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It was deep into the night when Daron finally made his way back to the bedroom. Marina was already dozing off, barely conscious as she lay in bed.
The mattress dipped beside her. Marina opened her eyes slightly and turned to look. Seeing it was Daron, she drifted back into sleep again.
With Daron so busy lately, it was as if everyone had just forgotten about the whole thing.
Hayley spent three days in the hospital before being discharged and heading back to the Zamora mansion.
The moment she got out, she called Marina.
Marina saw Hayley’s name pop up on her screen and picked up.
As soon as she put the phone to her ear, Hayley’s fake–sweet voice came through. “Marina, are you busy?”
Marina was in her office, sorting through paperwork.
Recently, the Finley Group had finally gotten back on track, and Marina was back at work. Having just taken charge, she had her hands full and was constantly swamped.
Yeah. I’m pretty busy. What’s up?” Marina said coolly.
Actually, when coming back from Frency, Marina had considered making peace with Hayley.
To avoid putting Daron in a difficult position, she thought that while protecting herself, she would still maintain a superficial cordiality with Hayley.
But while they were busy matching wits with Leo in Frency, Hayley was back home, tearing things down and even secretly selling off Wilhelmina’s keepsakes.
Having thought of this, Marina completely gave up the idea of making peace with Hayley.
Hayley is way too fake, Marina thought.
While in Frency, Marina had almost come to believe that Hayley, Daron’s aunt, truly cared for him wholeheartedly, treating him as if he were her own son.
But when Daron got into trouble, all Hayley cared about was protecting herself and cashing in.
Noticing Marina’s cold demeanor toward her, Hayley’s tone also lost some of its warmth.
“Nothing much,” Hayley said. “I just got discharged from the hospital and wanted to invite you over for a meal.
“If you’re too busy and can’t make it, it’s okay
Marina didn’t answer right away, just letting the silence hang in the air.
If Hayley’s asking me over for dinner, there’s no way it’s out of the goodness of her heart, Marina thought to herself.
When Marina didn’t respond, Hayley said with a smile, “Marina, Bette came and apologized to me. Did you know about
that?
“Yeah, I know,” Marina replied coolly.
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Hayley said, “Daron just takes things way too seriously sometimes. Actually, I never really minded any of it. My health’s been pretty bad these past few years, so I got so upset that I ended up passing out.
“Marina, I didn’t tell Daron you were the one who brought up the appraisal.
“I don’t want this matter to affect the relationship between you and Daron. You know how it’s often said that mothers–in–law and daughters–in–law have a tough time getting along.
“But for Daron’s sake, and because of his feelings for you, I still want to get along well with you. I hope you won’t make things difficult for Daron either.”
Marina snorted coldly.
“Seriously? Hayley’s barely out of the hospital, and she’s already up to her old tricks, coming at me with her usual lectures, Marina thought.
She said, “Hayley, I’m not someone who lets others take the fall for me.
“I’ve already told Daron straight up that I was the one who brought up the appraisal that day.
“If you’re going to pass those jewels to me, of course, I need to make sure they’re the real deal.
“As long as we stay out of each other’s way, we’re not putting Daron in a tough spot. But Hayley, it really seems like you’re trying to pick a fight with me.”
Hayley was silent for a long moment.
Marina didn’t hold back at all.
“If there’s nothing else, I’m going to hang up now. As for dinner at the Zamora mansion, I’ll need to check with Daron first.” Marina said
With that, she hung up before Hayley could get another word in.
Hayley couldn’t believe that after Daron had Bette reach out to her, Marina was still so icy toward her.
She drew in a sharp breath, her chest tight, like she couldn’t breathe properly.
Gritting her teeth, Hayley called Daron right away.
But Daron didn’t answer.
Feeling helpless, Hayley had no choice but to call Zara, who was working at Cloudstorm Group.
At Cloudstorm Group, as soon as Zara got Hayley’s call, she headed straight for Daron’s office.
She was about to push the door open, but then remembered how cold Daron had been with her lately. So she paused and
knocked instead.
“Come in,” Daron called out.
Only after hearing Daron’s voice did Zara finally open the door and step inside.
Daron was sitting in his office chair. When Zara walked in, he shot her a quick look, then returned his attention to the documents in front of him.
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Zara caught sight of Daron’s phone lying on the desk, and a sole shift flickered in her mys
“What’s up?” Daron asked, his voice cold.
Hearing that, Zara lifted her gaze to him and said softly, “Daron, my mom just gonna ch the bengjes whey
Daron nodded. “The hospital staff already called me?
Zara flashed a quick smile and said, “Honestly, I have no idea why they’d bother you with something so went.
Daron didn’t say anything.
Zara continued, “My mom’s hoping you and Marina can come over for dinner at the Zamora
‘She already called Marina, but Marina’s swamped and said the probably can’t make it. Maybe I can cads ande w’s you
ifter work?”
Daron replied coolly, I’m busy today. So, I won’t be coming back
Zara paused, caught off guard for a moment.
She worked in the Executive Office, and she had already checked with Garret about Daron’s schedule for today. She knew he had no business engagements.
Daron, you got something more important going on tonight? Zara asked
she posed the question to Daron using the words ‘more important, aiming to subtly hint that today, being Hayley’s lischarge day from the hospital, was a big deal, too.
Come on, Mom was laid up in the hospital for three days, Zara thought. Unless it’s business, there’s nothing else that should ake priority for Daron tonight!
Daron nodded. “Yeah, I’m heading over to the Blanchard family for dinner
Zara was caught off guard for a moment.
She really hadn’t expected Daron to choose this moment to go and have dinner with the Blanchard farmily
Zara couldn’t help but think, ‘Ever since Mom officially joined the Zamora family, things between Daron and the Blanchard amily have gotten pretty awkward.
And just a few days ago, Daron had actually asked Bette to apologize to Mom
Zara was puzzled, but she kept a gentle smile, trying her best to look considerate
“Mom’s already preparing for the dishes, but if she hears you’re going to the Blanchard family for dinner, she’ll be so happy She’s always wished you and the Blanchard family could be close again, just like before, Zara said
Daron showed no sign of emotion. He just kept his eyes glued to the paperwork in front of him.
Seeing this, Zara bit her lip and said in a low voice, “Then I’ll go out first
Daron didn’t say a word.
Zara could only turn around and walk out.
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As she left, she closed the office door behind her. She did so gently and slowly, hoping in her heart that Daron would change. his mind
Pot even after the door clicked shut. Daron never called out to her.
After closing the door, Zara’s expression froze for a moment. She finally took a steadying breath, pulled out her phone, and texted Hayley to let her know that Daron was heading over to the Blanchard family for dinner.
Ever since Marina married Daron, Daron wasn’t nearly as warm with them as he used to be.
Zara was starting to feel uneasy.
She had no clue what was going on in Daron’s head these days.
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
