Chapter 226

“Huh?” Hayden looked at me, eyebrows furrowed. I stepped closer, close enough to smell the clean, soapy scent clinging to him, as if he’d just showered. It smelled wonderfully familiar, reminiscent of my childhood—a time when my parents were still alive and we used bar soap for everything. Now, with all the fancy body washes, the scent of real bar soap is rare. “Are you hiding something from me?” I asked.

He frowned, scrutinizing me. “You alright? How much did you drink?”

I’d only had one drink—barely enough to feel anything—but he’d noticed. I laughed, playfully tugging his shirt collar. “Come on, Hayden Hart, don’t play dumb. Are you hiding your real identity? Secretly wealthy? Maybe even the mastermind behind OceanixCorp?”

His jaw tightened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He stepped back, needing space.

“Oh, you really don’t know, or are you just faking it? Messing with me?” I pressed, closing the distance again, refusing to let him off the hook.

Hayden remained silent, his eyes locked on mine. We stood there, engaged in a silent standoff under the dim stairwell light. Images of Yuna’s courtyard, her illness, and Hayden’s appearance the first time we met flashed through my mind. I broke the stare, letting out a dry laugh. “You’re too broke to be that guy, anyway.”

I released his shirt and turned to go, but he grabbed my arm. “Did you drive home?” I smiled. “Nah, I had a driver.” I stuck out my tongue playfully. “I’m careful, you know. Don’t want to put anyone else in danger.” The cold look in his eyes softened. He patted my head gently. “Good girl.”

It felt like he was comforting a child. I blinked. “I’m kinda jealous of Yuna.”

“Hmm?”

I forced a smile. “She must have been so spoiled by you growing up.”

Hayden’s gaze intensified. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward his room. “I’m making you some honey chamomile tea.”

I wanted to refuse, but his hand was warm, and I couldn't resist. I let him lead me inside. Ugh, I’m such a sucker for this.

A few minutes later, he handed me a cup of tea. It was in a cartoon cat-shaped mug—definitely a girl’s cup. But Yuna wasn’t here…

“Whose cup is this? I don’t like using other people’s things,” I said, testing him.

“It’s yours. I bought it just for you.” His words made my heart skip a beat, and my cheeks flushed.

I took a sip. The tea was sweet. It felt…spoiled.

“Don’t drink alone anymore. It’s not safe,” Hayden said.

“I was with Steve. I told you, I’m fine with him around,” I replied honestly.

His eyes darkened, but he remained silent. I took another sip of tea, then said, “Guess who I had dinner with tonight?”

“Not just Steve?” His tone was odd, but I didn’t think much of it.

“Cole Drago, Thorsten Drago’s son,” I said casually.

Hayden’s face fell. “What are you trying to do?”

I pressed my lips together, considering whether to tell him Cole offered to introduce me to Thorsten. But Hayden’s sharp look stopped me. “Keira, I know what you’re trying to find out, but stay out of this. I’ll take care of it.”