Ch. 391..400

Always Been Yours Chapter 391

Meeting

Tessa frowned in disagreement.

But before she could say anything, Timothy continued, “But don’t worry, Tessa. I might not be studying abroad now, but I have a plan. Once the company has stabilized, I’ll find a chance to study overseas and improve myself.”

The frown on Tessa’s forehead disappeared, and she agreed. “Since you have your own plans, then I’d best stay out of it.” She wouldn’t have agreed to that in the past, but Timothy was his own man now, and she had no need to step in. He was an adult, and she should let him do what he wanted.

They talked for a while before hanging up. Timothy put his phone down and went back to work.

Henry knocked on the door and came in later. “Timothy, Mr. Linus has agreed to meet with us at Club Sophisticated.”

“Alright. Have you prepared the files?” Timothy stopped working and looked at Henry seriously.

Henry waved the files at him. “Of course, but see if there’s anything missing. We have to get this project. Once we do, we won’t have to worry about the profits for the second half of the year.”

Timothy said nothing to that. Instead, he looked through the file, and he looked serious about the collaboration. “This here looks vague. Make it more detailed. I don’t want too many problems.” He pointed out one of the flaws.

Henry made the corrections in the office right away.

The new file was done in a while, and it was almost time for the meetup, so they went to the club.

Club Sophisticated was located in the business district, and it was the favorite place of Southend’s upper society. It was classy, and the place was confidential enough.

The waiter led Timothy and Henry into a luxurious room.

They thought Jeremiah was going to be the only one in there, but to their surprise, there was a woman with him, and she was Hayley.

Timothy and Henry thought she was the assistant because of how formal she dressed, but they refuted it a moment later. After all, no assistant had that regal air like Hayley did. They thought it was weird, but they greeted Jeremiah nonetheless.

“Hello, Mr. Linus.”

“Have a seat.” Linus pointed at the couch. He didn’t introduce Hayley.

Since Jeremiah had no intention of introducing the lady beside him, Timothy didn’t ask. They made some small talk and cut to the chase.

Henry didn’t speak much during the negotiation. Jeremiah was different from the bosses he had met. He knew it was impossible for him to handle Jeremiah, so he let Timothy do the talking.

Hayley listened quietly as well. She and Jeremiah were friends, and she knew who Timothy was, so she had come on purpose.

Jeremiah and Timothy had a happy negotiation.

“We have high hopes for this project. Our company is new, but we have better skills in this field compared to our competitors, and that’s our advantage. I hope we can work together,” Timothy concluded and handed the proposal and file to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah took it and skimmed through the files seriously.

Timothy waited calmly, but Henry wasn’t. He seemed a little nervous.

Hayley was observing Timothy quietly. She had to admit that Tessa’s brother was a brilliant man. Given time, he could make a name for himself in Southend. It’s a pity his sister is Tessa.

Always Been Yours Chapter 392

Sabotage

A while later, Jeremiah interrupted everyone’s train of thoughts. “It’s a perfect proposal, but I need time to consider.”

Timothy would be lying if he said he wasn’t disappointed, but he was prepared for it. After all, agreements weren’t reached in one day. “Do give it some consideration. We’ll be leaving now, Mr. Linus.” He got up and said goodbye.

Henry got up as well. Jeremiah didn’t stop them. He saw them off, and after the door was closed, he commented, “They’re so much better than us when we were their age.”

Hayley noticed the look of acknowledgement on his face, and she frowned. “Do you think he’s that great?”

“Yes. He has a bright future ahead of him.” Jeremiah didn’t deny it. The only reason he didn’t agree was because agreements were reached over sessions of negotiations, not just a single one.

Hayley’s frown deepened. Her eyes glinted with cunning, then she looked at Jeremiah and pretended to hesitate.

Jeremiah noticed that, and he asked, “Do you have something to say, Hayley?”

Hayley waited for a few moments and pretended like she had resolved herself, then she said, “If it’s okay with you, I’d like it if you don’t work with him.”

“Why?”

“He’s not as good as he looks…”

Timothy had no idea Hayley was sabotaging him. After he and Henry went back, they waited for Jeremiah’s news, but two days had passed without anything happening.

