So it was the bodyguard. She never saw that coming. She could remember mentioning to Kendrick about how she would like to drop at the diner and see how things were going— honestly, she had wanted to see her friend. She had even mentioned it, however, he had turned her down instantly. And she didn't also dwell on the topic, knowing it would only rile up an argument if she tried convincing him.Who knew he would get the guard to fetch her? She waited patiently as Kara admired the place while pointing out things and making comments on them now and then. And when she finally had her fill of the exploration, she returned to sit beside Hailey. "Girl, you're literally sleeping on money," she said in disbelief. "Tell me, what else there is here that doesn't reek of extravagance." "Kara!" Hailey gave her a helpless look. Kara chuckled and flung an arm across Hailey's shoulders. "You're so lucky, girl. I can't believe you'll have the heart to leave this luxury behind. Damn love or whateve

"Wait." Hailey held out her hand and called. But none of them turned back. And in a blink of an eye, they both disappeared inside the study room. 'Shit.' She let out a curse and continued walking. Kara didn't know what she was getting herself into. By the time she got to the door, she was panting again. She had to save her friend no matter what.But when she turned the doorknob, the damn thing wouldn't budge. She tried and tried again, it was still the same. Kendrick had locked the door.Real panic gripped Hailey's heart and she started knocking. No one answered. She knocked and knocked and knocked until her knuckles ached. However, no reply came from inside. Then she started pacing back and forth while biting her fingers. She even called out Kendrick's name several times, no reply came. "Urgh." Hailey wanted to pull at her hair. What the hell was going on inside? She shouldn't have mentioned going to the diner. That way, Kendrick wouldn't have thought of inviting Kara here. Her

"Kara, what happened next?" She asked hesitantly, snapping Kara out of her fantasy. Kara let out another giggle and said, "That was it.""What?" Hailey stared dumbfounded. "That was it? He didn't say anything else?" "Yep." Kara shrugged. "But guess what, my dear friend." She turned to Hailey with a huge grin. "After he finished saying that, I finally had my chance. Oh, I can't believe how lucky I am. I stood up from the chair and told him, 'I'm a fan of secret marriages Mr. Reid. Your secret is safe with me. But—'""You told him but?" Hailey butted in with widened eyes and Kara grinned. "Yeah. I batted my lashes and said, 'But, Mr. Reid, since I promise to keep your secret, don't you think we should seal this deal with something tangible? Something good to keep my mouth sealed?'"Hailey's heart leapt into a higher frenzied state. This roller coaster of emotions was tiring her out. However, this might be the last shock. Kara had landed herself in deep trouble. "How much. He instant

And Hailey chuckled and her eyes followed him as he walked away without any protest. Well, that was good. Maybe there was a slight chance to bend him to her rules.If that was possible, then she couldn't wait. Ahh, it would be great to turn Kendrick's minions against him. That way, she would have an upper hand over him.She turned around and strolled to the large door, hoping maybe her sister would be around. That way, she could also speak more with her physically. When she spoke with Chloe on the phone and questioned her about Sharon, Chloe hadn't denied that they met. But she said it was a coincidence. And Sharon had only chatted with her about her movies. Because, strangely, Sharon turned out to be one of her fans.Still, Hailey felt the need to speak more with her sister. She should keep Sharon at arm's length. She couldn't risk anything. Sharon wasn't the type to be friendly with just anyone. As she stepped her feet inside the living room, Hailey gasped at the sight in front of

She thanked the bodyguard, and immediately left the car. The cold breeze hit her skin, slightly chilly but still so soothing. Her eyes wandered around the house as she stood in the open space.The atmosphere was humid. The smell of nature hung in the air. Leaves fell from the trees, swaying with the air. And the lush grasses felt mushy under her feet. Hailey's eyes went to the gigantic trees and a smile blossomed on her lips. She grew up playing among them. Sometimes with the servants, and sometimes— alone. Her legs took her to where the security men stood. And each wrapped her in a tight hug. "Look who we have here." The older man beamed. "It felt like ages since you last visited," said the younger man."I missed you guys too." Hailey hugged each of them back with a cheeky smile. Then they started telling her stories. It had always been like that. They told her about their latest adventures. They were both father and son. And even though Hailey couldn't understand their love for