“Ah, Madam left with him again?” Joye looked displeased. “Mr. Nash, you have to step up your game, otherwise, he might snatch your wife.”“Just go after them before it's too late!” Liam hollered. As Joye scurried away, Liam tossed the document into the lady's hands, who stood beside him.“I'll scan it online and email you the soft copy, Mr. Nash. It's a pleasure collaborating with you.” The secretary lingered. “Mr. Nash, there's something I need to tell you…” she lowered her voice. “Do you know that Young Lady, Haley, spends most of her time in Mr. Woods's office? People say she's his mistress.”“I have a feeling you're also interested in her, Mr. Nash…” she went on. “Too bad, she's a gold-digger and can't benefit a man like you.”A gold-digger?Liam was beginning to think that despite not wanting to believe it. Strangely, when he called her gold-digger, she didn't deny it. Had Haley been fooling him all this time? He needed not to hear those words from the lady whom he didn't eve
Liam furrowed his brows, puzzled. Why was Haley in this area?What was she doing in the babies' section?And where was that damned guy she was hanging around with?“Oh, isn't that Haley?” Leah asked in a shocked voice. “Of course, it's that filthy girl! She's here to cause trouble again,” Vera replied. She grabbed Leah's hand and they walked up to that area. “Aha! I have been looking for you, Haley!” Vera shouted, her loud voice dragging others' attention. “Where’s the money you stole from my bag after pushing me down the stairs!?”The lady who was arguing with Haley turned around. Seeing Vera, a look of recognition flashed in her eyes. “Mrs. Nash, do you perhaps know this Young Lady?”“Why not? She's a wanted criminal who goes around stealing people's things. I bet she's about to steal these clothes, too.” Vera pointed at the baby clothes in Haley's hands. “Haley, you promised to give back “Treasure”, where is it?” Leah said in a pitiful voice. “I've told you that necklace is i
An eye for an eye.She knew what she was doing. Staring at him without batting an eye, she openly admitted she did it intentionally. What had she turned into? Was she even the same docile girl he knew?“You even dare to admit it in my presence,” Liam gritted out, grabbing her arm. “How dare you frame my mother without considering her reputation?”Tilting her head sideways, her subtle smile flamed the fury in his heart. Liam wanted to wipe that smile off her face, but how, when everyone was watching? “Why should I consider her reputation, Liam?” Haley replied, her voice indifferent. “Remember your mother tried to kill me.”Well, didn't Liam save her? Shouldn't she be grateful?“I give you two minutes. Follow the security and clear their names, Haley. Then I might consider forgiving you.”She let out a soft laugh before rolling her eyes, an action that made him wonder if she would even carry out his orders. “In your dreams…” Haley murmured. “Let Vera Nash apologize to me first for
A lawsuit? That was the only word that stuck to Haley's mind as her brother spoke with the other person. So soon?Andrew hung up, his face reddening, the fury in his eyes palpable. He literally flew out of the shopping mall, and Haley hurried after him. Inside the car, no words were exchanged. Her brother drove at such a high speed and she feared they might get into a collision. “Hey, relax, Bro…” Haley said to calm him down, despite fighting her own furry. Urgh! Would that man ever rest?Once the car came to a halt in front of the company, Andrew muttered so many curses at once as a hoard of paparazzi suddenly surrounded them. “Mr. Woods, we have been waiting to see you.”“Regarding the sudden lawsuit against your company, is it true that you exploit your business allies?”“What do you have to say about the injustice done to the NK Enterprise?”“Mr. Woods, there are rumors online that all the jewelry designs created by the DG Corp. were stolen.”Haley wasn't used to the limelig
…At NK Enterprise, the next day,Sitting inside his office, Liam swiveled his chair and faced the transparent floor-to-ceiling window, staring at the crowded city below, Staring into nothingness, with a tornado of thoughts swirling in his mind. Now and then, he'd find himself glancing at the TV screen, anticipating sudden news to pop up about the downfall of the DG Group. Why wasn't anything happening yet? Was Joye's plan even reasonable? Liam would also look at his phone, his mood dampening more at the thought that Haley would give him a call, but she didn't. The scandal was supposed to have a toll on DG Group's reputation, why weren't they making any moves yet?“Please exercise a little bit of patience, Sir. There's no way this plan will fail.” Came his assistant's voice beside him. Snapping out of his thoughts, Liam shot him a glare. “Don't you know how to knock?”“But I've been standing here for almost an hour now, Mr. Nash.” Joye stared at his wristwatch. “I know you're w
His baby!Was Leah pregnant? How?Liam's thoughts wired back to a few weeks ago. The business trip; the dinner party; and the following morning when he woke up to find the girl sleeping beside him.He'd been drunk and didn't know exactly what happened.So Leah was pregnant!Damnit!“Will, are you still there?” Came his mother's voice again. Liam returned to his senses. He grabbed his suit jacket from the back of his chair, slipping it on. “I'll soon be there.”“But why do you sound otherwise?” His mother sounded doubtful. “It's as if you don't want to bail us out, did Haley feed you lies about us?”“It's nothing. I'm on my way.” Liam hung up the call. Indeed, he sounded moody, but his rage wasn't due to his mother's call. Liam was mad at himself.What had he done?How could she be pregnant?“Are you off to somewhere, Sir?” Joye asked, looking ready to follow him out of the office. “How about going to DG Jewelry Corp and taking over so you can be with Madam?” He suggested, his face
