565 William and Hayden
Swiftly, the personnel department staff called the CEO's office again. Cherry answered the call and hurried to seek William's approval.
Upon hearing the news, William instructed Cherry to personally bring Michelle downstairs to his office.
Cherry, being the Chief Secretary to the CEO, went down herself to fetch Michelle. Witnessing this scene, the employees understood that they could not afford to offend Michelle in the future.
Accompanied by Cherry, Michelle arrived outside William's office. Subtly smiling at Michelle, Cherry then turned and left to return to her own workspace.
After expressing her gratitude, Michelle took a couple of steps forward and arrived at the door of William's office. She raised her head and caught sight of William inside, standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, engaged in a phone call. Rather than interrupting him, she waited quietly.
Upon hearing her footsteps, William knew she was standing by the door. Nevertheless, he remained composed, continuing his tasks as if unaware of Michelle's presence.
It wasn't until five minutes later that he finished the call and hung up. Despite this, he didn't hastily turn around but stayed facing the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Observing him ending the call, Michelle raised her hand politely, knocking on the door.
William, as if just then realizing her presence, slowly turned around, lifting his head to glance towards the door.
"William, I am not disturbing you, am I?"
Watching William as he turned towards her, Michelle smiled gracefully and tactfully. Her manner and address were courteous, showing none of her status as William's savior.
William acknowledged with a slight smile. "Please come in."
Considering Michelle’s actions she undertook five years prior, the current Michelle was genuinely likable and flawless.
However, Hayden had admitted that Michelle's actions all those years ago stemmed from her deep love and desire for William.
As Michelle approached, graceful yet confident, she crossed the room and settled on the sofa opposite William.
"Are you truly ready for work? Can your body manage it?" Once she was seated, William inquired with concern.
Michelle smiled, nodding affirmatively. "I am indeed! Should I demonstrate ten push-ups right now for you?"
William also smiled, nodding. "Very well. First, have Cherry assist you with the onboarding procedures. An hour later, we will convene a senior team meeting, during which I will introduce you to everyone."
"Excellent." Michelle nodded, gazing at William with respect and admiration. "Thank you, William. I will endeavor diligently."
William nodded. "I believe in you."
At that moment, Cherry approached William's office door, carrying a bouquet of nine blue roses. She gently knocked on the door.
William looked up, glancing at her.
Upon seeing the bouquet of blue roses in her hands, memories flooded back to William's mind of that night in Southern when he and Hayden had walked the streets after dinner. Passing by a flower shop, he had intended to buy a bouquet for Hayden, but she had rushed ahead, marveling at a vase filled with blue roses, exclaiming, "They're so beautiful, William. I'll gift them to you."
That night she had presented him with eleven blue roses, symbolizing her devotion.
He had thought to gift her a bouquet as well, but after searching, he realized nothing in the shop compared to the blue roses she gave him. Hence, he had relinquished the idea.
They had spent the night entwined until early morning hours, exhausted and eventually drifting off to sleep in each other's arms.
Back then, their love for each other was profound, their desire to remain together eternal, cherishing every moment together without wanting to part for even a second.
Later, upon researching blue roses, he discovered their symbolism of miracles and the impossible, representing pure and genuine love.
Hayden had given him nine blue roses, signifying lifelong devotion.
Reflecting now, William's heart felt an unexplained mixture of sentiments.
"William, someone sent you the Blue Enchantress." Cherry approached William, presenting the blue roses reverently.
"How exquisite and fresh these flowers are, William, you truly are charming." Michelle, seated with her back to the door, upon noticing the roses in Cherry's hands, praised them with a smile.
William glanced at Michelle, sharing a meaningful smile, then instructed Cherry, "Escort Michelle for her onboarding procedures. As for these flowers, just dispose of them."
Observing William's directive, Michelle expressed admiration for the roses as Cherry began to discard them.
"If the flowers are to be discarded as per William's instructions, I would like to keep them in my office instead." Michelle interjected as Cherry prepared to dispose of the flowers.
Given William's command to discard the flowers, Michelle's request was promptly approved by Cherry, who offered, "Shall I have a vase brought to your office?"
"It's alright, you needn't bother. I will purchase a vase for them myself when I have the opportunity." Michelle replied graciously.
After merely four years of employment, she was already qualified for the director's position, showcasing her exceptional abilities.
Cherry nodded. "Alright, I will accompany you for the onboarding procedures."
Michelle smiled and gestured graciously to Cherry.
Later in the afternoon, at Imperial Capital, within The Bush Smith Group's office building, while Hayden was in a meeting with senior officials, her phone resting on the table suddenly lit up. The screen displayed a text message from an unfamiliar number, followed by a picture.
