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“Oh...Kylie Stafford ...” My best friend’s dad moaned as I used my mouth and hand in rhythm to create nothing but pleasure.<br /> “What are you doing?” He asked deliberately.<br /> There was no denying how close he was to release, but considering he wanted an answer, I gave him one. With a deep suction motion, I let the thick head of his bulge pop from my mouth before wiping away the saliva that dripped from my lip.<br /> “What does it look like? I thought you were experienced.” I smirked, raising a brow.<br /> He reached out for me, but I stepped back out of reach.<br /> Waving my finger in front of him, I smiled, “No no no... Mr. Hayden, you want me to be a good girl, remember.”<br /> His eyes narrowed at me. “Are you sure you want to go down this road?”<br /> “Hmm... Wanna more?” Taking a moment, I placed my finger to my jaw and acted as if I was thinking.<br /> “Kylie Stafford !” He said in a warning tone.<br /> My eyes met him with a wicked smile. “I think I’ll go swimming. Have a nice day, Mr. Hayden.”<br /> Score one for me and zero for him.<br /> If he wanted a game, I would give him one.<br /> ***<br /> <br /> Chapter 1<br /> Kylie Stafford, who was dressed in a wedding dress, was looking at the reflection of her dazzling, beautiful face in the mirror.<br /> After dating Sergio Wickham for three years, they were finally tying the knot—he still loved her even though everyone was trying to put her down.<br /> A fire?!<br /> Kylie&#039;s face fell. Pinching her nose as she stepped outside, she found the banquet hall that had been exceedingly lively a second ago now empty.<br /> There was a fire that seemed bent on consuming everything.<br /> She did not hesitate to head toward the location of the exit in her memory, but she would be lying if she said she was not afraid of the rolling fire and the blinding flames.<br /> That was when a man suddenly charged inside the hall.<br /> It was Kylie&#039;s fiance, Sergio Moore.<br /> Seemingly seeing salvation, she cried out as she coughed and spluttered, &quot;Sergio, I&#039;m here…&quot;<br /> Sergio, however, ignored her as he looked around anxiously.<br /> Then, pausing for a moment as if finding his target, he did not hesitate to run in the opposite direction from Kylie, even though every second counted.<br /> Then, as Kylie looked on, he picked up another woman who had been caught within the hall like Kylie and hurried outside.<br /> &quot;I knew you would come for me, Sergio…&quot; Kylie could clearly hear the woman&#039;s enfeebled voice, at once tender and aggrieved. &quot;I was so afraid…&quot;<br /> Kylie abruptly felt as if she was bludgeoned, her vision blacking out as she felt a dull pain over her heart.<br /> The voice belonged to her stepsister, Perla Stafford.<br /> And Sergio would put everything on the line to save Perla, but not her!<br /> Her heart was in pieces as if sliced through by a razor blade, and it was a suffocation more lethal than the fire around her!<br /> Even as she was rendered speechless, the glass chandelier overhead suddenly came crashing down!<br /> CStewart!<br /> It landed in front of Kylie, cutting off her escape even as she dropped to the floor, her soul seemingly displaced.<br /> Sergio turned around just then and saw Kylie falling behind him—but he never stopped.<br /> When Kylie looked up again, he had already dashed out of the hall without a care with the other woman in his arms.<br /> She was on the verge of death, but she could still clearly hear him tenderly assuring Perla, &quot;It&#039;s alright. I&#039;m here now.&quot;<br /> &#039;I&#039;m here now…&#039;<br /> Kylie blinked even as violent heat surrounded her but she felt utterly cold inside.<br /> She could only watch as that familiar figure slowly disappeared from sight.<br /> Kylie Stafford, who was dressed in a wedding dress, was looking<br /> Kylie managed to survive—amid her despair, the firefighters arrived just in time and rescued her.<br /> Kylie managed to survive—amid her despair, the firefighters arrived just in time and rescued her.<br /> However, she had inhaled too much and suffered blunt trauma on her right leg—she was unconscious when they got her out, and they rushed her to the hospital right after.<br /> It was not until the next morning that she woke up.<br /> She did not realize that someone had suddenly opened the door to her ward, and she turned to find her father, stepmother, and Perla in the room already.<br /> &quot;Are you alright, Kylie?&quot; Perla asked tearfully.