Chapter 252 Unexpected Visitor
That evening, I dragged my exhausted body back to the apartment, only to find the place brightly lit.
Instinctively, I thought Edward had returned. But when I opened the door and walked in, I was greeted by the sight of Hayden sitting on the couch and Clara busy in the kitchen.
Hayden's face lit up with a barely noticeable hint of joy when he saw me, but he quickly put on a gentle expression and said, "Diana, come and sit."
With a heart full of suspicion, I walked over and sat on the couch opposite Hayden, thinking to myself, How did he get the keys to this apartment?
Then it hit me that Edward must have given them to him.
I felt ridiculous for having kicked Clara out before. With keys, they could come and go as they pleased.
I sat quietly on the couch, waiting for Hayden to speak first. But after a while, he showed no intention of starting the conversation.
I knew Hayden was cunningly waiting for me to lose my patience and speak first. Deciding not to play his game, I took the initiative and asked, "Did Edward send you?"
Hayden's face showed a hint of pain, and he spoke with a touch of reproach, "Diana, you won't even call me by my name anymore?"
He looked as if he had suffered a great grievance.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I paused before slowly saying, "Mr. Howard, what brings you here?"
As soon as I said that, Hayden's face darkened, and he forced a bitter smile. "Diana, you really won't forgive me. You know I don't have much time left."
He sighed deeply, then looked down, his eyes dim. "My only regret before I die is that the Howard family won't have any descendants. Now that you're pregnant with Edward's child, you can't imagine how happy that makes me."
Seeing that I still didn't respond, Hayden rubbed his temples gently and continued, "I thought that with Aria gone and Edward sending Anne away, no one would interfere with your lives anymore."
His gaze drifted off as if lost in memory. "But Edward..."
Hayden shook his head slowly, his tone full of helplessness. "He lost his mother at a young age, and his personality became more and more peculiar. But since I married Clara, having a stepmother made him more cheerful. If I were to force Clara and Anne out, it would only cause Edward more trauma."
Hayden's hands rested weakly on his legs, his fingers trembling slightly. "So, even though I know about Clara and Anne's little schemes, I choose to ignore them as long as Edward is happy."
I sat quietly, listening. Hayden seemed sincere, but he was really making excuses for Anne, trying to get me to compromise. I wasn't going to be persuaded so easily.
Hayden understood my thoughts and said confidently, "You've been with Edward for so many years. I won't let you suffer. I promised you and the child an inheritance, and now that you're pregnant again, that promise still stands. It's a good deal for you."
I listened, lowering my eyes in thought. Just then, the sound of a key turning in the lock came from the door, and Edward walked in.
Our eyes met, and the air was thick with tension. Hearing the commotion, Clara came out of the kitchen, followed closely by Anne. I hadn't expected Anne to be in the kitchen.
"What are you guys talking about?" Edward asked, frowning slightly.
The room fell silent, and no one answered him.
After a moment of awkward silence, Anne stepped forward, gently shaking Edward's arm and saying sweetly, "Edward, you must be tired from work. How did the bidding go?"
Edward, already frustrated by the Cooper Group winning the bid, looked even more annoyed. He shook off Anne's hand impatiently and said coldly, "I'm tired. You all should leave."
Seeing Edward's cold attitude, Anne tried to cling to his arm again, but a glance at Hayden's icy stare made her withdraw her hand quickly.
Edward suddenly seemed to remember something and turned to me. "I heard you won the bid today. Congrats."
I was slightly taken aback and met his gaze, replying softly, "Thanks. Your company did well too."
The atmosphere in the room grew even more awkward.
Edward said nothing more, walking over to the couch and sitting down heavily, rubbing his temples.
Seeing this, Clara hurried over, her face full of concern. "Edward, you must be tired. Let me get you some water."
Edward didn't respond, just closing his eyes slightly.
Suddenly, a rapid knock on the door broke the silence.
Edward looked surprised and got up to open the door. Standing outside were several police officers.
A wave of unease washed over me, and I didn't know what was happening. Edward turned to us, his eyes full of confusion.
The lead officer scanned the room with a stern look and asked loudly, "Who is Clara Howard?"
Clara, untying her apron, responded calmly, "That's me."
The officer nodded to a younger officer beside him.
The young officer quickly pulled out a document from his folder and read it out with a serious expression, "You are suspected of involvement in a fatal traffic accident. Please come with us."
Anne went wild, standing in front of Clara and shouting, "That's impossible."
The lead officer frowned, his voice low and authoritative, "Miss, do not obstruct our duty. Whether she is guilty will be determined by our investigation."
Anne wanted to argue, but Clara pulled her aside, whispering something in her ear.
Anne's eyes widened in shock, then confusion, and finally, a smile appeared on her lips.
"Alright, let's not waste any more time. Come with us," the officer urged. Clara didn't resist, watching as the police led her away.
I watched Edward's and Hayden's expressions. They remained cold and indifferent, as if it had nothing to do with them. I recalled how Edward had managed to get Anne out of police trouble before. I thought to myself, as long as Edward took action, Clara would probably be back in no time.
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