Chapter 14 Encounter with an Old Enemy

• Vivian's cheeks flushed red, but she just shot Marc a cold glance.
• At the same time, she couldn't help but wonder where Hadden had been all these years and what he had been up to.
• Hadden had managed to kick Damon several feet away, something no ordinary person could do, and now, this fierce-looking guy, Marc, had appeared out of nowhere.
• "Did he spend those five years becoming the boss of some underground syndicate?" The thought suddenly popped into Vivian's head.
• If Hadden knew what she was thinking, he'd definitely be surprised by her wild imagination.
• As Hadden walked by Marc, carrying Anya, he whispered, "This isn't Northville. Don't cause any deaths!"
• "Don't worry, Hadden, I know my limits!" Marc responded.
• Their conversation was overheard by Vivian, further confirming her suspicions. Had they really killed someone?
• She was nearly in tears from fear. What kind of place was Northville? Who were these people?
• On the drive back, Vivian didn't dare make a sound, obediently keeping her focus on the road, afraid that if she annoyed Hadden, he might silence her for good.
• Inside the car, Anya clung tightly to Hadden's neck, not letting go, terrified that she might lose him again.
• 20 minutes later, they finally arrived at the Smith residence.
• As soon as they walked in, they ran into Rebecca. The moment she saw Hadden holding Anya, her face darkened, and she grabbed a broom, chasing after him to hit him.
• "You bastard! How dare you come to my house again!" Rebecca was out of breath, furious.
• Now that Vivian knew Hadden's "secret," there was no way she'd let Rebecca cause trouble for him. She quickly grabbed Rebecca's hand and said, "Mom, calm down. He's just here to bring Anya home, and he'll leave right after!"
• Anya began to cry loudly, "I don't want to be a fatherless kid … "
• Hearing the commotion, Vanessa and Andrew rushed over. "What's going on?"
• Vivian briefly explained the situation, and Vanessa's heart twisted in pain. "From now on, you can stay here," she said to Hadden.
• Everyone was stunned. There was no way Rebecca would allow Hadden to stay. "Are you out of your mind? If he stays, what will happen with you and Bill?"
• "Mom, do you really have to force me? If you make him leave, Anya and I will go with him," Vanessa choked up as she spoke.
• If it weren't for Anya, she would never let Hadden stay. She only wanted her daughter to have a complete family.
• Hadden was shocked. He had never expected Vanessa to ask him to stay. He had always dreamed of being with Vanessa and Anya.
• Vivian also chimed in, "Mom, for Anya's sake, let him stay."
• Seeing the pain on Vanessa's face, Andrew sighed and said, "Since Vana has already made up her mind, let him stay."
• Rebecca shot Andrew a vicious glare, knowing that getting rid of Hadden was now impossible. She finally said, "Fine, he can stay, but he'll have to pay 700 dollars in rent each month, on time! I'll draft a contract. If he agrees, he can stay."
• Hadden didn't care if it was 700 or even 7,000 dollars—he'd gladly pay it.
• He quickly agreed and happily followed Vanessa and Anya upstairs.
• As Vivian watched the small family walk away, her heart was filled with mixed emotions. She sighed softly and thought to herself, "If it hadn't been for what happened five years ago, and if the two of you truly loved each other, wouldn't that have been wonderful?"
• Soon after, the sound of Anya's cheerful laughter echoed from Vanessa's room. Rebecca scowled. "Ungrateful brats, all of them!"
• "Mom, I'm no ungrateful brat. Once I marry into the Porters, no one will dare look down on us," Vivian said playfully, hugging Rebecca around the neck with a smile.
• At the mention of the Porters, all of Rebecca's unhappiness vanished.
• She smiled and said, "The Porters sent over such a large dowry, and now you've even landed a job at Wildden Group. Vivi, you're the one who makes me worry the least. From now on, I'm counting on you to give us a good life."
• That night, Anya insisted on sleeping with Hadden on the floor. It was her first time sleeping beside him, and she was so excited that she didn't fall asleep until very late.
• As Hadden looked at Anya nestled in his arms, his face was full of contentment, though his heart grew heavier with guilt.
• Vanessa lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Her mind was a mess.
• "Are you worried about the deal with Wildden Group?" Hadden suddenly asked.
• "Shut up! Don't wake Anya!" Vanessa snapped coldly.
• Hadden gave a bitter smile and stayed quiet. It was destined to be a sleepless night.
• The next morning, when Vanessa woke up, Hadden was already gone.
• After five years in the military, Hadden's routine had become incredibly disciplined, and his morning training was a non-negotiable part of his day.
• As soon as Anya opened her eyes and saw that Hadden was gone, she started crying again.
• Vanessa tried everything to calm her down, but nothing worked until Hadden returned. Once he arrived, Anya clung to him and refused to let go.
• By the time they finally got Anya settled and dropped her off at kindergarten, they were half an hour late.
• At Trinity Group, on the top floor.
• The conference room was packed because today was the day the Shaws from Jerton was supposed to sign a contract with the Smiths.
• The Shaws was considered a second-tier family in Jerton and had nearly broken into the top tier last year. Their assets were far beyond those of the Smiths.
• "George is really something, being able to secure this deal with the Shaws."
• "That's nothing. George even managed to make connections with the Wildden Group. Once Vanessa fails, George will swoop in and close the deal in no time."
• "Did you hear? That fool Vanessa waited outside Wildden Group all day yesterday, and she didn't even get inside the front door! I couldn't stop laughing, hahaha!"
• The room was filled with gossip and laughter as everyone crowded around George.
• "There are still two days left. As long as the deal isn't secured, Vanessa will be out of the Smiths. I'll take you all to watch the show," George said smugly.
• "Haha, for the first time, I'm actually hoping time passes faster," someone laughed.
• At that moment, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway, and the room instantly fell silent.
• Bennett walked into the conference room, smiling and chatting with a middle-aged man.
• "Let me introduce everyone. This is Mr. Shaw, the heir of the Shaws. He's here today to sign the cooperation agreement with us on behalf of the Shaws. Please give him a warm welcome!" Bennett announced.
• After a round of mutual compliments, they got ready to sign the agreement.
• But just then, Vanessa and Hadden hurried into the company.
• "Sorry, Grandpa, we were late because Hadden and I were dropping Anya off at kindergarten," Vanessa apologized as soon as she stepped into the conference room.
• Damon, who was just about to sign, heard the word "kindergarten" and instinctively looked up. When he saw Hadden, his expression changed.
• "It's you!"
• Damon slammed the pen down on the table.
• Hadden then noticed that the man standing in front of him was none other than Damon, the guy he'd kicked across the kindergarten playground the day before.