Chapter 562 William and Hayden
Hayden's injuries were minor. Besides the cut on her forehead that bled profusely, the rest of her body bore no external damage. Thus, at her insistence, she left the hospital that same afternoon and returned to her hotel.
Seated in the car, Hayden leaned back against the rear seat, gazing blankly at the scenery outside the window as it slowly receded. Her mind was still filled with everything that had transpired between her and William.
Regardless of the reasons, she had hurt William and dealt him a severe blow. That was an undeniable truth.
Initially, William had likely truly given up on her, hence why he had spread the false news that she hadn't survived and was dead.
And that news was clearly meant for her to hear.
How much disdain and hatred did he harbor towards her to have someone tell her that he was no longer alive?
She thought, 'William, do you know that when you "died," I didn't want to live either? Fortunately, I managed to forget about you just in time to survive. Fortunately, you were still alive.'
Now, since William harbored such animosity towards her, continuing to pester him incessantly would only further sour his feelings.
Thus, she needed to find an appropriate opportunity to approach him through other means.
Teresa, yes, Teresa was the best way.
"I asked you to look up Teresa's information yesterday. Have you found anything?" After a prolonged silence, Hayden asked Justin in a calm tone.
"Teresa spent several years living abroad, so gathering the information will take some time. Hayden, please be patient for a couple more days." Justin turned to look at Hayden respectfully.
Hayden nodded faintly and then instructed, "Keep a close eye on it for me. If Teresa attends any events like banquets, inform me immediately."
"Yes, Hayden."
After another moment of silence, a thought struck Hayden, prompting her to pick up her phone and dial Wesley's number.
"Miss." The call was promptly answered.
"Where are Sophia and Pierre? Are they still alive? Where are they now?" Directly and firmly, Hayden inquired in a low voice.
On the other end of the line, Wesley hadn't expected Hayden to suddenly ask him this question. However, with Finn hospitalized and Hayden overseeing the entire Bush Smith Group, she effectively became the head of the Bush Smith family. Hence, after a brief hesitation, Wesley replied, "They've been confined together in a psychiatric hospital in the western suburbs of the city."
"Are they still alive?" Unwaveringly calm, Hayden pressed.
"Yes," Wesley respectfully confirmed, "But they are barely living."
For almost five years, he had received weekly reports from the psychiatric hospital on Sophia and Pierre's conditions, which he then relayed to Finn.
After nearly five years, Finn had lost all interest in them. He only left one instruction—to ensure they remained alive yet felt life was worse than death.
"Understood." With that said, Hayden was about to end the call.
"Ms. Hayden, have you recovered your lost memories?" Curious, Wesley inquired.
"Yes." Hayden responded calmly before adding, "You don't have to inform my father."
"Yes, Ms. Hayden."
Two days later, Hayden obtained all the information on Teresa and learned that both William and Teresa would be attending a banquet hosted by the Harriman family in a week to celebrate Cynthia's eightieth birthday.
With this knowledge in mind, she meticulously prepared by establishing connections with prominent figures and affluent individuals in River North to lay a solid foundation for her attendance at the event.
A week later, the day of Cynthia's birthday banquet arrived. Hayden attended appropriately and immediately attracted attention at the event, though notably not from William.
During the banquet, her plan unfolded smoothly. She successfully garnered Teresa's favor and trust. The deeper their conversation went, the more Hayden felt that Teresa was a friend worth forming a deep and absolute bond with. Teresa was simple, pure, beautiful, and kind. Spending time with her brought a sense of relaxation to Hayden's heart and mind.
At the banquet, Hayden handled everything with ease. She also noticed the special relationship between Teresa and Gabriel, but since it was their private affair, she refrained from delving deeper. In reality, her focus remained fixed on William.
Midway through the banquet, she observed William exiting the main building and heading towards the garden. Seizing an opportunity, Hayden found an excuse and discreetly followed him outside.
William arrived at the garden and settled into a quiet spot. Just as he was about to make a call, he caught a glimpse of Hayden following him.
