Chapter 3
Hailey flashed a sly smile, her voice light and sweet as she said, “You two make a good point. Look, I grew up in a tiny town, so I can’t exactly compete with the kind of life you guys have had.
“I know I don’t belong in the high society. Maybe I should just go back to the Brown family. It’s not as fancy as this, but at least I’m happy there, and I get to live how I want.”
Before anyone could respond, Hailey didn’t even give her father a chance to speak. She grabbed her luggage and walked toward the door with no hesitation.
Selena went pale, a wave of panic washing over her. If Hailey leaves now, who’s gonna marry into the Blackwell family for me?
Eliza, equally frustrated, thought, ‘If Hailey leaves, does that mean I’m stuck marrying into the Blackwell family for Selena?
Christopher Blackwell had once been the picture of charm and elegance, but after a car accident, he was left disabled and disfigured, his personality turning violent.
Rumors said he had already killed a few women. But the Blackwell family had enough power to cover it all up. No one knew if a woman marrying into that family would even survive.
Selena couldn’t let that happen. She’d always dreamed of marrying into one of the top families. She quickly shot a desperate glance at her mom.
Rose immediately got up and rushed to stop Hailey before she could leave. “Sweetheart, why are you being so dramatic? Eliza didn’t mean anything by it–she’s just a kid. How can you hold that against her? Eliza, come on, apologize to your
sister.
Eliza was burning with frustration but, under Selena’s cold stare, reluctantly stood up, walked to Hailey, and muttered, “Sorry, Hailey.”
Hailey ignored her, raising an eyebrow. “What?”
Eliza’s face went bright red, and she repeated through gritted teeth, “Sorry.”
Hailey pretended to clean out her ears, acting surprised. “What? Did I hear a mosquito buzzing? It’s so noisy…” She glanced at Eliza with wide, innocent eyes. “Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Can you say it again?”
Eliza was about to explode. She turned to look at Selena, but Selena quickly turned her head away, pretending she didn’t see.
Reluctantly, Eliza raised her voice and said, “Sorry, Hailey.”
Hailey gave a satisfied nod, her smile sweet as pie. “Well, since you’re so sincere, I guess I’ll accept your apology… reluctantly.”
With that, she turned, walking up the stairs with grace. She glanced over her shoulder at Aiden. “Dad, is it okay if I pick my
own room?”
Aiden, without hesitation, nodded.
Hailey went straight upstairs and walked into the first room on the left. “I want this room.”
It was Selena’s room. Selena’s face immediately soured.
She stood up, trying to stay calm. That’s my room.”
Hailey tilted her head, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “Oh, really? I love this room. Would you mind letting me have it?”
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Chapter 3
It was the best room in the entire house–bright and spacious. There was no way Selena was just giving it up
“Hailey,” Rose said quickly, trying to sound sweet but firm, “your sister needs a room with lots of light. She’s sick. Why don’t you pick another one?”
After the earlier incident, Rose knew Hailey wasn’t someone to mess with, so she figured if she could keep Hailey happy, she could deal with the fallout later.
Hailey’s eyes filled with fake tears. She lowered her head and looked pitiful as she stood on the stairs, her voice soft and almost breaking. “But I’m sick too. The Browns told me I’ve had this illness since I was born.
“They said my mom wasn’t well when she was pregnant with me, and that’s why I have it. I really need a room with good sunlight, so I can get better.”
Aiden, being the soft touch he was, made the final call. “Alright, let Hailey have the room. She’s the older sister. It makes sense for her to stay in the best room.”
Selena and Rose both looked pissed.
Hailey smiled triumphantly. “Thanks, Dad.”
She knew her father couldn’t resist her when she mentioned her late mother. He always caved.
Turning to Selena, Hailey grinned. “You can go ahead and pack, sis. I’ll just be here waiting”
Selena ground her teeth, but with Aiden’s decision, she didn’t dare argue. She reluctantly headed upstairs to start packing.
It took her two hours to move everything into another room.
Meanwhile, Hailey strolled past her with her luggage and entered the room, carefully arranging her things.
Selena shot her a murderous glare. But when Hailey turned around, Selena’s expression immediately changed. The anger melted off her face, and she was smiling in an instant, as if she’d flipped a switch.
She said sweetly, “Sis, to celebrate your return to the Dalton family, Dad’s throwing a big party the day after tomorrow. We should go shopping tomorrow. Dad told me to pick out some beautiful dresses for you.”
Hailey played along with the whole act and flashed a smile. “Of course, no problem. Thank you, Selena.”
Selena was about to add something else, but Hailey interrupted with a big yawn and casually waved her off. “It’s getting late. Selena. Think I’m gonna hit the sack.”
Before Selena could respond. Hailey slammed the door shut with a loud bang.
Selena, who had almost been knocked over, stood there with a stormy look on her face, her eyes practically shooting daggers at the door, like she could burn a hole in it just by staring.
The next morning, after breakfast, Hailey, Selena, and Eliza headed out of the house together.
“Hey, Owen.” Eliza called out, her voice dripping with sweetness and flirtation.
Hailey followed her gaze.
Next door to the Dalton mansion was another house, even more grand and extravagant. A guy stood at the front gate.
He was tall, broad–shouldered, and rocking a perfectly tailored suit. When he heard Eliza’s voice, he looked up and glanced
their way.
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06-13 Fri, 28 Mar
Chapter 3
But his gaze immediately locked onto Hailey.
Even from a distance of several meters, Hailey could make out every detail of his face.
He was ridiculously good–looking, with eyes that seemed to pierce straight through you. His face was stone–cold. emotionless, giving off this unapproachable, don’t even think about it” vibe. He was like a freaking iceberg–no one could get close to him.
Compared to Eliza, Selena was much more reserved. She stole a couple of shy glances his way but didn’t say a word.
Eliza, knowing exactly what Selena was like, grabbed her hand and practically dragged her over. “Owen, when did you ger back? You didn’t even tell my sister. She hasn’t seen you in forever, you know? It’s been a month!”
“Eliza.” Selena shot her a fake glare, her little crush showing through like an open book.
Eliza definitely had feelings for Owen too, but she knew better than to make a move. Owen was Selena’s, and if she stepped out of line. Selena wouldn’t hesitate to give her hell.
As usual, Owen didn’t give anyone the time of day, his gaze flicking over them for a split second before turning away.
Owen was a guy who didn’t give a damn about anything except making money–that was common knowledge.
But today, something about him felt different.
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