Chapter 26
This trick didn’t work at all! Matthew sulked, his small face darkening with anger. Olivia grabbed her bag
and tugged at his arm.
“Come on, Matt, you’re coming home with me. Some people just aren’t cut out to be mothers. It’s
something you’re born with!” She snorted coldly, muttering curses under her breath as she led the child
away.
Nicole remained completely indifferent. When that car pulled away from the front of the house, she never once glanced in its direction.
“Matt is just childish by nature. He responds to kindness, not force. He doesn’t understand, and he’s too proud to seriously apologize to you.
“I’ll find time to properly educate him. If he continues like this, his character will become completely warped.” Hayden approached her, trying to ease the tension.
“He’s your son. Your family matters don’t concern me,” Nicole replied.
Hayden frowned slightly, realizing that Nicole’s changes over the past few days were truly dramatic. She seemed like a completely different person, showing almost no emotional reaction toward either him or
the child.
His instinct was to blame the crisis between them on Nicole’s recent frequent contact with that
handsome young doctor.
“That man’s name is Jeremiah Petersen? You should stay away from him,” Hayden blurted out.
Nicole paused, startled. “Why?”
“You’re a married woman. You shouldn’t get too close to male friends. It’s about respecting our marriage
and relationship.” Hayden’s tone brooked no argument.
Nicole’s eyes turned cold. When Hayden spent the night at Gloria’s place yesterday, he clearly hadn’t
thought about showing her any respect.
“You and Gloria interact frequently, and I’ve never questioned it. Now don’t try to control me either,” Nicole said flatly.
Hayden looked at her intently. “Gloria and I are different. She’s not just a friend.”
Nicole paused, her calm gaze carrying a hint of mockery. “Besides being a friend, what else is she?”
Instead of answering, Hayden raised his voice. “Taylor.”
Taylor, who was staying in the kitchen to avoid the family conflict, finally emerged when summoned.” What can I do for you, Mr. Spencer?”
Hayden lifted his chin. “Bring down the documents from upstairs.”
Chapter 26
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As he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Nicole. Soon, Taylor brought the documents downstairs. Hayden opened them and placed them in front of Nicole.
“All the seals are in place, just waiting for my signature. It’s up to you whether you want the land or your friend. Choose.”
Nicole lowered her eyes and saw it was the contract for that piece of land at Pinnacle Development. Sure enough, there was no trace of affection left between them. Now, the only leverage Hayden could use to keep her here was these few bargaining chips.
Nicole took the documents. “I won’t have any more private contact with Jeremiah.”
Seeing him only at the hospital for treatment wouldn’t count as private.
Hayden smiled, leaning down to ruffle Nicole’s hair, his tone gentle yet allowing no room for negotiation.” Be good and just stay home.”
Nicole lacked the energy to argue with him. This man had spent last night being intimate with someone else, planned to hurt her deeply on their anniversary by revealing the truth, and now could turn around and act tender and affectionate in front of her.
Why didn’t he become an actor? He’d definitely win awards for acting.
Nicole turned her head away from Hayden’s hand, understanding that arguing with him now would bring no benefit. She resigned herself and closed her eyes.
“Fine.”
Only seven days remained. She just wanted to leave quickly and disappear completely. Whether Hayden continued his entanglement with Gloria, and whether Matthew lived elsewhere or came back, none of it would concern her anymore.
She got up and went upstairs, refusing to speak to Hayden any further. Hayden originally wanted to discuss the child with her, but could only give up, feeling an indescribable sense of crisis rising in his heart.
He used that piece of land to keep Nicole here because he realized he needed to change the current situation, to change Nicole’s cold attitude toward him which had stemmed from Matthew.
Otherwise, over time, both their relationship and the mother–son bond between Nicole and Matthew would be affected.
Hayden’s gaze moved toward the tightly closed bedroom door, then toward the bathroom, looking thoughtful.
That evening, Nicole sat by the window, letting the night breeze clear her mind. A very soft sound came from outside, accompanied by a faint woody fragrance drifting from behind her.
Then Nicole found herself pulled into a warm embrace, and hot lips suddenly pressed against her earlobe.
Chapter 22
