Chapter 24
At the thought of Hailey, Owen’s features softened considerably
Leaving Harvest Films & TV, Owen had originally planned to return to his company. But instead, he found himself pulling up in front of Everion High School.
After parking, Owen leaned back against his seat, lost in thought for a moment before chuckling to himself. “Who would’ve thought–1, too, will fall victim to lovesickness? And it has only been a few days since I last saw her
Now that he was here, Owen figured he might as well find an excuse to go in and take a look. After sitting in his car for at while, he scrolled through his contacts, found Nicolas’s number, and dialed.
The Calhoun and Medrano families had business ties, so they had each other’s numbers.
Nicolas was dining in a private room with Hailey and Casey when he saw the call. He stared at his phone for a long moment. “This is unusual. The cool, reserved, and distinguished Owen is calling met Something urgent, maybe? Nicolas thought.
“You two go ahead and eat. I’ll step outside for a moment,” Nicolas said, rising from his seat.
“Alright,” Casey responded, picking up her fork to place a piece of beef on Hailey’s plate. “Try this, Hailey. It’s really good.” Casey genuinely adored Hailey–beautiful, smart, confident, and sharp. To her, Hailey was the ultimate role model. If only she didn’t dress so plainly. That had to be because of the Daltons, those shameless people who never treated her right. Thinking this, Casey felt indignant on Hailey’s behalf. She should have grown up as a pampered, cherished young lady, bur instead, she had endured nothing but hardship.
“Thanks, Casey.” Hailey said, flashing her a sincere smile.
The two had bonded quickly. They clicked instantly and soon found they could talk about anything. Well, mostly, Casey did the talking while Hailey listened.
Casey had a knack for storytelling–she could make even the most ordinary things sound dramatic and exciting. Outside the private room, Nicolas answered the call. “You want to start an education foundation?” he asked, surprised.
Nicolas wondered, “Owen isn’t short on money, and he has plenty of foundations under his name already. If he wants to start another, he can easily do so. Rich people doing charity work isn’t exactly unheard of. But what does this have to do with me?”
“T’d like you to be the chairman of this foundation,” Owen explained. If he wanted to pursue Hailey, winning over her uncle was a necessary first step.
“Me?” Nicolas was baffled.
zight now, Mr. Medrano! I’d like to
“Where are you discuss this with you in person,” Owen asked.
“Now’s not the best time,” Nicolas replied, clearing his throat. “See, I’m having dinner with my daughter and niece right now.
There was a brief pause on the other end before Owen spoke again, his tone seemingly casual. “If I’m not mistaken, your niece is Hailey, isn’t she?”
Nicolas immediately picked up on the way he said her name. That sounded way too familiar.
Then came a deep, low chuckle through the phone. Owen said, “I suppose you don’t know yet–I’m in a relationship with Hailey.
Chapter 24
Hearing this, Nicolas froze,
“So,” Owen continued, “will you tell me where you’re dining now?”
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Fifteen minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up in front of a barbecueant. Owen stepped out. His elegance and cool demeanor turned heads as he walked inside, his presence commanding attention.
Without hesitation, Owen headed for the second floor and stopped outside Room 201, Just as he was about to knock, the door swung open from the inside,
Owen was met with Hailey’s gaze. His deep eyes, like an endless ocean, held an intensity that was impossible to ignore.
Hailey stared for a moment, momentarily dazed, before snapping back to reality quickly. She asked, “What are you doing here?
The way Hailey blinked at him, looking a little dazed, was surprisingly adorable. Owen had the sudden urge to ruffle her hair but held himself back.
They were only pretending to be a couple, after all. Owen didn’t want to overstep and make her uncomfortable.
Looking down at her, Owen replied, a rare warmth lighting his features, “I’m here to discuss business with Mr. Medrano.”
“Yeah, an excellent excuse, Owen thought.
Hailey nodded and stepped aside. “My uncle’s inside. You can go in.”
“Where are you going?” Owen couldn’t help but ask. ‘Surely, she isn’t leaving the moment I arrive?‘ he wondered.
Why does he need to know? Hailey murmured to herself before answering in a small voice, “The restroom.”
Only then did Owen relax, nodding slightly before stepping inside. Inside the private room, Nicolas and Casey were sitting
at the table.
Owen’s presence had an instant chilling effect. The second he entered, their conversation halted.
Casey, ever the icebreaker, smiled and greeted him, ‘Nice to meet you, Mr. Calhoun. I’m Casey Medrano–Hailey’s cousin.”
Casey had no idea about Owen and Hailey’s supposed relationship. Nicolas had planned to bring it up, but with Hailey there earlier, he didn’t want to embarrass her.
When Owen heard the overly formal “Mr. Calhoun,” his eyes narrowed slightly. His tone was calm but firm as he corrected her, “Ms. Medrano, Hailey is your cousin. There’s no need to be so polite. Besides, I’m dating her. You’re welcome to call me Owen.”
Casey nearly choked on her drink. She thought, ‘Excuse me? My cousin–Hailey? Is dating Owen Calhoun, the head of the Calhoun Group, the most powerful among the Four Great Families?‘
Casey’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. ‘Hailey’s seriously that impressive? And judging by Owen’s attitude, he seems eager to make things official. This isn’t at all like the aloof, untouchable Owen from the rumors.”
“Ahem.” Nicolas cleared his throat and shot Casey a look, telling her to get it together.
act like she is the one
‘Hailey is incredible in her own right. She isn’t the one who has to prove her worth. There’s no need to act lucky to be with Owen, Nicolas thought.
Soon, Casey straightened up, slipping back into her usual composed demeanor. She thought, “That’s right. Hailey’s amazing -there is no reason to sell herself short,”
Chapter 24
Nicolas then turned to Owen. “Mr. Calhoun, when exactly did you and Hailey start dating?” As her guardian, he had to
Owen answered smoothly. “The second day after she arrived in Hallon City. It was love at first sight for me, so I pursued her right away. We got together soon after.”
Instantly, Nicolas’s brows furrowed. Hailey hasn’t been in the city long. And yet, she’s already agreed to date Owen? A girl who is too easily won over won’t be cherished:
Just like that, Nicolas’s protective instincts kicked in. Something about Owen set off his alarms. And he gave off the vibe of a player.
Love at first sight was just lust at first sight. So Nicolas wasn’t buying it. He was against this marriage!
Just then, the door opened, and Hailey walked back in. “Uncle, Casey, I’m back.”
“Take a seat. Hailey.” Nicolas said seriously. “Let’s talk about you and Mr. Calhoun.”
Hailey blinked, then turned to Owen, puzzled. He smiled at her, looking perfectly at ease.
Still confused, Hailey hesitated before sitting down, sneaking another glance at Owen, asking what was going on silently.
Seeing her worried expression, Owen took out his phone and sent her a message. [Your uncle and cousin know we’re dating]
AD
