Chapter 90
A man stood at the nurses‘ station, dressed in a black suit. He was tall and had a quiet presence
“Sir, here’s your medicine. The nurse placed the IV bottle in the basket and handed it over
But the man wasn’t paying attention. His eyes were fixed on a couple nearby, Hailey and Owen
He seemed lost in thought until the nurse called him again, twice, Snapping out of it, he nodded, took the medicine, and headed toward the ward
His mind was still elsewhere as he walked, turning a corner before stepping inside.
“Brother.” Henry’s weak voice came from the hospital bed. The man responded with a nod, taking off his coat. Underneath, he was dressed in black shirt, too,
Meanwhile, Owen was taking Hailey out for dinner. Halfway through, Hailey’s phone rang. It was her adoptive mother.
Lucia.
Lucia’s voice was warm. “Lydia is getting engaged right after Easter. Can you come back for it?”
Hailey’s brows lifted slightly. “Engaged? To whom?”
Lucia chuckled. “Tony, Xavier’s son, you remember him? He studied overseas, then worked in a big city for a couple of years. He came back recently and wants to start a business, something with tourism in the area.
“He and your sister were close when they were kids, and now they’ve reconnected. We’ve known him forever. He’s a good
guy.
Hailey pressed her lips together. “Mom, even if you knew him as a kid, he’s been gone for years. Do you really know what kind of person he is now? Isn’t this a little rushed?”
She already knew the man. In her previous life, Lydia had married Tony too.
At first, things seemed fine. Then, after she had a baby, things changed. Her body wasn’t quite the same, and Tony, being the shallow jerk he was, started cheating. When Lydia found out and asked for a divorce, he didn’t just refuse, he hit her
A guy like that was an absolute trash. She wasn’t about to let her sister make the same mistake.
“You’ll see when you come back. He’s a really good guy, handsome too, and he looks so honest, Lucia gushed on the other end. It was obvious she was thrilled about her future son–in–law.
Hailey rubbed her temples. Yeah, there was no talking her adoptive mom out of this. If she wanted to stop this engagement, she had to go home herself.
“Alright, Mom. I get it. I’ll come back,” she finally said.
Lucia chuckled. “It’s okay if you’re busy, don’t stress over it. I just wanted to tell you.”
Hailey forced a small smile. “I know.”
The second she hung up, her smile disappeared. She let out a slow breath.
“What’s wrong now?” Owen asked.
Hailey glanced at the bus ticket on her phone. “Lydia is getting engaged. I have to go back.”
1/3
Chapter 90
“When I’ll go with you he want wirken hentaines
Hailey baked up “Don’t you have ide
“Haley,
Owen smirked dry, I’m the one. If we day off, I take in
snored. “ou’re a terrible tra
ve a
He shrugged, completely elevhered “Well, I’m will the one signing the checks, so no one can complain
That she contiener, huh? Haley choked
lng
the
Hailey booked whigh–speed rail tickets. “There are seats for the fifth day after New Year. Let’s go with that
Owen nodded
After dinner, he went to pay the hall while Hailey headed to the bathroom. When she stepped out, she nearly bumped into Alice
Alice was dressed in a sleek black coast with a bold red dress underneath, way different from her usual elegant style. Tonight, she looked sultry, the kind of woman who turned heads
“Miss Dalton, what a coincidence Alice said smoothly, flashing a smile.
Hailey barely reacted, just humming in acknowledgment as she walked over to wash her hands.
Compared to Alice’s striking outfit, Hailey looked downright plain, like a college student grabbing a quick meal.
Alice gave her a once–over, and for a split second, a flicker of disdain crossed her face.
Men liked women who were sexy, glamorous, impossible to ignore. Alice had never officially been with Owen, but she refused to believe he was really into Hailey’s simple look when he had options like her
“Miss Dalton, are you here with Mr. Calhoun?” she asked casually.
Hailey nodded.
Alice’s smile stayed put, but there was something calculating in her eyes. “Really? What’d you guys eat? I remember Owen doesn’t like spicy food. This place is full of it, he’s never come here before.”
Hailey blinked. “Yeah, I know. That’s why we got the double–flavored broth”
Alice’s smile faltered for a second, but she didn’t say anything else. They left the restroom, one after the other
Theard something happened to Miss Selena Dalton recently. Any idea how she’s doing?” Alice asked, her tone casual. Hailey gave a small smirk. “Shouldn’t you know better than me, Miss Gibbs?”
Alice let out a soft laugh, her expression calm “How would I know? You’re funny”
Hailey just raised an eyebrow but didn’t bother replying.
Just then, Owen walked over. His gaze swept past Alice, his expression unchanged.
Alice beamed “Happy New Year. Owen.”
“Happy New Year” he responded flatly. He didn’t ask why she was here, didn’t seem to care. Instead, he turned to Hailey. wrapping her scarf around her neck and slipping gloves onto her hands. Then, he nodded politely at Alice. “Well go
82%
Chapter 90
Alice suddenly looked sad. “Owen, can you give me a ride? My car’s in for maintenance, and my driver’s busy. It’s pretty hard to get a cab around here this late”
Owen didn’t really want to bring her along, but turning her down outright would make him seem cold. If he agreed, though, Hailey would definitely be annoyed.
Between being polite and keeping his girlfriend happy, the choice was easy. “I can call a cab for you,” he said.
Alice’s face fell slightly. “I thought about that, but it’s already so late… and you’ve heard the stories, right? It’s not exactly safe for a woman to take a taxi alone at night.”
Now, if he refused, he would seem heartless.
Before he could say anything, Hailey smiled. “Then just come with us. It’s true that taxis can be risky sometimes.”
Alice turned to her, a little surprised, then smiled. “Thank you.”
Hailey’s tone was light. “No problem.”
The three of them walked out of the restaurant. Hailey stepped ahead and opened the passenger door for Alice.
Alice hesitated. She hadn’t expected Hailey to be so… accommodating. Til sit in the back, Alice offered.
Hailey smiled. “No way. Owen can take the backseat.”
“Huh?” Alice blinked, caught off guard.
Hailey just gestured to the seat. “Come on, get in.”
With no other choice, Alice slid into the car. But as soon as she did, she saw Hailey moving to the driver’s seat, keys in hand. Alice’s expression stiffened. She turned to Hailey, “Wait… you’re driving?”