Just when Timothy was wondering if he should contact Jeremiah, someone flung his office door open. “Timothy, this guy has gone too far. He signed a deal with someone else not long after we left that night.” Henry went up to him angrily and told him about the news. Of course he was furious. They had spent a lot of time and effort just to get this deal.

Timothy was surprised, but he was calmer than his friend. He advised, “Nothing to get mad about. That’s the thing about business. They can work with us, but they can work with someone else too. We haven’t reached an agreement after all, so don’t dwell on it. It’s not worth it.”

Henry knew he had a point, but he was still angry about it.

Timothy let him be and went back to work. Nicholas called him over for dinner a while later, and he went to Dynasty Gardens after work.

Gregory welcomed him happily, “Mr. Timothy!”

Timothy patted his head and smiled. “It’s been a while, Greg.”

Nicholas came down from his study. He was in casual attire, and he looked languid, elegant, but not arrogant. In fact, he was more down to earth.

Tessa got herself a good man. “Hi, Nick.”

Nick nodded at him, and he told Gregory, “Take him to the dining room.”

“Come with me, Mr. Timothy.” Gregory took him to the dining room and sat down.

Nicholas and Timothy talked about work over dinner. “I heard you guys were going to work with Jeremiah. Why did that fail?”

Timothy paused for a moment. He didn’t expect Nicholas to find out about that, much less ask, but he smiled nonchalantly. “Maybe he doesn’t think my company is old enough to handle this.”

“Your company might be new, but it has a great future ahead of it. As long as there’s no special reason, any company who wants a great future will work with you.” A frown dotted Nicholas’ forehead. He analyzed, “And not to mention your company has better skills in this field compared to your competitors.”

Always Been Yours Chapter 393

Warm Night

Timothy was quiet for a while, then he smiled. “I’m not sure about the details either. Maybe he had a better choice.”

“There won’t be any tech companies in Southend with a better future than yours.” He wasn’t being polite. It was a genuine praise.

Timothy smiled. He didn’t want to talk about it anymore, so he changed the topic. “Nick, have you called my sister? She told me she’s going to Filisburg for a performance soon.”

Nicholas looked at Timothy, but he didn’t expose his trick. He sipped some wine and answered, “She told me before, but it’s not certain yet.”

Gregory had no idea what they were talking about earlier, but he did hear them talk about Tessa and her performance. His eyes shone brightly, and he asked, “Daddy, is Miss Tessa going to perform again? Can we watch?”

Nicholas noticed the anticipation in his eyes, and he didn’t refuse it. “Be a good boy, and I might consider.”

“I will be a good boy. For Miss Tessa.” Gregory promised like a man, and the serious look on his chubby face melted everyone’s hearts.

The men looked at him and smiled.

After they had dinner, Gregory hung out with Timothy to learn more about computers, and Timothy agreed to teach him. They sat on the couch in the living room and started the process. Computers were what they started out with, but eventually, they started to talk about Tessa.

“Mr. Timothy, I miss Miss Tessa. Can we call her?” He blinked and stared at Timothy cutely.

Timothy could never say no to that. He looked at the time, and it was already eight. Tessa should be up and about now in Vienna. He agreed to make the call.

When the call went through, Tessa noticed that Timothy and Gregory were on the screen together, much to her surprise. “Timothy? Why are you with Greg? Are you at Dynasty Gardens?”

“Nick asked me over for dinner,” Timothy answered honestly.

Tessa was touched. She knew Nicholas was an aloof man, but he still asked Timothy over for dinner anyway. She knew he must be taking care of Timothy because she wasn’t around.

Gregory called out to her cutely, and she smiled. They talked happily, and the living room was filled with warm laughter. When it was finally night, Timothy left Dynasty Gardens.

When Nicholas came to the company the next morning, Edward followed behind him and reported work to him. “Sir, that’s all of it. I’ll be leaving now if there’s nothing else.” He kept away his tablet and was about to leave, but Nicholas stopped him.

“Hold it. Look into Jeremiah’s company’s new project. I want to know who got the deal.”

Edward thought that was weird, but he did as he was told anyway. He came back a while later and answered, “Sir, Jeremiah signed the deal with Hayley. They’re friends, and she signed the contract herself.”

Nicholas frowned.

Edward was surprised. “The Stones are going into the tech field?”

He got no answer for that question.

Just then, Nicholas’ secretary knocked on the door, and he said, “Sir, Miss Stone is here. Do you want to see her?”