…At DG Jewelry Corp.Haley yawned and stretched her arms, exhausted from sorting out the stack of documents in front of her, a job reserved only for the secretary. “Thirsty?” Andrew brought her a glass of water. Pursing her lips, Haley pushed it aside. “It's not that hard to be my secretary.” Andrew chuckled. “Come on, cheer up!”How was it supposed to be easy when all the paperwork would now be Haley's responsibility to handle? She stared at her brother incredulously. “I know you're secretly punishing me for running from home.”“Nah! Haven't I forgiven you already?” Planting one hand on the desk, he leaned forward and ruffled her hair with the other hand. “I can keep a close watch on you and protect you from people like William Nash now that you're my secretary.”“Speak about that scumbag, why hasn't he showed up?” Andrew pondered.Haley glanced at her wristwatch. The work hours were almost over. Did Liam not see the conference on the news? “Is he perhaps intimidated?” Her bro
“Skin Haley alive, and your head will roll, William Nash!” Before Haley could react to Liam's statement, her brother came inside. Obviously eavesdropping at the door, he'd heard every menacing word coming from Liam. “Stay out of this!” Liam warned, turning around. “Or else, you'll get an additional sue for courting a married woman!”“Bring it on,” Andrew replied, scoffing at his words. “But then be ready to have it published all over the media that you had an affair with your secretary and made her pregnant.”Her brother's words hit the right spot as Liam's anger turned to disbelief, and then rage took over. “Your threat won't work on me. If you have any evidence, then do it!”“So be it.” Andrew reached for his pocket and brought out his phone. He was ready to make a phone call when Liam snatched it away. He was intimidated after all. “Give it back!” Her brother demanded. But instead of giving back the phone, Liam crushed it. “Damnit!” Andrew cursed loudly and threw a fisted ha
…~ One Year Later ~When others saw the bright sun of the morning, she could only see the orange sun, gradually fading, giving way to darkness. When there was a storm, people looked forward to the peace and calmness after it, while she only foresaw many more storms looming ahead. She should have been more pessimistic than this,Then she could have at least saved one life. If she hadn't been a coward, hoping that crazy guy would have a little mercy, she wouldn't have fallen for his lies. She'd take the gunshot instead.But no,She'd trusted him… that was her biggest mistake.Daryl’s cruelty had been beyond saving. Helping him lure Liam to the occasion was her biggest regret. Maybe… just maybe- if she'd been brave enough, Liam wouldn't have-“Mrs. Nash, sorry to interrupt you!” The secretary barged into the office, snapping her out of her thoughts. “The Stakeholders' meeting will commence in the next three minutes. Do you need my help getting ready?”Haley sighed. Right, the meeti
What gibberish was he sputtering?How did he even manage to sneak into the Villa?How did he manage to overpower the bodyguards?After Daryl’s last words, he hung up, leaving Liam wondering what the hell that crazy boy was up to again.He mustn't be serious about marrying Haley. Apart from being illegal, it didn't make any sense. What stupid judge would get them married without the consent of one party?Daryl was only trying to irritate him.“Sir, is he telling the truth?” Joye who had probably heard the conversation because Daryl's voice was too loud, blinked rapidly. “Is he going to get married to Madam?”Liam chuckled.That was impossible.Haley would not even agree. “I think this is serious, Sir…” Joye exclaimed. “Your brother is up to no good. Let's go and see.”Of course, Liam was going there.If it meant finding that crazy boy there, why wouldn't he go?Daryl was playing with fire.Kidnapping Haley from the Villa was already a gruesome offense? On his command, the driver tu
…Was this it?Was this the end of the family's reputation? The same questions kept resonating in Liam's mind all day. The company's stocks were crumbling again,Some of the shareholders were pulling out their investments,And the employees were all in a frenzy.Watching the Nash Empire crumble right before his eyes was something he never dreamt about.He'd never for once seen this happening in any of his nightmares.Liam thought he'd left no loose ends. Every source the news would get leaked out, he'd already blocked it.How then did his brother lay his hands on this crucial secret? How the hell did Daryl even escape from the police custody? “He shouldn't have left the city yet, Mr. Nash…” The Police Chief assured him, “We are going to find him before the day ends.”The day was already ending.All Liam wanted was for all this to be over. He'd left the Villa without informing Haley. He could only imagine her anxiety at the moment. Joye reported to him that she called and she d
