03

With a fixed smile, Haley looked around before calmly focusing on Kieran. "You still weren't home," she remarked softly. "I wanted to check in. Are you finished now? You mentioned working late.

"Darling, perfect timing," Kieran blurted out. "Lydia recently closed a billion-dollar contract with the Ty Group, a significant client for the business. I chose to celebrate here and combine it with her birthday because it's a significant victory. You won't be unhappy about something like this, right? I know you're always so understanding. And you two are also close.”

Haley hesitated.

The Ty Group? That was a Kane Group subsidiary. She was the only reason Colin Group was able to get the partnership. When did it become into Lydia’s accomplishment?

Kieran became nervous when he saw Haley remain silent and glanced at Lydia.

Haley felt as though the word "close" had slapped her across the face.

She gently turned to look at Lydia. Her eyes burned dry as she considered all the support and attention she had given her over the years.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Lydia grinned and moved forward to embrace Haley.

"Ley, please don't be mad," Lydia muttered. "Kieran truly had no intention of missing your anniversary. After landing Ty Group, everyone was ecstatic. It was only a coincidence because it was my birthday.”

She smiled brightly as she turned to face the throng. “In order to go home and rejoice with you, Kieran even stated that he wanted to finish this early. Correct?"

The people quickly supported her.

"Definitely. Haley, everyone is aware that Kieran is infatuated with you.” Nadine said.

"Haley, please don't take it personally."

Haley turned to face the people she had once collaborated with in the early days of the business. They were now standing behind Lydia, making unintentional remarks.

She carefully made her way to the dessert table after releasing her arm.

A bunch of red roses and a diamond brooch were placed on the red satin fabric. After longing for the brooch, she was informed that it had already been sold. As it happened, Kieran had purchased it, but not for her.

"These are gorgeous," Haley remarked nonchalantly.

She glanced at Lydia’s pallid face before focusing on Kieran. "Are these my anniversary gifts?"

Lydia tensed up and moved forward out of instinct. "They're..."

"Yes," Kieran interrupted right away. He handed Haley the gift box and flowers. "Take them back home. I'll return shortly, alright?”

Lydia obviously wanted to say something more, but she stopped when Kieran gave her a stern look.

His desperation to get Haley out of there was evident to everyone.

Curling inside her sleeve were Haley’s fingers.

"Okay," Haley murmured gently after glancing at Kieran as if she wanted to say something but swallowed it. "Don't be too late."

She finally started crying after leaving the building. The tears landed on her hand like chilly raindrops, burning as they dropped.

"Jude, have Ty Group delay their partnership with Colin Group," Haley remarked calmly after gathering her thoughts and calling Jude outside. "However, maintain their interest. Later, I'll give you further instructions."

"For the next month, whatever you need, just say the word, ma’am.” Jude responded.

"Thanks."

After hanging up, Haley aimlessly browsed through her social media accounts.

Then she pause when she saw Rhett’s post and location was Vest city, her hometown. It had been a long time since she had returned.

Rhett Fez was the man she refused to marry just to be with Kieran. Her thumb hovered over the screen as she gazed at his post. She unintentionally hit the "like" button before she had a chance to change her mind.

Almost instantly, her phone began to buzz.

The message from Rhett appeared: [What? Do you now have second thoughts?]

His message was brief and carried a note of sarcasm along with his typical haughtiness. A slap in the face was how it felt.

Haley’s hand shook. The screen of her phone cracked when it fell to the floor. She inhaled, knelt, scooped it up. Her face hardened with determination after a moment.

She swiftly typed after opening the direct messages: [Business arrangement exclusively There are no feelings involved. I will return to Vest city the following month if that is convenient for you]

His response was prompt: [Fine.]

Stunned, she asked. [You won't even ask why?]

The reply was equally succinct: [We can talk once we're married.]

She gazed at the message .

That was, well, unexpected.

Perhaps the allegations that Rhett was gay and merely need a formal marriage for family or business purposes were accurate.

She was somewhat taken aback by the concept. Then she experienced a strange sense of relief.

In fact, it made things easier.

She didn't intend to love anyone after Kieran. She could manage a marriage based solely on mutual gain, with unambiguous limits and no emotional entanglement. His motivations were personal.

Her grandfather would finally cease caring about her in this sense, at least.

Haley was ready to walk away after putting her phone away when she noticed them. Each holding one of Riley’s hands, Kieran and Lydia left the premises with Riley in between. The ideal family. Her chest twisted like a knife.

After a moment, she slipped inside. She saw the booth and slid in with her back to them after spotting where they were seated.