Nicholas gave it some thought, and he answered coldly, “Let her in.”

Oh no. Something’s gonna happen. Edward left right away.

Hayley came in a few moments later. She was wearing a blue V-neck dress paired with a pair of silver stilettos that was 4 inches tall. She walked in elegantly, and the scent of her perfume spread across the office.

Always Been Yours Chapter 394

Delight

A smile was curling her lips. She thought Nicholas would refuse her, but instead, he had agreed to let her in, and that made her ecstatic. She went into his office and called him gently, “Nicholas…”

Nicholas looked at her as she came in, his face deadpan. “What’s the deal with Jeremiah’s company? I thought your family doesn’t dabble in tech.” He cut to the chase right away. “When did you guys start dabbling in this field?”

Hayley’s smile froze. She didn’t expect him to ask her that question right away. Did he notice something? She lied, “Our company has never dealt with tech before, but I’m trying to find a breakthrough here. You know my family’s company deals with the more traditional fields, and the market isn’t exactly nice to us, so I need some new business.”

“Even if that’s true, tech is risky for Stone Enterprise. If something were to happen, you’d lose money, and then you’re going to have to use more money to cover that hole. That’ll hurt the collaboration.” Nicholas pointed out Stone Enterprise’s flaw immediately.

Hayley’s eyes glinted, and she felt uneasy. Even so, she remained calm. “I’ve taken that risk into consideration, but it’s different this time. Jeremiah is my friend. We know each other well. There’s no need to worry.”

Nicholas looked at her coldly. He knew she was lying, but he wouldn’t point it out.

Hayley pretended that she didn’t see his look. She asked on purpose, “Do you have plans to work with him? I can give you the deal if you want.”

“No,” he refused her without hesitating.

Hayley knew he would refuse her. “I see. Then I’ll be going into this field then.” She smiled, but it was a fake one.

Looks like I can sabotage Tessa’s brother openly now. We are competitors after all. Even if Nicholas finds out, I have an excuse ready.

Unbeknownst to her, Nicholas had seen through her. Nicholas only used to dislike Hayley, but now he was disgusted. He didn’t hate smart women, but he loathed those who would use little tricks and schemes to get what they wanted. “What do you want?” He cut the earlier topic off and tried to send her away.

She noticed his impatience, and she felt sad. She couldn’t understand why Nicholas hated her so much. Which part of Tessa is better than me? She clenched her fists and held her displeasure down, then she smiled. “My grandfather is back, so he wants to have dinner with you guys. Your parents will be there too, so do come as well, Nicholas.”

Nicholas frowned. Maxwell and Remus were friends, and he was also one of those who were pushing for the marriage between him and Hayley. If I go, they’ll bring that up again. He refused quickly, “I have some software testing to do tonight. I can’t go.”

Hayley panicked. If he isn’t going, then my plan won’t work. “It’s just dinner. It won’t take too long,” she said softly, trying to persuade Nicholas, but that only made his patience run thinner.

“I said I don’t have time.”

Always Been Yours Chapter 395

Mockery

Nicholas held down the landline and called Edward in. “Send Miss Stone away.”

Edward noticed Nicholas’ bad mood, and he quickly obliged. “Miss Stone, please come with me.”

Hayley looked at Edward for a moment before she turned her attention back to Nicholas again. “Nicholas, your grandfather asked me to invite you. He insists that you come.” She brought Remus up in an attempt to make Nicholas cave in, but that backfired on her. Nicholas’ patience finally ran out.

His face fell, and the air was fraught with tension. It felt as if the temperature had fallen by a few centigrades. Hayley noticed the dark look he was giving her, and her heart sank. Before she could say anything, Nicholas answered coldly, “Don’t use my grandfather against me, Miss Stone. Nobody can tell me what I should do.”

Hayley met his eyes, and there was nothing but mockery in them. It hurt her, and she panicked. “Nicholas, you misunderstood me. I wasn’t using him to force you or anything. I’m just saying he’ll be angry if you don’t go, and my grandfather hasn’t seen you in a while.” She knew what she said had angered Nicholas, so she was trying to salvage the situation and keep her image alive.

However, Nicholas’ patience had long run out. He didn’t want to waste his breath talking to her, so he glared at Edward. “I didn’t pay you to do nothing.”

