Chapter 77
“Alright, fine.” Hailey pouted in defeat.
Hailey knew Owen was right–her period was coming, and she was not supposed to drink anything cold.
Truthfully, if Owen had not mentioned it, she would not have remembered at all.
Even so, she still felt the need to protest. “You’re so fierce!
Fine, I won’t drink! But does he have to be so fierce? she thought unhappily.
Owen let out a quiet laugh. “If I’m not a little strict with you, how else am I supposed to keep you in check
Hailey huffed lightly and turned her head away.
To her and Owen, this was just playful banter.
But for Christopher, it was an uncomfortable sight. He quickly interrupted, “I’ll get the drinks”
Eliza murmured a quiet agreement.
Owen, being the designated driver, refrained from drinking.
In the end. Hailey had a small glass of vodka, while Christopher and Eliza drank a little more. After a few rounds of cards, they finally wrapped things up.
At the same time, some unexpected guests arrived at the Dalton Mansion.
It was Selena and her family.
“Weren’t you the ones who said you wouldn’t be coming? So why are you here now, at this hour?” Thomas asked.
His expression alone was enough to make it clear–he was not happy to see them.
But Selena’s family was thick–skinned–there was no way a single remark would make them leave.
Aiden plastered on a smile and stepped forward. “Dad, how can you say that? It’s New Year’s Day–of course, we should be spending it together as a family. Right, Kenneth?”
Kenneth remained silent.
Thomas’s face remained stormy, but he did not say anything either.
Despite his big ambitions and limited abilities, Aiden had not actually caused any real harm.
Aiden was good with words and knew how to say all the right things. And since he was well aware that Thomas did not like him, he played the part of the obedient son, at least on the surface, never doing anything outright disrespectful.
Everyone sat down, the air thick with an awkward silence.
Suddenly, Selena asked, “Hailey isn’t home?”
Isaac answered, “Hailey and Eliza went out.”
“It’s already so late at night, why are they still out? That’s not safe at all.” Selena remarked.
“They’ll be fine. Owen’s with them, Thomas said firmly
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Selena pouted but did not argue. Instead, she got up. Tm going to the restroom:
However, no one responded
Without waiting for acknowledgment, Selena walked off.
Meanwhile, Aiden started talking about business–he had someone he wanted to promote
Seeing that no one was paying attention to her, Selena made her way upstairs instead.
Hailey’s room was on the second floor, but Selena was not exactly sure which one it was
Still, given how much Thomas doted on Hailey, it was bound to be the best room on that floor–the one with the nicest viewi
Jealousy bubbling within her, Selena made her way to the first room on the left of the second floor and pushed the door
open.
The room was impeccably organized, featuring a bright yellow color scheme that was both soothing and harmonious, suggesting a carefully curated design.
Selena strolled in leisurely, shut the door behind her, and locked it before taking in her surroundings.
She started by rummaging through the bedside table and desk.
Everything was spotless–no clutter, no unnecessary mess.
Then, Selena’s gaze landed on a laptop on the table.
Selena walked over and opened the laptop.
The laptop had not been turned off; it just needed a password.
After trying a few passwords without success, Selena grew anxious. She feared she might be caught if she stayed much longer.
After a few seconds of silence, Selena suddenly thought of a person’s birthday and typed 0706 into the laptop.
At that moment, a gentle chime sounded as the laptop unlocked.
0706 was Valerie’s birthday, a detail Selena had once heard from her parents. Since it was close to her own birthday, it had always been easy for her to remember.
The desktop displayed the system’s default wallpaper, and after a quick glance, Selena saw nothing unusual.
She opened a document and narrowed her eyes. A smile spread across her face.
She seemed to have discovered a big secret.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
Isaac’s voice could be heard from outside. “Selena, what are you up to in there?”
Selena quickly straightened up and shoved the items into her pocket before opening the door. She crossed her arms and looked at Isaac. “Why are you so nervous, Isaach
“I just came in to take a look. It’s not like I was planning to burn the place down or anything.”
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Taac eyed her suspiciously. Don’t you think it’s rude to enter someone else’s room without permission?”
Selena raised an eyebrow and retorted. “Hailey is my sister, What’s so rude about me going into my sister’s mom?
“Then why did you lock the door? Isaac asked.
“Oh that? I just lock doors out of habit. You’re overreacting, Isaac,” Selena said casually, walking out of the room with her
arms folded
Isaac, seeing no other option, pulled out his phone and sent a text to Hailey.
Hailey did not respond right away, but after about half an hour, she replied: We’re on our way back now. We’ll talk more after 1 get back.]
After dropping Hailey and Eliza off, Owen left without entering the Dalton Mansion
By the time they returned, Selena’s family was still there.
As soon as Selena saw Hailey, she quickly turned her head away.
Hailey narrowed her eyes slightly.
“Something’s fishy,” she thought.
However, Hailey remained silent, simply walking over to greet Aiden and the others with composure.
They had not completely fallen out yet, so she had to keep up the facade.
Aiden, playing the role of a caring father, asked with fake concern, “How have you guys been lately, Eliza and Hailey? I hope you haven’t caused your grandfather any trouble!”
Eliza, slightly fearful, hid behind Hailey.
Hailey replied casually, “Thank you for your concern, Dad. Eliza and I are both doing well.”
Thomas added. “These two girls are very obedient, they don’t find me bothersome at all.”
“That’s good, that’s good…” Aiden said.
Hailey said, “You’re here at this hour, Dad. What’s going on?”
Aiden smiled broadly, looking especially pleased tonight. “Our company recently discovered a new talent. She’s got a lot of potential. I plan to set up a personal management agency for her and give her all the support she needs.
“She’ll definitely be an award–winning actress in the future.”
Hailey raised an eyebrow slightly. “She sounds impressive. Who is she?”
“She’s a newcomer, having only played a few minor roles so far, but her talent is undeniable. And she’s absolutely stunning Her eyes remind me of a renowned actress from an earlier era.
“She has an irresistible charm, and with the right kind of promotion, she’ll surely rise to stardom.” Aiden said.
Seeing how enthusiastic Aiden was and how Rose had barely spoken the entire evening, everyone immediately understood what was going on.
The newcomer Aiden wanted to promote was his new mistress.
Hailey lowered her head and gave a slight smile. “If you think she has potential, then I have no objections.”
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She did not voice any opposition.
Aiden’s eyes lit up. He had not expected the only person in the family to support him would be Hailey.
Immediately, Aiden found himself viewing Hailey in a more favorable light.
“Did you see that, Dad? Even Hailey thinks it’s a good idea,” Aiden said.
Thomas gave Hailey a probing look.
Isaac also cast a quick glance at Hailey, momentarily uncertain of what she was trying to do.
Hailey’s expression was impassive as she said, “I’m not well–versed in company matters, but I believe everything should be done with innovation and passion. Giving an independent agency to a newcomer might seem excessive, but what if she ends
becoming extremely successful?”
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