Chapter 635: Chapter 636

“Huh?” Haylan’s eyes widened in surprise.

What did Ceci mean by that question?

Was she trying to suggest a romantic connection between him and Mimi?

“Quit playing games. Mimi is drop–dead gorgeous with a killer body and treats you well. Not to mention, you two were high school buddies. Have you never felt any attraction toward Mimi?” Ceci’s curiosity burned in her gaze as she looked at Haylan.

The love for beauty resided within every heart!

To speak candidly, having known Mia for a considerable time, she had developed a profound understanding of her.

Despite being a woman herself, there were numerous occasions when she couldn’t deny the stirring of romantic feelings toward Mia.

She was undeniably a stunning beauty, a true enchantress!

Yet, to her surprise, Haylan seemed entirely unaffected by Mia’s presence.

This was highly unusual and perplexing!

“Well, just because we were classmates doesn’t mean I have to be infatuated,” Haylan remarked coolly.

He had crossed paths with many beautiful women, not merely in the thousands but perhaps even tens of thousands. His encounters with countless women had forged within him a formidable heart.

Therefore, what might be considered goddesses in the eyes of many, were nothing more than individuals with a modest level of attractiveness in his perspective.

Powered by his resolute heart, he wasn’t one to be easily stirred, let alone succumb to infatuation at the drop of a hat.

“No way! Are you telling me you haven’t felt a hint of attraction?” Ceci’s eyes bore a perplexed expression as she carefully observed Haylan.

“Not in the slightest,” Haylan replied composedly, calmly continuing to savor his food.

Ceci’s expression grew even more perplexed as she looked at Haylan. “Mr. Jaber, you’re not gay, are you?”

Haylan, caught off guard by the question, felt a wave of sweat forming on his forehead.

Damn it all!

What thoughts occupy the minds of these celebrities?

Just because he didn’t feel attracted to Mia, why would she conclude that he was gay?

“No way! Mr. Jaber, you can’t possibly be gay, can you?” Ceci stared at Haylan intently as if she had stumbled upon an astonishing revelation.

Haylan lifted his gaze and fixed Ceci with a piercing stare. “So, you think I’m gay? Care to put that theory to the test?”

“Wow, you’re willing to try? Well, I refuse to believe that a gay like you can do anything to me.”

Ceci smirked, taking a seat beside Haylan. She held her head high, chest puffed out, and confidently challenged him. “Come on then!”

Amid their conversation, she grabbed Haylan’s hand, extending it toward her chest.

Haylan’s eyebrows knitted together slightly, and he promptly pulled his hand back. “What are you doing?”

“Of course, I’m just testing you.”

Ceci’s laughter grew more joyful. “You’re too cautious even to lay a finger on my body. It looks like you’re truly one of those legendary men.”

“I believe in maintaining appropriate boundaries between men and women,” Haylan responded, giving her a slight glare.

“Oh, so now you’re talking about boundaries? When you were helping me with my treatment, you touched everything. I don’t recall you mentioning any concerns then.”

“At that time, I was solely focused on providing medical treatment. I was your doctor, and you were my patient. There was no ulterior motive.

Haylan savoring a piece of sweet and sour pork, added, “Now that you have recovered and we are no longer in a 10:52 doctor–patient relationship, we can relate to each other as regular men and women.”

“But if I were to make any unwarranted advances now, that would be crossing a line!”

“I, Haylan, am a man of integrity and honor. How could I stoop to such actions?”

“Miss Lawson, is this the impression you have of me? Is this truly how you see me?”

His words resounded with determination and clarity.

Ceci found herself at a loss for words, completely taken aback by the forceful sincerity in Haylan’s response.

Could this indeed be Haylan’s authentic stance?

Had she misjudged Hyland entirely?

Was Haylan truly not gay?

“In simple terms, I, Haylan, am a man of principles and integrity. Whether it’s a woman in my life or a patient in my care, I would never exploit or take advantage of anyone,” Haylan proclaimed with unwavering determination.

“So you’re saying that you have no intention of taking advantage of me?” Ceci queried.

Haylan cast a glance at her while enjoying his meal. “Why would I ever want to take advantage of you?”

With that statement, he turned his attention away from Ceci, focusing again on savoring his food.

Ceci was instantly filled with deep disappointment and a sense of defeat upon hearing Haylan’s words, her heart heavy with discouragement.

She was the reigning queen of a prominent film and television company, no doubt about it!

Wealthy scions and ambitious young talents would queue up to win her affection, even extending their pursuit across borders. Yet, here she was, feeling exposed in front of Haylan, who claimed he hadn’t taken advantage of her and professed no romantic interest.

It left her feeling like she had lost all her allure, causing her to question her beauty and figure. A wave of self–doubt washed over her, eroding her confidence.

Could it be that she genuinely lacked any allure, leaving Haylan unaffected?

She observed Haylan, engrossed in his meal, then glanced at her figure before turning her attention to Mia elegantly swimming in the pool. A slight frown appeared as she pondered, “This doesn’t make sense.”

“Although my physique may not possess the same dominance as Mimi’s, it is certainly not lacking.

My presence usually enchants men, so why does he show no interest?”

“This doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t!”

“I’ve figured it out. Haylan is undoubtedly gay. His exaggerated display of righteousness and steadfastness must be a cover-up for his lack of interest in women!”

“Yes, that’s it!”

The more Ceci contemplated, the more convinced she became that her speculation was correct.

Haylan must indeed lack interest in women.

After all, if a gorgeous woman like herself were to strip naked and stand before Haylan, how could he possibly remain unaffected?

Her certainty deepened, but she hesitated to probe further since Haylan hadn’t broached the topic.

Instead, she shifted the conversation. “Speaking of which, did Nicholas stop by earlier?”

Though she had just experienced a bout of exhaustion, gasping for breath and struggling to keep her eyes open, Ceci’s hearing remained acute. She caught the sound of gunshots and Nicholas’s enraged shouts.

Haylan nodded in confirmation.

Ceci’s expression turned solemn as she focused on the locked door. “Nicholas is my most sincere suitor, without a doubt. He also hails from a wealthy and influential family, the Bennett family, one of the top ten aristocratic families of Ulinas.”

“He possesses a ruthless and vindictive character. If anyone defies him, he will stop at nothing for vengeance.”

“Mr. Jaber, this situation is my doing. You don’t have to shoulder the responsibility. I’ll go and confront Nicholas to resolve it.”

“Don’t go,” Haylan stated with a calm tone.

“If I don’t go, he’ll hold a grudge against you and Mimi,” Ceci stated.

10:52 “Even if you go, he won’t heed your words,” Haylan responded, his expression calm as he continued eating.

“Regardless of whether he listens, this situation is my responsibility. I must handle it myself to prevent it from affecting you both,” Ceci asserted.

Haylan gazed at Ceci, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Who would have thought that Ceci possessed such loyalty and integrity?

However, knowing Nicholas’s character, he was confident he wouldn’t easily let Ceci off the hook.

If Ceci were to venture and plead with Nicholas, it would be akin to throwing herself into the lion’s den with little hope of escape.

“Help! My foot is cramping!”

Just as Haylan was about to offer his advice and dissuade Ceci, a cry for help echoed from Mia’s swimming pool.

Haylan and Ceci glanced over, and their eyes immediately fell upon Mi