Chapter 79
Hailey’s closeness to Marianna stemmed from her admiration for Davon. Yet Davon’s heart belonged entirely to Marianna.
Marianna, shrewd as she was, convinced Hailey that Davon regarded her only as a friend.
Reassured. Hailey lowered her guard, never targeted Marianna, and even drew nearer to her in hopes of being closer to Davon
She offered Marianna favors, unwittingly becoming the hand behind the tasks Marianna preferred not to sully herself with.
In time, the wealthy young lady was reduced to Marianna’s obedient shadow, carrying out her bidding.
It was under Marianna’s subtle provocation that Hailey turned her hostility toward Kayla.
Kayla regarded Hailey with a faint, mocking smile. “Debts must be repaid. It’s only right. Why are you so agitated? Unless… you have feelings for him?”
Since Hailey had walked straight into her snare, Kayla saw no reason to relent.
Exposed before the crowd, Hailey’s cheeks flamed crimson. She stole a glance at Davon and stammered, “You… you’re mistaken. I don’t…”
Even if she did harbor feelings for him, she could never admit it so openly.
“Oh? Is that so?” Kayla lifted her shoulders in a show of regret. “And here I thought, since your family is wealthy, and you seemed so fond of Davon, that you might pay off his debt.
“Who knows? Perhaps he’d see you differently, even fall for you. But if you don’t like him, what a pity.”
A flicker of sharpness passed through Hailey’s eyes, though she quickly masked it. “I don’t… like him. But he’s still my classmate. I can’t just stand by while you treat him this way.”
Her gaze drifted again, shyly, toward Davon. “Besides, he only forgot to bring money. It’s not as if he wouldn’t repay you. Tell me how much he owes. I’ll settle it on his behalf.”
Davon’s brooding expression eased, though he kept his air of aloof dignity. “Hay, there’s no need. It’s a small sum. I’ll repay her another day. You shouldn’t trouble yourself.”
The name caught in Hailey’s ears like music. She thought excitedly, ‘Hay? He’s never called me that before. Does this mean I hold a special place in his heart?‘
Suppressing her elation, she shook her head firmly. “Dav, it’s not that you can’t repay it. I just won’t watch Kayla push you around. It’s only money. I’ll help you.”
Kayla’s lips curved in satisfaction.
Davon’s charm, it seemed, was not only in his face but in his words. With a mere shift in tone, he had Hailey ready to surrender her fortune.
For Kayla, this could only be an advantage.
She tapped her banking app and held the screen toward Hailey. “Perfect. Then go ahead. After deducting the fifteen thousand already repaid, the balance is 1.485 million dollars.”
Hailey froze, convinced she had misheard. “H–how much?”
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Chapter 79
Es nueners
Kayla repeated with measured patience. 1.485 million. Too much for you? Just now, you sounded so magnanimous. Was it only for show, to impress Davon?”
Hailey’s lips tightened. Her account held 1.5 million in total, funds her father had just provided. To pay Davon’s debt would leave her scarcely more than ten thousand.
She had only ever heard that Kayla was pressing Davon to repay a debt. She had no idea how much he owed, and at the time, she even thought Kayla was being petty.
After all, Kayla had pursued Davon for so long. Wasn’t it ridiculous to embarrass him over a bit of money? How foolish.
But she never imagined the amount was nearly 1.5 million dollars.
Before Hailey could say a word, Kayla shot Davon a mocking smile. “If that feels like too much and you think Davon isn’t worth it, then don’t bother. I’m not forcing you.”
The moment she spoke, Hailey noticed Davon’s expression sink even darker.
Humiliation burned in him. His hand clenched into a fist at his side, nails biting into his palm until the sharp sting steadied the anger threatening to break loose.
He forced a faint smile and said softly to Hailey, “Hay, if it’s hard for you, just leave it. I only forgot my wallet. I’m not actually unable to pay. Worst case, I let Kayla get a rise out of me. I don’t mind.”
Marianna immediately stepped in, indignant on his behalf. “Dav, you’re an Ortiz. How can you let Kayla humiliate you like this? If only I could pay it for you, you wouldn’t have to put up with this.”
Her words stirred something warm in Davon, and he looked at her with surprising tenderness.
Hailey, oblivious to the silent exchange between them, felt her heart ache. Davon was noble and untouchable. Someone like him shouldn’t have to endure Kayla’s scorn.
Biting her lip, she thought, ‘Marianna’s right. Davon comes from the Ortiz family. What is 1.5 million to him? If I step in and restore his dignity, he’ll see me differently. Maybe he’ll even think I’m kind and fall in love with me.
The thought sent a thrill rushing through her. Her hesitation faded, her face smoothing into determination.
She reached out to stop Kayla from putting her phone away. “Fine. It’s only 1.485 million. I’ll pay.”
Kayla accepted the money, her eyes softening in rare sincerity.
With a genuine smile, she said, “You really are beautiful inside and out. To cover such a huge sum for Davon, it must be true love. Then I wish you both the best. May you end up together.”
For once, Hailey didn’t bristle at Kayla’s words. Instead, her cheeks flushed pink, and she stole a shy glance at Davon, her eyes shining with undisguised admiration.
Kayla, cheerful now that the money was in hand, turned to leave.
But she had barely taken two steps when Davon’s cold voice cut through the air. “Stop.”
She froze, raising a brow as she turned back, her gaze icy.
“What now?” she asked, impatience in her tone.
Davon’s face was thunderous, dark as a brewing storm. “My debt is paid. Now, isn’t it time we talk about what you owe me?” His voice was edged with provocation and triumph.
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Chapter 79
Kayla stared, baffled. What debt could 1 possibly owe you?”
Between them, there was only enmity, nothing else.
Davon gave a sharp, derisive laugh, his gaze cutting like a blade as it dropped to her abdomen. His face twisted with loathing and contempt.
He had already offered her a way out. Since she refused to take it, he had no intention of showing mercy.
