After a few moments of silence, Wyneth opened the car door and climbed in, stating her destination. Ronnie did not say much else, simply shifting gears and setting off.At this time of day, the roads were bustling with cars, making their progress less than smooth. Waiting for a traffic light felt like an eternity. Wyneth stared out the window at the towering buildings, passing cars, and receding strips of greenery, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts."And where is he, having you stay just to drive me somewhere?" she asked.Ronnie responded with a chuckle. "Don't worry, Ms. Walford, Mr. Hamilton took one of the cars from the Hamilton Old Mansion to the hospital."Upon hearing this, Wyneth fell silent. 'Indeed, the Hamilton family is hardly short of cars. Hayden wouldn't be so foolish as to hail a taxi. What am I worrying about for no reason?'Ronnie, however, was somewhat intrigued. He had initially assumed that given her earlier indifference, Wyneth would have stopped concerning her
There was a brief pause as she made up her mind. Wyneth would have to meet him sooner or later, given her decision. "Later. I'm heading to the hospital now. Calm your grandfather down first; tell him I've gone to buy him a gift.""Alright." Hayden's tone bore a hint of smug satisfaction.This slight indication of joy was subtle, extremely low-key and nuanced. The average person would not have picked up on it, but Wyneth, having known Hayden for so long, caught it instantly. She pressed her lips together, hanging up the call swiftly.Ronnie watched her carefully. "Ms. Walford, where should we go now?""To the supermarket first, then the hospital."Since she said she would bring a gift, she should buy one first, or Benedict would not believe her."Alright, I'll take you to the supermarket right away.""Where's Wyneth?" Benedict was sitting on the hospital bed, his expression deeply troubled."She went back to prepare some food, why hasn't she returned? Hayden, did you upset her a
Wyneth flashed a warm smile as she approached. "I came in a bit of a hurry from the airport and didn't bring any gifts. I got some stuff from the supermarket on the way.""You sly little fox." Benedict chided affectionately, his eyes glistening, as he gripped Wyneth's hand. "There's no need to buy me anything. It's such a waste. The food you've prepared for me is the best gift. Thank you."He was clearly touched by Wyneth's presence. Though he recognized his own sense of desperation, he was reluctant to let go of this beautiful bond, eager to help his grandson hold onto it. Whether they could sustain it would depend on their shared destiny and Hayden's performance. Benedict spent a long time chatting with Wyneth about all sorts of things. Eventually, the old man, worn out, fell asleep leaning against the bed.Seeing this, Benjamin spoke in a whisper. "It's fine. I'll handle things here. You two go about your business. If he wakes up and asks for you, I'll call you.""Thanks, Grandp
The voice abruptly ceased upon spotting the figures within the elevator. At the same time, Hayden swiftly pulled Wyneth behind him. But the speaker, none other than Serena Pierce, had already locked eyes with Wyneth in a moment of surprise.'How can I describe those eyes? A fleeting glance, yet their beauty defies all conventional adjectives: They're spirited, clear like water, but with a touch of icy coolness. Like a frozen lake on the peak of a lofty mountain range. The most important thing is, they seem familiar, as if I've seen them somewhere before. No, no... I shouldn't be focusing on this woman right now,' Serena thought, snapping out of it."M-Mr. Hamilton..." Facing Hayden's icy gaze, Serena started trembling.'W-What did I just say? Did I just badmouth other artists in the company in front of Mr. Hamilton? I'm doomed. If there's one thing Hayden hates, it's his artists playing games and backstabbing each other. Once caught, best case scenario is that I'll be let go, at wor
"What do you mean, huh? It was just the two of us in that elevator, right?""But...""No buts, unless you're planning to terminate your current job."The assistant got the message and swallowed her next words. 'Alright, work first, gossip isn't important.'Serena let out a sigh of relief when her assistant did not pursue the topic further. She did not want her assistant to chatter away mindlessly—if she said something inappropriate, it could jeopardize Serena's own position. The mere thought of being fired by StarCrest Entertainment was enough to frighten her. However, she was also curious about who that woman was and why those eyes seem so familiar. But Serena could not recall where she had seen them before, no matter how hard she tried.The elevator reached the office floor before Hayden finally said, "We're here." His voice was no longer as cold as it had been and had regained some warmth.With an expressionless face, Wyneth stepped out from behind him. She had planned to just
'How could she not know with the ruckus we've caused?' Hayden wondered.In an attempt to dissipate any overthinking on Wyneth's part, he said, "If you're really uncomfortable keeping it, you could return it to Grandma yourself."At this, Wyneth held his gaze wordlessly. "If your grandma was willing to take it back, would I have come to you?""Well," Hayden reasoned, "since Grandma refuses to take it, if I were to accept it now, I'd probably get an earful."Wyneth was speechless.'So, he's afraid of a scolding?'It made sense. She had noticed that Gwendolyn and Benedict were less than kind in their conversations with Hayden, starkly different from his own mother. Gwendolyn was one thing; her mild temperament was evident. But Benedict was a different story; he spared no mercy when reprimanding Hayden, treating him not as an adult but rather a child.Processing this, Wyneth put the bracelet away. Neither of them had expected the conversation to end so swiftly. Both of them were peo
