\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 14\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 14\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hayden was another friend of Clayton\u2019s and was a lawyer by profession.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSienna? Why are you standing here?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He saw the gift box she was holding and curiously asked, \u201cAre you heading to Mr. Turner Senior\u2019s birthday banquet?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Seeing Sienna nodding, he smiled and gestured toward his car. \u201cHop in. I\u2019m heading the same way anyway.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She hesitated for a few seconds, then pulled open the door and slid into the passenger seat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She had a good impression of Hayden. He looked like a true gentleman-polite and well-mannered.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They hadn\u2019t interacted with each other much, but at the very least, he wasn\u2019t uncivilized like Miles.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A faint woody scent filled the car. With one hand on the steering wheel, Hayden casually asked, \u201cDid Clayton and the other two leave before you?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna softly hummed in response, looking a bit surprised. \u201cHow did you know?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMiles was ranting about you in the group chat.\u201d Hayden let out a gentle chuckle. \u201cI just so happened to be nearby, so I swung by to pick you up.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She imagined Miles seething-he never once won an argument with her, so he was only able to rage in the group chat like a furious housewife. That image lit up a subtle smirk on her lips.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks so much. That loudmouth was definitely trash-talking me behind my back, wasn\u2019t he?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t bother arguing with him. He\u2019s just immature like a child.\u201d Hayden tried to smooth things over.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter,\u201d Sienna said flatly. \u201cWe\u2019ll soon never have to cross paths again.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He tilted his head and glanced at her. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing.\u201d She looked out the window at the scenery passing by, clearly unwilling to elaborate.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hayden caught on and tactfully dropped the topic, the car falling into a brief silence.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Soon, they entered the hotel\u2019s parking lot, and Sienna immediately recognized Clayton\u2019s Maybach. It was apparent they had already arrived.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Carrying the gift, she walked into the banquet hall alongside Hayden. Upon reaching the entrance, they heard Beatrice Archer chatting animatedly with a group of lavishly dressed socialites.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat lady-Ms. Foster. That lowly stage actress is also here at the birthday banquet? And she even dares to dress so revealingly, like she\u2019s desperate for everyone to know what she does.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, right? It\u2019s like a glamorous ball gown-so dazzling that anyone who didn\u2019t know better would think it\u2019s her Soth birthday today!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019d better watch out, Mrs. Turner. That little siren got Miles completely obsessed with her-he might even end up marrying her!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe wouldn\u2019t dare! If she even thinks about seducing my son, I\u2019ll skin her alive if it\u2019s the last thing I\u2019ll do! If it weren\u2019t for the sake of Mr. Hale, I wouldn\u2019t have let her in here today.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna almost burst out laughing after hearing all that.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hayden shook his head in resignation. \u201cIt\u2019s what these ladies like to do-gossiping.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI find it interesting,\u201d she said nonchalantly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
X CLOSE\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 14\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hayden grew curious. \u201cHow so?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
But Sienna was already walking toward the main table. She politely handed the painting to Miles\u2019 grandfather, Albert Turner.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She said in a clear voice, \u201cMr. Turner Senior, this is \u2018Eagles Over the Southern Hills\u2019 by Marcus Kilgore, whom Irene had commissioned to draw this for you. I wish you a long life and continuous good health for many years to come.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Albert accepted the painting and slowly unrolled it. What was presented in front of him was distant mountains lying in soft hues, while wild eagles soaring across the peaks-serene and expansive, the brushwork vigorous and powerful.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The gift struck right at his heart. He nodded repeatedly, clearly ecstatic. \u201cExcellent! Marcus\u2019s paintings have always been rare, and this one is especially outstanding.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIrene really went to great lengths to get me this gift. I like it very much.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He then handed it to his butler, Tommy Mills, to have it recorded and stored.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hayden also presented his gift, offering a nicely packaged box of tea.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Turner Senior, I heard from Miles that you like Ceylon tea. These tea blends are made from premium-grade Camellia taliensis-rich, smooth, and long-lasting on the palate. May you be blessed with great happiness and a long, healthy life.