Chapter 227

I pondered the contract. "Your father's death must have been connected to mine. I'm the only one who can uncover the truth."

Hayden looked at me. "Did you discover something?"

"What about you?" I asked. "Why are you pursuing Thorsten Drago? Why do you suspect him?"

He rose and walked to the window, his tall frame exuding strength, as if he could hold up the sky if it fell. Watching him, I set down my cup and followed. "Hayden, I know you know something too. And I know you don't want me involved, but this concerns my parents. I can't remain passive."

I glanced at the moonlight streaming through the window. "I'm not a clueless kid. I can handle myself. And besides, you're here with me, aren't you?"

Hayden turned, and after a moment, said, "You're just as stubborn as you were when we were children."

I laughed and faced him. "So, you've known who I was this whole time? You befriended me to investigate your father's death, right?"

He frowned. "Is that truly what you think?"

"Yes."

He rolled his eyes, offering a lopsided grin. "Is my flirting that bad?"

I blinked, surprised. "Wait, what?"

"Ugh, heartless," he muttered, shaking his head as he moved from the window. "Just finish your tea and go to bed, okay?"

"What about you? What are you going to do?" I blurted, my words outpacing my thoughts.

Hayden didn't look back as he walked to the bedroom. Just before the door closed, he called over his shoulder, "Read."

I watched the door close, then shook my head, grinning as I finished my tea. I glanced at my favorite cartoon mug, kissed it, and went to my room.

I stretched out on the couch and texted Steve to let him know I was home safely. Then, I decided to video-call Lena.

I doubted she'd answer—she usually doesn't—but this time, she did.

"Why didn't you go to work today?" I asked, noting she was at home.

"Day off!"

I squinted at the screen. "Wait, did you put on makeup? Did you go out? Was it a date?" Something felt amiss.

She moved the camera away. "Nope, you're imagining things."

"Oh, come on. Don't hide it. Spill the tea," I pressed. I knew her too well for her to get away with this.

When she finally returned the camera, she'd removed her lipstick.

"There's nothing to tell," she said, attempting to sound casual. "I just met with him regarding Yuna."

I was surprised. "Wait, you saw him? I thought you weren't meeting until next week."

"He returned early, and our professor arranged it," Lena said, trying to sound casual.

But I wasn't letting it go. "So, how did it go?"

"What do you mean, how did it go?" she dodged.

"Your senior! Is he still single?" I asked.

Lena rolled her eyes. "Seriously? Shouldn't you be more interested in what he said about your future sister-in-law?"

"Of course I care! But I'm more worried about you. I'm not going to ditch my friends for some guy," I said, giving her a playful wink.

Lena scoffed. "Yeah, sure. You're just being nosy."

"Okay, fine, I am! Now spill!" I was eager to know. I wanted to know about Yuna's condition, but I was also curious about any chemistry between Lena and her senior.

"Do you really want to know?" Lena teased.

"Yes, like, desperately!" I said, adopting my best pleading face.

Lena bit her lip. "Yuna's surgery should be fine. They did a similar one last year, and it went really well."

My heart leaped. "That's awesome!"

"So, is he still single?" I asked, without missing a beat.

Just as I finished my question, a friend request notification appeared on my phone. The sender? Cole.