Chapter 10 Reunion with Hayley
- As Anastasia mulled over the situation, she shook her head abruptly. She resolved never to let her son discover that his father had worked as a gigolo. Having her beloved son in her life was sufficient, and knowing her father cared for him too made her even happier.
- At the coffee shop, after a rough time at home, Erica swiftly arranged to meet Hayley. Hayley, dressed discreetly as usual, took her seat opposite Erica upon arrival. Spotting her, Erica immediately vented, "Today, Anastasia returned home and nearly drove my mom and me crazy! Not only did she come back herself, but she also brought along an illegitimate child."
- Hayley nearly choked on her water, nervously grasping Erica's hand as she asked urgently, "What did you say? She has a child?"
- Erica was momentarily stunned by her reaction before hurriedly reassuring her, "It's just a b*stard child. Are you worried she brought a man back to deal with us? Don't be."
- "How does the child look? How old is he?" Hayley was especially sensitive now, unwilling to take any news about Anastasia lightly.
- Could the child possibly be Elliot's?
- "My dad said he's three and a half years old, born out of wedlock with someone abroad," Erica said bitterly.
- Upon hearing the child's age, Hayley quickly did the math. It wasn't Elliot's child after all. She breathed a sigh of relief knowing she hadn't conceived from that night with Elliot so easily.
- "How is she doing now? Where does she work?" Hayley was eager to learn everything about Anastasia from Erica.
- "She's a jewelry designer at Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier now, but she's just a small-time designer. What else could she possibly achieve?" Erica said disdainfully.
- Hayley's eyes mirrored the disdain. "She had talent in painting before, but without even finishing college, how did she become a designer?"
- "Exactly! She's just fooling my dad, making him so happy. And that brat, at such a young age, already knows how to please my dad. They are disgusting," Erica raged, abandoning any semblance of decorum, inheriting her mother's sharp temperament.
- Hayley's thoughts delved deeper; she quickly advised, "Erica, if you can't stand her, keep pushing for her to go abroad. Get her out of your sight."
- "Yeah. That's my plan. Once I find the chance, I'll kick her out," Erica clenched her fists.
- This plan suited Hayley perfectly. Anastasia must never show up again; only then could she enjoy everything rightfully hers. Ensuring Elliot was wholly responsible for her.
- "Hayley, what brand is that necklace around your neck? It's gorgeous!" Erica suddenly noticed the necklace.
- Hayley covered it with her hand and smiled, "I got a replica at the flea market."
- Erica knew Hayley didn't have much money; her family wasn't wealthy enough to afford the real thing. However, the necklace on Hayley's neck was a genuine QR brand necklace worth two million. She didn't even know the designer of this necklace.
- That night, Hayley had a nightmare. She dreamed that Anastasia had come looking for her, recognized by Elliot instantly, and ruthlessly driven out of her villa, watching Anastasia take over her current life.
- Hayley woke up in a panic, drenched in sweat. As she looked around, she realized it was just a nightmare. But the dream felt too real, terrifying her to the core. Some things, once possessed, she didn't want to lose.
- She was captivated by the allure of money, unable and unwilling to resist. Anastasia's existence posed the greatest threat to her.
- Hayley suddenly narrowed her eyes; she had to see Anastasia. She needed to find out if Anastasia knew what happened back then and if she knew the man from that night.
- If she did, Hayley had to take action. She was certain Elliot recognized her because of that watch; she could bet Elliot didn't remember the woman from that night.
- But what if Anastasia recognized Elliot?
- After all, she didn't know the details of that night. What if they recognized each other from their conversation?
- Every pore on Hayley's body exuded panic. She couldn't sleep anymore; she had to dress up and go to Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier to find Anastasia and test her.
- The next day, Anastasia sent her son to school early and headed to the company. Upon her arrival, a meeting about the new product launch immediately began. Felicia instructed everyone to submit at least ten design drafts by the end of the month.
- After leaving the meeting room, Alice bumped into her deliberately. "I heard Mr. Presgrave increased the bonus to one million. Anastasia, I won't lose to you."
- Anastasia was momentarily stunned.
- A million-dollar bonus? What is Elliot up to?
- For some reason, she had a vague sense of Elliot's intentions. With the company now under his control, he could interfere in any competition with his power and wealth. Did this man intend to award her the million-dollar bonus outright? No, such competitions emphasized fairness and impartiality.
- Anastasia returned to her office with a mix of emotions. Grace brought her a coffee and mentioned, "Anastasia, you have a visitor."
- "What visitor?"
- "She's waiting in the lounge; I'll bring her in," Grace said.
- "Alright." Anastasia was curious about the unexpected visitor and soon heard a knock on the door. Grace opened it, and a figure entered. Though five years had passed, Anastasia's eyes filled with instant hatred.
- Grace closed the door and left. Anastasia spoke coldly, "You've got a nerve coming to find me."
- Hayley smirked, "I heard from Erica that you work here, and I happened to be nearby, so I thought I'd drop in."
- "Seeing you still makes me sick," Anastasia gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to slap her.
- "Sick? Why? Didn't you enjoy that night with the cowherd? I specially picked a handsome one for you," Hayley smirked coldly.
- "Shut up," Anastasia was so angry she trembled.
- Hayley pressed, "If that man stood before you again, would you recognize him?"
- "Of course, I would," Anastasia replied coldly, her face icy.
- Hayley's triumphant expression vanished instantly, replaced by shock in her eyes.