<br /> All Kylie could think about right then was the sight of Sergio saving Perla. She averted her eyes from them.<br /> &quot;You&#039;re always so rude! Don&#039;t you see that your sister cares about you?&quot; her father, Cohen Stafford, snapped right then.<br /> Cohen did not want to waste his breath with Kylie either, and said right away, &quot;You probably know by now, but Perla&#039;s the one Sergio actually loves, and it&#039;s a lucky coincidence that the wedding was disrupted. So give them your blessing and announce the annulment of your engagement with Sergio.&quot;<br /> Kylie laughed despite her fury and she asked Cohen, &quot;Why?&quot;<br /> &quot;Because they love each other,&quot; Cohen said with utter conviction. &quot;You&#039;d already dragged our family&#039;s name through the mud when you had a child out of wedlock! All of North City knows that, and did you really think the Moores would accept someone with such a questionable past? They are giving you a way out, so take it!&quot;<br /> Kylie&#039;s questionable past went as far as she was eighteen.<br /> Perla had tricked Kylie to show up at a bar, where she was drugged and ended up waking up in the bed of a man she did not recognize.<br /> She was so distraught she did not even look at the man before running away, and she was too young to understand contraceptives. In fact, she was already five months pregnant before she realized what was happening, and Perla had sent the paparazzi after her when she tried to lose her child despite her pain.<br /> That was how Kylie ended up being the biggest laughing stock of North City.<br /> Things went from bad to worse when the doctor told her that she could not lose her child for health reasons, and she therefore kept the child. She eventually came to accept it, only for it to come out stillborn… but in her anguish, when she needed comfort the most, Cohen ruthlessly sent her abroad, leaving her to her own devices and without a word of concern for seven years.<br /> In fact, he never asked after her although she just escaped death, but he was already telling her to give up on Sergio because of his precious Perla?!<br /> &quot;I guess being a mistress runs in the family,&quot; Kylie said with a sneer. &quot;Drag the family&#039;s name through the mud? You already did when you married your mistress while my mother&#039;s body was still warm, and the child you had with her is somehow just half a year younger than me. No one else would dare claim the throne of infamy in this city when you&#039;re around!&quot;<br /> &quot;Kylie…&quot; Cohen growled, infuriated.<br /> On the other hand, Perla and Mila were humiliated by her contempt.<br /> Not in the mood to continue arguing with her so-called family, Kylie snapped, &quot;If the Moores really refuse to have me, have Sergio himself tell me himself! You have no reason to be here, so leave before I call the cops! What more do I have to get embarrassed about, right?&quot;<br /> Cohen knew very well that Kylie was just delicate on the surface like her mother. Her stubbornness and unreasonable nature was ingrained in her very bones, and if they really upset her, no one was going to stop her!<br /> &quot;Don&#039;t make me send you abroad again, Kylie Stafford!&quot; he barked before turning to leave, with Perla and Mila naturally hurrying off after him.<br /> However, Kylie scoffed at Cohen&#039;s threat—did he think she was still her old self from seven years ago, allowing him to do anything he wanted with her?<br /> She would not allow anyone to walk over her and her life from now on!<br /> &quot;Mommy?&quot;<br /> A small, crisp voice brought Kylie to her senses just then…<br /> Kylie turned toward the voice to find a boy who looked around five years old standing at the door of her ward. He was dressed in a patient&#039;s garb like her, and his little face was so beautiful one could not take their eyes off him.<br /> The boy then ran up to her bed and climbed up to it on his little feet without a pause, snuggling up to her and hugging her with his soft, little body. &quot;Were you bullied, Mommy?&quot;<br /> Kylie realized then that her tears were leaking from sheer frustration, and her heart almost melted from the boy&#039;s comfort.<br /> Even so, she was still positive that she did not know him.<br /> Smiling and tousling the boy&#039;s smooth curly hair, she spoke with unexpected mildness. &quot;You have the wrong person, kid.&quot;<br /> &quot;No, you&#039;re my mommy. Daddy and I will protect you from now on.