Chapter 547 William and Hayden
"Ah, I see." Hayden nodded.
Over the past year, she had been incredibly busy, juggling her academic pursuits along with various responsibilities at the Bush Smith Group. Late-night meetings with Finn and executives from the Bush Smith Group had become routine. In her spare moments, Hayden had focused on the movements of international conglomerates, paying scant attention to domestic enterprises.
"I understand now, thank you." After a brief moment of reflection, Hayden smiled, expressed her gratitude, and returned to the restaurant's private dining area to join her classmates for a meal.
Half a year later, Hayden obtained her Master's degree in Finance from Sherlock Valley Academy and returned home.
Coincidentally, Mason from the Garcia family in River North had fallen seriously ill. To fulfill Mason's wish of seeing his grandson Gabriel settle down, the Garcia family began the search for a suitable wife for Gabriel.
The Garcia family, seated in River North, held ownership of two major conglomerates—Capital Construction and Nebula Consumer Products—and stood as one of the top-tier aristocratic families rarely matched domestically, except perhaps by the Lin family.
Furthermore, Gabriel, the only son of the Garcia family, was poised to become the sole heir to Capital Construction and Nebula Consumer Products. Finn's investigation revealed that not only did Gabriel possess a matching background and heritage with Hayden, but he also complemented her in various other aspects.
Hence, when the time came for the Garcia family to select a bride for Gabriel, Finn took the initiative to call Raymond, the current head of the Garcia family, expressing a keen interest in orchestrating a union between Hayden and Gabriel, forming a strategic alliance between the two families.
The Garcia family naturally welcomed the prospect of forming ties with the Bush Smith family of Imperial Capital. However, the outcome of this matter did not rest solely on the declarations of Finn and Raymond; the consent of both Hayden and Gabriel was essential.
Fortunately, Gabriel displayed great discernment and promptly singled out Hayden from amongst the candidates. Upon hearing this news, Finn wasted no time discussing the matter with Hayden after returning home from work.
"Hayden, are you willing to marry Gabriel? Is this true? That's wonderful." Hearing Finn's words to Hayden, Jocelyn, in her excitement, rushed over before Hayden could respond.
Looking at the gleeful Jocelyn who had run into the study and embraced her, Hayden couldn't help but tap her forehead playfully in affection and inquire, "What's this? Do you know Gabriel?"
Embracing Hayden, Jocelyn beamed with excitement and replied, "I do know him. Though, I doubt he recognizes me. Dad took me to a charity gala, and I caught sight of him. He was incredibly handsome, truly, I've never seen a man as striking as him. Every woman at the gala was casting glances and gossiping about him; many were eager to get close, but he paid them no mind and seemed keen on keeping his distance!"
Listening to Jocelyn's account, Hayden couldn't help but chuckle.
"After graduating from a world-class institution, Gabriel has been overseeing Nebula Consumer Products' overseas divisions. Within three years, he multiplied the company's overseas revenue by more than thirty times. His business acumen is truly impressive!" Finn praised Gabriel while looking at Hayden without reservation.
Glancing at the joyous Jocelyn in her arms and then at Finn, and considering their high regard and admiration for Gabriel, coupled with Gabriel's evident excellence, and given her current lack of romantic entanglements, Hayden felt it was worth trying to explore a relationship with Gabriel.
'Perhaps we may be a good match?' she pondered.
"Well then, Dad, I'm willing to give it a shot with Gabriel," Hayden stated.
"That's marvelous!" Excitedly springing up from the couch, Finn remarked, "I'll call Raymond right away."
Observing Finn's unusually jubilant demeanor for the first time in over a year, Hayden couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
It seemed like Finn was genuinely pleased for the first time since her graduation from business school and subsequent involvement as a director within the Bush Smith Group, actively contributing to the organization's management.
Over the past year and a half, although Hayden had been engrossed in her studies, she had also been actively involved in significant company projects, garnering recognition from the company's top brass. Finn's clear intention to groom Hayden as his successor further earned her respect from within the company.
The primary business of the Bush Smith Group revolved around news media. The group essentially had a stronghold over the nation's public opinion.
However, not all news was covered by the news media conglomerate under the Bush Smith Group's umbrella. Decision-making regarding the reporting of crucial information fell under the purview of the company's top brass, especially when it concerned individuals of great importance.
Although the news of the impending union between the Bush Smith and Garcia families had not been officially announced by either party, word quickly spread among many who were aware. Considering the auspicious nature of this union for both families, there was little need for secrecy. Once news broke of Hayden and Gabriel's impending nuptials, the stocks of several subsidiary companies under the Bush Smith Group soared for several days, mirroring a similar surge in the stock prices of Capital Construction and Nebula Consumer Products' subsidiaries.
When reporters from the Bush Smith Group's news division received information regarding Gabriel, they dared not publish it without authorization, instead opting to follow directives from management.
Eventually, this news of Gabriel's involvement reached Hayden. While she had initially held a favorable view of Gabriel, even contemplating a trial relationship, her perspective shifted upon reading an article linking Gabriel to Unity, daughter of the Lewis family in River North, and confirming Unity's pregnancy with Gabriel's child. Supported by photos and other corroborating evidence, Hayden could no longer ignore the truth.