Lowering her head, Hayden read the contents on the screen. The image depicted a hand resting on crossed legs, prompting her to clench her fists tightly in response. Yet, after a moment, she slowly released her grip.
Now, Michelle was basking in her triumph.
If she truly found herself angry and sought out Michelle for an explanation, it wouldn't be in line with her character. Sending flowers was her way of expressing her feelings for William.
As for how William chose to handle what she sent, it was solely his prerogative.
At least for now, she still loved William and yearned to mend their relationship.
If a time came when she no longer desired William, then that would be a different matter.
If she ceased loving William, she had various means to deal with Michelle.
Taking a deep breath to steady her emotions, Hayden continued with the meeting as if nothing had occurred, refusing to let anything interrupt her focus.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, Hayden returned to her office. Glancing at the photo Michelle had sent, it displayed the bouquet of blue roses she had gifted to William, now placed in a vase in the image.
After a cursory glance, she locked her phone screen and turned to Justin, instructing, "Visit William and Finley regarding the Talia Island project. Assess their interest."
Justin understood Hayden's intent and immediately agreed, saying, "Sure, I will try to persuade William and Finley."
Hayden shook her head. "It's unnecessary. Simply gauge their inclinations."
Even as she sought to please William and mend their relationship, there was no need to compromise her dignity or offer him discounts at a shopping mall. The more she bowed before him, the more he would likely disdain her. Moreover, William was not one to take advantage at a shopping mall.
"Very well, Hayden, I understand."
While William promptly declined the olive branch Hayden extended, she received positive news elsewhere.Gabriel agreed to cooperate with Capital Construction and The Bush Smith Group, enabling her more frequent visits to River North.
The following day brought an even more surprising development for Hayden. Gabriel, extraordinarily, openly displayed affection and publicly announced his recent marriage to Teresa.
Although Hayden had harbored suspicions about their relationship during their time with The Harriman Family, she hadn't confirmed anything. To her amazement, Liam's former fiancée had swiftly become Gabriel's wife.
By all indications, Teresa's son, Croissant, was now undoubtedly Gabriel's biological child.
Such unexpected and delightful news was a welcome turn of events for Hayden. This development brought her one step closer to building a stronger rapport with Teresa.
Nevertheless, when thoughts inadvertently turned to Teresa's son Croissant, Hayden couldn't help but think of the child she and William could have had.
Their child would also have been a boy.
At that time, she had been pregnant for over five months. In two weeks, she could have safely given birth to their child.
In that scenario, their child would have been five years old by now, calling them Mom and Dad, speaking many words, and engaging in numerous activities.
Yet, she had been the one to...
The realization weighed heavily on Hayden, tears filling her eyes. She closed them, and tears streamed down her cheeks.
If their child had lived, would she and William be in their current state? Would they have lived happily together as a family of three?
Child, child...
Thinking of the child she had personally,shook her body till it couldn't be restrained.
In the afternoon, Hayden visited Finn at the hospital.
Finn's recovery was progressing well, apart from his inability to walk, he had recuperated to almost normal health. The doctor stated he would be discharged in a couple of days.
While walking through the hospital corridors, Hayden proceeded to the psychiatric hospital in the western suburbs.
Bearing the weight of immense guilt and suffering, having lost her mother, taken the life of her own child, and driven a knife into William's abdomen, all orchestrated by Pierre and Sophia, Hayden wished to visit them herself, to gauge if their anguish could equate to one percent of hers.
As the car arrived at the psychiatric hospital in the western suburbs, the evening sun in its summery splendor painted half the sky red, reminiscent of the night she had ingested that large bowl of abortifacients, blood flowing from her body,a reminder of her child's blood.
That blood belonged to her child.
Tom had phoned in advance, alerting the hospital of Hayden's impending arrival. Upon alighting from the car, the hospital director promptly greeted her, offering kind words and admiration. Following a brief exchange, he handed her a mask, which she put on before he led the way into the psychiatric hospital. Walking through a long corridor designated for medical staff, descending a flight of stairs, they reached the basement.
The basement was damp and dim, devoid of any sunlight penetration. Without the guiding lights, it would have been eerie and frightening. Hayden felt a chill as she entered, goosebumps rising across her skin.
Under the director's guidance, drawing closer to the room where Pierre and Sophia were held, a foul odor became increasingly pervasive.
When they were about thirty feet from the room, Hayden clearly heard the sounds of rats,not just one, but many.
Suddenly, Hayden paused in her tracks.
"Ms. Hayden, we are almost there," the director said, smiling respectfully as he noticed her halt.
Hayden gave a brief nod to the director and then resumed her steps forward.
