Chapter 19

Owen tightened his arms slightly around the girl assess I love to make sure the ear more they he thought

The drive, which should have taken forty minutes, stretched to a full hour Hailey dilladeep when they a Owen didn’t wake her.

About ten minutes later, Hailey suddenly jolted awake, her voice groggy as she asked “Are we there yapıpla

Richard, sitting in the front, thought to himself, We’ve been here for a while now Hot he woulder dire cay it outomat

Owen smiled. “H‘ you’re still tired, go ahead and sleep a little longer.

Hailey had woken up completely by now. She answered. “No. I’m good. Thanks And thanks for the ride

Her tone was polite yet distant. But Owen didn’t mind. He was the one who fell first–he wax willing on rade dinge’ favela

“All your luggage is in the car. I’ll walk you in Before Hailey could refuse. Owen added, “It’s been in while sheet leur ce your grandpa.”

Left with no choice, Hailey nodded.

Inside the house. Thomas had been waiting. His sons had moved out long ago, only coming back for holidays or ins birthday.

Meanwhile, Thomas never kept a big staff–just a housekeeper, a butler, and a driver. So the large home often felt empir

But when he heard Hailey was moving in, Thomas had been overjoyed. He even ate extra food for breakfast

As soon as Hailey stepped inside, Thomas beamed and walked over, his wrinkled hands holding hers. It – goon to nauwer back. I’ve already got your room set up. Go take a look and see if you like it.”

In her past life. Hailey had only met Thomas once–at a party. Even then, she remembered the way he had looked at her,– mix of kindness and quiet sorrow.

Thomas had treated her well, just like he did now. But before Hailey ever got the chance to be part of his life, he had passed: away. She had never had the chance to care for him

A gentle smile appeared on Hailey’s face. She said softly, “Thank you, Grandpa,”

Owen watched her closely. ‘Is this the first time I’ve seen her like this?

Her bright eyes shimmered with warmth, reflecting the soft golden sunlight. Her hair bounced slightly as she mixologis her a fresh, youthful energy. Hailey almost seemed to glow.

1000

upstairs while Thomas led her to the couch, chatting with her

completely ignored. Blinking, he rubbed his nose and cleared us the

to look at him.

him. Itis expression brightened Come,

and greeted him, taking a

heard you two are dating. Thomas said suddenly: “So when’s the

06.16 FII, 28

Chapter 19

answered. “Not anytime. soon, Mr. Dalton. Hailey’s still in college. At the very least,

it over. “You could

you’re already trying

lets her guard down. Wonder

me?”

no rush. You’re still young. I’ll keep you for a

and laughter–so different from the atmosphere at the Dalton

staying the entire morning, even having lunch at the

Owen stepped inside quietly, sitting on the edge of her bed, watching her for a moment. Then, he leaned down and brushed a gentle kiss against her forehead.

If he moved too fast, she’d only

to you, Hailey? Owen wondered. ‘What made you

absent from school for

backed out of the challenge, too afraid to face the competition. Even Mateo

was full

showing up to

really thought she could take on someone

was expecting a real showdown, but she straight–up ran away.

did Selena do

comments were posted

and as the day got closer, the forum only grew

Hailey walked into school with a bandage wrapped around her forehead, another

of these things. Even if

monthly test, but the school took it seriously, running it like a SAT practice

over three hours, and students would get a short break afterward before rankings were posted the

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