Chapter 861

The black silk shirt Hayden wore clung to his chest and billowed behind him in the sea breeze. Leaning lazily against the railing, he radiated an air of casual freedom. “Ready to act?”

“We’ve already begun,” Aaron replied. Unlike Hayden, who carried a hint of unruly charm, Aaron exuded steady composure.

Hayden thought of how Aaron had already brought Lena back home and tested the waters with a question. “Figured out how to explain things to your family?”

“No rush,” Aaron said lazily. “It’ll be easier to explain once she’s made up her mind.”

“Looks like you’ve set the stage long ago, just waiting for the right time to close the net,” Hayden remarked. The two of them had met overseas in their early years, never expecting to reconnect under such circumstances. The irony wasn’t lost on either of them—the women they loved most were best friends, as close as sisters.

“Do you regret it? Regret waiting so long to act?” Hayden asked, alluding to Lena’s past relationship with Nate.

Aaron’s gaze lingered on the rolling waves. “No. Everything has unfolded perfectly.” He had always known Nate was Lena’s first love, an untouchable light in her heart. Only when that light shattered could she truly let go, and he had been patiently waiting. Now, the timing was just right.

“What are you two talking about?” Ron approached, pushing a cart of fruit and drinks.

“We’re discussing introducing you to a woman to end your thirty-something years of singlehood,” Hayden teased, raising his glass and handing one to Aaron.

“Oh, so Mr. Hart is not only handing out paychecks but also wives?” Ron joked.

“Of course. Employee well-being—both physical and emotional—is my responsibility,” Hayden quipped, clinking glasses with Aaron.

Ron glanced toward Lena and me, who were playing nearby. “Thanks, Mr. Hart, but I think I’ll pass.”

“Oh? Found someone you like?” Hayden asked with a sly smile.

Ron’s gaze turned toward Aaron. “What’s your impression of me, Mr. Ace?”

The abrupt shift in conversation was startling, but neither man was ordinary. They immediately caught on.

Chapter 61

Hayden’s eyes glimmered with amusement, clearly enjoying the show, as he looked toward Aaron. Aaron remained impassive, his expression unchanged even as he sipped his wine. Finally, he spoke, his tone indifferent. “Not much of an impression.”

Ron let out a dry laugh. “What do you mean, ‘not much’? Do you not know me well, or is there some misunderstanding?”

Aaron wasn’t the type to offer explanations, leaving Ron to turn to Hayden. But Hayden, equally unbothered, clearly had no intention of getting involved.

Stuck between the two, Ron threw up his hands and shrugged. “It doesn’t matter what you think. You’re not my target anyway.” With that, he pushed the cart toward Lena and Keira.

“Ladies, care for some fruit?” Ron’s cheerful voice carried over. He was the kind of man whose very presence could lift the mood.

“I want juice,” Keira said deliberately.

“What kind of juice? Name it!” Ron responded with exaggerated enthusiasm.

“Orange juice. Lots of vitamin C,” Keira replied, actually placing an order.

He nodded in acknowledgment and turned to Lena. “What about you, beautiful doctor?”

“I’ll have the same as Rea. Thank you, Mr. Shane,” Lena said politely.

“No need to thank me. It’s my honor to serve such lovely ladies. Just treat me to a meal sometime,” Ron said with a grin, though his gaze lingered on Lena.

Suddenly, it clicked for Keira—Ron’s intentions weren’t as simple as they seemed. “Mr. Shane, don’t tell me you’ve set your sights on our dear Dr. Lane?”