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Albert took it, opened the tin, and inhaled the aroma gently. The fragrance of the tea blends immediately brightened his expression.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is wonderful tea! This scent is at least 30 years old, I\u2019d say. Hayden, you\u2019re a thoughtful kid.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He waved them over to take their seats, smiling warmly and said, \u201cBe my guests. There\u2019ll be performances later-please enjoy them.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A maid, Marlene Grayson, dutifully led Sienna and Hayden to their seats. She gestured toward an empty seat and slowly bowed down. \u201cThis is your seat, Mrs. Hale.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna glanced at the seating arrangement. There was an unoccupied seat between her and Hayden. She found it slightly odd, but didn\u2019t think too much of it and sat down.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After a while, a tall, well-built figure took the empty seat between them-turned out it was Clayton.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Only then did Sienna realize what was going on. She tugged at the corner of her lips, thinking of how persistent he was, but she couldn\u2019t be bothered to make an issue out of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Either way, she was only here to complete the task that Irene gave her-to represent the Hales with grace at the birthday banquet, and then cut ties with them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, someone just wouldn\u2019t let her be at peace.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Miles and Melody arrived soon after. He pointed at Sienna\u2019s seat and shouted, \u201cSienna! That seat is Melody\u2019s. Scram, now!\u201d Sienna lazily lifted her gaze, her eyes full of mockery. \u201cDoes it have her name written on it? Where? Why don\u2019t I see it?\u201d Miles choked for a moment, but immediately spoke up, fully convinced he was in the right. \u201cThis is where Melody was sitting\u00a0<\/p>\n
-we were only gone for a short while with Clayton.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The situation mirrored exactly what had happened earlier at Shine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna turned to look at Clayton, who was sitting in silence next to her. His expression looked indifferent, clearly detached\u00a0<\/p>\n
from the current situation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Even if she used her toes to think, she knew he\u2019d say this seat wasn\u2019t hers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody used that moment to put on her helpless puppy-eyed look and softly advised, \u201cSienna, there are still plenty of empty seats. You don\u2019t have to occupy my seat, do you?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
X CLOSE\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 14\u00a0<\/p>\n
3\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOccupy?\u201d Sienna subtly smirked. \u201cOh, I was wondering why there\u2019s this familiar stench? It always has been your same old tricks.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She stood up and patted her skirt, then deliberately shook her hands in disgust. \u201cOkay, Ms. Foster. Your territory-please continue marinating.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With that said, she left her seat calmly, apparently unbothered by the fact that she was being pushed aside.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A trace of satisfaction flashed across Miles\u2019 face. It was rare to see Sienna lose for once.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody, on the other hand, sat down contentedly and leaned in close to Clayton. She gently said, \u201cClay, I\u2019ll be playing the cello onstage later as a birthday tribute. Help me listen and see if I\u2019ve made any improvements. It\u2019s a new piece, and I\u2019ve been practicing for a long time.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clayton absent-mindedly responded. His gaze couldn\u2019t help but follow Sienna\u2019s figure walking away, his brows knitting slightly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hayden saw everything unfold and couldn\u2019t resist teasing Clayton in a low voice. \u201cAre you not going after her?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat for? Who does she think she is?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clayton let out a subtle scoff, withdrawing his gaze. \u201cShe\u2019s as stubborn as a bull.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hayden sensed something and faintly smiled. \u201cFine. Don\u2019t go after her. If she ends up with someone else don\u2019t come crying.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clayton reacted as if he had just heard the most ridiculous thing imaginable and said firmly, \u201cI won\u2019t cry even if the sky comes falling.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hayden broke into laughter and quickly added, \u201cIf the sky really does come falling, that frown of yours would be the one holding it up.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Sienna found a random seat at the back and sat down.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A girl in a pink puffy gown leaned over and clicked her tongue twice. \u201cSienna, you already lost to her before.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t even stand up for yourself to defend your own seat. If I were as pathetic as you, I\u2019d just kill myself.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n
She got the divorce and bolted 14 \u00a0 Chapter 14\u00a0 1\/3\u00a0 Chapter 14\u00a0 Hayden was another friend of Clayton\u2019s and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20088","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-she-got-the-divorce-and-bolted-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20088","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20088"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20088\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20088"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20088"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20088"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}