Chapter 25

“Hailey Nicolas took a sip of water, his tone carrying a weight of seriousness.

Nicolas had just found Hailey, and now he had to start lecturing her. It wasn’t something he wanted to do

Besides, what if he came across too harsh and hurt her feelings! That was the last thing Nicolas wanted.

After reading the text, Hailey felt more at rase. No matter what the truth was between her and Owen, everyone now believed they were a couple.

And they had an agreement–three months. They had to keep up the act for at least that long before they could officially “break up. Hailey couldn’t go back on her word.

“Uncle. Hailey stood up, pouring Nicolas a glass of water with a soft smile. “I know exactly what you’re going to say. Don’t worry. I’ve thought it all through. My studies will always come first.”

Owen chimed in right after, “Uncle, I won’t get in the way of Hailey’s studies.”

Nicolas nearly choked on his water, whipping his head around to glare at Owen. “Who said you could call me that?”

Owen rubbed the back of his neck, looking completely innocent.

This guy’s such an act, Nicolas thought, slapping the “troublemaker” label on him immediately. No doubt, Owen must use his good looks to lure Hailey in. But if Hailey really likes him, there is no choice.

Nicolas only thought that he hadn’t even had a chance to properly spoil her yet, and now she was already being stolen away by some guy. It was heartbreaking.

So, for the rest of the meal, Nicolas sat there looking downright miserable.

“Oh, Hailey,” Nicolas said suddenly, “Do you have time this weekend? I’ll come pick you up. Let’s have a family dinner. Your grandparents have been missing you like crazy. I haven’t even told them we found you yet. They’re going to be over the moon when they hear.”

Hailey thought for a moment before asking, “Uncle, can we have it at home?”

“Of course,” Nicolas replied without hesitation.

A smile lit up Hailey’s face. She said, “Td love that. I really want to see where Mom grew up.

ever truly

had no choice but to give them our blessing. But who would’ve thought that just after you

her lips together, the room

past. We finally found Hailey–let’s focus on that. Oh, right, Hailey, how’s it been staying at the Dalton house? Are they treating you okay? If not, just move in with us.”

agreement. “Casey’s right. Aiden has always been selfish. There’s no way he’d treat

truly saw Hailey as family, even though she didn’t carry their last

smiled at Nicolas. “It’s alright, Uncle. I’m

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28 Mar D

Chapter 25

wonderful to me.

Dalton is a good man. Knowing you’re with him makes me feel

if something had just occurred to Nicolas, his expression darkened. “I heard about

Hallon City When he learned what Rose had done, he was so furious

shameless, Nicolas snapped.

“Uncle, you don’t have to worry. With Owen around, my father

getting tied to Owen was something Aiden was thrilled

toward Owen finally eased–just a little. “Good” he said.

the time they finished lunch, the afternoon was already slipping away. Hailey and Casey had classes to attend, and Nicolas had meetings lined

back to school..

before getting into the car, Nicolas watched Hailey slide into the backseat

a full–on predator,

annoyed but couldn’t do much about it. Nicolas was Hailey’s uncle–he had to

you two who confessed first?” Casey asked,

stiffened, her cheeks warming. “Casey, just call him Owen.”

Owen said with a faint smile. “You can call me that for

him a look, pressing her lips

is. So?” Casey wasn’t letting it

eyes on the road.

gasped. “Oh my God, Hailey, your face

rearview mirror. She glared at Casey, her fair skin dusted

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