Chapter 191

After saying that, I remembered my question from yesterday. "Those guys who attacked you—did they cause any more trouble?"

I glanced at his hands and face, checking for bruises. Thankfully, there were none.

"No," Hayden replied, as if reading my mind. "And even if they did, they wouldn't stand a chance."

His confidence was striking. I finished my soup. "Have you learned anything about your dad's accident? Who's behind it? Why are they after you?"

Hayden looked at me. "They're afraid I'll uncover the truth about my dad's boss's death."

He was vague, as usual, forcing me to probe further. "Was his boss influential? Did his death disrupt anyone's plans?"

"It's been over a decade. There's no remaining financial motive. They're worried about the boss's child holding a grudge."

His tone tightened my throat. "The boss had a child? Do they know you're investigating?"

Hayden's gaze fell. "She doesn't know yet."

This surprised me. After a moment, I asked, "Are you going to continue investigating?"

"Of course," he said, as if it were self-evident.

"But you're putting yourself in danger. Those men yesterday weren't amateurs."

Hayden's eyes flashed with his usual fearless determination. "What? Worried I'll get hurt?"

His teasing tone didn't ease my concerns. I nodded. "Hayden, your father and his boss are gone. Even if you solve this, it won't bring them back. Risking yourself… it's not worth it."

His eyes met mine, their intensity deepening. "Is that really what you think?"

"Yes. People need to move forward, not dwell on the past." It was something my father used to tell my mother.

"Yeah, I get it," Hayden muttered, returning to his food.

Leaving would have been awkward, so I stayed, watching him finish his meal. To lighten the mood, I joked, "You're a good cook. Did you learn that in the military? You weren't just on kitchen duty, were you?" Of course not—he'd told me he was Special Forces.

Chapter 191 (continued)

"My sister was a picky eater. I had to learn."

Hayden's words stopped me.

"You have a sister?"

"Yes, a biological one." He emphasized "biological," hinting at significance.

Then it struck me—he'd mentioned her before.

"But you haven't said much about her."

Hayden's hand stilled, and he glanced at me quickly. "I just haven't gotten around to it…"

"How old is she? Is she my age? Is she in school? Working?" My curiosity overwhelmed me.

Hayden hesitated, his grip tightening on his fork. "She's… not well."

I froze, realizing I'd stumbled onto sensitive ground.

"She has congenital heart disease," he explained.

I hesitated, then asked, "That's treatable, right? With a transplant or something?"

His silence made it click. Without thinking, I blurted out, "Hayden, do you… not have enough money?" A heart transplant is incredibly expensive. With his father gone, and no mention of his mother, I realized he might not be able to afford the surgery.

His gaze met mine, making me squirm. Worried about misinterpreting, I quickly added, "If it's money, I can lend you some. I have more than enough."

"I couldn't repay you," Hayden said smoothly.

That confirmed it. I smiled, offering help. "Then don't. Just stick around and consider it paid back."