&quot; The boy spoke with confidence and excitement. &quot;Daddy has a bad temper, always pulls a long face, doesn&#039;t like to talk, comes home late, gets stomach aches because he doesn&#039;t eat on time, and smokes… but he&#039;s rich and handsome. Please don&#039;t leave us ever again, Mommy.&quot;<br /> &quot;Jos.&quot;<br /> A cold yet alluring voice spoke from the door just then.<br /> The boy flinched and turned his little head in that direction, with Kylie following suit.<br /> A man stood at the doorway, his white shirt unbuttoned at the collar, and he carried the air of indescribable abstinence.<br /> His facial features seemed sculpted to perfection and his visage projected wit and composure. He stood towering and upright with a noble but nonchalant air.<br /> None of the rich and important men she met held a candle to those bewitching looks!<br /> &quot;Daddy!&quot; Timmy greeted him primly and properly.<br /> Even as Kylie turned toward Timmy again, she realized the reason why the boy was so good looking.<br /> Nonetheless, the man said sternly, &quot;Back to your room, now.&quot;<br /> Timmy pouted, but nodded tamely despite his reluctance—he must have been properly disciplined back home.<br /> Still, Timmy turned toward Kylie and said, &quot;I have to go, Mommy. But I&#039;m just next door, so could you visit me later?&quot;<br /> Kylie could not refuse him once she saw his yearning look, and she nodded. &quot;Okay.&quot;<br /> She could also explain to him properly that she was not his mommy when she did.<br /> &quot;Oh! My name is Joseph Hayden, but everyone calls me Jos. You should too, Mommy.&quot;<br /> After introducing himself, little Joseph reluctantly walked over to the man, who must be over six feet tall from a single glance at his tall frame.<br /> The height difference made Joseph appear cuter, even perfect, as the child stood beside him.<br /> As the man took Joseph&#039;s little hand and left, he did not glance his way. However, despite that stiff and aloof demeanor, Kylie somehow did not find him rude… perhaps that was the privilege of good-looking men.<br /> For Kylie&#039;s part, she did not enjoy talking much, and she actually felt comfortable with the man&#039;s distant reaction toward a stranger.<br /> She got out of bed then.<br /> Although walking was inconvenient since her right foot was plastered, she stubbornly leaned on her crutches to reach the floor. It seemed to have grown into a habit, but she was used to being alone—even if she had been dating Sergio for three years, she would never trouble or rely on Sergio too much.<br /> She suddenly felt lucky that she was like this, allowing her to persevere despite the prospect of facing troubled times ahead.<br /> However, after it took her considerable effort to leave the washroom, Kylie stepped out and found that Joseph&#039;s daddy had returned.<br /> She was startled, and the man watched as her face turned pale.<br /> &quot;Do I look that scary?&quot; he asked with his deep, magnetic voice.<br /> &quot;No.&quot; Kylie shook her head. &quot;I just didn&#039;t expect someone else here.&quot;<br /> She was just feeling fortunate that he was aloof—his abrupt visit left her slightly repulsed.<br /> Seeing the change of attitude in her eyes, the man pursed his mouth ever so slightly. &quot;The name&#039;s Ethan Hayden. The venue where you held your wedding happened to be mine, Ms. Stafford.&quot;<br /> Kylie realized with a start as Ethan cut to the chase—as the owner of the venue, he certainly had a responsibility for the fire.<br /> &quot;I&#039;m sorry that you were caught in the fire and suffered a fracture in my premises,&quot; Ethan continued then, his tone as businesslike as it was solemn. &quot;I hence offer to cover for all your expenditure while you&#039;re staying here in this hospital, and that includes the fees for treatment, hospitality, rehabilitation, and the like. You may also seek damages for labor injury, emotional distress, as well as the cancellation of your wedding.&quot;<br /> &quot;No,&quot; Kylie said flatly. &quot;Just covering my medical fees would be enough.&quot;<br /> Ethan looked at her a little weirdly just then, whereas Kylie&#039;s feet were getting numb from standing too long.<br /> Still, he obviously sensed that she had trouble moving around. He asked, &quot;Would you like my help?&quot;<br /> &quot;No… Oh!&quot;<br /> Kylie had barely finished when her crutches suddenly twitched.<br /> However, just as she was about to fall, Ethan darted forward and caught her squarely in his arms.<br /> Despite her shock, Kylie smelled a clean minty scent and seemed to hear his heart pounding, loudly and a little too quickly.