He saw Lucy on the TV, and the smile vanished from Hayden’s face while he froze.


    With a microphone in hand, the reporter said, “Who says being a pick–me isn’t an economy? Hats off to this suspect, as she’s the ultimate pick–me. She’s doing it with such ir, such passion…”


    Hayden remained silent.


    The three businessmen didn’t bother hiding their distaste. They pushed back their chairs and got up.


    Hayden hurriedly tried to salvage the situation. “Gentlemen, please wait…”


    The trio nced at him, their lips curled into a sardonic smile. “Mr. Tate, you’re really something. We could never hope to match your charm.” With that parting shot, they walked out.


    Today, the ultimate pick–me, Lucy, had her moment of infamy. Her antics dragged Hayden into the spotlight as a subject of ridicule among the businessmen. novelbin


    Hayden’s face darkened as he threw the ss on the floor with all his might.


    Just then, his phone rang. It was Carly. “Dad, something terrible happened! The press conference was a disaster. Mom’s been arrested! You need to get awyer and get her out now!” Carly cried out.


    Outside the police station, the night dragged on as Hayden, apanied by awyer, finally managed to get Lucy released.


    Lucy’s face was pale. This was the first time in her life she had set foot inside a jail. “Honey, I can exin…”


    The sharp sound of Hayden’s p echoed in the room. His hand left a vivid red imprint across Lucy’s face, her head snapping to the side from the force of the blow.


    Hayden’s face darkened. “You’ve made me aughingstock! How the hell am I supposed to face anyone in the business world now? Lucy, you’ve ruined me!”


    Lucy clutched her stinging cheek, but she dared not speak. Her humiliation turned to seething anger toward Celine. This was all her fault!


    Carly stood silently to the side, her expression indifferent as she watched Lucy get pped. She made no move to intervene. In her eyes, Lucy was just a stepmother, not her real mother. “Dad, what do we do now?”


    Hayden turned to Carly and said, “Carly, I’ve noticed Mr. Alvarez’s attitude toward Celine has changed. He’s the key to everything. You need to make sure he stays firmly in yourer.”


    Carly let out a coldugh. Lifting her chin proudly, she dered, “Dad, do you think Celine actually believes Adam likes her? She’s delusional. I’ll show her her ce soon enough.”


    Even now, Carly didn’t see Celine as a threat. Sure, Celine had won a few roundstely. However, when it came to Adam, Celine would never win. She could try if she didn’t believe it!


    Celine had just returned to Alvarez Residence when her phone buzzed. It was a call from Carly.


    “Celine, are you free? Let’s grab some coffee,” Carly said.


    Star T