Aw man. This is so not my fault. Edward thought it was unfair, but he couldn’t do anything about it. He asked Hayley to leave once again.

Nicholas looked angry, and Hayley knew it would only make him more furious if she stayed. She bit her lip and left right away.

Nicholas didn’t show up during the dinner that night, and his phone wouldn’t stop ringing. It was as if it wouldn’t stop until he picked it up. Nicholas was livid, and in the end, he simply turned his phone off to get some peace and quiet.

“Sorry, the number you called is turned off,” a robotic voice said, and Tobias’ face fell.

They were in a luxurious room, and the one beside Tobias was Remus in black traditional clothes. He knew what had happened, and he growled, “What? He’s still not picking up?”

Everyone looked at Tobias, who sighed secretly. “He turned his phone off,” he answered honestly.

“How dare that brat turn his phone off?” Remus flew into a rage.

The Stones were disappointed, especially Hayley. She almost couldn’t keep her smile up, but she knew she had to leave a good impression on the Sawyers, so she cheered up and put on her gentle façade again. “Please calm down, Mr. Remus. His battery probably died.”

Maxwell didn’t like that he was stood up, but he agreed, “If he can’t come, then we can’t do anything about it.”

Remus was still angry, but he said nothing.

At the same time, Tessa couldn’t get through to Nicholas as well, as his phone was turned off. When she couldn’t get through for the fifth time, she started to panic. He has never turned his phone off before. In the end, she made a call to Gregory.

“Morning, Miss Tessa.” Gregory remembered that it was morning in Vienna, and he grinned toothily at her.

But Tessa didn’t look at him closely, since she was worried about Nicholas. “Sweetheart, is your father home?” she asked, forcing herself to speak calmly. She was worried her tone might make him realize something was up. After all, if something did happen to Nicholas, everyone would keep it a secret from Gregory first.

Always Been Yours Chapter 396

Heart Attack

Gregory had no idea Tessa was thinking about so many things at once. He smiled at her. “He’s home. He’s in his study. Do you want to see him?”

Tessa heaved a sigh of relief, but then she thought it was weird. If he’s at home, why did he turn his phone off? She wanted answers, so she told Gregory to take the phone to his father.

“Daddy, Daddy. Miss Tessa wants to see you.” Gregory went upstairs, holding the phone in his hand while shouting.

A while later, Nicholas showed up. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“You’re at home. Why did you turn your phone off? I thought something happened to you.” She shot him a glare, but he could hear that she was concerned.

A smile curled his lips, and he felt happy. “Are you worried about me?”

“I couldn’t get through to you, and I’m not in Southend, so of course I’m worried. And you’ve never turned your phone off before.” She didn’t deny it, and she asked, “So why did you turn it off anyway?”

“Because I don’t want to be disturbed.” He told her about the dinner between the Stones and the Sawyers.

“So they’re still matching you up with someone?” Tessa sounded down, and also jealous. She didn’t look too happy either.

Nicholas was amused. He knew she was jealous, and he chuckled at her. “Don’t think too much about it. You’re the only one I want.”

Touched, Tessa nodded, and she told herself that she should believe in Nicholas.

The three of them chatted for a while, and Tessa had to leave.

Not long after they ended the call, Andrew knocked on the door. “Sir, Master Remus is here.”

Nicholas frowned, but he took Gregory and went down anyway.

When Remus saw Nicholas showing up in casual attire, he flew into a rage. The man slammed his cup down and chided, “This is ridiculous! You’re free, so why did you refuse to attend the dinner?”

“Great-grandpa…” Gregory had never seen Remus so angry before, and he stood by his father for comfort.

Nicholas noticed his fear, and his face fell. “Take him upstairs, Andrew,” he said.

Andrew nodded and left with Gregory, leaving Nicholas and Remus alone in the living room. The air was fraught with tension.

In the end, Remus broke the silence. “Why didn’t you attend the dinner? Don’t you know that everyone was there?”

“So? I won’t repeat myself. I know what you’re planning, and my answer is still no.” He pointed out what Remus had in mind, and it made him even angrier.

Remus growled, “What’s wrong with Hayley? She’s a good match, and she likes you and Gregory. She’s perfect as your wife.”

“No matter how perfect she is, it won’t fly as long as I and Gregory don’t like her,” he refused again, and his patience ran out. “For one last time, I won’t marry Hayley, so stop pestering me. If you like her so much, then you marry her,” he said coldly.

