Chapter 226

Chapter 226
Hazel’s POV

 

The clerk’s hand froze mid-air, the necklace she was about to display left awkwardly suspended.

 

Emily’s eyes widened, her mouth agape, unable to close it for a long time.

 

“How is that possible? How could Mr. Nelson…”

 

Allen looked up at Emily, his expression natural, tinged with a hint of confusion, “That was for Mom. It was Mom’s birthday, and Dad gave her a big gemstone. Is there something wrong with that?”

 

Emily didn’t react for a moment, standing there in a daze.

 

Emily had always assumed that the 800-million-dollar sapphire was a surprise Dylan had prepared to propose to me. I had also been secretly delighted for days, even picturing myself wearing it in my mind.

 

But now, Allen was telling me that it was a birthday gift from Dylan to Vivian.

 

I took a deep breath and spoke first.

 

“There’s nothing wrong with that.”

 

I bent down to look at Allen, a smile on my lips, my voice gentle, “That’s wonderful. It’s perfectly normal for a father to give a gift for a mother’s birthday. Allen is so thoughtful.”

 

Then I straightened up, took Allen’s hand, and suggested naturally, “We’ve seen everything here. There’s a park nearby, let’s go play.”

 

Allen nodded happily, pulling my hand as we walked out.

 

After walking a few steps, I turned my head and gave Emily a cold, sharp look.

 

Emily stood in place, her lips twitching, but she couldn’t utter a word. I glared at her coldly, the warning in my eyes unmistakable: Shut up, don’t talk nonsense. She looked as if she had been scalded, nodded hurriedly, and quickly followed.

 

The park wasn’t large, with grass, a small lake, and a few banyan trees. Allen chased butterflies on the lawn, his laughter crisp and clear.

 

I sat on a bench, watching him with a gentle smile on my face, but my eyes were terrifyingly hollow.

 

Emily sat beside me, hesitating several times to speak.

 

“Hazel, are you… not angry?” she finally couldn’t help but ask.

 

My hands rested on my knees, my fingertips unconsciously rubbing the fabric of my skirt.

 

“Why would I be angry? The item belongs to Dylan; he can give it to whoever he wants.” I paused and added, “Besides, it’s just a gemstone.”

 

I knew what Emily wanted to say—that it wasn't just an ordinary gemstone, it was an 800-million-dollar sapphire.

 

But perhaps seeing my expression, she chose silence.

 

As the sun set, Allen grew tired, and I took him home.

 

The car stopped at the gate of Hudson Manor. Allen unbuckled his seatbelt, pushed the door open to get out, and turned back to wave reluctantly, “Goodbye, Hazel!”

 

I waved back, “Goodbye.”

 

Allen’s back disappeared behind the door.

 

I leaned back in the seat and told the driver to head straight back to the Nelson Family Mansion.

 

Eight hundred million.

 

Just like that, handed over to Vivian so lightly?

 

On the return trip, Emily held back her words, but when the car entered the main road, she finally couldn’t contain herself, asking in a low voice, “Hazel, tell me, what exactly is Dylan thinking? That sapphire is worth 800 million, and he actually just gave it to Vivian like that?”

 

I didn't look at her, my gaze fixed on the fast-moving cityscape outside the window, my tone indifferent, “I don’t know. He never mentioned it to me.”

 

Emily bit her lower lip, the more she thought about it, the angrier she became, her voice rising involuntarily, “It must be Vivian! It’s definitely her again, saying something to Dylan, forcing him to give her the item. That woman is an expert at playing the victim to win sympathy. Who knows what kind of dirty tricks she used.”

 

She pounded the armrest heavily, as if trying to vent all her burning rage.

 

At this moment, I shook my head, “Vivian, she shouldn't be that kind of person.”

 

Emily was stunned, turning her head to stare fixedly at my profile. The streetlights flickered across my face, leaving no expression behind.

 

She felt confused, her voice dropping, “Then why would Dylan do that? Does he… want to remarry Vivian?”

 

Hearing this, the corners of my mouth moved slightly.

 

It wasn’t a smile, but an indescribable curve. It was like self-mockery, or perhaps a clarity I didn't even want to admit.

 

My voice was very soft, but every word was clear, “Even if he had that thought, Vivian might not necessarily agree.”

 

Emily’s eyes widened, and the way she looked at me changed. She opened her mouth, her voice a bit hoarse, “Hazel, you… you think so too?”

 

I didn’t answer, just looked at her calmly, “Don’t go around talking nonsense when you get back. I will handle this matter.”

 

Emily nodded and said nothing more. The car cabin became quiet, with only the low hum of the engine and the rustle of tires passing over the road.

 

In the following days, I didn’t see Dylan.

 

I called a few times, but it always went unanswered. With no other choice, I had to go to the Hudson Group to find him myself.

 

The receptionist greeted me politely. I nodded and went straight into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor.

 

The elevator doors opened, and the secretary saw me, a flash of surprise crossing her face, which was quickly replaced by a professional smile, “Ms. Hughes, Mr. Hudson is not in.”

 

I asked, “Where did he go?”

 

The secretary replied, “Mr. Hudson has been busy receiving distinguished guests from overseas lately, and his specific itinerary is confidential.”

 

I looked at her expressionlessly. The secretary felt a bit uncomfortable under my gaze and lowered her head, pretending to organize documents. I didn't make things difficult for her, turned around, and walked back to the elevator.

 

The moment the elevator doors closed, my face instantly darkened.

 

When I returned to Skyline Innovations, my assistant was waiting at the office door with a few documents, her expression grim, “Ms. Hughes, something has happened.”

 

I took the documents and flipped through a few pages, my face looking worse with every page.

 

The assistant stood by and added, “Three business partners have sent notices simultaneously, demanding to terminate our contracts. They would rather pay the breach of contract fees than continue cooperating. I’ve made inquiries, and they… have all defected to OmniFront Labs.”

 

My fingers tightened around the documents, creating deep wrinkles in the paper.

 

I took a deep breath, closed the files, and kept my tone as calm as possible, “I see. You can go out first.”

 

The assistant nodded and left. The office fell into a deathly silence. I rubbed my temples. Those partners were originally brought on board based on the reputation of Hudson Group and Dylan. Now, these fair-weather allies had switched sides without even a word.

 

I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes for a short rest.

 

I picked up my phone and dialed Dylan’s number again. Still no answer.

 

I tossed the phone onto the desk. The screen was lit, and the long list of red missed calls in the call log looked particularly jarring.

 

I stared at the missed call log for a long time, then finally picked up the phone and dialed Fred’s number.

 

The call was answered quickly.

 

“Mr. Knight, this is Hazel. Are you free tonight? I’d like to invite you to dinner; there are some things I’d like to discuss with you.”