<br /> She quickly tried to get away from him because she was really uncomfortable with such intimacy.<br /> In the three years she spent together with Sergio, they at best held hands since Sergio learned that she was averse to intimacy with men due to past trauma.<br /> He used to care for and respect her… and yet.<br /> Truly, the heart is fickle.<br /> Still, as Kylie straightened herself with Ethan&#039;s help, her crutches were still on the floor. Without any support, she tried to stand on one foot.<br /> However, it proved unsteady—she started to teeter as she could not lean on anything.<br /> Startled, she quickly wrapped her arms around Ethan&#039;s neck… but as soon as she did so, she realized that she was being overly intimate and she quickly released him.<br /> Her cheeks, drained of color at first, were now blushing red.<br /> Ethan could naturally tell everything Kylie was doing, but he remained silent as he saw the stubbornness in her eyes.<br /> She probably did not want anything further to do with him.<br /> After all, the ward was just that wide and it was just a few paces to her bed—all she had to do was bear with it for seconds.<br /> Ethan eventually moved and carried her to her bed.<br /> &quot;What are you doing?!&quot;<br /> As the familiar voice of a man suddenly resounded in the ward, sounding obviously angry, Kylie felt her heart skip a beat.<br /> Ethan, however, was unmoved—even deaf to the other man&#039;s outburst.<br /> He seemed to have his eyes fixed on Kylie even as he walked steadily and unhurriedly to put Kylie in her bed.<br /> &quot;Kylie!&quot; Sergio yelled even as he strode toward them. &quot;You never changed, did you?!&quot;<br /> Chapter 3<br /> Kylie was glaring coldly at Sergio.<br /> She was certainly disenchanted with him after he abandoned her to save Perla. However, forgiveness notwithstanding, she could afford to listen to an explanation because they had been together for three years.<br /> And yet, she felt that asking for one would only demean herself.<br /> On the other hand, Sergio turned to look at the other man and paused because he was too good-looking. Sergio soon recognized him as one of the firefighters who had rushed into the hotel last night and saved Kylie. Still, he did not see his face clearly at the time and merely found his stature towering.<br /> That was when Kylie said, &quot;Let&#039;s break up, Sergio.&quot;<br /> Sergio actually felt an aching over his heart as she declared the end of their three-year relationship, and he wheeled on her with a look of disbelief.<br /> Overwhelmed with rage, he bellowed as he pointed at the other man, &quot;Do you even know who he is, Kylie Stafford?! He&#039;s just a firefighter! You&#039;re dumping me for the likes of him?!&quot;<br /> Ethan&#039;s eyes twitched ever so slightly—there was contempt and coldness in his gaze.<br /> However, he chose to remain there in silence, appearing to have no inclination to leave.<br /> &quot;You know very well why we&#039;re breaking up!&quot; Kylie&#039;s cool tone was now showing a tinge of anger. &quot;Everything was clear when you chose to save Perla last night, so don&#039;t treat me like I&#039;m an idiot!&quot;<br /> Sergio&#039;s indignant expression stiffened right then, and he had no comeback against that.<br /> He stayed silent for a while, myriad emotions tangling in his eyes, though he soon found solace.<br /> &quot;Maybe we never should have been together,&quot; he said, looking at her with regret and misery. &quot;You&#039;re so strong and independent, Kylie… I felt inconsequential. I feel stressed when I&#039;m with you. You never needed me.&quot;<br /> Kylie watched him in return, and she suddenly smiled despite the numbing pain she felt inside.<br /> Despite Sergio seeming guilty, he also appeared relieved. &quot;Take care. You can come to me if you&#039;re ever in need, since we&#039;re still friends…&quot;<br /> &quot;Save your pity and goodwill! I&#039;m no loser who needs your alms, nor would I ever trust a man who would abandon me when it matters!&quot; Kylie snapped, her tone icy and taunting. &quot;Remember this, Sergio Moore—I was the one who dumped you! I earnestly wish you would live happily with Perla for the rest of your life and not regret ever choosing her!&quot;<br /> Her scolding left Sergio humiliated.<br /> It was his fault for abandoning her last night, and there was nothing he could say.<br /> And she was now clearly unreasonable, with no way to talk things out with her.<br /> Giving her a long look, he then quietly said, &quot;You should rest.