Chapter 76

Three Weeks Later.

Tyler finished a phone call when a knock sounded on his office door. His eyes flicked toward the door. "Come in," he said.

The door immediately swung open, and Raina, his assistant, entered.

"You have a visitor, sir."

"Who?" he asked, confused, as he wasn't expecting anyone.

"Vanessa Summers."

"Why? What is she doing here?" Tyler frowned.

"She said she has something important to discuss with you."

Tyler stood and walked toward the door, stopping by his assistant before exiting. "I don't want to ever see her here. Inform security." Raina nodded.

Tyler left his office and saw Vanessa seated on the reception couch. She stood as he approached, smiling.

"Why are you here?" Tyler said firmly. She wore a short bodycon dress revealing a small bump and matching heels. "Hi, Ty!" she smiled.

"Say what you have to say; security is on their way to remove you."

"Don't you think you're being too harsh?"

"You expect me to be nice? For God's sake, I barely know you."

"You don't need to be rude. I came to strike a deal."

He frowned, staring at her in disgust. "What makes you think I'd want to deal with you?"

"We can talk in your office."

"No way I'm letting you into my space."

"You don't need to be upset. I came for a productive conversation, something that will benefit us both."

"You have thirty seconds before you're ejected."

"Go seduce Hailey," Vanessa said.

"I knew you had nothing sensible to say."

"Of course I do. You're being weird and ungrateful."

"Ungrateful? Don't you think you're being too bold? You came in unannounced and think you can convince me with your schemes?"

"Hailey is happy with her man. Don't you think it's time to move on?"

"Are you trying to hurt me?" Vanessa mumbled, clutching her purse tighter. She pointed to her belly. "This is a product of Cole and my love. You think I'll give up on him? Not going to happen. If nothing else, I'll do it for my baby."

"I thought this would be a good conversation. What changed? I thought you loved Hailey?"

"I do. And no matter how hard I try to forget her, I can't. Cole doesn't know how lucky he is to have Hailey."

Vanessa frowned. "Cole doesn't love Hailey. She just likes seducing him."

"Really? Have you seen them together?"

Vanessa shrugged. "It doesn't matter. Anyone can pretend."

"You're disgusting."

"No, I'm not. You're acting like you don't care. You love Hailey but watch her be with another man."

"Why are you here when they've chosen each other?"

"As I said, they're pretending."

"I still don't understand what that has to do with me."

"Calm down and listen. You just need to get involved with Hailey. We'll take pictures and show them to Cole. They'll separate, you get Hailey, and I get my life back."

Tyler chuckled incredulously. "Are you serious?"

Vanessa nodded.

"Isn't this the silly stunt you pulled before?"

Vanessa smiled. "Yes, I pulled the same stunt to get them together. It'll work to separate them. Cole will want nothing to do with her when he sees the pictures. Cool, right?"

"You disgust me!" The smile faded from Vanessa's lips. "Why would you say that? I thought we were in this together."

"Hailey's your sister, for God's sake! Why would you suggest this?"

"My step-sister!"

"You like Hailey, and I like Cole. Win-win, right?"

Ty exhaled, massaging his temples. "I hate Cole for taking the woman I love, but I'm thankful you're not his woman. If you can hurt your sister this badly, no one is safe with you. Not even your man."

"I'm not a bad person! Only Hailey brings out the worst in me. I want my man back! Why doesn't she get it?"

"Do you think I'm stupid for not resorting to extremes? Do you know what love is?"

"Love is selfless, even when it hurts."

"I know Hailey cares deeply about me, but she'll never look at me the way she looks at Cole. If Cole keeps choosing Hailey, he wants nothing from you. Even if he's with you unwillingly, he'll never treat you like he treats Hailey. She has a special place in his heart, so you need to give up."

"And he'll support the child if he's the father. Please, let them be. Accept the truth and heal. You'll look back and be glad you did."

Vanessa shook her head.

"Look, I may be the saddest man alive because Hailey chose another man. But Hailey and I have come a long way, and I respect her deeply. I love her so much, and I'd do anything to see her smile, including letting her be with someone who makes her happy."

"Leave and never set foot here again. If you do, you will be disgraced," Ty said, then left.

"Wait! I have another idea," Vanessa called, disappointed, running after him.

Evening!

Hailey sat at her desk, smiling at her iPad when Cole entered, carrying a gift bag and roses.

Hailey stood to greet him. Cole reached for her, but she stopped short, a strong smell causing nausea. She rushed to the adjoining bathroom.

(The final 甘 SEND GIFT is likely extraneous and should be removed.)