07:37
Chapter 167
Hayley blinked, trying to process what Cyrus was saying. “Cyrus, what are you talking about?”
“Hayley, did I not tell you to keep this away from Nancy? You’re playing with fire!”
His voice was raw with frustration, and it snapped Hayley out of her stunned silence.
“Cyrus, I swear I didn’t! Did Nancy tell you something?”
Cyrus narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “She claims you bet against her, saying she wouldn’t keep her man beyond their honeymoon.”
“That’s impossible!” Hayley shot back rapidly. “You were with me all night. I didn’t have a chance to text Nancy.”
“Besides, how would I even have Nancy’s number? You’ve set up her phone so no one can add her unless she does it herself.”
Cyrus hesitated; he knew she was right about that.
“Cyrus, I know where I stand. I know your heart is with Nancy. Why would I meddle in her affairs? I’m not that foolish.”
Her earnest tone made Cyrus pause, considering the situation more carefully.
With a serious expression, Hayley added, “Cyrus, surely you know by now. I have someone waiting for me. Once I have the baby, I’m planning to get back together with him.”
Cyrus‘ eyes widened slightly. “You’re going back to your ex? He doesn’t care about the child?”
“Which is why I need more support from you. And knowing you’re backing me, he won’t dare hold it against me,” Hayley explained sincerely.
Cyrus felt a mix of emotions but finally said with a stiff demeanor, “Alright, I hope it works out for you.”
Hayley nodded firmly and then carefully asked, “So, Cyrus, do you still think I contacted Nancy on purpose?”
Cyrus didn’t answer right away, clearly pondering the situation.
Hayley sighed, sensing his internal conflict. “Cyrus, I really couldn’t have added Nancy’s number. Maybe someone else told her, or perhaps…”
Cyrus felt a twinge of unease. “Or what?”
“Or maybe Nancy is looking for a way out and used this as an excuse? Cyrus, don’t get mad, but as a woman myself, I can tell when someone’s focus has shifted elsewhere.”
Cyrus‘ breath caught, as images of the smirking Judson and the ever–looming Baldrick flashed through his mind, leaving him uneasy and irritable.
Could Hayley be right? Was Nancy focusing her attention elsewhere and using Hayley as a scapegoat?
Hayley sensed Cyrus‘ silence and pushed on gently, “Cyrus, rest assured, I won’t provoke Nancy. Once the baby
is born, I’ll leave on my own.”
“It better be that way,” Cyrus replied coldly, “Take care of yourself.”
With that, he hung up. Instead of feeling relieved, a greater sense of unease settled over him.
Whether Nancy was involved with someone else or Hayley was stirring trouble could be easily found out with a little investigation.
Determined, Cyrus stood up and cast a long look at the darkened house behind him before heading out.
Meanwhile, Hayley quickly dialed Ophelia, her voice tinged with panic.
“Get a hacker to erase all my messages and texts with Nancy. Cyrus brought it up, and I’m worried he’ll start
07.20
Chapter 16
digging into it.”
Though Cyrus seemed mostly convinced, there was no room for error. He would surely investigate thoroughly.
Ophelia, sensing the gravity of the situation, remained calm. “Don’t worry, I’ve already got a hacker on it since Mr. Gordon left for Ardenweald. Your messages will be erased.”
Relieved, Hayley let out a breath. “Good.”
Miss Lena, I’ve heard about the auction incident,” Neil said, his tone unmistakably displeased.