&quot;<br /> He started to leave when he paused and turned toward Ethan, who returned his gaze with apathy.<br /> &quot;I&#039;ve seen too many men like him who have the looks but are penniless,&quot; he growled, indignant from the injustice. &quot;They&#039;re all losers, oily bad guys who trick women out of money and pleasure. Don&#039;t fall for his—&quot;<br /> Kylie did not want another word from him. &quot;Do I look like a loose woman, Sergio Moore?!&quot;<br /> Ethan tactfully straightened his hair just then.<br /> The gesture made his stance obvious.<br /> &quot;If you want to end up in the dumps, suit yourself,&quot; Sergio retorted and stormed off, leaving the ward in abrupt silence.<br /> &quot;Thank you for helping me to my bed and with Sergio,&quot; Kylie eventually said. &quot;But may I ask you to leave, Mr. Hayden?&quot;<br /> Ethan nodded. &quot;Sure. Please get some rest, Ms. Stafford.&quot;<br /> Still, just as that towering figure was about to leave, he returned to put a stack of tissues near her bed while saying, &quot;If a man feels stressed being with you, it is he who&#039;s lacking—it&#039;s not your fault.&quot;<br /> Kylie did a double take as she suddenly found Ethan different from other men.<br /> …<br /> Ethan&#039;s pace slowed down after he left Kylie&#039;s ward and he whipped out his phone to make a call. &quot;Lorenzo.&quot;<br /> &quot;Yes, Mr. Hayden?&quot; The response was respectful.<br /> &quot;From now on, always prepare another portion of food for the patient staying next to Jos.&quot;<br /> &quot;...Yes, Mr. Hayden.&quot;<br /> As soon as Ethan hung up, he got a call.<br /> Glancing at the caller ID, he greeted, &quot;Joel.&quot;<br /> &quot;I heard there&#039;s a fire in your hotel as soon as you return to the country?&quot; Joel Ellis teased.<br /> &quot;Yeah,&quot; Ethan replied.<br /> &quot;The damage must be in the eight figures, right? How are you feeling?&quot; Joel kept going.<br /> &quot;It&#039;s good that the fire happened when it did.&quot;<br /> &quot;...Hey, you&#039;re not losing it, are you? Why don&#039;t you hang out with us boys for a bit, get some drinks to douse your sorrows?&quot;<br /> &quot;Nope, but I don&#039;t mind joining if you&#039;re celebrating for me instead,&quot; Ethan replied. &quot;That said, I&#039;m not actually free.&quot;<br /> Joel was left dumbfounded right then.<br /> It had not been that long since they last met, but Ethan had suddenly managed to brush up on his humor?!<br /> Joel needed a while to come to his senses. He then asked, &quot;Anyway, isn&#039;t Jos getting discharged today?&quot;<br /> In fact, Ethan only returned because of Joseph&#039;s appendicitis, and the party to celebrate Ethan&#039;s return had to be postponed.<br /> &quot;Not yet,&quot; James said. &quot;I&#039;m having him stay for another half a month.&quot;<br /> &quot;Wait, is Jos alright?&quot; Joel asked nervously.<br /> &quot;Yeah,&quot; Ethan replied flatly. &quot;We&#039;re just staying for fun.&quot;<br /> Joel was dumbfounded again—was the hospital some sort of hotel to Ethan?!<br /> &quot;Talk to you later.&quot;<br /> &quot;Wait, Ethan.&quot; Joel quickly stopped him. &quot;I could bring a psychiatrist to you, take a look…&quot;<br /> &quot;Do that for yourself!&quot; Ethan snapped and hung up.<br /> He turned to look at the next ward as he did so, pursing his mouth before entering his son&#039;s ward.<br /> Chapter 4<br /> Sergio headed to Stafford Mansion after leaving the hospital, with Cohen Stafford asking him urgently, &quot;Did Kylie agree to annulling your engagement with her?&quot;<br /> Sergio shook his head, his eyes fixed on the adorable yet docile Perla Stafford as he said mildly, &quot;We&#039;ve broken up. The annulment would just be a matter of time. Sorry to keep you waiting again, Perla.&quot;<br /> &quot;No, it&#039;s alright.&quot; Perla shook her head, her eyes twinkling with tenderness. &quot;I&#039;ll be happy as long as I&#039;m with you, Sergio.&quot;<br /> Sergio&#039;s heart certainly turned into mush from her tameness—he was right to choose her!<br /> Still, he restrained himself and said, &quot;I was just going to visit Kylie, but she was with another man—that firefighter from last night.&quot;<br /> &quot;Old habits die hard, huh? You should have dumped her from the start! She doesn&#039;t deserve you!&quot; Cohen snapped shortly.<br /> &quot;Honestly, let&#039;s not bother with her already. She can do whatever she likes—I&#039;ll just pretend I never had such a shameless daughter!