Chapter 252
Emily was like a venomous snake, ready to strike when least expected.
Haley finally said, “How about having Owen come over to my house for dinner? I’m used to my own kitchen.”
Ivan looked at her intently. “Are you concerned about something?”
Haley knew this man was perceptive. Nothing got past him.
She decided to be forthright. “Last time at your place, Emily nearly hurt Angela. I don’t want to take that risk again.”
A sly smile curled upon Ivan’s lips.
He looked down slightly and said slowly, “Somehow, I get the feeling that you’re jealous.”
Haley’s eyes widened. “Don’t be ridiculous. Why would I be jealous? What makes you think I’m jealous?”
“Fine, you’re not,” Ivan replied with a shrug.
Haley thought to herself, ‘I'm not jealous! Why would I be? This man is too full of himself.’
If she didn’t need something from him, she would have kicked him out long ago.
“Don’t worry, Emily won’t be coming around the Winston residence anymore,” Ivan stated seriously, “I’ve instructed Alfred that she’s not to set foot in the Winston residence again.”
Haley was somewhat surprised. This man was ruthless.
Emily’s dresses were in the Winston residence alongside her piano too. Yet, just like that, she was barred entrance.
But then again, she understood. Emily had slapped Owen, and a man like Ivan wouldn’t tolerate anyone hurting his son.
If it had been her, she would have probably slapped Emily tenfold by now.
With that thought, Haley felt some relief. “All right, then I’ll go over to your place to cook dinner every day.”
Ivan nodded. “All right, let’s make it 3 PM tomorrow. I’ll take you to meet Garrett.”
No sooner had they made their plans than Owen came scurrying over. “Daddy, you guys keep talking. I’m gonna head upstairs and play with Angela for a while.”
“We need to head home now,” Ivan said flatly.
Owen felt disappointed. “But I’ve only played for a little over an hour, and I’m not done yet. Haley, I don’t want to leave you. I’m gonna miss you so much.” His voice trailed off into sobs.
Haley lifted him into her arms, smiling. “I’ll come over to your house tomorrow night, how does that sound?”
Owen’s eyes widened. “Really? Are you really coming over, Haley? Please don’t lie to me...”
“I’ve made a deal with your dad. I’ll come by every evening to make you dinner.”
“Wow, that’s awesome!” Owen cheered, dancing with joy and excitement.
“Now be good, get some sleep early, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” Haley walked him over and tucked him into Ivan’s arms.
Ivan, holding back his irritation, clutched the collar of Owen’s shirt and put him down.
As the night grew darker, Owen held Ivan’s hand, looking back every few steps as they walked away.
Todd strolled up, a sluggishness in his step. “Mommy, why do you have to start cooking dinner for Owen at his house?”
Having prepared her explanation, Haley bent down and spoke gently, “Owen is fussy with his food. He’s about your age, but quite a bit skinnier because he doesn’t eat well. Since his dad and I are business partners, I agreed to cook dinner for him for a while to help him gain some weight.”
Todd’s gaze fell.
He had been standing near the stairs, chatting with Owen but occasionally glancing at his mother. He noticed that his mom and Ivan were discussing something serious. He assumed it was business, so he hadn’t paid much attention. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his mom was hiding something from him.
However, cooking at the Winston residence was fine by him. It was the perfect opportunity to grab some of Ivan’s hair.
This time, no matter what, he was going to get a paternity test done.