Chapter 9



As for Michelle Robinson, she gripped his arm even tighter, as if to show her authority. She smiled at Hayden and said, “Look at you, Hayden, why didn’t you report to Kingsley and I when you came back?”

“I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“I heard you lost touch with the Downey Family when you decided to move overseas.” Michelle seemed to show affection for Hayden, but there were other intentions in her words, “Why don’t you go back to the Downey Group to take a look at them.”

Having seemed to notice Hayden’s concerned look, Kingsley spoke softly, “Come on, Michelle.”

“What’s the rush? I haven’t seen Hayden in a long time and I want to have a chat with her.” That said, he dragged Hayden toward the elevator without giving her a chance to turn it down.

Hayden’s lips went a little dry and she lowered her eyes. When the elevator door opened, Michelle dragged her inside. Hayden looked down and moved slightly to the side when she saw a few guests entering as well.

A guest walking past her had accidentally touched the tip of her nose with his blazer. The shiver she felt made her shudder and she had a feeling of familiarity without knowing why.

Then she looked up wanting to take a peek, but Michelle had blocked in front of her and her high heels were coming into her field of vision. “Hayden, will you be able to come over?”

“Excuse me?” Hayden didn’t know what she had just said and asked, retrieving her gaze at the same time as well.

“Mine and Kingsley’s engagement banquet.” Michelle raised her hand and there was a sparkling diamond ring on her ring finger. Her eyes were full of complacency and the corners of her red lips curved, “It will be the eighteenth of next month, I hope you can come.”

That familiar but expensive ring was so dazzling that it made Hayden’s eyes ache. He remembered that when he went to the jewelry store with Kingsley back then, they had noticed that particular ring, saying that they should wear it when they got married in the future.

However, it turned out that ring was being worn by Michelle now.

“I have work to do, so I may not have time.” She turned her head to the side to avoid feeling more awkward.

“Oh, come on, Hayden!” Michelle took his hand affectionately and smiled. “I’ve always wished you’d be my maid of honor someday.”

Hayden inwardly scoffed. Did that mean he had always wanted to steal her groom?

Seeing that he didn’t say a word, Michelle’s eyes twinkled and she smiled. “I know you’re afraid you won’t have a date to bring to the banquet. Don’t worry, I know lots of friends and I can introduce you to one.”

“I have a boyfriend; it’s just impossible for me to go.” Hayden moved his hands away without changing his expression and continued, “Besides, I’m afraid he won’t let me go to my ex-boyfriend’s engagement banquet and also my best friend’s.”

The expression on Kingsley’s face changed. Michelle’s face froze as well, but she eagerly took his hand again. “Hayden, why don’t you give your boyfriend a call and invite him over? I need to thank him for taking such good care of you.”

“No need to bother. He’s a busy person.”

During the impasse, Hayden suddenly tripped over something. With a loss of balance, she fell forward. With no intention of restraining her, Michelle secretly moved to the side.

Hayden hit a hard chest and her forehead ached. Then she heard a noise from above, which sounded inexplicably familiar.

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