Today, she had smartened up and opted for a loose-fitting tracksuit. A baseball cap and oversized mask ensured her anonymity. Just as she was exiting the hotel, she spotted a Lincoln's extended SUV not too far off.Upon catching sight of her, Ronnie immediately lowered the window and waved. "Ms. Walford."Wyneth glanced at her wristwatch. It was only 10:55 am; they were early. She walked toward the vehicle, suitcase in tow. Once she reached them, Ronnie took the suitcase from her and stored it in the trunk."Thanks, Ronnie."As Wyneth bent to get into the car, her motion faltered. The small table in front of Hayden's seat had been flipped open and upon it sat a laptop. He had a Bluetooth headset in his ears and was casually staring at the screen, obviously in a video conference.Upon hearing her voice, he looked over, his icy gaze softened slightly, and his lips parted to speak. "You're here?"Wyneth hesitated for a moment before nodding and getting into the car. She did not make
Perhaps it was the softness that had seeped into Hayden's gaze that led them to believe that, just maybe, he was in a more agreeable mood. Thus, one person could not resist the itch to gossip and asked, "Mr. Hamilton, is this your girlfriend?"Hearing this, Hayden's eyes instantly turned cold. He looked into the camera, adjusting the laptop so the woman resting on his shoulder was hidden from view. Before, they had a glimpse of her forehead and hair; now, they could not even see their boss's face."If you have this much leisure time for gossip, why don't you consider changing careers and become a paparazzo?" He suggested icily.Silence. Their boss was still their boss. Even if he revealed a hint of tenderness for a woman, it had nothing to do with them."Time's about up. Let's wrap it up for today."Without waiting for any responses, Hayden abruptly ended the call. After shutting his laptop, he found that the woman resting on his shoulder remained undisturbed. He glanced at Wyneth
"I heard," Hayden sighed, thinking she might tell him not to touch her."What do you think?" Wyneth asked."Me?" A small smile formed on Hayden's lips as he gently kissed her. "It's whatever you want."Wyneth's eyes sparkled. "So, you'll listen to me?"Hayden hesitated. "Except...""What?" Wyneth's tone shifted to annoyance. "You aren't backing out, right? You just said it's up to me.""It's not that I'm backing out," Hayden said, "I just have one condition. I'll listen to you any other time, but there's one thing I can't do.""What thing?" Wyneth asked.Hayden leaned in and whispered in her ear. Wyneth's face turned a shade of pink, and she pushed him away, gasping."You're such a creep!" she exclaimed.Hayden took her wrist, drawing her close and kissed her earlobe. "What's the matter? Isn't this okay for us? Don't you think so?" As he kissed her, he began to unbutton her collar. His voice was low and smooth. "Just listen to me this one time. For everything else, whatever y
On the ride home from the hotel, tears rolled down Wyneth's cheeks nonstop. This time, though, she was not alone by the car window. She was nestled in Hayden's arms. He wiped away each tear, comforting her all the way."Don't cry. It's just a mix-up, okay? He said he's fine and will be around for a long time," Hayden whispered.Despite his soothing words, Wyneth's tears did not cease. Seeing this, Hayden, filled with concern, gently asked, "Is this not what you wanted?"Confused, Wyneth looked up. "What are you talking about? I'm beyond happy he's alive."Hayden smiled, gently wiping her eyes. "Then why are you still crying?""I'm crying because..." Wyneth bit her lower lip, with Hector's words echoing in her mind.She had always been upset, believing her father had not wanted her years ago. But just as she was about to leave, Cindy pulled her aside. "Wyneth," her mother said gently, "your dad did want you. When I divorced him, I had just one demand.""What was it?""I wanted o
Everyone was silent. Just before entering the private dining room, Wyneth blurted out, "Is he really dying?" Hearing this, Andrew's steps halted. Before he could answer, she added, "How long does he have? Why didn't anyone say anything before?"Andrew sighed and turned around. "Is that why you're here?" Wyneth pursed her lips. A wave of uncertainty washed over Andrew. 'This mom and daughter,' he thought, 'they're here because they got it all wrong. Mom is acting differently toward Dad, too. She was all tough before, but now she's gone soft, probably thinks Dad is dying. And Dad? He's just laughing, like he's having a good time with all this mess.' Andrew hesitated, then said, "Let's talk inside." He chose to hold his words for now.Hayden and Wyneth walked into the private dining room. Cindy was passing dishes to Hector. As they entered, every pair of eyes turned their way. A divorced couple and six sons stared at Hayden. Used to the predictable world of leadership, Hayden now ventur
