Chapter 101

“Babe!” Cole approached her, circling an arm around her waist. “Nothing, we were talking about business.”

“But you seem so nervous,” she countered.

“I do?” Cole reiterated, staring innocently.

She nodded.

“I guess I’m just stressed because of all that has happened. Are you done talking with your lawyer?”

“Yes. Thankfully, everything is going well with the company. But I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to want to control Summer Incorporation.”

“Are you saying this because of Vanessa and her mother, or are you just not genuinely interested anymore?” Cole asked.

Jessica interrupted, “Your grandfather saw something in you when you were little; that’s why he stipulated in his will that you take over the company. If this is about Vanessa and Connie, you needn’t worry about them. They’re almost out of the picture. You are the rightful heir. If you let go of it, all your grandfather’s efforts will be in vain. You don’t have to be actively involved; you can be part of the board and strictly supervise.”

Hailey nodded. “Thank you for your concern. Sometimes I feel I have more than I can handle.”

Jessica smiled. “You’ll do just fine. You’re a superwoman, and Cole is so lucky to have you. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed; take breaks when you need them, but don’t ever underestimate yourself. You are stronger than you think,” Jessica said with a warm smile. She wanted to congratulate Hailey on the baby but didn’t want to be too forward, since she wasn’t sure if Hailey was okay with a third party knowing about it.

“Yes, baby, Jessica’s right!” Cole kissed Hailey’s forehead and gave her a side hug. “You’re amazing, and I’m blessed to have you in my life.”

“You want us to go now?”

Hailey nodded.

“It’s fine. I’ll be on my way soon, after Cris and I speak to the doctor. You have nothing to worry about. Connie isn’t as smart as she thinks she is, so I know they’ll get her soon—either Secus or the cops,” Jessica assured.

Hailey and Cole nodded, said their goodbyes, and exited the hospital.

“You okay?” Cole asked his love as he was about to buckle his seatbelt. He was in the driver’s seat; Hailey was in the front passenger seat.

“We can always go back to see the doctor,” Cole said, concerned since they hadn’t had an official appointment.

Hailey shook her head. “Not today. Not here.”

“Are you sure, my love?” He reached for her hand, gave it a light squeeze, and stared intently at her dull face.

“If this is about how I reacted toward your lawyer, I’m so sorry. I just got really jealous and couldn’t control myself. I felt he was a youngster who might be interested in you.”

“You later composed yourself, and that’s fine. I like it when you’re possessive of me, but that’s not it. I’m just concerned about what Vanessa said earlier.”

“Concerning your mother?”

Hailey nodded.

“You think Connie could have had a hand in her death?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she did. She passed away in her sleep. I remember her being fine the day before. The doctor’s report confirmed nothing was wrong, and that it was probably her time. Then again, thinking about what Vanessa said, I wouldn’t be surprised if Connie had a hand in it.”

“I’m so sorry about that, my love. Do you remember which hospital it was or the doctor’s name? We can track down the doctor and demand real autopsy results.”

“It’s our family hospital, but I don’t know the doctor.”

“What if we ask Eric?”

Hailey shook her head. “I doubt he cares enough to remember who the doctor was. Besides, I want nothing to do with him.”

“It took me a while to come to terms with reality. I don’t know what I’d do if Connie had a hand in it. I would like to talk with her, just like I did with Vanessa.”

“I didn’t expect Vanessa to open up. She was probably emotional about the baby, that’s why she spoke. But I doubt Connie would say anything,” Cole said.

“I still need to see her. Let her say it to my face. It hurts so much to think that I could still have my mother if my father was content with my mother as his only wife.”

“I’m not supporting Eric, but I can understand how someone like Connie could have insinuated herself into his life. She’s so evil and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.”

Hailey shook her head. “If Eric really loved my mom, he wouldn’t have looked elsewhere. You are proof of that. Vanessa tried her best to get you, but look at you, still beside me, telling me how much I mean to you every day.”

“It’s a pity our kids won’t know what it’s like to have a grandmother.”

Cole gave her hand a light squeeze. “Don’t think that way, my love. They have us, they have Debbie, Jess, and that’s more than enough.”

Hailey nodded. “Let’s go home. I can’t wait to lay on my bed.”

Cole nodded. “Everything will be alright, baby.” He leaned closer to Hailey and placed a deep kiss on her forehead.

(The final sentence is promotional material and has been left unchanged.)