Haley waited at the dining table patiently, her gaze traveling to the doorway now and then. Liam and his assistant must be discussing something important, probably related to work. Well, was it so secretive that they had to discuss it outside?She glanced at the clock.Thirty minutes later, they weren't back yet. Now her mind was troubled.What was taking them so long?What were they even discussing?Liam didn't even wear proper clothing, wouldn't he catch a cold outside? Tapping her fingers impatiently on the desk, Haley stood up. She headed outside the building, looking forward to seeing Liam and his assistant.To her surprise, they weren't there.Even the assistant’s car was gone if he came with any.What was happening?Did they sneak out of the Villa?If not, how could she not have heard any sound?To confirm her thoughts, Haley strode to the security man. “It's too early and cold, Madam… what are you doing outside?” Was the first thing the concerned young man asked. Haley
That explained it all. Was she just lucky or were the heavens by her side? Staring into his eyes, she saw nothing but genuine affection.The affection she'd been searching for ever since she returned. Her instincts never lied, and the feeling was strong.Liam loved her.He never hated her.He was only mad because of the misunderstanding.“But you gave me a hard time, huh.” Haley poked at his chest, pouting. However, Liam laughed lightheartedly, taking her wrists in his hands. “Believe me, I didn't.”Right.He'd planned to do worse. If she hadn't summoned the courage, speaking like a crazy person last night, convinced she was speaking to the air, he'd still regard her as his enemy.Her craziness paid off, and-“I'm sorry.” Drawing her close by wrapping both arms around her waist, his expression turned sullen. “I shouldn't have treated you that way.”Indeed, she'd been almost broken beyond repair.Amidst the despair, she marveled at where she got the courage to chase him. “If I fo
On entering the living room, however, the woman came to a screeching halt, her eyes popping out of their sockets.Her lips parted like a fish’s, and pointing a trembling finger forward, she shouted, “You, this silly girl! Why're you with my son!?”Haley's heart dropped to her stomach.Damnit!For some reason, this woman hated her to the core. Even when she visited the mansion, the woman had hollered at and hit her. Wondering what she did wrong, she'd tried to apologize which only intensified her cruel actions towards her. Liam's mother didn't like her.Did she offend her in the past? “I thought you were hitting it off with Lisa already!” She faced Liam. “What are you doing with this wayward psychotic girl? Do you want me to die of a heart attack, Son!?”As she scolded Liam, the bodyguards dropped the boxes and left. Instinctively, Haley found herself shrinking behind him, hiding her presence.As if caught red-handed in an offensive act, she trembled on her toes, grabbing his arm
Haley paused.Then she pulled away with a sigh.Was she supposed to be mad at his words? Did she have the right to?He'd claimed not to love her anymore, but he just touched her.Liam's words might be partially correct. Even though he no longer loved her, at least he was still attracted to her. Lust and love…“You mean desire?” She stared at him, hope igniting a spark in her heart.“Call it what you like…” Liam turned his back to her. “It doesn't change anything.”But it might change a lot.The inkling was strong, fuelling her persistence. Haley didn't even know why she was smiling when she should be broken-hearted at the moment.‘Patience is key.’She'd soon have Liam wrapped around her fingers,But what happened a while ago wouldn't repeat itself. Not unless his wound healed. With a last glance at his back, she got down from the bed and headed inside the bathroom.She washed up the blood stains from the shirt and blew it dry with the hair dryer she found. Many minutes later, s
Haley followed his gaze, checking out the skimpy clothes she wore.The lacey nightwear barely concealed anything, revealing all there was to see. Urgh!She should have gone for a normal shirt and shorts.But in the fit of hunger, the thought about it fled her mind, until-Returning her gaze to his, Haley gulped, taking a cautious step back.Was he this super mad just because she wore something revealing?How the hell did it concern him anyway? “Get changed!” He snapped, pointing behind him to the stairs.The heck! What did she do wrong again?Infuriated by his actions, Haley balled her fists.Right. She was doing her best to make this dumb man understand that she wasn't in the wrong, yet, he kept giving her a hard time. If ordering her around was his way of intimidation, then he'd failed big time. From the deadly look in his eyes, Haley shuddered instead…But she maintained a brave front, lifting her chin and meeting his gaze. “As you wish!”Slowly, she curled her fingers around
Driven by curiosity and hoping that her mind was just being dramatic, Haley followed them upstairs.When she arrived in the hallway, they were already out of sight.But she heard voices… from the master's bedroom.Slowing down her footsteps, Haley's heart beat with discomfort as she approached the door. “Hey, keep still…” She laughed. “I promise it won't hurt.”“Who told you I'm scared?”“You eyes.”“Oh, really?” He laughed. “Watch me-”“No!” The lady's gasp echoed. Then she sighed. “You're so unbelievable, Will… allow a professional to apply it instead.”“It's no biggie. I'm done.”Done?Done with what?Haley pursed her lips, wishing she could disconnect her hearing from her heart.Why were they laughing together?She never knew that grumpy man knew how to laugh,And she couldn't remain here and continue eavesdropping,She had to see what was going on in there.Liam might catch her, so what?Pushing the door open, Haley stepped inside the room. Behold, Liam sat on the bed, facing t