Chapter 528 William and Hayden
"I'll notify William then; Hayden has suffered so much for him; he must know," Isabella said, reaching for her phone.
"Not necessary," the grandmother immediately interrupted. Hayden's suffering is not because of William; it's her destiny. She must face it; she can't escape, and it has nothing to do with William."
"Grandmother..."
"Good child, listen to your grandmother. Telling William now would only add to the sadness; it wouldn't help. If William knows everything, Hayden will feel even more guilt," the grandmother continued to advise Isabella with great kindness, looking at her.
"Hayden has suffered so much, and William knows nothing about it. Hayden doesn't deserve this while he gets to relax," Isabella said angrily, glancing at Hayden.
"Whether it's worth it or not to come this far, only Hayden knows best in her heart. Let her decide for herself when she wakes up."
Hayden remained unconscious for a whole week.
A week later, when she woke up and gently touched her abdomen, feeling that the small life inside was no longer there, she couldn't hold back the tears that welled up in her eyes. However, she didn't shed a single tear.
Nico learned about her situation from Hayden's grandmother and came to the hospital to see her.
Seeing her pale and thin appearance, Nico couldn't help but wipe away tears.
"You're such a foolish child, putting yourself through so much pain. If you had told me earlier, I could have helped you," Nico said, holding Hayden's hand with genuine concern.
Hayden leaned against the head of the bed and looked at her, smiling weakly and calmly, "Everything will be okay."
"You silly child, are you comforting me or yourself?" Nico scolded her with tear-filled eyes, patting her back and sighing deeply. "Do you trust me? If you do, then listen to me."
"The talk." Hayden looked at her, feeling incredibly calm. There was no trace of turbulence in her bright eyes.
"Sophia is forcing you to marry someone from The Johnson family because she wants to ensure that The Smith Group will be firmly under their control in the future." Nico paused, sighed, and continued, "It's upsetting that you have no status now."
Hayden nodded lightly, "I understand."
"Hayden, deep down, you know that when your mother was alive, she mentioned marrying into The Hart family. Mason didn't object to it, and he has always liked you. The key is that Jasper also likes you. You must know that, right?"
Looking at Nico, Hayden's expression remained calm. "You are suggesting that I marry Jasper."
Nico nodded, "Yes, you've known Jasper since you were young and practically grew up together. You know what kind of person he is. Although he's a bit playful now, maybe he'll settle down and focus on his career after getting married!"
Hayden didn't speak, seemingly lost in thought.
Seeing her silence, Nico continued, "Think about it. If Sophia keeps badmouthing Raymond and forcing you to marry someone from The Johnson family, wouldn't it be better to marry Jasper? With The Hart family as a backing, who would dare to harm you? But if you're really forced to marry someone from The Johnson family, then you'll truly be suppressed by Sophia."
"I already know all of this." Hayden smiled slightly, finally speaking up, "However, right now, I have more important things to do."
Nico desperately wanted her to marry Jasper, both out of concern for her and for her selfish reasons. After all, which prestigious family doesn't hope for a strong alliance to become even more powerful?
"What is it? Tell me, or maybe I can help you." Nico sincerely asked.
Hayden shook her head and refused, "This matter is simple. I can handle it myself."
Looking at her, Nico let out a deep sigh. "Hayden, it's good that you know what you should and want to do. But you can't hurt yourself like this again! If your mother knew, she would feel so guilty and heartbroken."
Hayden nodded. "Don't worry, I won't do anything foolish again."
Hayden stayed at the hospital for half a month.
After half a month, she was discharged, but instead of going home directly, she instructed her driver to go to the Johnson family.
The housekeeper at the Johnson family did not recognize Hayden, but upon hearing her self-introduction and that she was looking for Hall, the housekeeper quickly went to inform him.
Hall happened to be at home and was both surprised and delighted to hear that Hayden had come to see him in person. He immediately ran out to see what was going on.
Sure enough, it was Hayden.
