with her happy
That’s when Owen realized–he had been completely ignored. Blinking, he rubbed his nose and cleared us the
Hearing this, Hailey turned to look at him.
“Oh, Owen’s here too, Thomas said, finally noticing him. Itis expression brightened Come, have a ca
Owen smiled and greeted him, taking a seat right next to Hailey
“I heard you two are dating. Thomas said suddenly: “So when’s the wedding
06.16 FII, 28
Chapter 19
Hailey, in the middle of taking a sip of water, nearly choked, Owen patted her back casually and answered. “Not anytime. soon, Mr. Dalton. Hailey’s still in college. At the very least, we’d have to wait until she graduates”
Thomas mulled it over. “You could always get engaged first
“Grandpa, I just got back, and you’re already trying to arrange my marriage?” Hailey sighed, pouting slightly.
Owen’s chest tightened. He thought, ‘She’s adorable when she lets her guard down. Wonder when she’ll act like that with
me?”
Thomas laughed heartily. “Alright, alright, no rush. You’re still young. I’ll keep you for a few more years.”
The house was filled with warmth and laughter–so different from the atmosphere at the Dalton family.
Oddly enough, Owen had no urgent work that day. He ended up staying the entire morning, even having lunch at the house. Afterward, he took a nap in one of the guest rooms, only leaving at two in the afternoon.
By the time he was heading out. Hailey was asleep in her room. Owen stepped inside quietly, sitting on the edge of her bed, watching her for a moment. Then, he leaned down and brushed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
Owen knew Hailey was wary of people. If he moved too fast, she’d only push him away.
What exactly happened to you, Hailey? Owen wondered. ‘What made you so guarded?‘
Hailey had been absent from school for a week, and rumors were flying
People assumed Hailey had backed out of the challenge, too afraid to face the competition. Even Mateo thought so.
The online forum was full of mockery.
This is hilarious. She’s not even showing up to school? What a joke.]
[She really thought she could take on someone in the top ten? Embarrassing.]
[I was expecting a real showdown, but she straight–up ran away. Pathetic.]
[She’s Selena’s sister, right? What did Selena do to deserve this kind of humiliation?]
All kinds of bizarre comments were posted on the school forum.
The test was scheduled for Thursday, and as the day got closer, the forum only grew louder.
That morning, when Hailey walked into school with a bandage wrapped around her forehead, another storm erupted.
However, Hailey was unaware of these things. Even if she had known, she wouldn’t have cared.
At precisely eight o’clock, the exam began. It was just a regular monthly test, but the school took it seriously, running it like a SAT practice test.
The exams stretched over three hours, and students would get a short break afterward before rankings were posted the following Monday
Seeing Hailey in the exam hall silenced some of the criticism, but the majority still doubted her.
Some students even started betting on the outcome. Of course, most people put their money on Mateo.
When Joshua heard about the bets, he went all in on Hailey. Not because he thought she needed the money–just because
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Chapter 19
he refused to let her lose face.
After the exam, most students were convinced there was no way Hailey could win.
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Word spread that Hailey was the first to finish every test. While everyone else was still deep in their questions, she had already turned in her paper. How was that even possible?
Even Casey, the school’s top student, didn’t submit their exams that fast. Everyone thought Hailey had either filled in random answers or handed in blank sheets.
When the final exam ended, Hailey stepped out of the classroom and found herself face–to–face with Mateo,
It was clear he had been waiting for her. As soon as he saw her, Mateo spoke. ‘Hailey, you need to know when to stop.”
Hailey raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You can’t beat me.” Mateo sighed, his tone almost pitying. I don’t want you to get kicked out of Hallon City because of this. If you post an apology on the forum now, you can still fix things.”
Hailey laughed. “Mateo, you’re full of yourself.”
His expression stiffened, and just as Mateo opened his mouth to say something else, Hailey walked past him, her scent lingering in the air.
Then, Monday arrived. Selena had planned to check the rankings as soon as she got to school, but the crowd around the board was too thick.
So instead, Selena pulled out her phone and opened the school forum. Only to realize–it had crashed.
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