Hayden rushed back only to find that Julian had already left. Upon his arrival, Mary hurried to meet him.
“Mom, where is he?”
“He was here for less than ten minutes and then left. I don’t know what he said to your grandfather. Why would he return at such a critical time?”
“Who knows.” Hayden’s expression was visibly upset.
“He must have come back for the inheritance. I overheard something about a promise Grandpa had made to him.”
Hayden had always known that Joaquin favored Julian, but somehow, Julian had never gotten along with Joaquin. Whenever they were together, they would either argue or give each other the silent treatment. Years ago, in a fit of anger, Julian had left, declaring his intention to sever ties with the Alvarez family. At first, Joaquin didn’t believe he would go through with it. He cut off all of Julian’s credit cards, thinking it would force him back. From that day, Julian disappeared as if he had never existed. Only then did Joaquin panic and start searching everywhere for him.
When Julian reemerged years later under the name Julian Barnet, it seemed that all he needed to do was show a little goodwill, and the company’s inheritance would surely be his. However, he had been unwilling to return, and Joaquin had started to lean towards Hayden instead. But with Julian’s recent reappearance, Joaquin’s heart was in turmoil again. Hayden also worried about a sudden change; if Julian returned, what would become of his own efforts if he didn’t secure the inheritance?
“I’m going to see Grandpa.”
“Alright, just be good, and don’t do anything to upset him,” Mary advised.
“Mom, I know.” Hayden then went to the small garden and saw Joaquin sitting alone, his figure emanating a sense of desolation.
“Grandpa, it’s getting colder these days. You should come inside to avoid catching a cold,” Hayden suggested.
Joaquin lit a cigarette. “Hayden, come sit down. I have something to ask you.”
“Yes, Grandpa.” Hayden obediently took a seat across from him.
Joaquin looked at his grandson, appreciating that Hayden bore a resemblance to Julian.
“It’s a pity Julian’s temperament is so different from yours,” Joaquin sighed. “Why can’t that rebellious son be as obedient as you?”
“Uncle is just a bit rebellious, but he’ll understand your good intentions in time,” Hayden replied, his tone gentle.
“He takes after his mother in every way except for his stubbornness, which he gets from me. I’m his father, not his enemy. Why would I want to hurt him?”
Hayden realized more from Joaquin’s words-it seemed Julian still hadn’t agreed to Joaquin’s terms. That was for the best, as it meant Joaquin would side with him.
“Right, Grandpa, you would never hurt him. Please don’t be angry; Uncle just has a strong temper,” Hayden continued to speak well of Julian.
“Let’s not talk about that rebellious son anymore. Hayden, when do you plan to marry Susan?” Joaquin changed the subject.
Hayden’s eyes shifted, sensing an opportunity. “I’ve been waiting for your decision. What do you think would be a good time?”
Joaquin always appreciated the obedient ones, unlike Julian, who wouldn’t even pretend, though Joaquin had always been paving the way for him.
How could he not understand the thoughts of his grandson? He had been holding the position for Julian for many years. He had hoped that one day Julian would come around, but Julian insisted on following his own stubborn path. He even arranged a favorable marriage for Julian so that his starting point would not be inferior to Hayden’s. Despite his efforts, Julian remained obstinate.
There was nothing more he could do; he felt he had done his best. The words he had just spoken had utterly disheartened Joaquin, “Since you’re already engaged, it’s time to schedule the wedding.”
Since Joaquin spoke in this way, he was supporting the idea of the marriage. Hayden did not ask further but obediently replied, “Alright, I’ll discuss it with Susan’s parents.”
“Good boy, Hayden. I’m getting old; it’s time to let go,” Joaquin’s expression bore a trace of weariness.
Although he didn’t specify, Hayden understood his grandfather’s words, “Grandpa, if you’re tired, take some rest. We’ll take care of everything.”
“Alright, off you go,” a shadow flickered in Joaquin’s eyes.
“Take a good rest, Grandpa.” Hayden turned and left.
Joaquin sighed deeply. He would give that rebellious child three more days. If he continued on his wayward path, he would announce Hayden as his heir.
Hayden also sensed something from Joaquin’s words. Mary quickly approached him, “Hayden, what did your grandfather say?”
“He wants me to hurry up and marry Susan.”
“That means…”
“He didn’t specify, but I think it will be soon. Arrange a meeting with her parents now; we should get married as soon as possible.” Hayden worried Julian might interfere, so he wanted to finalize things quickly.
“Alright, we’ll start preparations now,” Mary responded with a smile.
Hayden rushed off, about to obtain what he had long desired.
He dialed Susan’s number; she hung up directly-apparently upset by his words that morning and the post he had made.
Hayden drove to the mall, picked a large diamond ring at random, and also bought a bouquet of roses. He placed the flowers and ring on the passenger seat and called Susan’s assistant.
“Where are you now?”
“We’re preparing for a screen test. Is there something you need, Mr. Alvarez?”
Hayden asked for the address and hurriedly drove to Susan’s location.
Aurora was busy in the office all morning. As closing time neared, Eric approached her, “Still busy?”
“Yes, just wrapping up. What’s up?” She looked up at Eric.
“It looks like you’ve completely forgotten. We just agreed yesterday to have coffee with Mr. Gilpin. You forgot?”
Aurora slapped her forehead, “I really did get too caught up. Wait for me, I’ll be ready in a moment.”
Aurora swiftly finished her tasks. Eric stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the woman seriously typing on her keyboard. The sunlight gently fell on her, casting a halo around her icy demeanor.
A serious woman is truly beautiful, even with just a touch of makeup, captivating to observe.