No one needed to be told the intent behind his question.Someone as powerful and successful as William Nash asking such a question couldn't be considered a joke,Not when any answer given by her brother could potentially decide the fate of his empire. Haley waited, holding her breath, her heart racing to hear what Andrew's reply was gonna be. Through the tense silence, her brother's laughter danced in the air, his lighthearted tone easing the tension. “William Nash,” her brother said. “Why ask that kind of question when we're both successful businessmen? No problem, you want “Treasure” right? Let's hold a charity auction.”Smart move!Haley released the air she was holding. Sitting under the desk, her shoulders loosened up. “An auction for “Treasure”? Not a bad idea. When?”His tone, neither lacking of arrogance nor anger anymore, Liam seemed to welcome that idea openly. “Tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Don't be late.”As Andrew spoke, the sounds of high heels clicking on the tiled floor
“Haley!” Liam stood up, yelling her name. His thunderous voice was supposed to make her flinch, if not take to her heels and flee from seeing him, in fear. However, it had no effect on her as she remained sitting in the same chair, facing the stage calmly. If Liam didn't recognize her demeanor, he'd be convinced she was only another lady who shared a great resemblance with her.“The auction will begin now!” Came the voice from the microphone again. “The first bidding price… One thousand!”A price not even close to the initial price he'd bought the necklace with. What's the use of holding an auction then? Was Andrew Woods trying to mess with him?Liam's mind veered off the auction altogether. The auction could wait, because with this insignificant price, he doubted if anyone would outbid him. So he focused his attention on Haley, walking down the intersection, and heading to the front row where she sat. “Two thousand!” Liam paused for a moment when Haley spoke out loud, joining
Liam reached for his pocket, and he brought out nothing but a simple-looking necklace.At first glance, one would know it was handcrafted by local jewelry sellers. Was that what she was worth? Haley wanted to laugh, but she held it back as her emotions also threatened to soar. She held the necklace close to her chest. “You said this necklace is very important to Leah. What if it's also very important to me?” Did she need to ask? The answer was all written on his expression. His eyes dimmed with irritation as he accessed her as if she was a little child throwing a tantrum. “Haley, you're taking this too far. If you give me the necklace, I'll come home more often. Isn't that what you've always wanted?”Haley laughed out loud this time, unable to control herself. As her laughter died down, she accessed him with a cold look. “William Nash, I have no time to waste on you. Sign the divorce!”She turned to leave and he grasped her arm. “Where are you headed?”“None of your business.”“
Before Haley could catch herself, her feet had already slipped off the staircase.She gasped as her head was about to hit the stairs railings, but then someone caught her.Haley found herself back in Liam's arms, this time his hold on her didn't feel forced as he held her securely. “Are you alright?”Why did he care?Haley blinked at him, then her attention turned to Leah who covered her mouth, a shocked look registered on her face. “Oh, my gosh! Are you alright, Haley?”Leah asking the same question as Liam worsened Haley's mood especially when it was Leah who tripped her just now. “I'm fine, I guess… since you didn't succeed in making me fall.” Haley stepped in front of her, folding her hands. “What was that for, Leah?”“What are you talking about?” Leah put on a confused look. “Just because you hate me doesn't give you the right to pin the blame on me.”And Haley was the fool who would fall on her own. “Be grateful my body didn't touch the ground. You would have shared the same
At IvoryRains Apartment Building. Andrew pulled his car over, his lips pressed into a thin line, a sign of his displeasure as he accessed the building. “I still want you to come home, Haley. You can't live in this kind of place.”Haley stepped out of the car, smiling at her brother's words. “Nothing will happen, I'll be totally fine.”But he disagreed. “I'd rather you live in a residential area. Someone might recognize you here, and your life will be at stake if everyone knows your true identity.”Haley doubted if that was possible, when not even all the servants at the Woods Mansion knew of her existence.“I've heard you, Bro. I'll think about it.”Andrew nodded, forcing a smile at her. He bid her goodbye with a smile, and drove away. Haley was just about to enter the building when her phone rang. Dreading the call might be from Liam, she didn't have the mind to bring it out until the ringtone became incessant and disturbing. Seeing the name “Stewardess Mary” on the screen, she q
~As Haley returned to Grandma Lily's room, the man's words echoed inside her mind.That heartless man!Why should she even care? As long as he signed the divorce, she'd have no more business with him.“Where's Willy? Did he leave already?” Grandma Lily wrinkled her brows, her tone filled with worry.Haley murmured, “He's gone, Grandma. But don't worry about us, Liam and I are doing fine.”“Really?” Grandma Lily looked doubtful. “Why do you appear sad instead?”“Oh, Grandma, but I'm alright.” Haley forced a smile.Still, Grandma Lily scrutinized her with narrowed eyes, reminding Haley of Liam's piercing gaze. “You've always said the same thing, Dear. Won't you tell Grandma the truth? I know that boy, Willy, has his father's temper. He says harsh words sometimes!”“Liam is kind to me. Don't let the rumors make you think otherwise, Grandma.”Haley wasn't covering up for that heartless man. She'd feel guilty if telling the truth would impact Grandma Lily's health. After all, the Old Wo
…On his way driving home, Liam gripped the steering wheel, keeping in his rage as her harsh words echoed in his ears. ‘Scumbag! Stupid man! You're a womanizer who impregnates other women out of wedlock. Between you and a lowly orphan, who's better!?’Haley had never insulted him before, talked more of speaking back at him.Did his wife get possessed by a mad spirit? Recently, she spit nothing but harsh words that hit the right spot. “Sir, I'm listening… what order would you like to give?”Liam had almost forgotten he was on a phone call conversation with his assistant. His mind returned to the present. “Investigate Haley's true relationship with Andrew Woods. Don't leave a single piece of information out.”“Roger that, Sir.”As Liam hung up the call, another phone call came in. “What's it, Leah?” He said helplessly, thinking she was going to continue pestering him about the necklace.But Leah's loud cry was what greeted him. Her voice was so hoarse, barely audible. “Will- Willy,
Haley struggled with all her might, kicking and flailing her arms, but the bodyguards held her in a firm grip, not allowing her room to escape.“Liam!” She called out to the man who only stared at her impassively without blinking. “Why are you just standing? Won't you stop them!?”But her words were met with silence. Haley's body shook all over, as the sharp edge of the needle approached. “William Nash-” she cried, and her voice died down when the Nurse jabbed the needle in her arm. “Hey, Young Lady, please stay still,” the Nurse said, pressing the sore spot on her arm. This wasn't a mere blood collection, they just wanted to torture her. Haley didn't need to guess that the Nurse, Liam's mother, and Leah were in this together. “Ouch! Can you please remain calm?” The Nurse hissed when the needle popped out of her arm. Haley bit her lips hard to put up with the numbing pain. As the Nurse put the needle back in the same spot, her whole energy evaporated and her head swirled with d