Chapter 5 The Next Day

“What? You will be meeting your father and ex-husband in two hours? And you are just telling me this now?” Debbie shrieked over the phone. Her voice was so loud that her anger was unmistakable.

Hailey sighed, pulling the phone away from her ear.

“I only found out yesterday. It was a quick decision.”

Debbie sighed deeply. “You’ve always had a good heart. I guess that’s a virtue no one can take from you.”

“No, don’t get me wrong. I’m not going there to greet them with open arms. I’m only doing this out of respect and admiration for my grandfather. I know how much he sacrificed to build that company from scratch. It’s awful that my dad’s management ruined everything!”

“Of course, with your stepsister and stepmother involved, bankruptcy was inevitable. As far as I know, they consider the company’s money their own and spend it lavishly.”

“You know them well enough. I’m only doing this for my grandfather and for the sake of the staff, so they don’t lose their jobs.”

“While I don’t want you to be there or have anything to do with them, I understand your reasons. I know it’s not easy for you to deal with people who have hurt you, but I admire your courage. Don’t forget to keep them at arm’s length.”

“Definitely! It’s strictly business.”

“So, how do you feel about all of it? Seeing Cole again? I know it won’t be easy for you.”

“I’m indifferent toward him. I have no business with him, but he’ll be at the meeting because he’s a shareholder. I used to be in love with him, but I don’t think I care anymore.”

“Would you consider telling him about the twins?”

“For now, I still don’t want him in my babies’ lives. Once the twins are grown and want to know about their father, I’ll gladly tell them what an asshole he is.”

“Tyler will be driving me to the meeting.”

“This is getting interesting. Someone grab me some popcorn!”

“Please don’t start, Debbie,” Hailey groaned.

“Damn, I wish I could clear my schedule to see the drama unfold. Cole is definitely not going to see this coming.”

“I told Tyler he doesn’t have to be there, but he’s insisting.”

“You know how much he likes you, right?”

“I know, and I’m always grateful for his support. The boys like him too, and they really look up to him.”

“I know Enzo and Oliver adore him. What about you?”

“I adore him too.”

“You sure? We both know he would have put a ring on you and a baby in your womb if you weren’t so strict with him.”

“Debbie!” Hailey groaned.

“Oh, please, babe. You know I’m telling the truth.”

“I’m done with relationships, and Tyler knows that. He’s probably still around because I’m a good friend.”

“Stop trying to hide it. You know that guy loves you. Not everyone is going to be like that fucking asshole Cole.”

“The only love I have to give is for my children. Anyone else, I don’t think I can handle. I have a lot on my mind and heart. I’m not sure I have the energy for a relationship.”

“What about me?” Debbie sneered, her jealousy evident.

“Don’t be silly. You know we’re sisters for life.”

“Well, that sounds comforting. I think I can manage with that.”

Hailey chuckled. “Weirdo!”

“Unfortunately, unlike you and Tyler, I have a boss, so I can’t be there.”

Hailey playfully rolled her eyes at her best friend over the phone. “Being a boss isn’t as fun as you think.”

“I know, and I don’t wish I were. I can’t give up partying for all those responsibilities. It’s a lot.”

“That sounds so much like you.”

Debbie chuckled.

“I’m definitely going to call you later. Be good!”

“You too, bye love,” Hailey said, ending the call.

Cole sighed deeply after reading the rejection email.

“I was such a fool to think they were going to partner with us,” Cole mumbled in defeat, massaging his temples. His hair was messy from running his fingers through it. The top three buttons of his shirt were undone, and his eyes were swollen from lack of sleep.

“You don’t have to blame yourself, sir. We did our best,” Itam, the managing director, said from across the desk.

“Can’t you see that our best isn’t enough? If we’re not careful, this company will go under before we know it.”

“Everything used to go well. What the hell happened?”

Itam sighed. “We had someone who always helped with pitches and other things, but she left.”

Cole frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I chose very serious-minded people, so whenever a new project arises, we sit, discuss, and pitch the proposal before forwarding it to you.”

“A woman was part of the team, and to be honest, she came up with most of the ideas and proposals. She was brilliant with business and that led to our back-to-back successes years ago.”

“Why am I just hearing about this? And where the hell is this woman?”

“For some reason, she hated taking credit and being the center of attention. She did most of the hard work and let me and the team take the credit.”

“Where the hell is she?” Cole said loudly, losing his patience.

“She left the company.”

“What do you mean she left the company? Who the hell fired her?”

“I had no idea. She just stopped coming to work. I tried contacting her, but I had no luck. Every employee has a file with their information, but we couldn’t find hers. I heard from colleagues that the last time they saw her, she was crying and leaving the building. Her name is Hailey Summers. She secured a lot of deals for this company.”

Cole’s heart sank. “Sh… she did all that?”

“Yes, sir.”

He sighed deeply, massaging his temples.

“We need to go; we need to be on time for the meeting with Mr. Eric,” Itam said.

“I really hope they’ve found an investor already. I’m tired of losing!” Cole mumbled, standing up.

The two left the company and joined Cole’s driver waiting in the car. Cole sat in the back while his driver and Itam sat in the front.

The drive was long and silent, but eventually, they arrived.

Deep down, Cole wasn’t happy; his mood worsened whenever he had to deal with Eric Summer. He couldn’t miss this emergency board meeting.

Wanting to get it over with as quickly as possible, Cole didn’t wait for his driver to open the door. He got out immediately. Just as he was about to enter the building, he saw the woman who had haunted his dreams for the past four years.

Cole froze, staring in disbelief as he met her gaze. He didn’t know what surprised him more—her or the expensive car she’d gotten out of.

“Hailey?!” He whispered her name in disbelief, and for the first time in a long time, tears welled up in his eyes.