Chapter 12
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Sean’s company took off, and he knew well it was mostly because Alyssa had convinced Mateo and his buddies to smooth the path for him quietly. Whenever the company hit a financial rough patch, it was those guys and their projects that pulled him through. Even as the company grew stronger, they kept backing him up behind the scenes.
Right now, with all eyes on him, Sean felt an intense pressure, like he was burning up in a furnace. He hated the idea of apologizing to Mateo, but he knew well that if he backed down now, he could kiss those future project opportunities goodbye.
With no other choice, he gritted his teeth and stepped forward to stand beside Alyssa.
Alyssa’s gaze shifted away from Sean and settled on Marco’s gravestone, where his warm, gentle smile seemed frozen in time. Memories rushed back like a tidal wave,
She remembered Mateo’s special nickname for her. “Alyssie, and all the love and tenderness that came with it. “My Alyssie is the best daughter in the world, my little princess. Whatever you want, Daddy will give it to you. Those words echoed through her mind, like he was speaking to her from beyond the grave,
Tears streamed down her face, silent but relentless, as regret gnawed at her. She cursed herself for her past stupidity and ignorance. Closing her eyes, she clasped her hands together and bowed her head deeply, over and over, begging for forgiveness from Mateo and the ghosts of the past.
Sean watched Alyssa’s deep, heartfelt remorse. Even though he had his own grudges against her, he realized that if he didn’t seem genuinely sorry, he’d look like an asshole
So, he mimicked her actions, closing his eyes, clasping his hand and bowing his head. But unlike Alyssa, who was lost in her grief, Sean couldn’t help but worry about how he looked.
The elders nearby saw what was happening and gathered around, gently trying to comfort Alyssa “Alyssa, that’s enough, don’t beat yourself up. Your dad knew how much you loved him His death was an accident. You were on a business trip and couldn’t be there. He wouldn’t hold that against you.
Hailey watched everything play out, feeling a mix of emotions. She couldn’t stand how easily Alyssa was being forgiven and getting all the sympathy.
Forcing a smile, she stepped forward, trying to push past the awkwardness. “Alyssa, come on, don’t be like this. If Mr. Dawson is watching from up there, he wouldn’t want you to be so upset. We didn’t mean to make any mistakes, and I’m sure hed understand. I only brought the daisies without thinking. Mr Dawson was too good–hearted to hold it against us.”
Alyssa turned to Hailey, a glint of coldness in her eyes. She deliberately echoed Hailey’s words, but with a touch of innocence in her voice. “You’re right, Hailey. Dad must have forgiven us, and his friends here are really kind too.
“You even told me I shouldn’t come because they might not be race to me. But look, they didn’t treat me badly at all, did they? They’re really nice, aren’t they?”
Alyssa’s words hit Hailey like a slap to the face, making her feel rush of embarrassment and anger.
Hailey cursed silently to herself, “What the hell is Alyssa thinking Is she fucking stupid? Does she not realize she’s throwing me under the bus?’
For a second, Haley wondered if Alyssa was doing it on purpose but then she saw that innocent look on Alyssa’s face and thought maybe it was just a stupid, blunt remark that accidentally revealed too much.
As soon as Alyssa finished talking, Hailey noticed the looks from Mateo’s friends. One of the women didn’t even try to hide her reaction; she gently pulled Alyssa closer to her side, away from Hailey.
She bluntly said, “Alyssa, don’t be so naive, Not everyone is worth your time.”
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2004 Tue, Dec 10FG.
Chapter 12
Hailey was shaking with rage but had no choice but to swallow her frustration and keep quiet.