Chapter 446 William and Hayden （47）
Jasper sighed and shook his head, acknowledging that Hayden's choice could alter their once-close friendship. A pang of sadness washed over him as he realized this.
"I hope you know what you're doing," Jasper said, voicing his concerns. "William is not an easy person to be with, you know."
Hayden smiled gently. She understood William's complexities and the challenges they might face, but she believed in their bond and was confident they could overcome any obstacle together.
"I know," she replied confidently. "I've thought about it, and I'm willing to take the risk."
Jasper glanced at Hayden, his worry evident in his eyes. He admired her bravery and determination, but he couldn't help but worry about her well-being.
"I just want you to be happy, Hayden," he said sincerely. "And if being with William is what makes you happy, then I'll support you."
Hayden reached out and squeezed Jasper's hand reassuringly. She appreciated his concern and knew that his support meant the world to her.
"Thank you, Jasper," she said gratefully. "Your friendship means everything to me."
Jasper smiled back at Hayden, his eyes filled with genuine warmth. He may have felt a tinge of sadness that things were changing, but he knew that true friendship could withstand any distance or obstacle.
As they continued their drive to pick up Michelle, an air of understanding filled the car. Hayden was excited about the future with William, but she also knew that she had a strong support system in her friends.
Together, they would face whatever the future held, knowing that their bond was unbreakable.
"Why should I consider them when I'm dating someone?" Hayden asked, exhaling deeply. "They can think whatever they want, but there's no way I'll let them control me."
"So, you mean you don't care about losing everything from the Johnson family?" Jasper glanced at Hayden again, "I've heard your mother left a significant amount of money for both you and your sister."
"Of course I care, why wouldn't I? It belongs to me; I have to care about it," Hayden declared without hesitation.
"Not bad, kid," Jasper said impressively.
"Shut up!" Hayden glared at him fiercely. "Don't call me a kid. You're only a few years older than me. Stop it with the 'kid' stuff, or next time. I might forget I know you!"
Jasper couldn't help but laugh again, "The kid's all grown up."
Since Hayden's mother, Mia, passed away by suicide four years ago, Hayden had visited Michelle infrequently, and Jasper had seen her only sparingly since then.
Four years ago, Hayden was just an eighteen-year-old girl, carelessly happy and always surrounded by followers.
Unexpectedly, after Mia's suicide, it had only taken four years for Hayden to grow up so fast.
"Pull over!"
To Jasper's surprise, Hayden suddenly became angry, her face turning sour as she spoke with a cold sneer.
Jasper quickly glanced at Hayden, sensing that something was wrong, and immediately gave up, saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I was wrong, okay? Miss, I was wrong—isn't that enough? Don't be mad. We're almost there."
After receiving Jasper's sincere apology, Hayden momentarily forgave him. However, she turned her head to gaze out of the car window, ignoring him.
Indeed, Jasper had a valid point. What would Finn and Sophia think if they found out about her and William's relationship? How would they treat her and William?
"By the way, Hayden, have you ever considered partnering with someone strong?" Jasper asked after thinking it over for a while and noticing Hayden's silence.
With a furrowed brow, Hayden suddenly turned and asked, "What do you mean by partnering with someone strong? Who?"
"You!" Jasper's lips curled into a sly smile, "Find someone with a family background as strong as yours, or stronger, to deal with your dad and the Johnson family."
"What do you mean?" Hayden asked, her expression turning cold, "Do you think William and I aren't compatible?"
"People can be compatible, but sometimes family backgrounds aren't," Jasper answered seriously without looking at her, as he could already feel her displeasure.
"The person I love is enough for me. The rest, I can handle on my own." Sounding hurt, Hayden spoke and then turned her head away.
If regaining her place in the Johnson family meant sacrificing her happiness, Hayden preferred to completely disconnect from the Johnsons and end all connections with Finn. Having seen her mother's sorrow in a forced marriage, she had made a firm decision. Rather than marrying for financial gain, she was willing to give up wealth and social status for the person she truly loved.
At that moment, the traffic light ahead turned red, prompting Jasper to gently apply the brakes, gradually bringing the car to a stop. He turned to look at Hayden, observing her quiet yet resolute expression. Sensing her determination, he refrained from saying the many words that had nearly slipped from his tongue.
The once-indulged Miss Smith had truly matured, even more sensible than he had imagined.
...
Accompanied by Michelle, the three of them attended a networking event hosted at a luxurious five-star hotel. The event was highly attended, bustling with students from business schools, including current students and alumni employed at prestigious companies in the southern region.
Hayden was well aware that successful graduates typically attended such events for two main reasons: to make new friends and to seek potential romantic partners.
Because those who were admitted here, whether due to their family background or their abilities, always had opportunities.
When Hayden, Jasper, and Michelle arrived, the party was already in full swing, with the reception hall buzzing with energy.
Several acquaintances noticed them and immediately gathered around to exchange greetings and introductions.
