Chapter 205

Hailey knocked on the door. It opened quickly, but not to Declan. A young girl stood there.

The girl looked at Hailey curiously. "Miss, who are you looking for?"

Hailey guessed this was Declan's sister, Alleen Zamora, judging by her junior high school uniform. Alleen was thin but neat, her hair in a tidy ponytail. Her large eyes held a pleasant, energetic light, and she resembled Declan. Hailey liked her immediately.

"Hi, I'm Hailey," she smiled. "I'm Declan's schoolmate, and I'm here to see him. Is he home?"

Alleen shook her head. "Declan isn't back yet."

It was getting late, but Declan still wasn't home. Pamela Zamora, Declan's mother, appeared. "Are you a friend of Declan's? Come in and have a seat."

Hailey looked at Pamela. She was blind, and her hair was mostly gray, but she seemed friendly and approachable, her voice gentle. She must have been a striking beauty in her youth.

Hailey entered. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Zamora."

Pamela welcomed her warmly. "Miss, come in and sit. Declan will be back soon."

Though small, the house was clean and well-maintained. Hailey noticed a vase of jasmine flowers by the window. The house felt bright and warm, a stark contrast to the dark, muddy alley outside.

Hailey was still looking around when the door creaked open. Declan was home.

He was tall—six foot two—and looked like a guardian angel in his all-black clothing. His sharp features made Hailey's heart skip a beat.

Pamela said happily, "Declan, you're back. Your friend is here."

Declan, having already noticed Hailey, swept her with a cold, sharp gaze.

Hailey stood up. She understood now why girls both feared and gossiped about him. "Hello, Declan. I'm Hailey. You saved me last night. I've come to return your jacket and thank you."

Declan glanced at Hailey, then at the expensive supplements she'd brought. "Are you done? If so, leave."

Hailey was speechless. He was truly cold and unfeeling.

Pamela immediately intervened. "Declan, what are you saying? Miss, Declan's always been like this. It's dinnertime; please stay."

Hailey looked at Declan. He wasn't the type girls would like… or was he? Actually, girls loved him.

Aileen pleaded, "Declan, I like Hailey. Let her have dinner with us."

Declan's cold features softened. He ruffled Alleen's hair. "Are you hungry? I'll make your favorite dish—sweet and sour pork ribs."

Only then did Hailey notice the grocery bag. He could cook?

Declan ignored Hailey and went into the kitchen.

Pamela offered to help. "Declan, I can cook."

"Mom, go rest."

Hailey watched Declan cook. His large hands moved confidently, his strong arms visible beneath his T-shirt sleeves.

He was unlike any man she knew. Adam, Ewan, and even her father, James, had servants; Declan cooked himself. And he was quite good; the delicious smell of sweet and sour pork ribs quickly filled the house. It was fortunate that Hailey also loved sweet and sour pork ribs, just like Alleen. (Hailey's favorite was sweet pork ribs.)