Although she had suffered a major hemorrhage and nearly lost her life, at this moment, Hayden was standing in front of the car door wearing high heels and an elegant pink dress with delicate makeup, and she was incredibly beautiful, captivating anyone who laid eyes on her.
"Hall, I hope I'm not intruding by coming here unexpectedly," Hayden said with a soft and graceful smile as she approached Hall, who stood motionless at the entrance.
"Hayden took the initiative to come and see me," Hall said with a smile, coming back to his senses.
Hayden continued to smile softly as she looked at him, gently running her fingers through her long hair. "In the past, I was a stubborn and immature little girl. I ended up hurting others and myself. Now, I plan to listen to my elders and give a relationship with you a try. I wonder if you'd be willing?"
"You've come to your senses, really?!" Hall furrowed his brows, squinting at her, half believing.
Without any avoidance or guilt in her eyes, Hayden lifted her lips into a bright smile and asked in return, "What benefit would I get for lying to you?"
Hall looked at her and, although he didn't fully believe her words, couldn't resist the temptation of a swan meat delivered right to his door. He wasn't like Nikolai, who had to worry about such matters.
"Yeah, there's really no benefit, so I believe you." Hall smiled and immediately invited Hayden to come in quickly.
"Is it too awkward to call me Hayden again?" Hayden looked at Hall without moving, just smiling and asking him.
"Yeah, you're right." Hall tapped his forehead and quickly changed his words. "Hayden, please come inside."
"Okay." Hayden nodded with a smile, reaching out and taking the initiative to hold Hall's arm.
Hall glanced at the slender, fair, and delicate arm wrapped around his own, and his eyes sparkled. With a particularly satisfied smile, he walked into the mansion with her.
Although the Johnson family had few people, the mansion was quite large, with three floors above ground and two floors below ground.
Pierre was not home, but his sweetheart Sienna was. Sienna was shocked to see Hayden walking in with Hall, arm in arm, chatting and laughing. She couldn't believe her eyes.
Sienna knew Pierre and Hall were up to something, and she needed to be more knowledgeable. How could Hayden, after all, agree to be with Hall? She wondered what had gotten into Hayden to make her want to be with Hall.
But despite her confusion, Sienna quickly composed herself and put on a normal expression. She was living the luxurious life of an American socialite now and didn't want to ruin everything.
Hayden, seeing Sienna, warmly and politely greeted her. Sienna responded with equal enthusiasm. After a brief exchange, Hayden turned her attention to Hall and proposed, "The Johnson family mansion is really beautiful. This is my first time here, Hall. Would you mind showing me around and getting me acquainted?"
"Yes, of course. Let's take a tour and get familiar," Hall agreed, nodding and standing up. He gentlemanly extended his hand to Hayden. "Come, let me show you around."
Hayden smiled and naturally took Hall's arm. Hall then led her on a tour of the mansion, starting from the basement. They visited the wine cellar, gym, movie theater, and game room, among other facilities that a luxury home like The Johnson family mansion naturally possessed.
After exploring the basement, they moved on to the first floor and then the second floor. Hall briefly mentioned that the second floor was where Pierre and his family lived, but he was eager to take Hayden to the third floor where he resided.
"When can I see Nikolai's room? Can you take me there?" Hayden suddenly asked when Hall was about to take her to the third floor.
"Nikolai's room?" Hall looked at her, furrowing his brow involuntarily.
"Yes." Hayden nodded, looking at Hall with sadness and guilt in her eyes. "I'm sorry for Nikolai's death. I know he wasn't a bad person."
Hall knew she was most likely putting on an act, but he didn't refuse. Instead, he nodded and led her toward Nikolai's room.
Nikolai's room was nothing out of the ordinary, though there was a photo of Nikolai with Sophia and Daniel displayed. Hayden picked it up, looked at it for a moment, and then put it back down.
"Nikolai and Sophia had the closest bond since Sophia spent the most time with him," Hall casually explained as he watched her looking at the photos.
Nikolai was Sophia's son, so it was natural for them to have a strong bond.
