"We need to talk. And I know you're not in the mood to deal with the kids' prattle. So just let them be," Gilbert grabbed Haisley's phone and tossed it carelessly onto the fridge. He glanced back at Loretta, who was still frozen in her spot. "Why are you still here?" he asked sharply. Confused, Loretta hurriedly grabbed her bag."Haisley, I'm going home," she bid, her gaze fearful as she looked at Gilbert. Haisley only whispered an apology before the girl left."G, you don't have to be like this," Haisley said with annoyance after Loretta was gone."And what should I be like?!" Gilbert retorted sharply. "What is she really doing here? Since when has she been here? Has she been here since last night?" These questions poured out of Gilbert spontaneously.Haisley walked to his balcony and chose to sit there, ignoring Gilbert, who was still emotional."Haisley?" Gilbert approached, calling the girl with a gentler tone.Haisley glanced at his friend briefly before answering. "She came here

A few moments earlier, Nathan stared at the old building in front of him. Was this where Haisley lived? Was this place better than Nathan's own home? He snorted and entered the building. The elevator was moving slowly, and Nathan felt impatient. Eventually, he chose to run up the stairs to the floor where Haisley's room was located.He paced back and forth for a moment, torn between barging in forcefully or politely knocking on her door. Eventually, in his remaining patience, Nathan's hand lifted, and he knocked on the door roughly.Haisley opened the door. Her face was flushed, and her hair was disheveled. Nathan's mind instantly turned negative. He ignored her surprised question, walked in, and immediately saw the messy bed.His suspicion was correct. His brother had engaged in inappropriate behavior with Haisley, the girl they were supposed to protect. Instantly, anger surged within him. Rage clouded his mind. Nathan forcefully opened the bathroom door, causing it to slam loudly ag

When she woke up, her room smelled of food, awakening her appetite. She saw Dean wearing an apron, cooking something in her kitchen. And there was another figure sitting there casually. "Already awake, Snow White?" Gilbert teased with a smile."Did I sleep for long?" She asked, wiping something sticky off her forehead. A wet towel was now in her hand. She saw a basin of water beside the nightstand and finally realized someone had been compressing her."No rice, so I made this instead." Dean arrived with a tray of wheat porridge emitting an onion aroma. The smell made Haisley's stomach growl louder. She smiled, accepting the spoon Dean handed her and started eating.The textured wheat and minced chicken instantly increased her appetite."Drink your tea while it's hot." Gilbert also handed her a cup of lemon-scented tea. Haisley could only mumble a thank you to both men.Not long after the bowl and the tea were finished, Dean took the dirty bowl and cup to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Gilber

"If not what?" This question came from Gilbert, who had returned from upstairs. All four pairs of eyes looked at him simultaneously. Gilbert looked at Dean with a questioning expression. "What are you guys talking about?" he asked, curious. His large hands now gently pushed Haisley and Dean, who was still faithfully holding her, to step out of the lobby."It's not important, G," Haisley replied softly as Gilbert matched his steps with hers.However, Loretta reacted differently. In her steps, she turned her head back with an accusing gaze at Gilbert. "Why are you pretending to be Haisley's boyfriend when she already has Dean?" she pouted playfully. Gilbert looked back at Dean and Haisley.Dean murmured something to him, prompting Gilbert to respond. "You never asked," he said flatly. "And Haisley isn't someone who likes to show off." That was his brief answer.Loretta looked back again. "Since when?" she asked, more directed at Haisley and Dean. "Have you two been together for a long t

"What do you want?" Haisley asked, her remaining courage intact. "Are you really going to get engaged to Dean?" the man asked coldly. "That's none of your business, Nath," Haisley reminded him. "Are you planning to play my brother and cousin?" Nathan asked again. "What do you mean?" Haisley asked, confused. "You're flirting with Gilbert. You said you were with Gilbert on the yacht earlier, but now you're with Dean. Are you planning to hurt both of them to get back at me?" he asked again. Haisley snorted. "Does that bother you?" Haisley challenged. "No, right? So why should I fulfill your thoughts?" "You're cunning," Nathan sneered. Haisley looked up at him. Fortunately, the dark alley could hide her blushing face. "I'm just taking advantage, Nath." "Advantage of what? Fooling Dean for the rest of his life?" he challenged. "Pretending to love him when you really love me?" Haisley laughed hysterically. "You're really arrogant. Just because I love you doesn't mean I can't move