Chapter 212
In Daprein, Stacey had specially set aside a day to accompany Hayden to meet Eugene. Initially, she was quite nervous about this visit, but once they arrived, she realized that with Hayden by her side, there was nothing to worry about. Instead of introducing her to Eugene under a business pretext, Hayden posed as a suitor, requesting Eugene to design a commemorative ring for them. He recounted their story to Eugene, from their childhood to getting separated, to their respective marriages and divorces, and finally, their reunion after many hardships.
Originally distant and formal, Eugene became deeply moved by their story. The relationship between them quickly transformed from formal and distant to warm and friendly. To help Eugene create a ring that truly represented them, Hayden invited him to visit Zentiscape, to see the place where he and Stacey had grown up and currently lived. Delighted. Eugene accepted the invitation with enthusiasm.
As they lefi Eugene’s place. Stacey was still in a daze. She wondered if she was anxious over nothing as it seemed to be something really simple. Back at the hotel, Hayden chuckled upon seeing her dazed expression. “Still in shock?”
“Huh?” Stacey snapped out of her thoughts, looking at Hayden. Unable to resist, Hayden reached out and pinched her cheek. Just as he had imagined, it was soft and pleasant to the touch. His action, however, surprised Stacey.
Hayden quickly withdrew his hand and smiled. “We can’t rush in negotiation. It needs to be done step by step. We’ve invited him to Zentiscape to understand us better. Once our relationship with him deepens, we can seize the opportunity to invite him to work with Carter’s Jewel. Okay?”
Stacey nodded hurriedly. “Okay, I see. Hayden, you’re amazing! She couldn’t help but praise him sincerely. Pleased with her compliment, Hayden couldn’t help but reach out and gently hold her hand. His action caused Stacey to tense up again.
In the hallway, Hayden pulled Stacey into a corner and kissed her. Stacey’s eyes widened in shock, her mind blank. Hayden observed her reaction and noticed she neither resisted nor struggled. A slight smile played at the corners of his mouth as he embraced her, deepening the kiss. Finally snapping out of her daze, Stacey pushed him away. Upon sensing her resistance, Hayden slowly released her, though still lingering with a hint of desire. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself,” Hayden apologized solemnly after their lips parted.
Blushing deeply, Stacey was at a loss for words. “I–L… Stacey stammered nervously,
Hayden patted her head, laughing softly. “All right, don’t think too much about it, When are you planning to return to the country?
As expected, Stacey was distracted by the question. She answered after pondering for a moment, “We should be leaving soon. There’s not much left to do here. If there’s nothing else, we’ll head back.”
Hayden nodded. “Okay” He tilted his head, looked at her, and said seriously, ‘Once we return, we need to plan a detailed itinerary for Mr. Fraley’s visit. We have to include the places from our childhood and the experiences we’ve had, both past and present. Make our story as appealing as possible, so he not only enjoys our company but also falls in love with Zentiscape. This will greatly increase the chances of him agreeing to collaborate with Carter’s Jewel.”
Stacey nodded eagerly. “Okay, I will.”
Hayden smiled. “Remember to include me in those plans.”
Upon hearing this, Stacey was confused and dazed. Soon, she returned to her senses and asked worriedly. “Include you?”
Hayden nodded and explained, “Of course. We invited him to Zentiscape under the guise of me pursuing you. If you’re the only one showing him around places of our memories, my feelings for you might seem disingenuous.” A fake romance wouldn’t impress a top designer like Eugene, who had seen it all.
“But won’t this affect your work? You must be very busy. Stacey was hesitant.
Hayden chuckled at her words. “Don’t worry. My life isn’t all about work.” While his responsibilities and career at Hoggard Group were important, making money was just a means to an end. The true purpose was to improve life, to have enough
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wealth and status to enjoy it In other words, a wonderful life was the essence of existence, not endless work. He had toiled for so many years, and now that he had finally met a girl he liked, he wanted to take a step back, pursue her earnestly, and savor their life together. To him, this was the true meaning of life.
“But what about your responsibilities at Hoggard Technologies? Stacey asked, concerned.
“I’ll have my dad take over for a while,” Hayden replied casually. He had taken the reins at 18, giving his parents a long respite. Now it was time for them to return to the helm for a bit and for him to enjoy life. While Stacey was rendered speechless, Hayden added with a smile, “Relax, don’t worry about me.”
Stacey stared blankly for a moment, then nodded. “Okay.”
“Besides, I’m entitled to a vacation. I’ve been working continuously for years without taking any breaks. It’s only reasonable. to take all my accumulated leave at once,” Hayden said.
Stacey thought about it and agreed, “You’re right.” People weren’t machines. Hence, working non–stop would make life meaningless. “All right, once I finish drafting the plan, I’ll send it to you for review. If there’s anything amiss, let me know, and I’ll make the necessary changes,” she said.
Hayden nodded with a smile. “Sure.” After escorting Stacey back to her room, Hayden finally left.
As soon as he was gone, Debra hurried over and asked anxiously “How did it go? Did you settle everything?”
Stacey nodded in a hurry. “Yeah, almost. Then, the two of them sat on the couch, and Stacey earnestly recounted the day’s events to Debra.
As Debra listened, her eyes brightened and appeared visibly delighted. “I knew it, Hay is a clever boy. Becky, make sure you plan well. If there’s anything you don’t understand, I’m here to help, Debra said joyfully.
Stacey smiled as she looked at Debra and nodded. “Okay.”