The mention of Finn's name plunged Wyneth into silence once again. Let us not even discuss the improbability of Finn agreeing to appear; the mere sight of her might send him into a rage. Just the thought made Wyneth shudder. She muttered, "Perhaps it's better if he doesn't come."Lauren thought she had misheard. "What?" After collecting herself, she asked tentatively, "Are you talking about Finn? W-Why not?"In response to Lauren's cautious query, Wyneth's expression remained unfazed. "I just think that he won't come."Disheartened, Lauren drooped. "Yeah, you're right. He's worked incredibly hard to get where he is today, especially in his creative work. He wouldn't have time for variety shows like ours. Besides, our show is a small one. Even Giada didn't show us any respect."Wyneth remained silent.Everyone else went out and gathered together, the show on a temporary hiatus due to the sudden turn of events. They all sat down to eat after freshening up. Henry and Derek did not sh
"So, I would still like to urge you to consider our show." The director pleaded, "If Finn agrees to come, we'll most certainly show our complete sincerity.""I'm sorry, he really can't make it. Perhaps another time, when there's an opportunity for collaboration," Anna said and hung up the phone.She thought that should have been the end of it. But barely a moment had passed when the director sent a file and a voice note.Director: [This is our shooting schedule and cast. Have a look and then let me know.]While the director was doing this, the crew was watching."I don't think we have a chance. She refused outright," one commented. "What other option do we have? It's better to beg a top star than to grovel before another."If Finn agreed to come, he would outshine a hundred Giadas, but the chance of that happening seemed less than slim.Anna had a habit of not underestimating anyone. So, when the director sent her the document, she gave it a thorough look, despite finding the di
When Anna realized the Wyneth that was participating in the variety show was Finn's sister and not just someone sharing the name, she hesitated. 'How am I going to tell Finn about this? Knowing his temperament, he'd rush to find his sister, but...' After mulling over it, Anna decided to tell Finn straight away. Given his protective nature toward his sister, he would seek her out sooner or later even if Anna kept this to herself.On hearing the news, Finn thought he must have misheard. "What? A variety show? Wyneth?" Finn stared at Anna. "That can't be. Doesn't one have to be in the entertainment industry to appear in a variety show?""Right."Finn stared blankly for a long while, finally comprehending. "Wyneth is in the entertainment industry?"Anna put a hand on his shoulder. "Take a deep breath. Calm down.""Calm down? How am I supposed to calm down? Why would she want to dive into this pit of vipers that's the entertainment industry?" Despite Anna's effort to restrain him, she
Wyneth was directed back to her morning task. As the cameraman took his position, she swiftly left the scene. Because her phone was set to silent, she did not even notice the flurry of messages from Finn.Finn: [Wyn? Where are you now?]Finn: [Have you joined the entertainment industry?]Finn: [Not answering? Is that a yes?]Finn: [You little rascal, why didn't you tell me you were entering the showbiz?]Finn: [Still no reply? Are you too scared to speak up? Talk to me. I won't scold you.]Anna watched helplessly as Finn texted Wyneth, a sigh of resignation escaping her lips. "Enough, Finn. She's on a reality show now, probably surrounded by cameras. How can she respond to you?"Finn, realizing she had a point, put his phone away. "You're right; she's probably being filmed right now. Is that why she was so strange on the phone earlier?""What else could it be?" Anna cautioned him, her tone even and steady, "Remember not to startle her when you get to the studio. If you have any
Finn instantly dropped his tantrum, walking forward nonchalantly. Suddenly, the pair of important shoes did not seem so important anymore.Anna was speechless. 'He really has a classic sister complex.'The director of the show guided them further into the place. The further they went, the darker Finn's expression became. 'What on earth is this place? It's filthy everywhere and reeks of all sorts of peculiar smells.'Anna did not need to look back to know Finn's obsession for cleanliness was kicking in, but she held her tongue. After all, none of this held a candle to the significance of his sister. They soon ventured into the farm, a place considerably different from the outside. It was simple and modest, but the cleanliness was evident, lifting Finn's mood a tad. He kept his mask on, hiding his facial expressions but his aura was impossible to miss.Once again, Finn scanned the surroundings but found no sign of Wyneth, his impatience growing. 'Where the hell did that girl run off
'Who could have imagined her enduring such a place...?' Anna could not bear to watch, an inward gasp wringing from her. 'She's the Spencer family's precious jewel, adored by all. And here she is, doing these humble chores, all for a reality show.'The director had picked up on Finn's foul mood. The other crew members stayed silent after his harsh words, not daring to respond. Only one brazen soul dared to reply, "It's not our perverse sense of humor, really. Modern audiences crave novelty, a glimpse of big stars stripped of their glitz and glamor, experiencing rural life. That's the latest trend.""Is that so?" Finn's voice remained frosty. "So, whatever the masses want, you film? Do you live solely to serve the masses?"The director coughed awkwardly a couple of times, then called for a halt to the filming and cleared the set. "We're pausing shooting for now, a minor hiccup. Everyone, take a break."Upon his command, everyone retreated the way they came, approaching the camera cre
Finn made numerous heartfelt apologies to Wyneth, who stood unmoving. His demeanor was comparable to a misbehaving dog pleading for his master's forgiveness. "I'm sorry, Wyneth. I messed up. Please, forgive me."Wyneth was not upset. But if she did not feign indignation, her elder brother would not back off. A throbbing headache began forming at the base of her skull. "Okay, you're forgiven. Now please, shut up.""Right away!" Instantaneously, Finn's pitiful look evaporated, and he gently tugged at her arm. "Let's take this outside."Only then did she recall that her fastidious brother had been standing beside her, apologizing incessantly. "Your obsession with cleanliness is cured?"A dark scowl marred Finn's face. "No. That's why I'm asking you to step out.""Quite an achievement," Wyneth said, noting that Finn had managed to stand by her side, enduring the grime and chatter.As Wyneth took the lead to move outside, Finn trailed behind, immediately shedding his outer coat once t
Finn was growing increasingly frustrated. "Why didn't you tell me before you decided to enter showbiz?"His reaction was uncannily similar to Bruce's when he found out she was joining the entertainment industry. Wyneth knew them both too well, hence her decision to keep them in the dark. "And if I had told you, would you have approved?""Absolutely not."Hearing his answer, the corner of Wyneth's lips turned upward. "That's exactly why I didn't tell you. Why would I bother reporting my decisions to you when I know you'd object?" She was indeed aware of their concerns, so her following words were softer, gentler. "Don't worry. The company and manager I've signed with are very professional.""Who?""Luminary Productions.""Luminary Productions?" Finn's brow furrowed in contemplation. "And who's your manager?""Shaun.""So, it's Shaun."Upon hearing that Shaun was responsible for his sister, Finn's expression lightened a bit. "Shaun has a decent reputation in the industry, but he
"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