Why was it that in each one of those two choices, she would be the one with the most disadvantage? The sound of rapid knocks came from the living room, breaking Hailey out of her train of thought. Was Kendrick back? She frowned. But Kendrick would never knock at the door. Was it one of the maids? She got up from the couch and left the closet. And why was she knocking so frantically? Hailey's frown deepened as she walked toward the door. Whoever was standing outside must have sensed her approach because the knock stopped instantly.She held the doorknob and pull the door open to be met by a frantic maid. It was the maid from a while ago."M–Madam," the maid stuttered. "It— It's Master. Master is back and he wants to see you downstairs." Huh? Kendrick was back? He was finally back. Why did he return late? And why did he want her to come downstairs? And why was the maid this anxious? Was she still shaken by Sharon's bullying? "Madam, he said now," the maid added. "Th–They're waiti
Had he made a mistake by giving her the liberty to choose? He had promised himself not to force her. He had given her the power to make her choice. Was he right by doing that? Was that a good idea? He never expected his parents to act so fast. They had set everything in place. They had arranged where she would live as well as the securities she would need. And all that was left for her was to go with them. They had thought it dangerous to let her stay with him. But that wasn't their choice to make. It was his and he had given her the power to make that decision. Was he wrong in doing that? "Collins!?" His mother yelled at the Butler again. The man was looking to him for instructions. The instructions he couldn't give unless she spoke. But she wasn't speaking. "I said you should get her things down here!" Now it was his father that spoke. The Butler gave him another glance. Then he glanced at the still-shocked Hailey. Before his shoulders dropped and he gave a slow nod. "No," Hai
The Butler nodded frantically and dashed out of the place before his parents could say anything. And the look of shock in his parents' eyes increased. "Are you defying us?" His father glared at him."I'm not," Kendrick replied calmly. "I won't let you bully my wife.""Ken." His mother's jaw dropped and she stammered, "H–How dare you speak to us like that?"Sounds of hurried footsteps came from the stairs and Sharon appeared all of a sudden. She took in the scene with furrowed brows before her eyes fell on Hailey. And her lips parted."What is going on, Aunty." She walked to his mother and asked in confusion. "Uncle, why are you here?""It is this evil woman." His mother pointed at Hailey. "Can you believe she put poison in his food? She poisoned Ken and she's keen on doing more than that. She wants to stay with him.""Th–That." Sharon put on a shocked expression. "How could she do that? That is unacceptable." Her eyes came to Hailey. "Y–You can't let her stay here, Ken. She doesn't d
Hailey didn't protest. She only gave him a helpless look before leaning further into his arms to make herself comfortable. Her cheek was pressed on his chest and she let her eyelids close. Was she sleeping? Kendrick couldn't help but ask. He kept his eyes on her face as he strolled up the stairs, relishing the moment and relishing the silence.But the silence was in no time disrupted. A shocked sound came from ahead and he lifted his head to find Sharon standing in the middle of the staircase and looking astonished. Sharon's lips parted as if she wanted to say something and Kendrick frowned. Why hadn't she gone to her room?"What is it?" She was blocking his path and he could sense Hailey's uncomfortable movements. She was probably not asleep yet. Sharon didn't seem to hear him as her eyes darted between him and Hailey in shock.Then she finally opened her mouth."Ken, Aunty and Uncle are mad—""So what?" Kendrick glared at her. He wasn't blind not to notice.Sharon gave him an
"Master is downstairs having his breakfast," The Butler answered.Hailey made an oh sound and nodded. He hadn't left for work after all. Her eyes went to the briefcase in the Butler's hand. Was Kendrick planning to leave after having breakfast? That would be too early still. Why would he go to work at this time? "Madam, about last night..." The Butler's words snapped her out of her thoughts and Hailey realized she'd been staring absentmindedly at the briefcase.She gave the man her attention and urged him to go on. Last night. She didn't want to think about last night. If only she could wipe that incident off her memory. But the Butler looked as if he wanted to tell her something. The man hesitated for a few seconds, the smile never leaving his face. The smile which had now turned to a nervous one.Then he cleared his throat. "W–What Master's parents did." He scratched the back of his neck. "I– I hope you don't take it to heart. A–As you see, Master is their only child. They were o
Kendrick stopped beside Hailey, his eyes going from her to Sharon. The frown on his face didn't disappear. He was about to ask again but Sharon's voice interrupted him. "It's nothing serious, Ken," Sharon answered his question and her expression transformed instantly into a sweet one. "Hailey and I are just having a little chat." Hailey's lips parted for some seconds at the girl's ninety-degree turn. Her eyes went to the wide smile on her face and she rolled her eyes. Pathetic. She returned her attention to Kendrick instead and fixed her eyes on his briefcase, wondering why he came back."I'm off to work." He lifted his hand to her hair. "Quit whatever conversation you're having and go down for breakfast." He was off to work? Hailey's brows furrowed. Why then did he come up? Had he come to see her before he left? This was a first. And why was he leaving this early? Although it wasn't very early anymore. Sharon had wasted her time and daylight had started breaking.But still— "Why
And she owed Kendrick a lot. Her thoughts went back to Kara's words. She had hurt him and it was her duty to take responsibility. The maid bowed and waited until she finished her food. Then she picked up the tray and left for the kitchen's direction to meet the other maids. She was literally skipping in happiness and the other two maids' expressions weren't less.Had they grown so fond of her in such a short time? Hailey's eyes lingered in that direction. They, in fact, appeared happier than the Butler.She stood up and left the dining area, heading for the stairs to pick up her bag. When she walked down the empty hallway, her eyes wandered back for any sight of Sharon. She didn't even come down for breakfast. Was she starving herself? That girl was out of her mind. Why wouldn't she just give up already? It was clear as day that Kendrick only saw her as his spoilt little cousin he'd made her. How could she be so obsessed? Hailey shook her head at the thought of the pitiful girl. K
Rosslyn gave him a brief look of confusion before she bobbed her head and started swiping at the iPad in her hands.After rescheduling the meeting, she looked up and asked, "I'd like to report about the collaboration with the foreigners.""Go ahead." Kendrick picked up his phone and rose to his feet. The assistant gave him another confused look. "Are you going to the meeting—""We're going to the construction site.""N-Now?" Rosslyn said in confusion. "Yes. Now." Kendrick walked ahead and she scurried after him. Rosslyn opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, the confusion never leaving her face. She must have thought better of it and focused on the iPad instead.She started reporting about the collaboration with the foreign companies as they left the office and entered the elevator. They soon reached the parking lot and took off to the construction site. "The chairman has expressed his desire to meet you." Rosslyn went on. "I can go there and represent you if you wan