&quot; Cohen scoffed ruthlessly at the mention of Kylie before changing the topic of conversation. &quot;I heard a while ago that Ethan Hayden, the scion of Hayden Group, has just returned to the country. You should meet as Galaxy Group&#039;s CEO when you have the chance, Perla.&quot;<br /> &quot;Are you letting me take over the company, Dad?&quot; Perla asked a little excitedly.<br /> After all, Kylie&#039;s mother was the one who founded Galaxy, and this meant that she would be taking what Kylie desired most.<br /> &quot;Thank you, Daddy! I won&#039;t let you down!&quot; She hurried and showed her determination.<br /> &quot;Of course I trust you,&quot; Cohen said affectionately.<br /> &quot;By the way, the Haydens are one of the richest family in the city, aren&#039;t they? Ethan was also said to have a child abroad, but there&#039;s nothing known about the mother?&quot; Perla asked in curiosity.<br /> Cohen nodded. &quot;Word is that his grandfather Jason Hayden was taken ill, and Jason has asked Ethan to return and take over the family business. Ethan&#039;s been bringing the Haydens&#039; business in the foreign market to new heights, and his acumen for business was said to match even Jason&#039;s. You&#039;re around the same age, Sergio, so try to make his acquaintance—the Haydens basically own North City, after all.&quot;<br /> &quot;I&#039;ve spoken to my father about it myself—I will visit the Haydens once Ethan formally takes over,&quot; Sergio said humbly.<br /> &quot;He&#039;s only twenty-seven, right?! But he&#039;s already so young and successful… I wonder what he looks like?&quot; Perla murmured to herself just then.<br /> &quot;It&#039;s Jason Hayden&#039;s seventieth birthday next month. We&#039;ll be able to meet him then,&quot; Sergio said as he watched her. &quot;What, are you interested in him?&quot;<br /> &quot;No way!&quot; Perla denied it, purring, &quot;I&#039;m only interested in you, Sergio… I think he mustn&#039;t be attractive, which was why he got dumped! He probably looks like those middle-aged men with those giant bellies. In North City, only you have it all, Sergio: looks, success, and family connections.&quot;<br /> Sergio could not help smiling at that, as they seemingly nonchalantly changed the subject.<br /> …<br /> Kylie was a little hungry, though she did not expect herself to cry over an hour over Sergio, who was absolutely not worth it.<br /> Still, before she could order her food, a man in his fifties entered the ward, followed by two ladies who looked to be in their twenties.<br /> &quot;Good day, Ms. Stafford,&quot; the old man greeted her respectfully. &quot;I am Ethan Hayden&#039;s valet, but you can call me Lorenzo.&quot;<br /> As Kylie blinked in confusion, Lorenzo introduced, &quot;This is Emilia, and this is Ayana. They are professionally trained maids that Mr. Hayden has brought to assist you, and you may order them around as you require while you&#039;re staying here.&quot;<br /> Then, he instructed, &quot;Girls, present Ms. Stafford&#039; lunch, please.&quot;<br /> Emilia and Ayana swiftly brought over the lunchboxes, laying out an assortment of dishes that would serve as Kylie&#039;s overly scrumptious lunch on her overbed table, even holding out her knife and fork with both hands, respectfully. &quot;Please enjoy your meal, Ms. Stafford.&quot;<br /> Kylie actually thought then that Ethan was overdoing it—he did not have to go so far for her, especially since the fire at his hotel must have inflicted serious damages.<br /> Still, she took the knife and fork while saying, &quot;Thank you.&quot;<br /> Though the food tasted far beyond expectations, Lorenzo suddenly put on a pair of reading glasses and whipped out a little notebook, recording everything while observing Kylie closely. &quot;Apologies if the food isn&#039;t to your taste. May I ask if you have any sort of preferences, or ingredients you don&#039;t like?&quot;<br /> Kylie was stumped for a moment, but she then slowly said, &quot;No.&quot;<br /> Wintson did not press her further, but simply observed her quietly nearby, while writing down in his notebook: Ms. Stafford prefers fish, but is averse to carrots and onions…<br /> As he wrote, he looked up again at the dishes Kylie ate, and summed things up: Refer to Mr. Joseph&#039;s preferences.<br /> After Kylie finished her lunch, Lorenzo presented her with a box.<br /> It contained a mobile phone equipped with a SIM card.<br /> Kylie thanked Lorenzo, and he left without lingering since his job was done.<br /> On the other hand, Emilia and Ayana stayed since they were supposed to attend to her.<br /> &quot;Don&#039;t mind me,&quot; Kylie said as she got into a wheelchair and wheeled herself out of the ward.