Chapter 11
A few days later.
“I can’t seem to decide between these two. What do you think?” Hailey asked Debbie over FaceTime. Her iPad was perfectly situated on the dresser while She stood a few steps away, holding two dresses in both hands.
“The red one.” Debbie’s voice came through.
“Are you sure? I was thinking black because this red feels too loud.”
“No, the red is perfect.”
“Okay. Red it is.”
“Is Tyler going to be there?” Debbie couldn’t help but ask.
“Yes, he is. But he is going to come later on. He has some work to attend to.”
“I hope you are not going to be lonely for the first half of the party.”
“No, I don’t think so. I don’t plan to stay for long either.”
“You know how I feel about parties.”
“Yeah yeah, it’s all about a bunch of hypocrites, coming together to wine and dine with fake smiles, covering their true intentions.”
“You don’t have to throw my words in my face, Debbie,” Hailey said, putting aside the red dress while hanging the other one back in the closet.
“I don’t blame you. Your step–sister’s engagement made you give up on adult parties. I still don’t get why you didn’t sue her.”
“You don’t want me to get started on how corrupt the justice system is. I would be stressing myself because my dad and my stepmom would do anything to free her from jail. Do I need to remind you that she is the favorite daughter?”
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Chapter 11
“They suck! Most especially your Dad!”
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“You have no idea. The sad thing is, I don’t even know how I ended up on the same bed with Cole. Everything happened so fast that I was suddenly blamed for being a slu*t. No one didn’t care about my side of the story. Not even my dad. They didn’t even seem to care that I was forced by Cole.”
“Vanessa claimed to be depressed after that so she was sent away from the country to heal. Trust me, suing anyone was the last thing on my mind then, I was kicked out of the house, I was broke, and literally had no savings. I thought marrying Cole would make my father take me back since I would be saving the family’s company but he never regarded me as his daughter.”
“Even though Cole was an asshole, He was kind enough to give me a job in his company,” Hailey said, picking out the jewelry she was going to wear.
“Whenever I hear this, I start to get angry all over again. I am so sorry you grew up in the midst of people that don’t deserve you.”
“It’s fine, with a lot of tears and meditation, I am over that phase. And the only reason I am going for this party is because it is a company event to help raise money and the new investors are going to be there.”
“I understand you, babe, and I am glad Tyler would be joining you soon. So how has your relationship with your father been since you appeared in his life again?”
“He disowned me so it is safe to say we have no relationship. He didn’t seem shocked to see me during the board meeting so I assume his lawyer already told him enough about me. We’ve only had work conversations. Nothing aside from that.”
“He must feel so helpless with so many regrets.”
“I don’t think I have anything to do with that. He cut me off.”
“What if he asks for forgiveness and wants you back in his life.”
Come on, Debbie! You are talking as though you don’t know Eric Summers. He would rather die than admit he is ever wrong. I honestly don’t need his apology. I am better off. I like the way they don’t know much about me. I like the distance, as well as the respect.”
“I should start getting ready. I don’t want to be late.”
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Chapter 11
“Okay babe, talk to you later.”
Blowing a kiss at her, Hailey ended the call and started getting ready for the event.
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+5
Hailey swallowed painfully when the driver pulled up in front of the event hall. She could see a few paparazzi and of course, people in their gorgeous attire, taking pictures.
The driver opened the door for her. She thanked him and helped herself out of the limousine.
Once they sighted Hailey, three paparazzi rushed to her.
“You look so gorgeous, Hailey Riley!” The female one said at the top of her voice while the others nodded in
unison.
“Thank you.” She replied with a confident smile.
“It’s hardly been a week since you took over Summers Incorporations and so far we’ve heard amazing news about the company. There’s been a 20% increase to be exact in the company’s portfolio. Can you tell us the secret?”
“I think the glory goes to all staff of summer incorporations for working twice as hard in the past few days and ! am most grateful for the investors who chose to do business with us in our lowest times. We won’t stop here. We will keep working hard to make sure we are back on track.”
“Do we see any rivalry coming up between ENROL and Summer Incorporations?” Another person asked, fixing the mic directly at Hailey.
“Both companies are two different entities and are not in the same line of business. In as much as I run both Incorporations, I give you my word that ENROL will continue to remain at the top and Summer Incorporations will get back its lost glory. The sky is enough for every company to reach its potential and go beyond.”
“I see you are without a date. Is it true that you are in a relationship? Should we be expecting some wedding bells soon?”
Hailey w
was about to say something when she sighted Cole walking towards where she was, with the paparazzi.
“Yes, I am in a relationship which I would love to keep private. Thank you.” With a smile that didn’t reach her
3/5
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Chapter 11
eyes, Hailey found her way out of their midst, into the hall, before Cole could catch up with her.
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The event started in full force and it was attended by all staff members of Summer Incorporations as well as directors, shareholders, and investors. Introductions were done, food and drinks were served and eve mingled with each other as soft music kept playing in the background.
“Oh well, it feels good to finally see you.” Hailey rolled her eyes, coming face to face with Connie.
everyone
“Nice Dress. Nice purse and shoes. How much did you get them? Let me guess, you’ve started taking funds from the company you are supposed to help stand back on its feet.”
Hailey had no idea why but she smiled. “You need not go through corners. You envy me and it is so obvious in your voice.”
“Gone are those days when you say something upsetting to me and I will feel offended. Nothing you say can move me anymore because I know they all come from a place of pain and bitterness. But I am glad to let you know that I am willing to sue for any defaming words you say to me.”
“I can see that you are a brat!” Connie said with gritted teeth, glaring at her. “You think you can control everyone just because you got rich by chance.”
Hailey smirked. “Not really, but I won’t hesitate to put people like you in places you deserve.”
“I know you are not as wise and clean as everyone thinks you are. And I am going to make sure you get exposed.”
Hailey folded her arms, still smiling. “Oh Connie, I can’t wait!!!!”
“What’s going on here?” A familiar voice approached them and it turned out to be Vanessa. With the music playing in the background, it was hard to notice that they were sort of in a heaty conversation. But Vanessa knew Hailey to be their enemy so she was certain the convo couldn’t be a good one.
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