Chapter 59
Chapter 59
A warm feeling spread through Owen’s chest as he realized just how much Hailey cared about him.
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Saturday afternoon, the students at Everton High School were buzzing with excitement.
It was Joshua’s birthday today, the “little tyrant” of the school. The Cooper family was one of the four major prominent families in Hallon City, and every year, they celebrated Joshua’s birthday in grand style. Not only did they send invitations to every student in the class, but everyone who attended also received a small gift as a token of appreciation.
Yes, even if you arrived empty–handed, you’d leave with a gift.
The Cooper family was known for their extravagance.
Anyone invited to the Cooper family’s birthday party considered themselves incredibly fortunate.
Of course, no one would ever truly arrive empty–handed. People still brought gifts to show their appreciation.
Hailey kept it casual today, wearing a short black jacket, fitted jeans, and her long hair tied up in a messy bun, exposing her graceful neck. She hadn’t bothered with makeup, yet her natural beauty was undeniable. Surrounded by girls who had dressed more elaborately, she stood out like a delicate lily–fresh, elegant, and pure, embodying the innocent beauty that a girl her age should have.
Hailey had initially planned to attend with Owen, but he had called midway, explaining that something had come up at work and he would be running late. So, Hailey decided to go ahead and arrive early.
The venue was bustling with people. The event was being held at Starlight House, a five–story venue known for its opulence. The Cooper family had rented out the entire place for the occasion. The first and second floors were reserved for the adults, who were using the opportunity to discuss business and potential partnerships, while the third, fourth, and fifth floors were for the younger guests to enjoy themselves.
She arrived a little later than planned, and by the time she stepped inside, the place was already packed.
Joshua and his close friends were on the fifth floor. Before the event, Joshua had sent her a message, telling her to head straight to the fifth floor.
As soon as Hailey stepped off the elevator, she ran into Selena.
Selena, unusually, was dressed quite modestly today. In fact, for the past while, she has kept a low profile. She wore a simple white dress, her makeup fresh and natural, giving her the appearance of a delicate flower.
Hailey had no intention of engaging with her, so she turned and started to walk away.
“Hey, Hailey,” Selena called out, stopping her in her tracks.
Hailey paused and turned back. “What’s up?”
They were standing by the elevator, with people passing by in both directions. Since it was a special occasion, there were desserts, snacks, and wine scattered around.
Selena poured two glasses of red wine from a nearby table, then walked up to Hailey, handing her one with a soft smile and- a hint of red in her eyes. “I’m sorry for everything I’ve done, and I shouldn’t have been so harsh with you. This drink is for you, and I hope we can start fresh and become close from now on.”
With that, Selena took her glass and drank it in one gulp.
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Chapter 59
“Selena, you shouldn’t be drinking,” Annie, who had been with her, exclaimed in surprise.
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Selena lowered her head and started coughing, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned to Annie and smiled weakly. “It’s okay, as long as Hailey’s willing to forgive me. What’s a little drink?”
Selena held the glass of wine out to Hailey, her eyes filled with anxious anticipation as she looked at her.
Hailey hesitated, not reaching for the glass.
Whispers began to spread around them.
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“To be honest, Selena hasn’t done anything against Hailey. Owen and Selena both come from powerful families, and Selena knew him first. They didn’t end up together. Technically, Hailey is the newcomer. I wonder what she did to win Owen over.”
“That’s true. Now that I think about it, anyone whose love interest was taken by someone else would have a hard time being friendly with them.”
“Especially considering Mateo used to like Selena. But now he’s so close to Hailey. If Hailey hasn’t been involved with him behind the scenes, I wouldn’t believe it.”
“Exactly. And then there’s Joshua. He’s always so kind to Hailey. Don’t you think that’s a bit strange? She’s just some girl from the countryside–why is he treating her like that?”
“That’s right. Selena’s a well–bred young lady, always polite and gracious, while Hailey is rough around the edges. It’s hard to say who’s mistreating whom.”
I have to admit Selena’s strategy was quite brilliant.
Throughout history, people have always tended to sympathize with those who seem vulnerable. As long as she humbled herself and let go of her princess persona, she would naturally win everyone’s sympathy and pity.
“Selena, please don’t do this,” Mateo suddenly appeared behind her, his face full of guilt as he looked at her. “I’m sorry, Selena. It’s all my fault.”
Selena smiled weakly, her face pale. “Mateo, this isn’t your fault. You’ve never wronged me. We were never together. You liking someone else is completely normal. Right now, I want to make peace with Hailey.”
The two of them played off each other perfectly, making the scene even more dramatic.
Hailey crossed her arms, leaning against the wall, watching the drama unfold with a calm, almost amused expression.
Mateo continued, “Selena, I still have feelings for you; it’s just… just…”
But he didn’t finish, leaving his words hanging in the air.
That unfinished statement only fueled the rumors, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
“Do you think Hailey somehow forced Mateo to like her?”
“Hailey is shameless.”
“Look at Mateo. It’s obvious he still has feelings for Selena. I told you, no way a guy like him would fall for someone else so quickly.”
“So why has he suddenly become so obsessed with Hailey?”
At that moment, Mateo finally finished his sentence. “But Selena, I’m sorry. I have to take responsibility for Hailey.”
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And with that, a bombshell dropped. Everyone was stunned,
“What? Mateo and Hailey slept together?”
“Owen’s been betrayed!”
“Who am I? Where am I? Who’s been betrayed? Who’s the other woman?”
It was easy to tarnish a girl’s reputation–just a few words from a man and her name could be ruined.
No one cared about the truth; they just wanted to watch the drama unfold.
Selena’s face turned pale with shock, and the tears she’d been holding back finally fell. She cried uncontrollably, so overwhelmed with sadness that she couldn’t find the words.
A beautiful woman with tears streaming down her face always stirs the deepest sympathy in others.
“Mateo, you must be out of your mind to say something so disgusting!” Joshua shot forward from the side, not even thinking, and landed a punch squarely on Mateo.
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Mateo took the punch, a bruise forming on his lip, but he didn’t retaliate. Staggering to his feet, he sneered at Joshua. “Joshua, you like Hailey, don’t you? Too bad she doesn’t feel the same. No matter how many men are around her, she’s never given you a second thought. You’re just a spoiled rich kid, using your family’s wealth to get away with whatever you want.”
“I wouldn’t give a damn about you!” Joshua roared, his voice hoarse with anger, veins bulging on his forehead. He raised his fist to strike again, but Hailey stepped in to stop him.
“Enough, Joshua. Calm down,” Hailey said, her voice calm and steady.