<br /> She had agreed to visit Joseph and it was a principle of hers to keep promises, not to mention that there were matters she felt she should discuss directly with Ethan.<br /> As she knocked on the door to the next ward, it opened.<br /> Ethan&#039;s towering form appeared before her.<br /> His shoulders were broad, his waist muscular, and his legs long—the sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up, revealing his chiseled hands.<br /> Still, Kylie noticed just then that he was bandaged around the wrist…<br /> And he had carried her in his arms!<br /> Averting her eyes, she asked, &quot;Is Jos in?&quot;<br /> &quot;Yes, but he&#039;s having a nap.&quot; Ethan replied.<br /> Kylie wondered to herself if he was trying to keep her away from his son. &quot;I&#039;ll come by later…&quot;<br /> He suddenly asked out loud, &quot;Are you there, Mommy? Can you sleep with me?&quot;<br /> &quot;I need to step out for the moment. Please keep him company if you&#039;re not too busy, Ms. Stafford,&quot; Ethan said right away before Kylie could say anything. &quot;Jos just had an appendix surgery and his doctors have insisted on bed rest. Help me coax him to sleep if you can.&quot;<br /> With that, Ethan left without waiting for her to agree.<br /> On the other hand, Kylie was mystified by his behavior. Was he not afraid that his adorable son would be affected?!<br /> &quot;Mommy?&quot; Joseph called out sweetly to her just then.<br /> Kylie inhaled deeply and refrained from correcting him. &quot;Alright, just take a nap. I&#039;ll be here with you.&quot;<br /> &quot;Thanks, Mommy,&quot; Joseph said, wrapping his little hands firmly around her arm and holding it against his heart.<br /> Then, he closed his eyes and yawned, falling asleep at the very next instant.<br /> She was certainly envious of the child&#039;s ability to doze off with such ease—she had been taking melatonin pills for years.<br /> No sooner had she done that when Joseph&#039;s little pudgy hands tightened around her, even as he murmured, &quot;Mommy, don&#039;t leave me…&quot;<br /> Kylie decided that she could not help it—even as she looked at Joseph&#039;s tiny, adorable cheeks, she wondered how heartless his mother could be to bear to abandon him.<br /> She could not help leaning in and giving him a kiss.<br /> As she looked up, she suddenly saw that Ethan had returned to the ward, his dark gaze watching her every move, but his thoughts impassive.<br /> Kylie felt caught in the awkwardness right then, because she had been caught red-handed kissing another person&#039;s child…<br /> Chapter 5<br /> Ethan spoke up just then, alleviating the awkwardness.<br /> &quot;Jos waited for you for over an hour. He usually naps earlier.&quot;<br /> Kylie&#039;s heart skipped a beat, but she tried to stay calm and said, &quot;Actually, Mr. Hayden, you could&#039;ve just explained that I&#039;m not his mommy.&quot;<br /> Ethan simply watched her with his black eyes quietly then, and the sudden silence left Kylie wondering if she had misspoken.<br /> Still, she did not dwell on it and continued, &quot;The fire was just an accident anyway. You didn&#039;t have to bring me lunch or have those maids take care of me. And how much for the phone? I&#039;ll wire the money to you.&quot;<br /> &quot;I thought you were smart, Ms. Stafford.&quot;<br /> Kylie was at a loss. Was there anything about her that made her look ridiculous?!<br /> &quot;Jos needs a mommy,&quot; Ethan continued in his alluring voice, as if it was only natural.<br /> &quot;So?&quot; Kylie raised a brow.<br /> Ethan simply kept his dark eyes fixed on her for a long while.<br /> After the pause, his pitch seemed to deepen. &quot;And he likes you. So you might be able to tell that I&#039;m wooing you, Ms. Stafford.&quot;<br /> Kylie was speechless.<br /> She could never have told me. All she felt was that everything he did was imposing!<br /> &quot;You don&#039;t need to respond immediately, Ms. Stafford. After all…&quot;<br /> Ethan then trailed off, as if musing on the right words, &quot;We&#039;re not acquainted yet.&quot;<br /> Obviously, they were just strangers who crossed paths by chance.<br /> Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Kylie said, &quot;Don&#039;t you think you&#039;re being a little childish about a relationship, Mr. Hayden?&quot;<br /> Ethan raised a brow—she was already a difficult person, and she appeared even more distant now.<br /> &quot;Wooing me just because your son likes me? Am I just a tool to you? What if your son stops liking me and chooses another woman to be his mommy one day? Are you going to woo her too, Mr. Hayden?