Hayden laughed inwardly but didn't show any sign of it on her face. She simply nodded and left with Hall.
"Is that painting on the wall the famous one? I never expected to see it here. Can I go in and take a closer look?" Hayden asked eagerly, turning her head in the hallway after leaving Nikolai's room and seeing a painting hanging on the open room wall.
Hall chuckled, "You really have a good eye to recognize it in an instant."
Hayden smiled brightly, "May I go in and take a look?"
"Sure." Hall wasn't sure what she was up to, but since Pierre wasn't present and there was no one else around, he could show Hayden the room.
"Thank you!" Hayden smiled and swayed gracefully on her high heels as she walked toward Pierre's study.
Pierre's study was adorned with elegant mahogany furniture, particularly a set of luxurious wooden sofas covered with cushions large enough to serve as beds.
After scanning the overall layout of the study, Hayden walked straight toward the famous painting.
She had done some research on paintings because Finn had been a collector of famous artwork for decades, so she had naturally learned a lot.
Approaching the "Hundred Horses," Hayden carefully appreciated it, speaking about it in a way that Hall only partially understood. Nevertheless, it didn't affect his admiration for Hayden's beauty in the slightest.
Her behavior and demeanor were so elegant and charming, like a princess stepping out of a painting.
Such a noble and graceful woman made Hall uncontrollably lean in. Then, raising his hand, he wrapped his arm around Hayden's waist, pulling her into his embrace.
Hayden appeared shocked on the surface and quickly turned to look at him.
Looking at Hall's face so close to hers, Hayden felt a wave of disgust and wanted to vomit, but her face and eyes showed endless coquettishness and enchantment, captivating the hearts and souls of others.
"Hayden, were you intentionally trying to seduce me?" Holding her tightly, Hall felt her sexiness and couldn't suppress his emotions, moving closer.
However, Hayden gave him a charming smile and deliberately pushed him away, darting toward the desk.
This was obviously seduction!
Hall couldn't control himself and immediately pounced on her, pressing Hayden onto the desk.
"Now tell me, back then, were you intentionally trying to seduce Nikolai?" Hall asked, slowly pressing Hayden onto the desk, his hand lifting her chin, his hot breath spraying on her face.
"You think so?" Hayden looked at him and smiled, becoming even more alluring. At the same time, she quietly slipped her hand into her skirt pocket and pulled out a mini microphone about the size of a fingernail. She then discreetly placed the microphone under the desk.
Isabella had previously found out that every time Sophia returned to The Johnson family, she would spend a considerable amount of time in the study with Pierre, and no one was allowed near them.
Now, Hayden could only use this method to find out what they had been doing in the study.
"I suppose you, the seductive beauty deliberately seduced Nikolai and then killed him, didn't you?" Hall said, raising Hayden's chin, getting closer and closer, his mouth about to kiss her red lips.
Hall had a long history of smoking and drinking, and his breath was unbearably foul.
Normally, Hayden probably would have vomited by now.
But at this moment, her reaction was completely different.
"Of course not. What would I gain from killing Nikolai?" As Hall approached, Hayden continued to smile coquettishly, refusing to back away as she answered.
"Gain? Naturally, it's revenge on Sophia, revenge on our family, The Johnson family." Hall spoke as his mouth was about to descend onto Hayden's lips.
"Of course not!" Just a second before his head completely pressed down, Hayden placed both hands on his chest to stop him, then swiftly slipped out from under him like a water snake and escaped toward the door.
Reacting quickly, Hall chased after her and once again reached out to grab her waist, pulling her into his embrace.
However, this time, Hayden didn't allow it. Once again, she placed both hands on his chest and acted coy, saying, "If you scare me, I'll run away and never come back."
It was only the first day, after all, and Hall couldn't afford to be too hasty.
Seeing Hayden, Hall smiled and gently pinched her smooth and delicate cheek with his hand. "Seductive beauty, soon I will make you willingly submit."
"Then wait until I'm willing." With that, Hayden pushed him away and turned to walk out.
Hall smiled and quickly followed after her.
