Before Hailey could even open her mouth, Joshua, standing beside her, exclaimed in surprise, “Owen, what are you doing
here
Though ranked second among the four wealthy families, the Cooper family harbored no desire to settle for the runner–up position. For years, they had been competing with the Calhoun family secretly, creating a bitter rivalry that was nothing short of mutual animosity.
Of course, it was the elders who were at odds; the younger generation didn’t really care.
Joshua was always taught to learn from Owen and to surpass him. As a result, the name of Owen was practically his nightmare.
Owen narrowed his eyes and recognized hit, greeting, “Hi. Joshua”
They’d only met a few times, so Joshua was pleasantly surprised that such a busy man like Owen could remember him.
Suddenly coming face–to–face with his nightmare. Joshua was a bit flustered.
Previously, his impression of Owen was formed at banquets, where Owen seemed exceptionally aloof and detached. unapproachable, like a celestial being from outer space.
However, upon meeting privately, Joshua discovered that he wasn’t as icy and unattainable as he seemed. At least, he would greet people.
Owen naturally took Hailey’s backpack. His long, pale fingers were particularly beautiful, and then he asked Joshua casually. “I’m taking Hailey out to eat. Want to join us?”
Joshua was stunned for a few seconds before he caught on, hesitating. “You two…”
Owen explained naturally, “We’re dating”
Joshua was dumbfounded upon hearing this. He knew Hailey was amazing, but he didn’t expect her to be so amazing as to snag Owen
With this thought, he couldn’t help but give Hailey an admiring look.
“How did you two know each other?” Owen asked casually.
Joshua explained, “Oh, well. Hailey and I met through gaming. You don’t know, Owen. She is a beast at gaming. She’s super skilled, her aim is on point, and she totally wrecked me when we first met….
He easily struck up a conversation with Owen about how he met Hailey.
Owen frowned slightly: he didn’t play games, so he didn’t quite understand what Joshua was saying, but he guessed Hailey was quite the gaming pro.
“Aren’t we going to eat?” Timely, Hailey interrupted Joshua’s endless chatter.
“Oh, right, Hailey, go with Owen. Owen, let’s game together sometime. I’m outta here.” Joshua wasn’t clueless. Before Hy could say anything, he made a quick exit, refusing to be a third wheel.
“Let’s go.” Owen pursed his lips.
Hailey hummed in acknowledgment, and before she could lift her foot, Owen took hold of her hand.
She frowned, about to speak when Owen cut her off, “Your two sisters are following behind.”
1/3
Chapter 16
Hailey froze, a gentle smile spreading across her face. She looked up at Owen. “Thanks for the heads up?
Owen smiled, opened the car door, and carefully raised his hand to shield Hailey’s head from the door frame.
The two got in the car, and Richard started the engine shortly after.
“What do you want to eat?” Owen asked.
Hailey thought for a moment before replying, “Spicy stuff, I guess.”
Owen paused for a moment, then nodded.
Soon, the car stopped at a barbecue restaurant.
Hailey loved spicy food, so she ordered it extra spicy.
Richard didn’t come in, leaving the car keys with Owen before leaving.
He was still a bit worried and hoped nothing went wrong tonight as Owen couldn’t handle spicy food.
Owen and Hailey were sitting face to face. Since both of them weren’t talkative, it felt a bit awkward.
Realizing he wouldn’t win over the girl this way, Owen changed his usual cool demeanor and started serving Hailey some food.
Following the spirit of reciprocity, Hailey also picked up a piece of mushroom for him.
Owen smiled, his voice low and gentle. “Thanks, honey. I love mushrooms.”
Hailey’s eyebrows twitched. “Mr. Calhoun, there’s no one else here; you don’t have to call me that.
Owen continued serving her food, replying naturally, “That won’t do. When playing a role, we must commit to it fully. Whether in private or in public, we need to maintain the couple act.”
Hailey took a deep breath, speechless as she said inwardly, ‘Alright, since I used him to cancel the engagement, I owe him at
favor
“Oh, and Mr. Calhoun, we were in a rush last time, and I didn’t get to ask how long do we need to pretend to be a couple?” she asked.
Owen thought for a moment before replying. If possible, I’d say at least six months”
That was a bit long for Hailey. “How about three months?” she said.
When he heard this, Owen’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Hailey, do you have someone you like?”
Hailey shook her head. “Nope, just think it’s more convenient doing things alone.
Owen felt relieved, adding, “Sometimes, two can be more convenient too.”
That sounded suggestive, but Hailey didn’t respond.
During the barbecue, Rose called Hailey. She sounded overly flattering, trying to find out where Hailey and Owen were eating
Hailey brushed her off with a couple of vague replies and hung up.
After finishing dinner, Owen drove her home.
2/3
06:15 Fri, 28 Mar
Chapter 161
Arriving at the Dalton family’s villa, he walked her to the door and even went in to say hi to Rose and the others before leaving, lest they might give her a hard time.
Though Hailey wasn’t one to be easily bullied, he was still overly concerned about her.
As soon as Owen left, Rose’s face changed.
Aiden hadn’t gotten off work yet at this hour.
Hailey couldn’t be bothered to act, heading straight upstairs to her room.
“Hold it,” Rose commanded.
Hailey obediently stopped at the stair landing, turning back with a slight raise of her brow, “What’s up?”
It looked like Rose wasn’t going to play the doting stepmom anymore.
93% #
“I’m warning you, Hailey, have some self–awareness. Coming from the slums, do you really think you can marry into the Calhoun family? Rose’s face was full of disdain and contempt.
“You’d better break up with Owen soon and let Selena be with him. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being merciless.”
Hailey laughed out loud. ‘Not pretending anymore, huh! I thought you had more patience”
Rose’s face turned ashen
Hailey stopped laughing, her aura suddenly changing as she walked toward Rose.
“What do you want? Rose instinctively backed away
Hailey’s gaze was icy, looking at Rose as if she were looking at a dead person. “It’s because of mothers like you that Selena came that way.”
Rose, protective of her daughter, found this version of Hailey terrifying, as if the girl might pull out a knife and stab her any second.
Fuming and tearful, she pushed Hailey brutally
Instantly, Hailey seemed to lose her balance, her frail body talling her head hitting the corner of the table. Blood gushed
“Rose, what are you doing! At the same time, a furious shout came from the doorway
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