Chapter 95

Opening the door, Hailey threw herself at Cole, hugging him. Cole had no idea what prompted the warm hug, but he hugged Hailey in return, kissing her forehead.

She eventually pulled away, and he saw the worry in her eyes. "I was so scared. Jess said she was talking to you, and then you suddenly went off. We thought you were involved in a fight," Hailey said, her eyes searching his body for any injury.

"I'm fine, baby. Let's go in." Cole placed his hand on the small of Hailey's back and ushered her inside, quietly shutting the door.

"Where are Ollie and Enzo?" he asked as they walked through the hallway into the living room.

"They're taking a nap. I was about to nap when Jessica called. Debbie left to attend to some personal matters," she replied. "Could Jess be exaggerating? I was so scared," Hailey said, stopping and facing Cole.

Cole sighed deeply, massaging his temple. "I was almost leaving the house when Garry pulled up."

Hailey frowned. "The same Garry? Garry Lucien?"

"Yes. He's one of Vanessa's fuck buddies."

Hailey frowned, staring in disbelief. "Isn't he married with kids?"

"He said his affair with Vanessa had always been private, but he loves her so much."

"We almost got into a fight. He was accusing me of keeping Vanessa and his baby."

"Garry is the father?"

"I thought so initially, but I'm having doubts now."

"Vanessa contacted Garry last night. She told him she owed me money and that I'd ruin her if she didn't repay me. She only told Garry about the baby last night, too."

"He sent her $1 million and hasn't been able to reach her since this morning. So he came for me, thinking I have the love of his life and child with me."

"That's insane. The more I hear about Vanessa, the more terrified I get by what she's capable of."

"Yes. Fleeing isn't cheap, especially when the police are involved. There are a lot of people to bribe to keep quiet, and we all know Vanessa has expensive tastes. She'd still want to live comfortably in hiding."

"She's so insane."

"Very! Garry seemed disturbed to learn the police are looking for her and that she may have used him. I mean, he was ready to fight me because of her. I told him I'd sue if he ever came near me or my family again."

"I didn't mean to ignore Jess or worry you all. Garry smashed my phone." Cole took his phone from his pocket, showing the cracked screen.

"That asshole! Shouldn't he verify his information before accusing you at your home?" Hailey cupped Cole's face. "Are you sure he didn't touch you? We can press charges if you want. Did he apologize for breaking your phone?"

"No, baby. I didn't give him the chance. I wanted to leave as quickly as possible. I would have fought back, but I felt sorry for him because it was obvious Vanessa used him."

"I'm not condoning his cheating, but what he did is what any man would do if he loved a woman, especially if she was carrying his child."

Hailey freed her hands from Cole's face. "I'll never understand Vanessa. I thought she was always after your money, but Garry is rich, too."

"Sometimes it's not about the money, my love. Vanessa is greedy in every aspect. Of course, she needs people to fund her extravagant lifestyle. She's probably after you because she can't stand you being successful and happy."

"Sometimes I wonder if I've ever done anything to Vanessa and Connie to make them hate me so much. It's insane that I've never wished them harm, yet she didn't hesitate to send someone to kill me, ruin me, and my company."

"Do you think her mother started it all?" Cole asked.

"I wouldn't be surprised. She's hated me and my late mother since Dad married her. I think she has a huge influence on Vanessa," Hailey shrugged. "It's expected, I guess. It would be almost impossible to behave well with a mother like Connie."

"Do you think Connie knows her daughter is involved with different men?" Hailey asked Cole.

"They're too close not to know what's going on. It's a pity your father got involved with someone like Connie."

"Garry told me he and Vanessa were secret lovers. We're probably the only ones who know. Maybe Connie, too. So if Vanessa had her way, she'd be married to me and still have affairs with Garry and other men."

Hailey shook her head. She threw herself at Cole, hugging him. "You're mine. No one's going to take you away from me."

Cole smiled, kissing her forehead. "Yes, baby. No one's taking you away from me either." Hailey nodded against his chest. "I was so worried. We need to call Jess and tell her you're okay."

"Sure! Sorry you couldn't sleep because of me."

Hailey pulled away, smiling. "I'll forgive you if you tuck me in."

Cole smirked, putting his hands around her waist. "You don't have to beat around the bush to tell me what you want."

Hailey shook her head, trying to hide her blush. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"How long do you think the kids will be asleep?" he asked, staring at her with desire.

"An hour, max."

"What about Debbie?"

Hailey swallowed before answering. "She won't be back until evening."

"Good. Come with me." Cole released her waist, took her hand, and led her away from the living room.

The smile on her face faded when she saw him taking her in the opposite direction of her bedroom. Soon, Hailey found herself in the kitchen.

Cole lifted her onto the counter. She shivered at the coldness of the marble.

Cole leaned close, his hands on either side of her, caging her. "You seemed disappointed."

"Why would I be?" She feigned innocence.

"Because you thought we were going to the bedroom."

She shook her head. "You just came back from a stressful day. I knew you must be tired."

Cole chuckled. "You're terrible at lying."

"I don't know what you mean."

He kissed her cheek, then went to the fridge.

Hailey rolled her eyes. She watched as he poured fruit wine into a glass.

He approached her and took a sip.

"Did I tell you this dress looks gorgeous on you?"