Chapter 93
Pleased, Gabriel grinned and turned to leave, closing the door behind him.
Thankfully, this was the Harriman’s residence, not some restaurant where the restrooms might be occupied.
Once Gabriel left, Teresa exhaled deeply and turns back to the mirror to do her makeup.
After she was done, she didn't feel like returning to the banquet hall to have small talks with those attendees, so she sneaked off to the Harriman family's garden, unnoticed.
The garden was lit up tonight, and like Teresa, some others had left the hall for some fresh air as well, though they were few and she avoided them as best as she can.
She had barely had a moment's peace in the garden when suddenly, a figure burst from behind a tree and crashed into her full-on.
Staggering, Teresa quickly braced herself against the tree to steady herself.
"I'm so sorry!" The person who bumped into Teresa didn't even lift their head to look at her and quickly strode away after the collision.
"Hayden!"
Once she regained her balance, Teresa looked up and realized it was Hayden. She called out her name instinctively.
"Teresa, oh, it's you! I'm sorry, are you okay?" Hearing her, Hayden stopped, turned, and only then realized she had run into Teresa.
Teresa noticed the unmistakable trail of tears on Hayden's cheeks, which had taken on a slightly reddened hue. A crease formed between her brows as she expressed confusion and surprise.
Hayden was crying!
The esteemed lady of the Bush family from the capital, who just moments ago, had everyone clamoring for her attention in the hall, was now sobbing in the secluded garden of the Harriman estate. What on earth was going on?
"Hayden, what's wrong?" Teresa hurried over, concern etching her features. "Are you okay?"
Hayden shook her head. Before Teresa could comprehend what was happening, Hayden lunged forward and embraced her.
Silence fell.
What in the world?
Teresa was at a loss. This was only their second encounter; were they even that close?
"Hayden, what's going on?" Teresa felt Hayden trembling with sobs against her shoulder. Despite their apparent lack of intimacy, she wrapped her arms around Hayden, stroking her back to offer some comfort.
Hayden shook her head again. "I'm okay, just let me hold you for a bit, it'll be fine after a while."
Teresa held her. If Hayden wasn't ready to talk, she wouldn't pry. She let Hayden cling to her, motionless.
Off in the flower beds, William strode towards the hall with long, purposeful steps. He paused, as if compelled by an unseen force, and turned back for a brief look.
His handsome brows knitted upon seeing Hayden and Teresa locked in an embrace. Dismissing the sight, he continued his walk back to the hall.
After about five or six minutes, Hayden released Teresa, wiped away her tears, and a smile blossomed on her face as if nothing had happened.
"Hayden, you..."
"I'm fine now."
Teresa chuckled, "Your makeup's a bit smudged. Want to fix it?"
"Oh, would you help me, please?"
"Sure." With a smile, Teresa accompanied Hayden to the restroom to help her touch up her makeup.
Hayden was genuinely beautiful, especially her eyes, exuding a natural, seductive charm. She was enchanting when she smiled.
"Teresa, what's the deal with you and Gabriel? He seems to be chasing after you," Hayden inquired with renewed poise after her makeup was refreshed.
"Ah!" Teresa packed away her lipstick, looking surprised but responding with a cool composure, "There's nothing between us at all!"
Three years ago, Hayden nearly walked down the aisle with Gabriel. Now, as she posed the question, Teresa was puzzled by her true intentions.
Hayden just smiled without further inquiry and fished her phone out of her purse. After unlocking it, she suggested, "Let's add each other on Facebook, shall we?"
"Sure," Teresa had no reason to refuse such a request. So, after exchanging contact information on the app, they headed back to the main hall together.
Upon their return, Teresa and Hayden immediately drew countless gazes. Notably, Gabriel and William paused for a few seconds, eyeing their direction before turning back and resuming their banter with friends.
Back in the hall, Teresa found herself surrounded by a bevy of socialites, all offering flattery and praise. Likely thanks to Hayden’s influence, Teresa had also become a magnet for their attention.
"Liam's here."
Amid the insincere laughter with the group of affluent women, Teresa instinctively looked up as Liam arrived. Almost instantly, Aaron and a few buddies went up to greet him.
"Liam, weren't you out of town on business? You made it all the way back for this party?" Aaron said, welcoming him with a warm smile.
"Well, Cynthia is like my own grandmother. I certainly will come to celebrate her birthday," Liam responded while gesturing to his driver to hand over the gift to the Harriman family’s butler.
"We wouldn't blame you for missing, but your being here is definitely for the best. The boys haven't hung out in a while. Let’s make the most of today," Aaron beamed, throwing an arm around Liam's shoulder.
"There you are, Liam," Yvonne approached from the crowd, her eyes filled with tender affection as she examined him. "You seem so worn out; Mom's concerned."
Liam glanced at Yvonne, offering no greeting nor a word in return. Instead, he strode towards Teresa, who stood not far from Hayden.