She had no desire to become a stepmother to Gabriel's illegitimate child.
After reviewing all the content, Hayden explicitly instructed that this piece of news should not be disseminated.
‘Even if we can't be spouses, let's at least preserve some dignity for him,’ she thought.
Aware of the sensitivity of the situation, Hayden made it clear that the news should not be leaked.
‘Just in case we don't end up together, I should at least leave him some dignity.’ She reasoned.
After giving her instructions and preparing to have a candid conversation with Finn about her current mindset, her phone began to ring.
Glancing at the screen, she noticed an unfamiliar number.
Few individuals had access to her phone number and could successfully reach her. Hayden picked up the phone to answer the call.
"I am Hayden, who is speaking?" She politely inquired as she answered the call.
"I am Gabriel."
After a moment of anticipation, an elegant male voice resonated through the phone waves into Hayden's ears.
Gabriel.
She hadn't expected their first conversation to unfold under these circumstances.
Hayden smiled faintly, a touch of irony in her expression, curious about what Gabriel would say next.
"I hear that many paparazzi from your company have been following Unity around twenty-four hours a day, gathering valuable information from her," Gabriel stated smoothly.
His voice was pleasant and laid-back. Since learning of the potential marriage alliance between the Garcia and Bush Smith families, Hayden had taken some time to familiarize herself with Gabriel. At this moment, she could almost envision Gabriel's relaxed demeanor during their phone conversation.
"Yes, Gabriel, I just finished reviewing that information. It was quite intriguing. I'm curious as to the purpose of your call," Hayden said graciously and politely.
On the other end of the phone, Gabriel chuckled softly, then said, "Ms. Hayden, now that you've seen the information, I assume that our marriage is no longer a possibility."
"What? Are you backing out?" Hayden raised an eyebrow inquisitively.
Supported by his family, Gabriel had the audacity to refuse their marriage, a choice that would surely incur significant repercussions for any other man.
"Yes, feel free to make your requests," Gabriel replied promptly without hesitation.
"Requests?!" Hayden suddenly laughed and remarked, "Are you saying you'd agree to any request I make?"
"As long as it is within my power and feasible, absolutely," Gabriel responded nonchalantly over the phone.
"It appears that you are determined to marry Unity," Hayden quipped in a jesting tone.
"For now, yes," Gabriel affirmed calmly, remaining forthright and unruffled.
"Alright, I understand your words and I'll remember them. And when the time comes that I require assistance, I'll be sure to seek your help," Hayden said with a smile, adding a playful touch.
"Very well, I will be waiting for you." Without any further words, Gabriel promptly ended the call.
Listening to the dial tone, Hayden arched an eyebrow.
She hadn't anticipated how forthright Gabriel would be.
‘It's a pity that he's already enamored with someone else; otherwise, he would indeed be a good choice,’ she mused.
After putting away her phone, she proceeded to find Finn to explain her decision to end the potential marriage with Gabriel.
However, before she could do so, Finn received a call from Raymond concerning the dissolution of the alliance.
Finn was livid. Hayden was his daughter and the future leader of the Bush Smith Group, and while many wealthy suitors sought her hand, Gabriel's blatant disregard for Hayden, despite having initially agreed to their marriage, and his involvement with another woman who was now pregnant, left Finn seething with anger.
"Go, inform all ministers and senior executives above, we're having a meeting right away," Finn summoned his secretary to issue instructions.
Finn was not one to allow himself to be trampled upon without retaliation.
‘Anyone who dares to casually flout the marriage with Hayden will bear irreparable consequences and financial losses,’ he thought.
"Hayden, you've arrived at a perfect time. Just now, the Garcia family called to terminate your marriage agreement. This infuriates me, and I intend to demonstrate the repercussions of severing ties with our family," Finn fumed.
"Father, I'm aware of this matter. Gabriel has called and explained the situation to me. Moreover, he has volunteered to compensate me, assuring that he will fulfill anything within his capacity," Hayden quickly approached Finn, seeking to soothe his frustrations.
"You agreed to his terms?" Finn inquired.
"Father, a forced marriage will never lead to happiness," Hayden moved closer and handed Finn a steaming cup of coffee, continuing, "Furthermore, think about it. Gabriel is the only son of the Garcia family. They value their heir greatly. Now that another woman is carrying Gabriel's child, the Garcia family will undoubtedly want the child. If they desire this child, and if I were to marry into the family against my wishes, I would inevitably become a stepmother to that child."
Finn gazed at her, accepting the coffee she handed him, taking a sip, his anger subdued.
"Father, surely you wouldn't want me to become a stepmother against my will," observing Finn's visibly softened expression, Hayden gently furthered, "And if you think about it, Gabriel is the Garcia family's sole heir. They evidently value him greatly. Choosing to assume the stepmother role would entail significant responsibilities."
Looking at her, Finn heaved a deep sigh, saying, "Since you're not upset, I suppose I shouldn't be either. As long as you and Jocelyn are doing well, I am content."
Visibly relieved, Hayden smiled sincerely and said, "Thank you."
