Sophie was relieved upon hearing that.When she had heard that Hayden was married, she had been a bit bothered at first.However, she changed her mind after knowing that the Hamilton family had only found him a wife to dispel the misfortune he had when he was sick back then.She knew very well what Matilda was trying to say.Matilda was telling her that Hayden and his wife were not a real couple, and that his wife was a woman driven by money and status.She thought that genuine affection was the most precious thing to a high-positioned man like Hayden, so he probably did not have any feelings toward a woman like that.However, she just could not figure out why he would say something like that if he did not like his current wife.She could not help but wonder, 'Is he assuming that I'm just the same as his wife? Did he purposely say that because he thinks I'm after his wealth as well?'If that's really the case, I've got to give it a shot and test this man out.'Wyneth had no id
Samatha kept silent. Indeed, she could not understand.Elsewhere, Wyneth went back to her room to unpack. She was still staying in Hayden's room. Since she would be staying there for a few days, she took her toiletries out and placed them in the bathroom.Hayden rarely stayed in the old mansion, so there were hardly any traces of him in the room, and the toiletries and towels on the countertop were all brand new. Although Hayden would use them occasionally, the maid would replace them with new ones if he did not come back for an extended period of time.Wyneth was exhausted after unpacking, so she went to take a bath.Hayden came back to the mansion with a cold expression on his face. After coming in, he instinctively asked, "Where's Wyneth?"The maid paused for a moment before replying, "Young Madam went back to the room to rest after chatting with Mrs. Hamilton Sr."Hayden was taken aback upon hearing that, and the tension is his mind eased.'I thought that she'd find an excus
Hayden was stunned as he saw Wyneth bending over in front of the cabinet, revealing her long and flawless legs.She was checking every compartment, opening them one by one as she with a frown."I still can't find it."She was about to stand upright and ask Hayden about it again as she spoke. However, when she lifted her gaze, she jolted in surprise as she saw Hayden standing there."Wh-When did you come inside?"Wyneth subconsciously pulled the towel tighter around her body.She felt rather awkward around Hayden in a situation like this, but considering what had happened between them earlier, he felt like there was nothing to be awkward about."Just now."Wyneth felt the man's cold aura approaching as he spoke. Then, Hayden stood beside her while half of his chest pressed against her snowy shoulder. Wyneth frowned but she stayed still.After a moment, Hayden opened the cabinet above their heads and asked, "How many towels do you need?""Just one is enough."She knew that Hay
Hayden stared at her silently for a while before going into the bathroom.After some time, Wyneth suddenly felt the other side of the bed sinking. The sudden sinking sensation made her, who never had a strong sense of security, frown and open her eyes.Then, she saw Hayden lying beside her after coming out of the shower with a fresh scent of soap lingering on his body.Wyneth could not process what was happening because she was still only half awake. She lay there and locked eyes with Hayden for a while before she realized what was happening. Then, just as she was about to sit up, she heard Hayden say, "I'm just taking a nap. I won't do anything to you."Upon hearing that, Wyneth stopped still.She pursed her lips and in a hushed and drowsy voice, she asked softly, "Can't you sleep on the sofa?"Hayden stared at her."The sofa's too hard."'Too hard? I think the leather sofa's pretty nice to sleep on. However, it's true that it's not as comfortable as the bed. After all, he's a
'Yeah, he's the one who should be worried, not me. Why'd I get so nervous and chase after him?'Wyneth looked at Hayden and could not help but chuckle coldly."You're right," she responded in an icy and detached tone.Hayden was taken aback after seeing the cold smile on her beautiful face. He frowned. "You...""I care about their feelings more than you do. Is that what you want me to say?"Hayden's lips stayed pursed as he remained silent."Grandpa's getting older and his health is getting worse. If it weren't for your grandparents' sake, do you really think that I'd willingly be here and playing along with your little act?" Wyneth continued in a chilly voice, completely different from how she had spoken to him after running out of the bathroom to his study in a towel back then.It was completely different from her coquettish attitude the other night when she had gotten drunk and clung to him."You can leave and sleep in the guest now room, but I can also pack my things and ge
Wyneth knew that she had gone too far by saying that. Perhaps Hayden had made her too angry earlier.Hayden laughed with a hint of anger as he said while gritting his teeth."You can take my sofa away from me too if you wish. I'll just sleep on the floor, okay?"Wyneth was left speechless.'Whatever. I don't have the energy to deal with him anymore.'Wyneth looked away from him and got back into the bed. She was exhausted and she had only woken up because Hayden interrupted her sleep. Very soon, Wyneth drifted back into her dreams.However, Hayden did not close his eyes again. Instead, he lay there and stared blankly at the white ceiling.Wyneth was woken up by a phone call. It was already dark outside and the room was pitch black.She could not see anything, so she did not know if Hayden was still in the room. She picked up her phone and answered the call."Hello?"Wyneth's voice was still sleepy."Hello, am I speaking to Ms. Walford?"An unfamiliar woman's voice came from
'If it's so important to her, why would she treat it like this? She didn't even take it when she left and just forgot about it like that. I can't believe that she couldn't even remember it when someone asked her about it.'Wyneth stood there as her eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness. Then, she saw Hayden sitting on the sofa facing her. He was staring at her in the dark.Wyneth replied softly after remaining quiet for a while, "It is very important.""Why didn't you take it with you then?"'Does she know how much effort I spent just to get it for her?'Wyneth sighed after hearing that question and said slowly, "The protective charm is very important to me, but you still lost it, didn't you?"Hayden kept quiet.She continued speaking. "I know you paid a high price for the protective charm, so it might be very valuable to you. However, for me, it's worthless."It was not the same protective charm that Wyneth used to have, so it would mean nothing to her no matter how expensiv
'This protective charm...'"Wyneth, what's up with this protective charm? It looks pretty expensive; how could you forget to take it home with you? I can't believe it. Thankfully, this hotel isn't the sketchy sort. Otherwise, it would definitely be long gone."Wyneth looked at the small crack on the protective charm. Normally, a trinket like this would be indistinguishable from any other. However, she could recognize her own protective charm because there was a small crack on it from when she had accidentally dropped it as a child.And the crack on this protective charm was exactly the same as the one she used to own."Wyneth, you've never opened that box, right?"Hayden's voice rang in her ears again.Wyneth pursed her pink lips.'Perhaps the reason he had to spend so much money on this protective charm isn't because it's a replacement for my previous one, but because it's the original?'But didn't he lose it back then? How did it end up in an auction then?'Wyneth could not
"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