Chapter 32
“If he likes that woman so much, why doesn’t he marry her himself?” Hayden interrupted coldly. “Let’s focus on the real matter?
“Oh, the funds you asked me to trace ended up in the Lewis family’s companies and helped them survive their financial crisis two years ago. By the way, those are your fancer’s companies, the voice on the other end said meaningfully.
The Lewis family’s business empire, including Lewis Group, Sunshine Healthcare, and SaintForm Aesthetics, was all built by James Lewis‘ eldest daughter, Marilyn Lewis.
Rumor had in that Marilyn was a rare business prodigy, singlehandedly dragging the dying Lewis Group out of the mud
She established Sunshine Healthcare’s Bealls chec foundation in the business world.
(network and the chain of SaintForm Aruthetic clinics, securing the Lewis family’s
Unquestionably capable. Marilyn had caught the eye of War
Marilyn was no fool: she knew exactly what she wanted.
cat a banquet, and he had 1-
vdetermined to make her his grandson’s bride.
“Two years ago, Marilyn’s angel investment round fell apart, breaking the company’s cash flow. The Lewis family was on the brink of collapse, the voice continued.
That was when the massive insurance payout from Courney’s parents‘ death, the compensation for three houses, and the quick sale of the old mansion were funneled into the Lewis Group, the person added
It was clear those funds had saved Marilyn’s business at a critical moment.
“Later. Warren backed her further, and with the added prestige of being the future mistress of the Reed family, she made a remarkable comeback That’s why the Lewis family is where it is today,” the person concluded.
Hayden’s face darkened. It turned out that they’d all teamed up to exploit Courney
No wonder they’d hoped Courtney wouldn’t survive her ordeal overscal
Without him. Courney would have died in South Weidan
The person who sold their whereabouts to Lucas had explicitly ordered Courtney’s death
But what they hadn’t expected was that Courtney not only survived–she came back
“The person who contacted Lucas is definitely connected to the Lewis family. Keep a close watch on everyone in that family, Hayden said in a low, key voice.
One by one, he would uncover and take down those who had tried to harm Courtney. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt her again.
Marilyn, though, posed a tricky challenge. During his five years away, his grandfather Warren had unilaterally announced her as the future mistress of the Reed family
If Courtney ever found our who Hayden really was it would likely destroy any chance they had.
Suddenly, the door clicked open, and Courtney stepped out.
Hayden quickly bùng up the phone, clearing his throat as be turned to her
Her gaze shifting from the empty soda to Hayden standing on the balcony. A flicker of compassion crossed her face. “You can’t rest properly here. It won’t help your wound head,” the signed.
“Courtney, have you considered trying to speak again? Hayden asked as he walked in the living room, his gaze serious and focused on her
she couldn’t go on like this. Without regaining her ability to speak, she wouldn’t be able to return to the hospital.
Courtney was just as ansiofis. If she couldn’t open her mouth and form words, she couldn’t go back to the hospital and serve as a police informant.
Tim Courtney tried wit Jarr might, but no words came out. Her throat tightened, and frustration welled up, turning her eyes red. She raised
her hand, realy in hit herself.
Hayden quickly
Ther hand and pulled her into his arms, his voice trise. “Dont–don’t rush yourself. It’s okay, take your time”
Courtney lowered her heart, tears falling onto the back of Hayden’s hand.
“Tyson scheduled an appointinens for us with a military psychologia. Hayden sakd softly, his tone unusually gentle. “They specialize in trauma and post–combat stress. Let’s make an appointment, okay?”
1/2
Chapter 32
Hayden had never been one to be tender, but for Courtney, be made an exception
Courtney nodded hesitantly. She trusted the police, even if her faith in Austin or Henidburg General Hospital had long since faded. For now, she could only rely on Hayden
“Thank you for protecting me all these years, Courtney signed after taking a deep breath. “I’ll repay your kindness someday”
Though Hayden had been overbearing during the past five years, she understood that he’d been following orders for the mission. At the same time. his prevenice had indirectly saved her life. For that, she felt gratitude..
Hayden smirked mischievously. Repay me? How about marrying me?”
Without waiting for her response, he pulled her into his arms, leaning in as if to steal a kiss. He always acted like this, making decisions before Courtney could say anything
Courtney glared at him, resisting with all her might, but Hayden just sighed, half–joking, “Five years are enough to make an iceberg melt“
He didn’t understand why she was still so resistant to him.
“Why aren’t you asleep yet?” he asked, smoothly changing the topic.
Courtney stayed silent.
Hayden didn’t need her to answer; he already knew.
Courtney was suffering from imomnia. He’d noticed her exhaustion during his days at the hospital. She hadn’t rested properly in a long time.
Come on, time to sleep, he muttered, a mixture of frustration and concern in his tone as he scooped her up effortlessly and carried her to the bedroom. He placed her gently on the bed.
Courtney instinctively tried to push him away, but Hayden shamelessly climbed in beside her, wrapping her securely in his arms.
When she began to squirm, Hayden’s voice dropped to a quiet murmur “Stop moving. I won’t touch you
Courtney froze, her body stiff and tense, but somehow, his words soothed her. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, her body began to relax