The last sentence finally made Remus snap. “What did you just say, Nicholas?” He slammed the table and shot up angrily, glaring at Nicholas, but then his anger turned into pain as he clutched his chest and staggered backward. A moment later, he closed his eyes and fell down.

Nicholas was shocked, but he quickly held Remus and shouted, “Andrew! Get the car and send Grandpa to the hospital!”

…

Nicholas was standing outside the ER, looking grim. A moment later, the quiet corridor was filled with the sounds of footsteps as Tobias and Stefania came in a hurry.

Always Been Yours Chapter 397

Hospitalized

“What happened to your grandfather, Nicholas?” the Sawyer couple asked, looking worried.

Nicholas looked tense. “Still in the ER,” he answered.

Tobias and Stefania were worried sick, and Tobias chided, “You know your grandfather’s health is declining, so why can’t you just do what he says?” He knew Remus went to see Nicholas after the dinner, and he could guess what they talked about. The marriage.

Nicholas didn’t answer, but he was obviously repulsed by that idea.

Tobias could feel that, but he didn’t know what to say.

More sounds of footsteps could be heard, and the Stones came. They asked, “Mr. Remus was fine earlier. Why did he faint all of a sudden?”

The Sawyer couple looked at each other and lied, “He’s not getting any younger. It happens.”

The Stones knew they didn’t want to elaborate, so they didn’t ask. Then they saw Nicholas, and they gave Hayley a look. Hayley knew what they were hinting at, so she went up to Nicholas and tried to comfort him. “It’s alright, Nicholas. Don’t worry. I believe he’ll be fine.”

Nicholas glanced at her and didn’t say anything. Hayley knew he didn’t want her to be around, and she bit her lip. She didn’t look too happy, and neither did her family.

Stefania was about to say something, but then the ER’s door opened, and the medical staff pushed Remus out. Everyone surrounded the doctor and asked, “How is he doing, doctor?”

The doctor answered honestly, “He’s fine. His heart isn’t too great though, so keep an eye out and don’t anger him anymore.”

Because of what happened to Remus, Nicholas became a lot busier. He had to work during daytime and go to the hospital at night for visits. However, what happened that night infuriated Remus, and he didn’t want to see Nicholas.

“Tell him to leave!” Remus roared angrily.

Kieran then came out of the ward, looking resigned. “He still doesn’t want to see you, Nicholas. Why don’t you go back and take care of Greg? I’ll handle it here.”

Nicholas’ face fell, but he agreed. He went to the hospital every day, but Remus just didn’t want to see him.

Hayley went every day with supplements in hand. She knew it was the best time to score some brownie points with the Sawyers, and her guess was right on the money. The Sawyers loved her for coming to visit Remus and taking care of him every day.

Remus felt especially so. He only thought Hayley suited Nicholas at first, but now he felt some affection for her.

Nicholas came to visit again tonight, but as usual, Remus didn’t want to see him. Nicholas didn’t mind. He told Kieran to take care of Remus before he went back to his home. Once he got Gregory to sleep, he went to his study and did his work.

A while later, Andrew came knocking. “Sir, your parents are here.”

Nicholas frowned, but he went downstairs to see them anyway. “What brings you here?” He looked at them, who were sitting on the couch.

“Nothing. We just want to talk,” Stefania answered. She waved at him, telling him to sit.

Nicholas didn’t move, and he gazed at his mother. He had already guessed why they were here. He didn’t manage to visit Remus because Remus didn’t want to see him, but he knew Hayley went there every day and managed to gain the Sawyers’ affection. “If you’re here to talk about the engagement, then forget it. I don’t want to repeat myself.”

Always Been Yours Chapter 398

Worries

He was adamant about not marrying Hayley.

Stefania shut up. She had had a lot to say, but now she couldn’t even say a word, so she looked to her husband for help.

Tobias frowned. “Why do you hate Hayley so much? At least give us a reason. Do you have someone you like? Or is it about something else?”

Stefania agreed. “Yes. You must have a reason, and don’t tell me it’s Gregory. I won’t accept that.”