&quot;<br /> Kylie paused to calm herself just then, as she noticed that she was getting a little harsh. &quot;I&#039;m sorry, Mr. Hayden, but I don&#039;t share your perspective.&quot;<br /> &quot;Wooing has nothing to do with my son. He just happens to like you too, just as I do,&quot; Ethan said plainly then.<br /> Kylie actually thought she misheard.<br /> A sudden declaration of love… It must be a joke, right?!<br /> They had just met hours ago!<br /> &quot;You don&#039;t have to worry about my son falling for another woman either, Ms. Stafford,&quot; Ethan said, enunciating every word. &quot;Devotion runs in our family.&quot;<br /> Kylie was left speechless again.<br /> Did that man just endorse himself and his son at the same time?<br /> Even offering her… a promise?!<br /> Still, she was not about to be caught in his pace, not to mention that she absolutely could not respond to the feelings of people she just met. &quot;Whatever you&#039;re aiming to do, Mr. Hayden, I&#039;m serious when I tell you that I&#039;m rejecting you.&quot;<br /> Ethan simply stared at her with his jet-black eyes.<br /> &quot;Please don&#039;t disturb me ever again, Mr. Hayden. All you have to do is offer me due compensation—&quot;<br /> &quot;I reject your rejection,&quot; Ethan said, cutting her short with an assertive tone.<br /> Anger flashed in Kylie&#039;s eyes. &quot;Do you even know my past? I&#039;m not as ideal as you&#039;d like to think.&quot;<br /> &quot;I never doubt my judgment, nor do I take isMila with a person&#039;s past.&quot;<br /> &quot;Someone told me that before too, and you saw how that ended up.&quot;<br /> Therefore, how would she ever trust a stranger she just met?<br /> &quot;Don&#039;t compare me to that kind of guy.&quot;<br /> The ward suddenly turned silent.<br /> Ethan&#039;s thin mouth twitched ever so slightly, his expression so icy it left Kylie&#039;s heart skipping a beat.<br /> His reaction made her feel as if she genuinely insulted him.<br /> Still, she suddenly laughed without knowing the reason herself.<br /> Probably because there was still someone in this world who would side with her.<br /> In everyone else&#039;s perspective, Sergio was too good for her—a notion shared even by her own biological father.<br /> There was a change in Ethan&#039;s gaze as she watched her laugh, and he said, &quot;In the days to come, I will demonstrate the difference between myself and scum, Ms. Stafford.&quot;<br /> In other words, he would go all out to woo her!<br /> With those words, he turned to leave, seemingly reluctant to waste more time on this matter.<br /> After all, no one could change his mind after he made a decision.<br /> &quot;Mr. Hayden.&quot; Kylie quickly stopped him when she came to her senses.<br /> Ethan stopped, but he did not turn around.<br /> &quot;I suggest that you find out about my past first.&quot;<br /> &quot;I don&#039;t have to.&quot;<br /> With those short and direct words, he left without stopping this time.<br /> …<br /> Kylie returned to her ward and got into bed.<br /> When she glanced at the phone, she remembered that she had yet to wire the money for it to Ethan.<br /> Still, she soon decided against it—he did not look like he would miss the money, and she could just consider it compensation for her emotional distress.<br /> She hence dialed an unfamiliar number that she engraved in her memory. &quot;Mr. Lopez? It&#039;s me, Kylie Stafford.&quot;<br /> &quot;Good afternoon, Ms. Stafford.&quot;<br /> &quot;I wish to inherit Galaxy Group—the company that my mother left me. Would there be any issues?&quot;<br /> &quot;Of course not,&quot; the lawyer replied right away. &quot;Your mother made it clear in her will that the company belongs to you. You can claim it anytime you want.&quot;<br /> Ever since her mother&#039;s death, Galaxy Group, whose main business was in fashion, had been taken over by Cohen as custodian, even after Kylie was sent abroad. Kylie had wanted to take over and manage it when she returned to the country with Sergio, but she had poured her time and strength into saving Moore Corp from its crisis instead. Unable to divert her attention, she had set the idea aside until now.<br /> &quot;Please accompany me to the company&#039;s office when the time comes.&quot;<br /> &quot;I will be ready whenever.&quot; Trevor Lopez agreed to it right away.<br /> …<br /> Kylie stayed at the hospital for a week, and Joseph would visit frequently. While she

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