Chapter 130



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It was already midnight when Joseph finished bathing. A shaft of moonlight shone through the window. As the bathroom lights went out, the moonlight seemed even cooler.

Hayden could feel Joseph hugging her from behind. He was warm as a steaming bun. The blanket became as warm as Joseph’s temperature.

It was a little too warm for Hayden. She struggled.

“Are you awake?” Joseph asked softly in a tentative tone.

Hayden responded with a question, “Why are you back so late?”.

“I got held up by something.”

“Have you figured it out?”

“Not yet.”

Hayden thought about the message. He was silent for a second, before continuing to ask, “How long is it going to take? Will you be joining the going-away party next weekend?”

His guest would be staying in N-Town for half a month, and the farewell party would be the following weekend. Joseph had to be there, no matter how urgently he had to attend.

“I’ll be there.”

Hayden frowned, but stopped asking.

Joseph spoke as Hayden remained silent, “I’ve found a specialist in Germany to treat Noah. It’s difficult to make an appointment with him, so I have to take Noah to Germany tomorrow. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

Hayden was stunned, this was Noah. Hayden regretted overthinking and blaming him.

“You’re going there alone with Noah?”.

“Yeah, don’t worry, we won’t be long. I’m sorry I asked you to take care of all the guests.”

“That’s okay. What matters most is Noah.”

Joseph was silent. Then he hugged Hayden and whispered in his ear, “I’m so happy for Noah, he has a wonderful mother.”

A complicated emotion settled in Hayden’s heart when he heard what Joseph said. He turned and returned Joseph’s hug.

It seemed like the only way to keep her from wanting to tell him the truth.

Joseph left early in the morning. His assistant had already gone to pick Noah up from the airport; it wasn’t even dawn when Joseph took off. Before leaving, he kissed Hayden on the forehead, then grabbed his coat and quietly left the room.

As the hotel representative, Hayden introduced guests to all the sights and famous food in N City for the entire next week.

Jennifer loved the local delicacies Hayden introduced them to. Before the trip was over, Jennifer and Hayden had already become close friends, even inviting her back to her home country so she could reciprocate her cordial hospitality.

“Thank you for your cordial hospitality.”

One night before the farewell party. After returning to the hotel, Jennifer hugged Hayden and said discreetly, “I have a gift for you, I’ll give it to you tomorrow night.”

Hayden smiled, “I’m looking forward to it.”

“You’ll like it. Don’t forget to ask your friend to join us, the funny one.”

“Benjamin?”

They met Benjamin when they were hiking and Jennifer seemed to really like him. She kept saying that Benjamin was about the same age as her son and that they both liked activities like hiking. They chatted at length, Jennifer even invited Benjamin over for dinner.

“Yes, the funny one. Ask him to come.”

Hans continued the conversation. He blinked mischievously and asked, “Is Mr. Beckham back yet? Will he be able to join the party tomorrow night?”

“I’ll ask him.” Hayden smiled and then turned to Hans, “Mr. Beckham will be back. He has told me he will be back to join the party before they leave.”

“Great, I have something important to tell Mr. Beckham.” Hans sounded mysterious.

Hayden got nervous. He thought he knew what Hans was planning.

After sending Hans and Jennifer back to their room, he asked Magnus, “Are you sure Mr. Beckham will be back tomorrow?”

“They should be on the plane right now.”

“Great. I think Mr. Hans will want to talk about their international trade partnership.”

Hayden was worried about Joseph. Although taking care of the guests was a government mandated task, there were business opportunities in this project. It was the main reason why Joseph wanted to take on the project in the first place. However, he had to take Noah with the specialist during the project. This could affect his plan.

But looking at Hans’ actions, he liked them, and he had already given plenty of hints. As long as Joseph was back in time, they could probably collaborate.

The farewell party started in the afternoon the next day.

Hans and Jennifer were flying out at midnight, so they had to leave right after the party. Therefore, the party had been moved to three o’clock in the afternoon. Hayden had been busy with preparation since the morning.

“Mr. Beckham isn’t here yet?”

Hayden was on the phone with Magnus. “What happened? He’s not answering his phone – have you seen him yet? Shouldn’t he have arrived in the morning?”

“Miss Downey, don’t worry. I’ve already picked up Mr. Beckham from the airport.”

“I see.” Hayden was relieved. He lifted his wrist and looked at his watch, then muttered, “Why didn’t you tell me you’d already picked him up?”

“I’m driving now. Let’s talk when we get to the hotel?” Magnus sounded nervous on the phone.

“Okay, drive carefully.”

Hayden looked at the phone screen after ending the call. She felt uncomfortable and strange for some reason.

On the other end of the phone, Magnus was carefully watching the rearview mirror as he drove, “Are we going to the hotel first? Or are we going back home?”

“To the hotel. Then send Noah back home.”

“Yes, sir.”

Magnus nodded and didn’t dare ask any more.

It was almost six-thirty, the party was about to end. Hans and Jennifer approached Hayden with a glass of wine in hand.

“Miss Downey, I don’t think Mr. Beckham is coming this time. I’m sorry.”

Hayden looked at his watch, “Mr. Hans, Mr. Beckham is on his way. Maybe his flight was delayed a bit, I promise he’ll be here soon.”

“Are you sure? We leave at seven thirty. I hope he’ll be on time.” Hans smiled as if he didn’t really care if Joseph could make it.

Hayden’s phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen and saw Joseph’s message, “[I’m almost there].”

“Yes!” Happiness showed on Hayden’s face.

“Mr. Hans, Mrs. Jennifer, Mr. Beckham is here. Please bear with me. I’ll go check the lobby, he should be here any minute.”

Hayden then walked quickly toward the exit of the party.

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