ummed to herself as she stepped out of the hospital

y mil

mentor for more than half a year had finally been s

tile temper, he had become her benefactor, and at that moment sh

break the great news to her ment

er ID, the smile on Ximena's

g for a confrontation she knew would be unpleasan

fury. "Do you have any idea what time it is? How can a young woman

get a single word in

lack screen and let

s destined to be anoth

ont of the Hayes Mansion, nestled in Osebury's

d the manicured lawn, and walked straight to

inside, an oppressive t

an elderly woman sat upright in

less precision; she was Laura Hayes, the u

na walked over with a gen

es, only letting out a low snort as

d pro

altered, yet she straightene

er? Do you still remember the decorum expected of a member of the

lling in for a cow

ura cut in coldly. "Answer me this inste

wenty-

family's reputation?" Laura's irritation mounted with every word. "Our family has run businesses for generations, and I already indulged your father when he insisted on

hed into it

r head, silently

ture countless times ever since sh

ngs away as she always did, when, unexpectedly, her parent

inking of what's best for you." It w

ncern. "You really are getting older; it'

d at her mot

nce stood against the entire family t

e very reason Ximena chos

ther exploded, they would back

ad change

her father, Zachary Ha

, clearing his throat as he agreed, "Your mother has a poin

lummeted straigh

a must have cornered them again-cornered them badly enough that the

Eva were backing her. "The man's background and character are impeccable. He's a few years older than you and a little quiet, but steadi

r right to pra

uck exactly whe

s unwavering gaze and her parents' averted eyes,

she chose

. I'l

ly surprised by how

meet him, but whether anything comes of it is up to

Very well. Remember your words; I'll

a turned and hurrie