Nicholas’ face fell, and his eyes were filled with impatience. If it weren’t because of the timing, he would have told his parents about his relationship with Tessa. However, it wasn’t the time yet. If he told them that, he knew they would attack Tessa. And so, he came up with an excuse. “I don’t like her. Is that enough?”

“You’ve never even tried getting along with her. Of course you don’t like her.” Stefania didn’t like this reason. “I say you should spend time with her. You’ll love her, I’m sure. Your father and I have been observing her, and she’s a really good lady.”

Nicholas’ patience finally ran out, and he said coldly, “I said I don’t like her. It’s late. I’ll get Andrew to arrange a driver for you guys. You should go home.” He sent them away despite their protests.

…

Tessa was in Vienna, and she didn’t know that Nicholas was being forced to marry again. Their contact had been infrequent lately, but she didn’t complain or disturb him. She knew he was busy and there were a lot of things he needed to handle, though she did miss him when she was alone at night.

Another month passed, and Hathaway finally confirmed the date of performance in Xerthania at the end of the month. She gathered everyone in the practice room to make arrangements. “Aside from the regular members, Tessa will be going with us as well.” She looked at Tessa lovingly. It had been a long time, and she knew Tessa must be missing her family.

Surprised, Tessa thanked her. “Thank you, Miss Hathaway.”

Hathaway smiled and talked about the other arrangements.

Tessa was looking forward to the day of her return. After she went back home and freshened herself up, she video-called Nicholas. She wanted to tell him about the good news and share the happiness, but before she could say anything, she was shocked by how lethargic Nicholas looked. “Nicholas, you don’t look too good.”

In the video, Nicholas looked awful. His face was filled with exhaustion, and his eyes were bloodshot, as if he hadn’t slept well for a while. “I’m fine. Just overwhelmed with work. And it’s raining a lot, so some old conditions are popping up. I’ll be fine in a bit.”

Nicholas was assuring her, but that still worried Tessa. She knew that his condition would keep him awake at night. “Did you ask for the doctor? Did he prescribe any painkillers?”

“Yes, and yes. Don’t worry.” Nicholas could see that she was worried, and he smiled at her.

Tessa knew he wouldn’t lie, and she felt more at ease. She knew it wasn’t the time to share her happiness, and she urged, “Well, you’d better take the meds and get some rest.”

Nicholas didn’t want to hang up so soon, but he nodded, lest she get worried.

Tessa was still worried even after they hung up. She was reminded of the meds Timothy used when it was raining. Maybe Nicholas can use them too. She then called her brother.

“It’s late, Tessa. Why aren’t you sleeping yet?”

Always Been Yours Chapter 399

Concerns

Timothy sounded concerned.

Tessa answered, “Soon, but I need your help.”

“What is it?”

“Nicholas’ leg is acting up again. You still have the ingredients for your bath, right? Send some over to him.”

Tessa went to the traditional medicine practitioner and got the prescription back when they were kids and Timothy was crippled. Not only could soaking in the bath could heal old wounds, but it would also improve sleep. It was great for the body. Timothy didn’t refuse her. He took a few days’ worth of herbs and went to Dynasty Gardens right away.

Nicholas and Gregory were having breakfast when Andrew came in with news. “Sir, Young Master Gregory. Mr. Reinhart is here.”

“Mr. Timothy is here?” Gregory said happily and jumped out of his chair.

Nicholas frowned at him. “Be careful. Don’t fall down now.”

“I know, I know.” That was what he said, but the boy still ran to the living room without a care in the world.

Nicholas shook his head helplessly and went with him. Timothy was on the couch in the living room, and Nicholas asked, “You’re early. Did you have breakfast?”

“I did,” Timothy said, and he told Nicholas why he was here. “Tessa is worried about you, so she wanted me to give you this. Make a bath out of the herbs, and it’ll help your leg, and you can sleep better too.” Timothy took out the herbs he packed.

Nicholas felt warm and fuzzy hearing that it was from Tessa.

Timothy left after he sent the herbs over. Nicholas asked Andrew to leave the herbs in the living room for him to use when he came back home at night. Andrew obliged.

…

Hayley came to Nicholas’ home in the evening. She was in a light blue long-sleeved dress, and she had beautiful makeup on. A smile curled her bright-red lips, and she said, “Andrew, Mrs. Sawyer told me Nicholas’ leg is acting up again. I’m worried, so I came to see him. Is he around?”