In the end, Wyneth decided to stay. She could see the honesty in Matilda's words and knew she was sincere. Recognizing Matilda as not her birth mother made Wyneth realize she should not hold her to the same expectations. With acceptance, she focused on building her future with Hayden, freeing herself from doubts and reservations.With Wyneth's decision to stay, Matilda's heart swelled with joy and immense honor. Realizing Wyneth's sincere intentions, not merely chasing the Hamilton family's wealth, transformed their relationship. Matilda's newfound warmth toward her was evident. Gifts, once withheld, now freely flowed into Wyneth's room. At auctions, Matilda eagerly bid on items for Wyneth. During jewelry store visits, Matilda generously bought her gifts, swiping her credit card without hesitation, and welcoming her nearly as a daughter.Wyneth received a call from her mother. Even after so many years, her mom, Cindy, was still bossy. "Your father isn't doing well. You should come to
Just at that moment, a knock sounded from outside."Sir, your mother is back," someone said.Hayden could feel the person in his arms stiffen, her body tensed. "Don't worry, I'm right here," he reassured her softly."Your mother heard that Ms. Walford is here. She wants to see her," the voice from outside continued.'Meet me?' Wyneth bit her lower lip lightly. 'Why does she want to see me? To insult me again?'"She hasn't eaten yet. She can meet her after eating," Hayden said, gently turning down the request for Wyneth. Outside, everything fell silent."Won't this offend your mom?" Wyneth's voice filled with concern as she asked.Hayden looked at Wyneth, pausing for a moment before speaking. "I know she's been mean to you," he said. Wyneth's eyes widened in surprise. "I'm sorry." He bent down and lightly kissed her forehead. "You've been treated unfairly." Seeing her blink, he added, "Let's eat first. After that, I'll go with you."Wyneth was a bit nervous, but not as anxious a
Hector was speechless as Cindy mistakenly thought he was ill. Seeing her worried face, he felt the misunderstanding might not be so terrible. He shared a look with Andrew. His eldest son caught on immediately, giving a subtle head shake. Understanding the signal not to mislead Cindy any further, Hector hesitated before gently asking, "Can I see her? Even just a glance?" It had been many years since he last saw his daughter up close, and she had not called him "Dad" in all that time.Cindy, lost in thought, stared at Hector before finally nodding as if admitting defeat. "Fine, I'll call her."Later, Wyneth fell asleep. Upon waking, she found herself on the large bed in Hayden's bedroom. She saw Hayden sitting at the sofa, busy with a computer.Hearing her movement, Hayden immediately got up and walked toward her. "Awake? Thirsty or hungry? Want something to eat first?"Having slept through lunch, Wyneth was hungry, so she nodded. "Sure."After Hayden left to give some instructions,
'He shifts moods so fast,' Wyneth thought as she stared at her unattended ringing phone.Observing her delay, Hayden asked, "What's going on?"In his mind, a thought flickered, 'She seems reluctant to take the call. Perhaps there's tension with her eldest brother?'"He's calling now; must be about him," Wyneth whispered."About your dad?"They had decided to be together, and Wyneth did not hide anything from him. "Yeah, my dad."Hayden did not utter a single word."I don't like him," Wyneth softly said, staring at her ringing phone. "Answer it for me and say I'm asleep," she whispered to Hayden as she cozied up to him. Without a word, Hayden picked up the phone and conveyed the message before ending the call.After ending the call, a curious Hector asked, "Well? Where is she?"Understanding the situation, Andrew said, "She didn't answer the phone; she's asleep."Despite hearing the words, Hector felt something was off. He sighed, "She really doesn't like me.""Don't worry, D
"Trouble recognizing faces? What do you mean?" Hector Spencer asked.Andrew sighed. "Dad, he's Wyneth's ex-husband."Hector's eyes widened in surprise. "He is? No wonder I didn't recognize him. I must've barely seen him before.""Is that what's bothering you?" Andrew asked."What else would it be?" Hector replied, still taken aback.Andrew sighed. His dad, Hector, was good at many things and never stayed mad at people. But there was one funny thing about him: he could never remember faces of people outside their family. "You don't mind?" Andrew asked.Smiling, Hector replied, "Mind what? She's told everyone, so she must be ready. I've never been the dad she favored. If I object now, won't she dislike me even more?"Andrew was left speechless by this. He had not expected Hector to have no objections. "Seems like someone doesn't need your approval."Changing the topic, Hector asked, "What about your mom? Is she back?" He had been living alone for many years.Andrew exhaled. "I t
Everyone rushed to check out Wyneth's Facebook and, sure enough, they saw her admitting to the relationship, along with a freshly taken selfie.At first, Wyneth only wanted to write a post. But after Hayden tasted the joy of going public with their relationship, he suggested taking a wefie for the official announcement. Feeling his excitement, Wyneth agreed. They posted the wefie on Facebook, captioned "Officially Together". Yet, Hayden was not done. He captured another photo, this time holding her hand, eager to share their love with the world.Since Hayden was not a celebrity or idol, he had no fan feelings to fret over. Eager to declare his love, he did not hold back. His photo captured his sharp features and dark, gem-like eyes that shone under the camera lights. The image showcased his palm holding Wyneth's fair, slender hand. Their contrasting hands highlighted his affection, radiating warmly from the photo.After the photo came out, everyone was shocked. This included fans, p