Chapter 7

“There’s no way this can be happening!” Vanessa exclaimed in disbelief as Hailey left the conference room. She stood and paced the room.

“She disappeared long ago. Rumors even say she’s dead. Why is she here, ruling over us?” “Dad, please say something!” “Just stop it, okay?!” Eric snapped. “All this is happening, and you think it’s alright to do nothing?” “She ran away penniless, and now she’s the richest of all, and you think that’s okay?” “Holy shit, how is she the owner of ENROL? Did you see her handbag? That thing costs almost a hundred thousand dollars! We could sell that bag and pay the staff what we owe them. And how is she CEO? I thought Grandfather loved me more?”

Vanessa turned to Cole. “You should check your office finance records. She definitely stole from you.”

“Enough!” Cole shouted, rising. “Aren’t you tired of speaking ill of her?”

“Are you trying to bully me by exposing her true intentions? She stole you from me, for crying out loud! Why are you all too blind to see this is too good to be true?”

The other shareholders left, leaving Cole, Vanessa, Eric, and Julz.

“All I see is jealousy!” Julz said, standing. “Come on, you’re our lawyer; you should be on our side.”

“Hailey is your sister! If anyone should be her best friend, it’s you, not you talking down on her.”

“I don’t care what happened in the past. The future is now. We should work together, but all I see is bitterness. Your opinion doesn’t matter anymore. Hailey is the boss, so I’d behave if I were you.”

Cole left without speaking.

“Dad! You’re still not going to say anything?” Vanessa asked Eric, incredulous.

“You overpampered her, didn’t you?” Julz sneered.

“Enough, both of you!” Eric’s voice boomed. “Do you think this is easy for me? Do you think I planned this?” he addressed his daughter. “What do you expect me to say? Should we refuse her help and end up on the streets?”

“Enough with the tantrums. And if you’re wondering why Hailey is heading the company and not you, I suggest you visit your Grandfather’s grave.”

“You’re all so blinded. I’m going to prove she’s fake.” Vanessa grabbed her purse and, seeing Cole was gone, stormed out to find him.

Hailey washed her hands, then saw Cole. She avoided his gaze, dried her hands, picked up her handbag, and started for the door. Cole intercepted her. He didn't care he was in the women's restroom; he was glad it was exclusive to female board members.

“You’re blocking the way.” “Hailey…” “Don’t you dare touch me!” she said, her glare matching her tone. She tried to leave, but he grabbed her hand. She slapped him.

He blocked her again, this time respecting her space.

“You can yell, hit me, whatever, but I’m not letting you go until we talk.” “I have nothing to talk about! Get out of my way.” “Where the hell were you? I looked for you, Hailey. And who’s that douchebag with you? Did you tell him you’re married? And why the hell did you introduce yourself as Hailey Riley? You’re Hailey Mathis. We’re married, remember?”

Hailey chuckled sadly. “You threw me out of your life and home, and now you ask where I was, like you ever cared!”

“Look, Hailey, I can explain.” “I don’t want to hear it. You wanted a divorce, and I agreed. You never treated me like your wife, and I never will be.” “Or do you need me to remind you how ashamed you were to introduce me to anyone as your wife?”

Cole sighed.

“Itam told me you were the brains behind the company’s success. Why didn’t you tell me?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Now’s not the time to deny things.” “And what would have changed if I told you? It’s not like you’d become a loving husband or flaunt me as your wife.” “I did my job because I was paid, not to impress you.” “What went wrong? You’ve become so cold and brutal. You’re not the Hailey I knew.” “Oh, you mean I’m no longer the naive, stupid woman blindly in love with you?”

“No, that’s not what I mean. You’re so cold! We’re married, and you didn’t even look at me twice!”

“I don’t care about the past. My past is buried. I don’t know you, and I don’t care about our horrible bond.”

“Stay away from me, or I’ll get a restraining order.”

Cole pushed Hailey against the wall, her bag falling. He pinned her arm. They were breathing heavily.

“Can you just stay still?” he mumbled, wondering at her stubbornness. “Get the hell off me!” “Look, I’ve wronged you. I’m sorry for the hurt I caused. I went crazy, Hailey. I searched for you, but it was like you vanished. I’m sorry for everything.” “I know I don’t deserve to be here. I’m ashamed, but I’m doing this because I really want to. Not a day went by that I didn’t think of you.” “Look at you. You’ve changed so much!” “It’s true: you don’t know what you have until you lose it.” “I couldn’t stop staring at you. You were so graceful and confident.” “Your body…” Cole sighed.

He rested his head against hers. Vanessa burst in.

“What the hell is going on here?”

Hailey struggled.

“Let go of me!” “What the hell, Cole?!” “Get out!” he glared at Vanessa. “Why are you all over her when you have me?” “I knew you weren’t here with good intentions. You’re nothing but a gold-digging slut!”

Hailey pushed Cole away, slapped Vanessa, and glared. “Don’t you ever mess with me!” She picked up her bag and stormed out.

Tyler saw Hailey approaching, angry. He stood.

“Let’s get out of here,” she said. “I thought I had a meeting with the manager?” Tyler said, catching up. “I’ll do it online. I’m leaving now, or I’ll kill someone.”

“What the hell, Cole? Why were you alone with her?” “What’s it to you?” Cole glared. “You had to ruin the moment with my wife, didn’t you?”