The sight of Nicole had Hayden’s eyes brightening as his lips curled into a smile. He hurriedly strode over. “Nicky, you’re back.”
It took considerable effort for Nicole not to reveal her true feelings. She said placidly, “I came back to take the contract. You said you would give me that piece of land if I returned.”
“Of course. The contract is in the study.” He pulled her over to the couch. “Have a seat first.”
Seeing his gentle and caring demeanor toward Nicole, Olivia couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Fury and frustration simmered within her. Just why was it that her nephew was so hung up on Nicole? Why did he
care for her so much?
Compared to Gloria, who had been talented since young, Nicole was nothing more than a talentless gold digger. Seven years ago, she ran into Hayden. Upon realizing he was rich and handsome, she had used all sorts of tricks to seduce him. Eventually, she succeeded in getting pregnant and becoming his wife.
That was in stark contrast to Gloria, who had not only saved Olivia’s mother–Hayden’s grandmother–but was also kind. She would rather give up the lavish life that came with being Mrs. Spencer than burden
Hayden with her heart condition. She hadn’t wanted him to become a widower so soon after their
marriage.
Gloria only dared to return and try to rekindle her marriage with Hayden once her heart condition was
under control and she was no longer in danger of dying.
She hadn’t been idle during that time. She developed her artistic talent and became the renowned artist,
Joanha Muller.
Yet, what had Nicole done?
She had no accomplishments to her name and was nothing more than a housewife whose world revolved
around her husband and son. Not only did she lack charm, but she also had no capabilities nor was she
career–driven.
Forget about men; even Olivia couldn’t stand Nicole, so she couldn’t understand how Hayden could bear
to live with her for seven years.
Letting out a displeased snort, Olivia said sarcastically, “I thought you were having a lot of fun staying
outside at a hotel? I’m surprised you even remembered to come home. You abandoned your husband and
son for so many days, completely disregarding this family. Have you never thought about how this might affect Hayden’s reputation?”
She leaned back in her seat on the couch, her arms crossed before her chest, her tone demanding.
Nicole paused briefly but pretended not to hear her.
However, Olivia refused to give up. “Hayden works tirelessly to bring money home, yet all you know how
Chapter 24
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to do is throw tantrums and kick up a fuss at home. As expected of someone who grew up in an insignificant family with no status! Do you think you’re all that just because you once lived abroad? Who would dare want a woman like you?”
At this point, Nicole finally turned to level an icy stare at Olivia.
Nonetheless, that only seemed to spur Olivia on further. “Hayden must be a saint for being able to put up with you all these years!”
Nicole could almost taste the displeasure oozing from Olivia and was very amused. She used to be an accomplished and famous cellist overseas. Besides that, Shawn’s jewelry company was on par with Hayden’s company, perhaps even better.
Back then, when she accidentally slept with Hayden and got married, she hadn’t told him about her music achievements or about how her brother was the CEO of a listed company overseas. This was due to her brother’s objection to their marriage and her unwillingness to have the public scrutinize her private life
because she was a celebrity.
Yet, she hadn’t expected these people to assume she was a gold digger and scorn her for being unworthy of Hayden because they thought she hadn’t come from a prestigious family.
Unbeknownst to them, with her background and social standing, it would’ve been easy as pie for her to marry someone from a prestigious family overseas. It could be said that her marrying into a family back here was already lowering herself.
Not wanting to be polite with Olivia any longer, Nicole retorted, “No matter how terribly I’ve lived, at least I was busy taking care of my family, unlike a certain someone who has so much free time on their hands that they’re always sticking their nose into where it doesn’t belong! Honestly, that person is like a fly that refuses to leave. It’s utterly disgusting!”
For a moment, Olivia was taken back. Disbelief and shock flashed through her eyes. In the past, Nicole would never have dared say anything disrespectful, let alone talk back to her. Had Nicole gone mad?
Pointing a furious finger at Nicole, Olivia snapped, “Hayden, just look at your wife! What has she become now? Doesn’t she know she should show some respect to her elders? Why aren’t you doing anything?”
Nicole turned her gaze to Hayden. She thought he would be infuriated and would berate her, so she was already getting ready to fight back.
However, Hayden frowned and moved so he stood shoulder to shoulder with Nicole. Staring Olivia down with a stern expression, he said, “To prevent Nicky from becoming upset, in the future, don’t come here unless absolutely necessary.”
Hearing that, Nicole shot him a glance, not a hint of emotion on her face.
