Kayden couldn’t quite grasp Hana’s intentions, so he stayed silent, his expression unreadable.
Hana tilted her head, her voice laced with feigned innocence. “Kayden, do you even understand what I’m saying?”
His gaze locked onto hers, sharp and unyielding. “I understand perfectly. But let me be clear-I’m not interested in your games, Hana. I don’t have feelings for you, and I never will. So, let go.”
His words cut through the air like a blade, leaving Hana stunned.
She had spent hours perfecting her look that day-her outfit elegant, her makeup flawless. Yet, none of it mattered to him? His rejection wasn’t just hurtful; it was humiliating.
Her lips trembled, but instead of releasing him, she tightened her grip, wrapping her arms around him from behind.
Her voice softened to a near whisper. “Kayden, don’t you see? I’ve always liked you. Brodie… he was nothing more than a stand-in. A way for me to figure out how I feel about you. If you want, I could be yours right now. I love you.”
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Kayden’s heart pounded in his chest, but not from affection.
This woman… he thought bitterly. She’s shameless.
Hana pressed her face against his back, her touch clinging and deliberate.
But Kayden wasn’t the type to fall for such ploys. If he’d been so easily swayed, women would’ve surrounded him long ago. Instead, her actions made him more cautious. He saw her for what she was-a manipulator.
Unlike Amelia, who had come to him out of genuine desperation to save her father, Hana’s motives were calculated. The fact that she’d chosen to stage this scene in such a public setting only deepened his suspicions.
With a cold smirk, Kayden suddenly turned, grabbing her wrists. His grip was firm, his piercing eyes fixed on her.
He couldn’t deny that Hana was beautiful. Raised in luxury, she radiated an effortless elegance. But beauty alone wasn’t enough to blind him.
Hana’s chest rose and fell as she tried to catch her breath. Slowly, she closed her eyes and leaned in, her lips parting slightly.
But just before their faces could meet-
“Hana,” Kayden said icily, “are you still pretending?”
Her eyes snapped open, her expression faltering. “What… what are you talking about?”
Kayden’s voice was cold, unwavering. “Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I mean.”
Her face twisted into an expression of hurt. “You can reject me, but do you have to be so cruel? Do you even realize how much you’re hurting me?”
Kayden didn’t loosen his hold. His gaze was as sharp as a blade.
Feigning fear, Hana widened her eyes, her voice trembling. “Kayden, stop… you’re scaring me.”
He let out a bitter laugh. “Hana, do you really think I’m that naive? Do you think I can’t see through you? Your plan is obvious-you want to frame me. You’re hoping the Scott family will turn on me so Brodie can take my place. Isn’t that right?”
Her mask of innocence crumbled. For a moment, she stared at him, stunned. Then, her lips curled into a cold smile.
“Yes,” she spat, her voice dripping with venom. “That’s exactly right. I can’t stand you, Kayden!”
Her anger poured out like a flood. “Why is it that everything revolves around you? Why does the Scott family treat you like some kind of savior when you’ve done nothing to deserve it? Why should Brodie live in your shadow?”
“Do you even realize? If it weren’t for you, Brodie would already have everything. Grandpa promised that as soon as Brodie got engaged, he’d inherit the family. But then you showed up and ruined everything!”
Kayden didn’t flinch at her outburst. It was exactly what he’d expected.
“So that’s why you tried to seduce me,” he said, his tone calm but cutting. “You wanted the Scott family to think I’d done something improper, to ruin my reputation, and make way for Brodie. Clever. But also pathetic.”
Hana lifted her chin defiantly, her eyes blazing. “And so what if I did? Brodie deserves that position-you don’t. Who are you, Kayden? What makes you so special?”
For the first time, her true self was laid bare.
Kayden let out a low laugh, amused by her audacity.
“What’s so funny?” Hana snapped, her frustration growing. “Do you think this is over? Do you think I don’t have other ways to deal with you?”
Before he could respond, Hana’s expression shifted. With a sudden, calculated motion, she reached up, mussing her hair and pulling her blouse down just enough to expose her shoulder.
She stumbled back dramatically, falling to the floor with a cry.
“No! Stop it!” she screamed, her voice trembling with feigned terror. “Don’t come any closer! I’ll scream! Help! Someone, help me!”
Her cries echoed through the room, drawing immediate attention.
The first to arrive were two servants, their eyes wide with shock.
Hot on their heels was Brodie, his face twisted with concern as he hurried to Hana’s side.
“Hana!” he exclaimed, kneeling beside her. “What happened? Are you hurt?”
Within moments, more people gathered-Vicente, Jason, and several others, all drawn by the commotion.
Kayden stood where he was, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. When Hana’s tearful eyes flicked to him, he couldn’t help but smirk.
“Impressive,” he said quietly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Truly, a performance worthy of an award.”
###