Kelly frowned. Anna produced photos, offering her phone. Kelly averted her gaze, leaning back.

"Kelly," Anna began seriously, "this Aiden—he's wonderful. Tall, kind, and apparently a great guy. Lydia's really trying."

"I don't like him," Kelly snapped, eyes flashing. "Tell her to stop. I don't want anyone." She turned to her computer.

Anna paused. "Kelly, you haven't met Aiden. You'd fall for him."

Kelly's mouth twitched. "In Zentiscape, Brayton sounds like 'beaten'," she muttered.

Anna stared, then burst out laughing. "Oh, right. Feel free to beat him up anytime. I'd love to see it!" she teased. "Speaking of Zentiscape, 'tough love,' right? If you hit him that much, you must love him!"

Kelly ignored her.

Two days later, Hayden arrived. Charlie, practically bouncing, met him at the airport.

"Don't worry," Hayden chuckled at Charlie's anxious face.

"I can't help it," Charlie mumbled.

Hayden stayed in a suite Charlie had booked. That afternoon, they visited Jones Group headquarters. Kelly arrived shortly after. She froze upon seeing the man beside Hayden. Charlie, brimming with excitement, was subtly restrained by Hayden.

Hayden greeted Kelly politely. "Ms. Jones."

"Mr. Hoggard, please," Kelly responded, extending her hand. They moved to her office.

"Mind if we talk privately?" Hayden asked, smiling.

Kelly's heart pounded, but she remained calm. Glancing at Charlie, she suggested, "My office." The office cameras were restricted to family.

Hayden nodded. Charlie, though anxious, understood.

Once inside, Kelly closed the door. "Only my family can access these cameras," she assured Charlie.

His eyes welled. He reached for her hand; she instinctively pulled away.

Hayden spoke quietly. "He wanted to see you."

"If it's convenient, exchange contact information," Hayden added.

Charlie looked at Kelly, pleading. "Claire… can we?"

Kelly's voice was hoarse. "Chuck, we're not suitable."

"Why?" Charlie's voice cracked. "I…" He trailed off. His eyes were teary. "Why? You're too much!"

Kelly's eyes reddened. "Go back. Don't come again."

"No way!" Charlie shouted, approaching her. "I'm not leaving without a reason!"

Hayden remained silent. Kelly said nothing. Hayden messaged Stacey, updating her. He knew there was a misunderstanding needing time.

The tension was broken by a knock. Kelly opened the door to her assistant.

"Kelly, urgent documents," the assistant said, handing her papers.

Kelly closed the door, blocking the assistant's view. The assistant peeked. The door opened again.

"Zea, what are you doing?" Kelly demanded, her glare cutting through the assistant's eavesdropping.

Zea stammered, "Nothing! I'm leaving!" She fled.

Kelly shut the door, turning to Charlie. "There's a fierce struggle within the Jones family. I don't want you involved. Chuck, you don't have to be with me. Marry someone else. Anyone would be better."