With regard to Facebook, the airport staff member took a quick peek, finding that they were still tagging her.[Where's the photo? You said you were going to take one; why haven't you posted it?][You guys actually believed her? How could she possibly get a picture? Please, don't shatter our image of Mr. Hamilton.][I'm dying of laughter here. Hasn't Hayden been visiting the set and giving flowers to Le Palais's leading lady, Gigi? Wasn't there news about their brewing romance just a while ago? Maybe today's mystery woman is Gigi.][I think it's Gigi too. After all, Hayden never visited any other female celebrities before.][Come on, as far as all that goes, Hayden never confirmed anything. They're just wild speculations. I don't believe Hayden would fall for someone like Gigi who just pretends to be innocent.]Because Gigi's name came up, they began to quarrel again. Seeing that they were not attacking her anymore, the airport staff member breathed a sigh of relief. She stealthi
Wyneth regarded them with a puzzled look."Do you know Mr. Hamilton?" The two female staff members gazed at her eagerly, their eyes shining with curiosity, hungry for some juicy tidbit.At this point, playing ignorant was obviously the best course. Wyneth feigned confusion. "Mr. Hamilton you're referring to is...?"At her words, the pair looked baffled."Oh—never mind.""If you don't know him, that's fine. We were just curious." With that, one of them quickly tugged the other away. "I told you; she really doesn't know him. Otherwise, her reaction would have been different.""True, she even asked us who Mr. Hamilton is. Sigh.""Well, not everyone is into celebrity gossip."When Wyneth emerged from the restroom, the VIP waiting lounge had largely cleared out. Hayden was leisurely packing away his laptop. She ignored him and moved to board her flight.After she had departed, Dexter murmured softly, "Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Walford has boarded.""Mm-hmm." Hayden nodded, picking up his
"Mr. Hamilton?" The coquettish voice echoed once again.Without lifting his gaze, Hayden responded impassively, "I'm afraid that's not possible."The rejection did not seem to faze the young woman. After all, this was Hayden; countless girls were eager to get his contact information. Therefore, his refusal was not unexpected. She was ready to make another attempt, lips parting, when Hayden's next words came out in an icy tone. "My wife wouldn't appreciate it."Not only was the woman taken aback, Wyneth, who had been preparing to sleep with her sleep mask on, froze as well. 'What nonsense is he spouting? What wife?'The young woman requesting Hayden's contact information stood frozen. "I-I didn't know you were married." Clearly not willing to give up, she thought Hayden was making up an excuse.Hayden's voice was even colder. "Is it wrong to keep a marriage private?"She was rendered speechless. Standing there, she stared at Hayden for a moment, her face pallid, before finally wal
'Wanting Hayden's contact number? Didn't they realize that he was harder and colder than stone? Actually, that's an understatement. He's got an icy demeanor that would put the chilliest iceberg to shame. Fortunately, I'm free of him now. Yet, who knows how many more young girls would entertain unattainable dreams about him?' Wyneth thought to herself, finding herself feeling a pang of pity for those girls.Before disembarking from the plane, Hayden's voice was heavy with instructions. "The butler's car will be at the exit. It's not my usual vehicle, so there's no need to worry about the license plate being recognized. I'll send you the license plate number to your phone. You go first."Wyneth paused briefly before responding, "Understood." She was the first to disembark. Once she reached the terminal, she received the message from Hayden. Without hesitation, she proceeded toward the exit. Soon, she spotted an attention-grabbing Rolls-Royce, its license plate matching the one Hayden h
They were so close that they could feel each other's breath. Wyneth could even discern the scent of cedar on him, cold yet profound. His handsome face was inches away from her own, so close that a slight forward lean would allow their lips to meet.Suddenly, Wyneth came back to her senses. She recoiled a few inches, distancing herself from Hayden. "What are you doing?"Hayden remained expressionless, his gaze focused on her lips. "Your makeup is smeared."'Makeup smeared?' Wyneth remembered taking off her mask after she got in the car. Wearing it all the way in the terminal and on the plane had been suffocating. 'Yes, the world is indeed more beautiful without a mask. Wait, when did I put on makeup?'Wyneth quickly fished a cushion compact out of her bag for touch-ups. Looking into the small mirror, she noticed her lipstick was smeared, the color spreading from the corners of her mouth. She remembered applying lipstick before leaving the house; she intended to go for a daily light
When he did not see her, he managed. But when he actually encountered her and witnessed her icy indifference, it was a cold reality he was not accustomed to. 'How can someone wear two different masks? When she's drunk, she...'"Serendora Archipelago?" Wyneth furrowed her brow. "A trip to Serendora Archipelago would take days. I don't have that kind of time."Finn was at a loss. "Why not?""I'm joining the cast of Cessation in a few days.""That soon?"She nodded. "Yes. So, you go to Serendora Archipelago alone.""But what's the point of me going if you're not there? I'll cancel it. Since your vacation is short, let's choose somewhere closer. I'll come get you now."Wyneth quieted for a moment before speaking in a soft voice, "I'm not in Frecford right now.""Not in Frecford? Where are you then?"Seeing the car had already stopped, Wyneth did not feel like explaining in detail. "I'm out with a friend. I'll call you back when I'm free," she said, and without waiting for Finn's r
The driver glanced back at Hayden, whose face was clouded over. Hayden sat for a moment, then with a stern face, he exited the car.After both passengers had left, the driver finally rolled down the window and took several deep breaths. He had thought Hayden was intimidating enough, but with the addition of Wyneth, he felt his heart might give out from sheer fright.Within the Hamilton residence, Samantha had been standing by the door as soon as she heard that Hayden and Wyneth were coming over. The sight of Wyneth stepping out of the car brought a delighted expression to her face."Ms. Walford."Hearing this address made Wyneth pause. Remembering that she was still pretending to be a couple with Hayden in front of his grandfather, she softly instructed Samantha, "While we're at the Hamilton residence, it's probably best if you call me Mrs. Hamilton."Samantha glanced at Hayden, who had followed Wyneth out of the car, and nodded in understanding. "Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Hamilton Sr.
With an implied meaning for Hayden to promptly ascend the stairs and not loiter around, disrupting the scene, Gwendolyn's gaze settled on him. Hayden, reading her expression and receiving no further acknowledgment from Wyneth, stood in silence for a moment before finally moving toward the staircase. "I'll go fetch Grandpa," he said.Once Hayden was out of sight, Gwendolyn, once again, tenderly took hold of Wyneth's hand. "You've got a lot on your plate," she murmured. She had been under the impression, after Wyneth's last visit, that the likelihood of seeing her again in this lifetime was remote. And yet, life had thrown them a curveball. Though she was not privy to all the details, the current state of this young couple spoke volumes. Gwendolyn, astute as she was, did not need further hints to infer the reality."No such thing," Wyneth countered softly."But in fact...""Grandma," Wyneth interrupted her gently, shaking her head in assurance. "It's alright, I'm still young."Her w
"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