“He’s not home,” Andrew answered honestly. He knew Nicholas didn’t like Hayley, so he didn’t let her in.

Hayley could guess that as well. She stood outside the door, her smile freezing up, and displeasure flickered in her eyes. “Since he’s not home, I’ll wait for him inside.” She went inside anyway, ignoring the troubled look on Andrew’s face.

Andrew had no choice but to follow her, and he told someone to call Nicholas.

Hayley saw Gregory playing with his Rubix Cube alone on the couch when she came in.

Gregory noticed that they had a guest, so he looked up.

“Hi, Gregory. I’m here to see you.” Hayley looked into his eyes and put up a smile that she thought was loving enough.

Gregory frowned. He disliked the woman before him. He knew she wanted to marry his father and take Tessa’s place, so he pretended not to see her. His face tensed up, and he got down from the couch and ran upstairs with the cube in hand. I will not let her get near me.

Hayley didn’t expect Gregory to shun her so easily, and her smile froze.

Andrew saw it, but he pretended that he didn’t.

Hayley managed to calm herself down a moment later and found an excuse to leave her embarrassment behind. “Gregory probably isn’t used to me yet.”

“Yes. He doesn’t really warm up to strangers,” Andrew agreed, making things even more awkward.

Hayley looked awkward. She took a deep breath and forced herself not to dwell on it. Just when she was about to ask when Nicholas would come home, she noticed the herbs Timothy sent Nicholas earlier sitting in the corner.

Always Been Yours Chapter 400

Unwanted Visit

“What is that?”

Andrew looked at where she was looking and saw the herbs Timothy sent here earlier. He omitted some details in his answer. “It’s something Miss Reinhart left. They can relieve the master’s pain.” He knew it’d be a hassle if Hayley found out that Tessa asked her brother to send the herbs here.

Disgust welled in her eyes after she heard that and she said without hesitation, “You can’t let Nicholas use dodgy stuff like that. Throw them away. I’ve practised my acupuncture. I can help him with his condition.”

Nicholas came back just in time to hear that, and the air around him dropped three degrees. “Thank you, Miss Stone, but I don’t need it.”

Shocked, Hayley quickly turned around, and she saw Nicholas standing at the porch, the sun shining on him from behind and the air around him tense. Obviously, what she said earlier angered him. “Calm down, Nicholas. I’m just worried about you.” She tried to explain herself, but to no avail.

Nicholas looked at her coolly. “You’re not worth getting angry over. Don’t think too highly of yourself,” he answered, his voice monotonous.

Hayley suffocated, and her heart felt like it was crushed.

Nicholas continued coldly, “And you do not own this place, so don’t touch my stuff. Send her away, Andrew. Don’t let her in without my permission in the future.”

Andrew shook his head silently and asked Hayley to go with him. “Come with me, Miss Stone.”

Hayley stared at Nicholas, sadness welling up within her. In the end, she had no choice but to leave.

Nero and Sonia were talking to Maxwell back at home, and they were surprised to see Hayley coming back so soon. “Hayley, I thought you’re going to have an acupuncture session with Nicholas. Why are you back so soon?”

Hayley was reminded of how she got chased out, and she burst into tears, much to the Stones’ shock.

“Why are you crying? Did he hurt you?” Sonia quickly handed a tissue to her, and the men looked at her with concern.

Hayley told them what happened through sobs. “How could he say that to me? Even if Miss Reinhart did send those herbs, I was just worried that it might hurt him. I didn’t mean to attack her or anything.”

The Stones felt heartbroken. They never thought Nicholas still missed Tessa to the point that he wouldn’t allow anyone to touch her stuff.

“Dad, Nicholas went too far. He can’t insult Hayley like this!” Sonia complained angrily.

Nero wasn’t too happy either, but he was worried about something else. “If Nicholas won’t accept Hayley, the company will fall.”

Maxwell thought about it for a moment and answered cunningly, “I’ll handle it.”

…

Maxwell went to the hospital early the next morning. He made small talk with Remus for a while before he cut to the chase. “Why don’t we cancel this engagement, Remus? Hayley’s my granddaughter, but Nicholas has been bullying her even before she got married to him.” He then told Remus about what happened at Dynasty Gardens yesterday.

Remus was furious when he heard that, but it wasn’t the time to fly into a rage. He wanted to calm Maxwell down first.