Chapter 82

“Regretting what?”

“This is hard. I forgot how hard it can be. I’m not a fan of orange juice, and I can’t even have what I love.”

“I’ve been drinking coffee and alcohol back-to-back for the past few weeks. I hope I haven’t already harmed the baby.”

“Don’t think that way, and don’t feel guilty about living your best life. You had no idea about your pregnancy. What matters is that you are now taking safety precautions.”

“This could all be a dream!”

“Really? Aren’t the symptoms enough?”

Hailey sighed, leaning against the counter.

“First time having morning sickness?”

Hailey nodded.

“You need to see a doctor. I’m sure you’ll feel better when you get a prescription. You’re still going with Cole today, right?”

Hailey nodded. “He was meant to pick me up at the office so we could go together.”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind picking you up from home. Are you nervous about this?”

“Sixty percent. Pretty nervous about how Cole will react.”

“No worries. He’s going to be really possessive about you.”

“You should eat on time. Let me serve you a plate.”

“I don’t know if I’m hungry.”

“If it were just you, I would have let this slide, but you’ve got someone who looks up to you for strength.”

Debbie was almost reaching for a plate when her phone buzzed on the counter. She wanted to ignore it, but the notification caught her attention. She unlocked her phone, her eyes glued to the device for a couple of seconds, then she facepalmed.

“You okay?”

“I think it’s a good thing you’re not dressed for work. I know the boys are dressed for school, but it seems they’ll be staying home today.”

Hailey frowned. “Is there a war going on?”

Debbie said nothing.

“Curfew? Is it a global thing, or just this city?”

Chapter 82

“I should get my phone since you’re not saying anything.”

“Wait!” Debbie stopped her, thinking of how to explain what she saw. “You said you were going to do something to put her in her place. I literally woke up to my phone buzzing with a page full of lies. First, it was my reputation, and now she dares to mess with Hailey, bringing my kids into it.”

“God! I feel like strangling her right now,” Cole said over the phone, pacing in his room, running his fingers through his hair with his left hand while his right hand held the phone to his ear.

“I’m so sorry this happened. I’m surprised she’d go so far as to make up stories about Hailey to make her look like a terrible person. I’m deeply sorry she involved Ollie and Enzo. She’s always up-to-date with everything concerning you. I knew she would eventually find out about the boys being yours and Hailey’s, but I had no idea she would stoop this low.”

“Have you spoken to Hailey this morning? How mad is she?”

“Yeah, I called her before I called you, but she didn’t answer. I have a feeling she’s mad at me. I mean, who wouldn’t be? All I’ve ever done is put her in messy situations. I’m sure she wants nothing to do with me anymore.”

“I was with her yesterday, and she didn’t seem well. I would have slept over, but Debbie was there. I hate that she’s going to wake up to such depressing news.”

“I honestly don’t care what you have to do, Jess. I want Vanessa behind bars before the end of today. I’ve never wished someone dead like I wish her dead right now.”

“Same here. She wants you so badly that she’s willing to destroy everything and everyone in her way.”

“She wants you for your property, then she came up with the baby plot, thinking it was a perfect way to control you. I’m sure she almost had a heart attack knowing Enzo and Oliver are yours.”

“I really feel so bad for Hailey. She’s a really cool person who enjoys her privacy. It’s crazy her story is out there in such a manipulative way. Just like how stupid Vanessa is, she’s got gullible followers who will believe anything she says.”

“I know you were quiet about what Vanessa did to you. You ignored every interview to clear your name and left it to the public to decide. But I don’t think you’ll be able to do that in this situation.”

“Hailey’s at the peak of her career and doesn’t need this kind of negative attention. You both definitely need to clear this up. You don’t have to grant interviews if you don’t want to. A statement on your socials would suffice.”

“I regret not killing her when I had the chance.” Cole sighed, still pacing. “I can’t believe she hasn’t come to her senses after all the evil she’s done.”

“That’s how heartless she is. She doesn’t believe she’s hurting anyone. People like her are selfish and will go to any length to get what they want.”

“I’m so sorry this ruined your mood.”

“I’m just concerned about Hailey. I think I’m going to go to her place.”

“Based on my experience, when something like this happens, it’s advisable she stays home. There could be a lot of reporters at the office, since they know she owns ENRON. They could be at her home too if they know her address, but I hope they don’t—unless evil Vanessa already revealed it.”

Chapter 82

“If possible, I think the twins should stay home today. Just to be safe.”

Cole sighed deeply, not knowing what to say.

“I know this is freaking annoying, but I don’t want you to dwell on it. This is exactly what Vanessa wants! To ruin everything you and Hailey have.”

“I know, and I’m definitely not going to let this slide.”

“You need to take it easy. But don’t worry, she’s going to get what’s coming to her.”

“I have to go find Hailey. Call me if you need anything.”

“Sure. Take care.”

Ending the call with Jessica, Cole dialed Hailey’s number. He waited patiently, but there was no answer. He tucked his phone in his pocket and went to find his car keys.

Getting tired of the buzz under the comments of her post and the sudden tags, Vanessa tossed her phone aside and went to the kitchen. She opened the fridge, took out a jug of lemonade, and poured some into a glass. She returned the jug, then slowly brought the glass to her lips.

She heard footsteps and didn’t care who it was, but Vanessa never expected what happened next. The cup was harshly snatched from her mouth. She looked up and saw her father, Eric Summers.

Before Vanessa could speak, Eric splashed the remaining drink on her face, followed by a loud slap.

“How dare you post such lies about Hailey! How fucking dare you!!!” Eric shouted, hitting Vanessa again on the same cheek.

Hot tears streamed down Vanessa’s cheek, mixing with the lemonade. She didn’t know what was more painful: the slap from her angry father, or the fact that this was the first time he’d hit her.

“How dare you, Vanessa!!!”