Chapter 6

*Knock, knock, knock. Knock, knock, knock, knock...*

A faint, tired knocking came from outside the door.

Standing on the second-floor balcony, I looked towards the entrance. Vivian Hayes stood slumped by the front gate like a pathetic stray dog. Her hair was messy, her makeup smeared, and she was missing one high heel.

Beside her were some of her luggage and daily necessities, which I'd had Martha throw out.

Seeing that I didn't open the door for a long time, she finally started to panic.

"Alex! Alex!"

"Alex, open the door! I really know I was wrong this time, please!"

She looked in horror at everything scattered on the ground, finally realizing I was serious this time.

She looked up and saw me standing on the balcony, arms crossed. Though only twenty yards separated us, it felt like a galaxy.

"Alex, please listen to my explanation. Just give me one more chance, I beg you!"

She clung to the large iron gate, shouting at me with what sounded like utmost sincerity.

I suddenly found it a little amusing. Vivian Hayes, do you even understand what "chance" means?

It's not about me forgiving you, me indulging you, that makes it a chance.

It's because trust, that kind of thing, is inherently a one-time offer.

I smirked, then turned and walked back into the bedroom.

In the middle of the night, I was suddenly woken by a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning, but then quickly fell back into a deep sleep.

Accompanied by the pattering rain, I slept peacefully that night, not waking until ten the next morning, feeling completely refreshed.

"Mr. Thorne? Mr. Thorne?" Martha's anxious yet cautious voice came from outside the door.

"Come in."

"Ms. Hayes... Vivian Hayes has been out there all night in the rain. Now... now she seems to be in a very bad way."

"Don't worry about her. Go about your business."

When I gave you a chance, you didn't take it. Now you're pathetic, who are you trying to impress?

I was truly speechless.

How does that saying go? Delayed affection is cheaper than grass.

After getting ready, I went to the company.

"Mr. Thorne, someone from the Hayes family is waiting for you in your office."

"Understood."

Vivian Hayes' father, Richard Hayes, and her brother, Daniel Hayes, waited restlessly in my office. Seeing me enter, they quickly stood up.

"Son-in-law, it's all Vivian's fault for being so foolish. This time, I'll definitely teach her a good lesson! I'll make her apologize properly to you!" My father-in-law looked at me with an obsequious, expectant gaze.