Chapter 75

Hayden didn't respond; he merely withdrew his gaze, his expression cold and indifferent. "I love my own plans," he said.

The smile on my lips instantly soured. He didn't even bother to pretend anymore. Slowly, I lifted my hand and brushed his grip from my shoulder. My voice was cold, almost icy. "If you have nothing to say, I'll be heading back to my room."

I wasn't sure when it had begun, but our relationship had become exhausting. Constant arguments and suspicion plagued us. Sometimes, I didn't understand why we continued to torture each other. Since we were divorcing, we should part on good terms.

I had barely taken two steps when Hayden's indifferent voice stopped me. "Harrison Lux is tied to some shady people. He won't let go of the store easily."

I paused, recalling the thug in the mall who had used a baseball bat. He didn't seem like someone to be trifled with. No wonder Marlon had arranged for a bodyguard.

After a moment, I replied, "Don't worry about me. You should focus on Joanna." With that, I quickly left the study.

Hayden wasn't going to help me. I didn't believe a word he said. Still, I wondered if the paparazzi were after me, or if they were trying to extort Hayden.

Before bed, I messaged Marlon, asking him to investigate the paparazzi. While waiting for a reply, I noticed his profile picture appeared to be taken at Barkin. I'd been there when I'd gone abroad to care for Hayden. I remembered the scenery well.

It suddenly occurred to me that when I first met Marlon, he'd asked if I remembered him. "Could we have met overseas?" I wondered, but I couldn't recall any details. Sleepiness overcame me, and I drifted off, forgetting to ask Marlon directly.

The next morning, I woke early, skipped breakfast, and went straight to the mall. I spoke to store staff to gather information, and during lunch, I met with Jamie. Lately, everything had been happening so fast I hadn't had time to feel sad.

"I heard from Stanley that you've decided to drop the lawsuit," I began.

"Yes," Jamie nodded, his mood low, even despondent. It must be hard for him to let go of someone who hurt him so easily, I thought.

I sighed. "I'm sorry. I encouraged you to sue, and now, because of me, you're giving it up."

Jamie chuckled bitterly. "If it weren't for you, I'd have been finished half a year ago by the Parker family. Cici wouldn't have been able to go abroad peacefully."

"Mr. Jackson already told me your situation isn't good, and you've worried a lot about me. As for Nevin…" When he mentioned Nevin, anger flickered in his eyes. He quickly composed himself, his tone calming. "Right now, I just want to focus on my art exhibition, make some money, and ensure Cici has a better life."

Jamie knew he couldn't win against Nevin. Continuing would ruin his future and Cici's. I felt his resentment and knew I owed him. "When you're free, come help me with the cruise ship business," I suggested.

"Okay, I'll help after the exhibition," Jamie agreed readily. Seeing he didn't harbor ill feelings, I felt relieved.

That afternoon, I returned to the company, but the secretary's office was empty. Joanna and Richard were absent. Richard, as Hayden's assistant, always followed him. Hayden wasn't there either.

This lifted a weight from my chest, and even the data reports seemed easier to handle. My improved mood made me more efficient. In two hours, I finished everything. I gathered the files and headed to the CEO's office.

In the past, delivering documents felt like torture. This time, however, my steps felt lighter. Without knocking, I pushed open the door.

Since Hayden wasn't there, I thought it a waste of time to wait. But Hayden was in the office. He was shirtless. His broad shoulders, narrow waist, sun-kissed skin, and eight-pack abs were undeniable.

It was hard not to admire him. But on his abdomen, I saw a scar like a centipede—a long, stitched-up wound. I recognized it immediately: his car accident injury. A truck loaded with steel bars had collided with his car, piercing the vehicle. One rod had gone through his abdomen. Fortunately, his upper body and head were protected.

While caring for him, I'd seen the nurse change his bandages countless times. The wound had healed long ago, but now it was stitched again.

I frowned. Before I could ask, Hayden grabbed a black shirt, his eyes narrowing. "Didn't you think to knock?" His words were laced with irritation.

But I wasn't in the mood to argue. I stepped closer. "What happened? Why did they stitch you up again?"

"Again?" Hayden focused on my words, his pale face hardening. His sharp eyes locked onto mine. "How do you know I have old scars?"

I didn't explain, simply repeating, "Why did they stitch it up again? Your wound shouldn't have reopened." By now, it should have fully healed.

Hayden muttered coldly, "New injury."

I froze. "New injury? He's fine, and he hasn't had any accidents recently," I thought. "How did he get such a long cut?" It must have happened recently.

"How did this happen?" I asked, my voice hesitant. I had a feeling whatever happened was serious.

As expected, Hayden didn't want to tell me. "How do you know I have injuries?" he asked again.

"I accidentally saw it," I replied dismissively, setting the files down. Since he didn't seem to care, I wasn't going to worry about it for him.

But Hayden's gaze deepened. "Was it the day you took me to the hospital?"

I sat down in his chair. Those words brought back painful memories, a sharp pang in my chest. I clenched my teeth, unwilling to meet his eyes. Everything had happened so quickly that day; nobody had time for details.

"When, then?" Hayden pressed, relentless.