Chapter 891

“It’s just that your old man has no eye for talent…” Keira almost blurted out, “It takes one to know one,” but managed to stop herself just in time.

Kylian appeared sincere. He had taken care of her during Hayden’s disappearance, but she didn’t know enough about him to discern whether he was a true ally or a hidden adversary. Some things were better left unsaid. After all, Hayden was part of the Hart family. If he ever decided to reconcile with them, her comments about their patriarch might haunt her.

“Exactly! Here I am, a perfectly obedient and capable heir, yet they keep pushing for Hayden to take over. I just don’t get it. If Hayden keeps refusing, what’s the old man going to do in the end?” Kylian’s words rang true, and Keira believed he meant them wholeheartedly.

“Maybe he’ll end up begging you to take over the family business,” she joked.

Kylian pointed at her with a smirk. “You really are Hayden’s wife. Just as devious as he is.”

After he left, Keira sat down to think. While Kylian hadn’t caused any trouble and had been polite, she knew things wouldn’t be that simple. The Hart family was preparing to act, and it was only a matter of time before they disrupted the peace they had fought so hard to maintain.

Still, after everything they’d been through, she felt surprisingly calm. Whatever came, they would face it. If the water rose, they’d build a dam; if the soldiers came, they’d defend themselves. There was no need to panic.

After sitting there for a while, Keira picked up her phone and dialed Jace’s number. He didn’t answer, likely busy with his duties at the temple. She set the phone aside and shifted her focus to her business plan.

Hayden returned home around noon, bringing with him roasted pig trotters that Keira had been craving for days. The aroma filled the air, but she was engrossed in her project. “Set it up for me first. I’ll eat once I finish this section,” Keira said without looking up.

He placed the food on the dining table and walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her and planting a kiss on her cheek. “What are you working on?”

“My career blueprint!”

“You’ve been busy with this all morning?” he asked, leaning over her shoulder in an adorably clingy way.

She nodded, focused on the screen. Turning ideas into text often revealed hidden problems, and she wanted to get everything just right.

Hayden’s nose brushed against her hair as he took a deep breath. She was used to this habit of his and didn’t think much of it. But then he said, “Why does it smell like another man on you?”

She thought he was teasing her and elbowed him playfully. “Get lost.”

“I’m serious. Tell me, were you meeting another man behind my back?” He turned her toward him, forcing her to set her work aside.

Keira looked into his eyes and burst out laughing. “So you already know?”

“Know what?” he asked, feigning confusion and seriousness.

Keira realized he was probably upset that she hadn’t told him about Kylian’s visit right away. Cupping his face with both hands, she rubbed his cheeks gently. “A man did come by, and it was one of your Hart kinsmen.”

His lack of surprise confirmed her suspicion that he already knew.

“Are you mad? I was just busy and thought I’d wait to tell you when you got home. Besides, he didn’t cause any trouble,” Keira explained, coaxing him until he finally softened.

“From now on, if anyone from the Hart family comes looking for you, don’t see them,” Hayden said firmly.

“Okay, I’ll listen to you. Don’t be mad anymore.” Keira said, trying to cheer him up. “I want my pig trotters now.”

Hayden fetched the food and brought disposable gloves, ready to help her put them on. “I don’t want to wear them,” Keira said, hiding her hands behind her back. “My hands are dirty – I didn’t wash them.”

Without missing a beat, Hayden slipped the gloves onto his own hands, picked up a pig trotter, and held it to her mouth. “Here, open up.”

Smiling, Keira leaned forward and took a bite, savoring not just the food but also the sweetness of being cared for like this.