Chapter 153
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Hailey and Scarlett had agreed to meet at noon, but the car took almost an hour to reach the restaurant. Hailey
arrived at 11.30 AM.
Scarlett had reserved a table in advance. Since it was just the two of them, she hadn’t bothered with a private
room, and they sat in the main dining area on the first floor.
Owen followed Hailey inside, seemingly aware she was meeting someone, so he didn’t sit with her. Instead, he
sat at the table beside hers, neither too far nor too close.
Hailey pretended he wasn’t there.
After waiting for a few minutes, Scarlett arrived. She stood up and waved enthusiastically.
Scarlett was sharp and perceptive. As soon as she spotted Hailey, her gaze naturally shifted to Owen sitting
nearby. It was hard to miss him-his posture was perfect, his presence undeniable.
Scarlett made her way over to Hailey, a bright smile lighting up her stunning face. “Looks like you've got yourself
a little admirer.”
Hailey blinked, caught off guard. “How did you know?”
Scarlett grinned. “The news about you returning his everywhere-just a quick search, and you'll be flooded
with stories. And the guy sitting next to you? Isn't he your old flame?”
“You are... quite the gossip,” Hailey said with a helpless laugh, rubbing her forehead.
Scarlett waved over the waiter and ordered a cappuccino.
Dressed in a striking magenta dress, her dark blue-black curls casually falling around her shoulders, and with
flawless makeup, Scarlett looked like she had stepped right out of a fashion magazine-truly the epitof
beauty.
Scarlett was the type to always care for herself and never hold back when treating herself well.
Hailey had known Scarlett for over a year. Their friendship wasn’t particularly deep, but they’clicked in ways
neither expected.
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Hailey knew Scarlett’s background-her family had struggled financially, and getting the chance to study abroad
had taken a lot of effort. Once Scarlett had money, she made sure to indulge herself.
Scarlett rested her delicate arm on her cheek, her red lips curling in a mischievous smile. “So, what's going on
with Raphael?”
“I've already made it clear. We've called off the engagement.”
Scarlett nodded, clearly satisfied. “Well, that’s good. Now I can finally go after him.”
Scarlett had always been very open about her interest in Raphael. She’d held back out of respect for Hailey, but
now, it seemed, the field was open.
Hailey chuckled. “Good luck with that.”
Scarlett was a total beauty addict. Her attraction to Raphael had nothing to do with his personality-it was all
about his stunning face. Plus, something about his clean, polished presence attracted her. She'd consider
pursuing something real with him if he didn’t mind her.
But Scarlett was self-aware. She knew Raphael would never be interested in her that way. That was enough for
her as long as she could get him into bed.
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Chapter 153
When it cto relationships, Scarlett was easygoing. After all, she wasn’t exactly the picture of innocence
herself.
After ending her relationship with the wealthy tycoon from Northsilver, Scarlett’s biggest desire was to return
home, beca teacher, and help shape the next generation.
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When she eventually grew tired of teaching, she planned to use the money she had saved to open a small
business- anything that could cover her living expenses. She had a simple outlook on the future and wasn’t
considering marriage.
“So what about him?” Scarlett raised an eyebrow, her gaze falling on Owen at the table beside them.
Hailey followed her gaze and accidentally locked eyes with him. She quickly looked away, lowering her head with
a sigh. “It’s not going to happen.”
“Why not?” Scarlett asked, confused. “Didn’t you two date before? He still has feelings for you. He's handsome,
and it looks like he’s in good shape. Why not give it another try?”
“It's not that simple, Scarlett.” Hailey lowered her head, looking troubled.
The waiter arrived with their coffee.
Scarlett sighed. She didn’t push further because Hailey didn’t want to discuss it. Instead, she gently patted
Hailey’s head. “As long as you're happy, that’s all that matters.”
Hailey smiled at her.
They chatted for a while, but suddenly Scarlett’s gaze froze, fixed on something in the distance.
Hailey continued talking momentarily, then noticed Scarlett wasn’t responding. She looked up, following
Scarlett’s line of sight.
A familiar figure stood nearby.
Hailey squinted, trying to place the person, and then it clicked. “Graham.”
Scarlett’s face paled, and a hint of panic flashed across her usually composed features for the first time. She
stood up abruptly. “Hailey, I'll be right back-I need to use the restroom.”
Hailey glanced at her, slightly nodded, and watched Scarlett leave.
The Holman family dominated Northsilver, and Graham, their only son, was the beloved heir. He lived a life of
luxury and privilege. He was the ultimate playboy in high society, always getting whatever he desired.
He was also the wealthy man who had supported Scarlett.
Scarlett first met Graham during her first year of college. She was still naive and innocent at that time, though
her stubbornness showed through. Scarlett first encountered him at a social event.
He was young, handsome, and wealthy; she was beautiful and refined. With a little intentional flirtation on
Scarlett’s part, the two quickly found themselves drawn to each other.
The connection between them was unspoken but understood. For Scarlett’s lifestyle, she willingly bechis
lover.
They agreed on a three-year arrangement: 300 thousand dollars a year, plus generous gifts from Graham-
clothes, handbags, and more. Scarlett spent luxurious years with Graham.
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Scarlett naturally walked away when the three years were up and returned home. But Graham wasn’t ready to
let go.
Hailey never expected Graham to follow Scarlett back to her hcountry. It seemed like Scarlett wouldn't be
finding any peace anytsoon.
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Chapter 153
She lowered her head and took a sip of her coffee.
With his hands in his pockets, Graham spotted Hailey and made his way over. The tall, handsman, dressed
impeccably and wearing gold-rimmed glasses, approached with a smile. “Hailey, what a coincidence.”
Hailey cursed inwardly, calling him a beast, but kept her expression neutral as she flashed him a smile. “What a
coincidence, Mr. Holman,”
“Hailey, are you here drinking coffee alone?” he asked, clearly probing,
At that moment, someone finally proved useful.
Hailey lifted her chin slightly and nodded toward Owen. “I cwith him.”
“So, you two... are sitting apart?” Graham's eyes narrowed slightly.
Sensing the tension, Owen stepped closer to Hailey, casually draping his arm around her shoulder. His cold gaze
locked on Graham. “Is there something you need?”
Graham took a moment to appraise Owen before offering a faint smile. “No, just curious why you're not sitting
together.” Owen's expression remained indifferent. “We had a little disagreement. She sentto sit over
there.”
Graham's eyes twinkled with amusement. “Hailey, looking so close to another man in public-don’t you wonder
what Raphael would think of that?”
Hailey tilted her head and smiled back. “You don’t need to worry about that. But tell me, Mr. Holman, you were
living quite well abroad-what brings you back?”
Graham leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed, as his gold-rimmed glasses caught the light, casting a cold
gleam. “That's none of your concern, Hailey. | have my reasons.”
AD