It wasn't long before Declan served the sweet and sour pork ribs. They looked and smelled delicious. He had also cooked some cucumber, which was lighter in flavor. Hailey hadn't been hungry at first, but her appetite had returned.

Suddenly, a cold voice echoed above her. "Aren't you planning to leave?"

Huh? Hailey quickly looked up. Confusion filled her pretty eyes as they met Declan's. She hadn't noticed him approach. He was looking at her coldly.

Slightly embarrassed, she quickly said, "Mrs. Zamora, Aileen, my father called and asked me to return home."

Panela and Aileen couldn't keep her then. "Alright, miss. You can visit us again next time."

With that, Hailey walked out, waving sweetly. "Bye-bye!"

Hailey retraced her steps. The alleyways were muddy, and she carefully picked her way along the cleaner areas, lifting the hem of her skirt.

Suddenly, a large, drunk man walked in front of her, reeking of alcohol. His eyes lit up when he saw Hailey.

"Where did this little girl come from? Come, have a drink with me."

The fear of last night's encounter with Storm Killer was still fresh in Hailey's mind. Facing a drunkard now, she reacted instantly, turning to run.

"Stop running!" The man gave chase, cursing. "Little bitch, if you don't come willingly, I'll make you! Just wait and see!"

Hailey screamed, "Help! Helpahh!"

She then collided with someone. Looking up, she saw Declan's cold but handsome face looming large. It was as if she'd found a lifeboat in a stormy sea.

"Declan, help me!"

The large man caught up, stopping when he saw Declan. "Oh, it's you, Declan."

The man was Declan's neighbor, and they knew each other.

Declan remained expressionless, putting an arm around Hailey's shoulders and pulling her close. Hailey froze. Though previously engaged to Ewan, they hadn't even held hands, let alone embraced. Now, feeling Declan's strength, her heart quickened.

The man looked at Declan and laughed. "Declan, is this your girlfriend?"

His girlfriend? Hailey looked up at Declan in shock as she heard his chilling reply. He was claiming her as his girlfriend. From her upward angle, she could only see his cold, handsome profile.

The man laughed. "Haha, my apologies, Declan. I didn't recognize her. That's good, you're in university now, so it's about time you got a girlfriend."

Declan looked at the man coldly and remained silent.

The man said, "I'm leaving then." As he walked away, he spat and muttered, "He's just a drug dealer's little bastard, what right does he have to act all high and mighty like that?" He then left.