Before Wyneth's words had even left her mouth, Yoyo thought the same. She could only think that way. But now that Wyneth had spoken it, she felt it was unlikely again.'If Hayden had an interest in Wyneth, he wouldn't have sent Gigi all those gifts in front of her.' At this thought, Yoyo sighed. "Even though it seems impossible, something about this doesn't sit right with me. Can things really be this coincidental?"All Wyneth could do was laugh. "Some things are just amazingly coincidental.""That's true." Yoyo added afterward, "Do you think anyone else in the industry might think the same way I do?""Even if they did, they'd realize it's not possible eventually.""True, true."Yoyo did not press further, and yet the smile at the corner of Wyneth's lips faded a bit. 'What exactly is Hayden up to? It's not a coincidence that so many stars suddenly trended,' Wyneth wondered.That day, Wyneth returned to Acrofburg. As soon as she got off the plane, she received a call from Finn.
"How did it go?""Is there anything that I can't handle? Of course, she agreed with me."Anna could not help but sigh at Finn's smug expression. "Are you confident she was actually agreeing with you, or merely appeasing you?""How could she be...?" Finn trailed off, the unsettling realization that he may have been played dawning on him."Do you honestly believe she was sincerely agreeing with you all the time? We both know your sister has her own ideas and convictions," Anna countered, twisting the knife a little more. Finn clutched his chest dramatically, feigning pain at her words. Anna pressed on, "You can't control your sister's actions or thoughts anymore. She's grown up.""Enough about her. The company has refuted the rumors, claiming they're mere coincidence.""Given your familiarity with the artistes and the industry, how likely do you think such a coincidence is?""Zero."In the ensuing silence, Anna held Finn's gaze. After a heavy pause, she said, "Even if it is a cal
As expected, upon hearing Wyneth's words, Matilda's face turned a sickly pale, her anger seemingly draining the color from her cheeks. She pointed at Wyneth, her poised and elegant matron persona dissolving. "You... how dare you..."Matilda's finger had already intruded far too close to Wyneth's face, stirring an unwanted prickle of unease within her. In the past, she had tolerated such behavior from Matilda out of respect for her as an elder. But now, that dynamic ha/d changed. Wyneth calmly pushed away Matilda's offending finger, a smile playing on her lips. However, the smile held a cold edge that was unnerving."What's wrong, Mrs. Hamilton?" Wyneth asked, her voice laden with faux-innocence. "You've always accused me of being overly materialistic, haven't you? So why do you seem surprised at my share of the family fortune? I did care for your son for three years after all. Regardless of merit, there was plenty of effort, right? Taking a bit of money seems only fair."Wyneth was
Benedict had always disliked Matilda, and she held a deep aversion toward him as well, so it was unlikely she would seek his counsel. Ultimately, she could only bite her lip and turn to leave. But as she stepped outside, she ran right into Hayden, who had just returned from work.Her face instantly broke into a smile. "Hayden."Seeing Matilda, Hayden's brow furrowed. "What brings you here, Mom?" He had just heard that Wyneth had taken a flight back to Acrofburg today, and even saw a taxi leaving the Hamilton residence when he returned. Few people would take a taxi to this part of town, so he suspected that must be the car Wyneth had called from the airport. And now, he had encountered Matilda here. Just yesterday she had come to his company asking about the divorce agreement."I came to check on your grandparents." Matilda stepped forward, appearing as if she intended to adjust Hayden's collar. "You're always running off to this place. Your grandparents are getting on in years, don'
Matilda's view of Wyneth started to sour. She had people dig into Wyneth's background, but they came back empty-handed. Her past was squeaky clean. Following that, Matilda's resentment toward Wyneth was an ever-growing, ever-thickening knot in her heart. Every day that Hayden did not wake was a day her resentment grew further, solidifying her suspicions that Wyneth was not genuinely interested in her son but had come to the Hamilton family because she was helpless and alone. The feeling metastasized, Wyneth's name becoming synonymous with every negative idea and unkind word.When Hayden finally woke, three years later, gratitude toward Wyneth was not what she felt. She held the belief that Wyneth had somehow hindered Hayden's recovery, thinking that had they chosen a different woman, perhaps Hayden would have awoken sooner. It would not have taken three long, arduous years. So, she desired nothing more than to see Wyneth pack her things and leave the Hamilton family. To pay her some m
Upon hearing her words, Hayden's deep black eyes locked onto her face, his voice icy. "Putting it on... does that mean...?" He left his question hanging, and Wyneth had no intention to guess his meaning. "It means you've kept your word—you said you'd help me find it and you did."Caught off guard, Hayden loosened his grip. Wyneth broke free and stepped back. "Thanks." Remembering something, she said, "I recall that protective charm cost you a pretty penny at the auction, right? I'll pay you back for it, but I can't quite remember the exact amount, you—"Before she could finish, Hayden laughed scornfully. "So, not only didn't you open it, you can't even remember the price?"Upon hearing that, Wyneth froze, looking at Hayden with wide eyes."Do I repulse you that much?" he asked.Even though they had divorced, she still did not find Hayden repulsive. It was just that she never liked looking back. She tried not to pay attention to anything related to him.Seeing her silence, Hayden
Shaun: [Anyway, this is a great opportunity. After playing this role, you'll get to be the lead in the next film. Once the variety show airs, your popularity will skyrocket.]After chatting with Shaun, Wyneth checked the time and pursed her lips. It seemed rather late, but she wanted to call Bruce to understand what was really happening. Shortly after dialing, Bruce picked up."Hello." Bruce's voice was icy, emotionless.Upon hearing his voice, Wyneth instinctively wanted to address him, but something held her back. She glanced at Hayden, engrossed in his work on the couch. Under the monitor's light, his face seemed sharper.'Will my call disturb his work?' she thought, then told Bruce, "Hold on a sec," and slipped off the bed with her phone. Slipping on her shoes, she headed for the balcony, unaware that Hayden's attention had shifted from his laptop to her departure.'She's sneaking off to make a call? With a man? Is it the same man that was questioning about her relationships p
"It's just a show anyway. You should consider yourself lucky that I didn't personally keep an eye on you. Wyn, do you understand?"Wyneth fell silent upon hearing that.Bruce was right. Considering how well Wyneth understood her brothers, she knew that they were already being very lenient with her for not forcing her out of the entertainment industry after they found out about it."Wyn, you should be grateful," Bruce added.Wyneth sighed. "Yeah, I know, I know."Her voice sounded a little coquettish, a tone reserved only for her loved ones, the ones she had grown up with and relied on since childhood.Her voice followed the wind and drifted into the room unnoticeably.Hayden's eyes were no longer on the screen. Instead, it was his clenched fists resting on the table.Wyneth put her phone away after the call ended. She went back inside, but she could not see Hayden anywhere.Not only Hayden himself, but his phone, notebook, and other documents were all gone too. The couch and t
"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