05

On her way Hadley made the decision to grab a few necessities before returning home.

With the intention of getting new clothing, she drove to a neighboring mall.

Her clothes were too big now that she’s exercising and has lost weight.

She also needed to shop for maternity clothes now that she’s pregnant.

She headed straight to the store as soon as she entered the mall.

The store manager, Ercell Cadce, almost had a heart attack when she saw her.

"B… boss?" Ercell blinked in shock as she mumbled.

With a smile, Hadley said, "Long time no see, El."

Ercell’s eyes grew wide. "Holy crap! I thought you have permanently abandoned us."

With tears in her eyes, she hugged Hadley.

Hadley gave her a back pat while laughing. "Alright stop crying I’m not dead yet. I'm back now."

Ercell smiled with tears still in her eyes. "You're not going to leave again, are you? Are you truly staying this time?”

Hadley nodded. "No. I'm not leaving.”

"Alright,” Ercell exclaimed in happiness. "just pick what you want, let me get the bag to pack it.”

Ercell and three other people were assign to take care of her provided by Pedro. Hadley was already with Andrew so she told them not to worry about her because she thought Andrew will never hurt her. But now she’s back.

So while waiting for her return someday, Ercell decided to open a store to keep herself busy since she had no other job. She told Hadley the store location but did not expect her to come.

As Ercell brought the bag, there were smiles on her face.

"Your return is long overdue.“

"Come get me in three days. Edwina and Kate will be my secret guardians, and you and Chuck will be by my side going forward."

Excited, Ercell nodded.

Hadley’s phone rang at that moment.

Unknown number? Hadley sneered since she already knows who’s calling her. She picked the call, “Hello?” 

"Hadley, I never thought you'd be this kind of person," Andrew said in a voice full of contempt. “Did you really steal my company’s new draft? Just because I fired you, is this how you want to repay me?”

Hadley frowned. "What the hell are you talking about, Andrew? I don’t have time for your silly jokes.”

"Jokes? Jemima has already acknowledged it, Haley. She said that the draft was included in the batch of documents you asked her to retrieve when you came. She even admitted that you gave her a million for it. I'll give you an hour to send the drafts back, or else…”

She could feel Andrew’s rage. But why would Jemima lie? She thought Jemima was her friend…or was she wrong about her?

Andrew abruptly hung up just as she was about to day something.

Seeing Hadley’s angry look, Ercell asked. "Ms. Fern..."

Hadley got to her feet.  "You have three minutes to learn everything there is to know about Jemima Rexa from the Shaw Group."

Anger blazed in her eyes.

Ercell made the calls fast and told Hadley the result.

"That bastard," Ercell swore angrily. “The Shaw Group are accusing you of stealing their new drafts? how dare they? What nonsense!"

Hadley called Andrew again.

"Yes?" His voice was cold.

"I'm not entering your company," Hadley stated icily. “Tell your team to meet me outside.”

"So you want to make this a public spectacle?"

"Is that a problem?" Hadley shot back. “You think you can intimidate me, but you can’t. I’m not like the old Hadley.”

Andrew became silent before hanging up.

~~

Ercell and Hadley waited at the building's entrance of the Shaw Group when they got there.

Shortly after, Andrew and Laura came out. Andrew’s commanding appearance was enhanced by his massive frame and impeccable black suit.

His icy gaze did not affect Hadley, who avoided looking at him.

They just got a divorce not long ago and Laura was already bossing around at the company. Well serves her colleagues right. This is the kind of woman they deserve.

Laura spoke before Andrew could.

"I know you're in pain, Had, but you shouldn’t have done this. Do you realize how important this draft is? You stole Drew’s company draft since you couldn’t win his heart. You—“

"Stole?" Ercell chuckled. "Are you accusing her of stealing? Why would she? She has better things to do than steal this company’s draft.”

Laura turned to Ercell, jealous that she is much more prettier than her. "And who are you?"

"My identity is unimportant.“

Ercell’s directness surprised Laura.

In this city, Shaw Group has emerged among the top ten companies. Laura found it difficult to put up with such disrespect as his girlfriend.

"Hadley, did you bring a petty crooks from the streets to challenge me?" Laura sneered.

"Me petty crook You're—“

"Enough." 

The tension was broken by Andrew’s voice. His piercing gaze settled on Hadley. "We saw Jemima giving you the documents and the cctv also has it. Why are you denying it then? This is something you’re capable of doing.”

‘Not only did she divorce me because of a rich guy. She's a thief too’ Andrew thought.

Hadley scoffed. "So, you really think I took it?"

Andrew’s tone was emotionless and icy. "No I don’t think…I know.”