Chapter 56

Chapter 056 She’s That Girl “Huh?” Chris was baffled. ‘She’s your wife, not mine.’ That was his first reaction. However, his boss looked so serious, and he had to recall it carefully. “Mrs. Moore is young and 24 or 25, maybe.” Owen’s pupils contracted. If Hailey was 24, she was 14 ten years ago. Could the kidnapped girl be her? He was shocked as something sparked in his mind. His heart was racing but his ears were buzzing. The old memories came flooding back.

He took a breath and dialed Matthew’s number. As soon as the line got through, he asked, “Do you still remember that secret mission at Groyfast ten years ago?”

Matthew had arrived in Belindao not for long. He was discussing the horse ranch issue with his father, and Owen’s question made him freeze. He recalled it briefly and said, “You mean the mission we went on to rescue a kidnapped girl?” “Exactly.” Owen solemnly stared at the files, his lips going dry. “Do you remember what she looks like?” “That was a long time ago, man. How can I possibly remember?” Matthew tried his best to think back. “I only remember she was 14 years old in the mission statement. As for her identity and family background, it was confidential. That mission was top-secret, and I was scared out of my wits. I thought I couldn’t make it. That was a close shave. I didn’t expect the other party to be so tough to divide our squad. As far as I remember, you penetrated the hinterland and rescued her, right?”

It had been long since their retirement, but those battling days in the past still got his adrenalin rushing and continued to intrigue him. “Why do you suddenly bring this up?” Matthew didn’t get it.

Immersed in his memories, Owen quietly got up and went to the window. He also remembered how difficult that mission was. Their goal was simple, but their opponents were tough. He had no idea why those internationally notorious mercenaries kidnapped a girl. A total of ten men, including Matthew and him, were sent on the mission. 20 back then, they were hot-blooded and fearless. Their squad was divided by the enemies. His comrades-in-arms opened a path for him, creating a chance for him to save the girl from the hinterland. He calculated the number of their opponents. They didn’t stand a chance of winning.

However, a desperate fight was their only option. To his surprise, by the time he entered the house, the girl had taken one man down with a knife.

She had been tied up for 21 days. Those people had taken her to travel across half of Scoysia. In rags, she was scraggy, scarred, and dirty. Even in such a terrible state, she slit the throat of the other party swiftly and unblinkingly. The blood spurted. Aware that he had come to her rescue, she requested immediately, “Give me a gun.” They fought side by side and exterminated their enemies. He had never seen such a brave girl before. She was a dead shot.

Just as he was about to praise her, the tough girl suddenly fell into his arms and softened like a snowflake. He went out with her lying in his arms like a cloud. With a smile, she asked him his name and promised to repay him when she grew up. He replied, “My name is Owen. I don’t need you to repay me. Just live.” In the sunlight of Groyfast, her pretty eyes were shining. Owen was in a long trance till Matthew’s voice brought him back to reality. His eyelashes fluttered. He cleared his throat and said, “What if I tell you that girl is Hailey?” “What?” It was jaw-dropping.

At a high-end restaurant in the central business area, Brook and Hailey were enjoying their dinner amid the melodious music. Brook cut the steak and glanced across the table at Hailey who was eating salad. He felt guilty about it. “I’m eating meat, and you’re eating grass. The outsiders might think I’m mistreating you.” Hailey had a piece of lettuce and replied, “You’re mistreating me if you ask me to eat meat. I ate too much at Savory Restaurant at noon. I need grass to neutralize the grease.” Brook sipped his wine and asked, “With Matthew?” “Yeah.’ Hailey nodded.

Brook continued to cut the steak. “How is the horse ranch business going on?” “Almost there.” Hailey had a síp of water, “Matthew is not the decision-maker. Old Mr. Holland calls the shot. It seems they want to find a second partner.”

Brook wrinkled his eyebrows. “What does that mean? They don’t trust you? Or they think that the Feline Group doesn’t have enough budget?” Hailey shook his head. “Neither. It’s strategic. They believe that the operations will be easier if a third company from North City joins in.”

“And you let Owen walk away.” Brook shook his glass of wine, “In terms of strength, there isn’t a better company than Mazedew Group.” Hailey pursed’her lips and mumbled, “I don’t want any form of connection with him.”

“Business and private feelings should be separated. You know the drill.” Brook offered guidance, “You’re thinking about making up for two million dollars you lost on the necklace, aren’t you? This is your chance.” “I certainly will make money.” Hailey was determined about the issue. Besides, there was something else troubling her. “I don’t know what went wrong with Owen. He has been pursuing the reason why I married him.” Brook snickered, “Men are cheap. Did you tell him?” Hailey shook her head. “We’ve divorced. What’s the point? He wants to know, but I won’t tell him just for fun.”

“Makes sense. You had a crush on him for ten years, not the other way around. That’s embarrassing.”

Hailey was annoyed and gnashed her teeth. “Hey.” “What, am I wrong?” Brook teased her, “Who always says that she will repay him and marry him who plays Juliet every day?” “Brook Kirkland!”

Hailey glared at the man and blushed with anger. Brook gloated but had to coax her. “Just kidding.

Don’t be upset. Really, you’ve repaid him. He saved you, and you saved him and took care of him for three years. You’re even now. You don’t have to keep that in mind any longer.” Brook looked at Hailey seriously. “Even if he remembers you one day, you can just tell him that you no longer owe him anything.” Hailey’s eyes dimmed as she thought of the man who had saved her, slighted her, and abandoned her. A bitter smile was all that she could give. Her love for him was unrequited.

She couldn’t blame anyone for the results. It was a gamble, and she had to live with it.