Chapter 273

Seeing that intense look on his face, I studied him. Mature, confident, and yes, quite handsome. Guys his age possessed a grown-up air, far more appealing than, say, Brad. Older men were undeniably trendy; social media overflowed with women of all ages—single, married, even young—embracing mature men like Hayden. But his distress over the "old man" comment? Clearly, he didn't grasp that his age was an asset.

I stepped closer. "The truth? You're in your thirties. So, no, you're not exactly young, especially compared to that barely eighteen-year-old kid. It's not unusual for him to call you 'old man,' and—"

"You really think I'm old?" Hayden interrupted.

He looked tense and genuinely upset. Wow, I never expected this sensitivity about his age.

I tried to clarify, "I just meant you're not, like, young young, but I didn't—"

He cut me off again. "Anyone else can call me old, but not you."

I was speechless. Seeing him so worked up, I couldn't help but laugh. "Are you really worried I think you're old? Or that I'd dump you because of your age?"

He didn't respond, just sat there pouting. It was rather adorable. I reached up and gently stroked his cheek. "Seriously, I'm not going to ditch you. I'm into you because of your... I don't know, mature vibe. Otherwise, why would I have turned down that kid? He's young and full of potential, right?"

Still nothing. I playfully rubbed his cheek again. It hit me then: older men could be far more challenging than I'd anticipated—way more complicated than someone like Jace. With Jace, a quick "sorry" usually sufficed. But Hayden? He was being stubborn, like a child refusing to budge. I needed a more drastic approach. I stood on tiptoe and kissed him. "Happy now?"

I barely had time to step back before a strong arm encircled my waist, pulling me close. The grip recalled last night—how he'd held me tight, as if we were meant to be. My heart raced. "Mr. Ha—"

"Aren't you the one who said we should keep things professional at work? So why are you getting all handsy with a 'colleague'?" he teased, his voice low and playful.

Chapter 273 (continued)

His words... He truly knew how to manipulate situations to his advantage. I realized his slyness. He acted innocent and clueless around me, but his handling of Brad earlier? Far from naive. This guy was definitely playing the fool to win me over. But what could I say? I was already hooked.

I sighed in frustration. "Stop messing around."

Hayden didn't press it, so I turned and headed for the door.

"Let's grab lunch together," he called out as I reached the doorway.

I pretended not to hear him, but as I stepped outside, I nearly collided with Ron. He grinned. "Ms. Kay, looks like you're quite popular these days."

I just stared.

"Come on, Ms. Kay," Ron continued, still grinning. "Join us for lunch. We're having a little welcome party for Mr. Hart."

I stood there, processing. I guess being Chief Engineer had its perks.

"Mr. Shane," I called out as Ron was about to enter Hayden's office.

He stopped, still smiling. "Ms. Kay, need something?"

"When I started, I don't remember you throwing me a welcome lunch."

Ron's smile faltered slightly, and I noticed a twitch at the corner of his mouth.

Chapter 274