Den looked at James and greeted him, "Hello, Mr. Lambert."


    Everyone knew James was the university president and Den was his student- there was no need for introductions.


    James acknowledged him with a slight nod before turning to Hailey and extending his hand. "Hailey, it''s time to go home."


    Hailey hesitated, her gaze flickering toward Den. She had nned for Den to take her home, but now that her father had arrived, she had little choice. Slowly, she walked over to James'' side.


    James turned back to Den with a kind expression. "It''ste, Den. Why don''t youe along? I can drop you off first."


    Den shook his head. "Thank you, Mr. Lambert, but I''ll head home on my own."


    James nodded. "Alright. Stay safe, and if you ever need anything, don''t hesitate to reach out."


    With that, he led Hailey away.


    As they walked away, Hailey nced back at Den, reluctance evident in her


    eyes. She gave a small wave, her hand lingering in the air.


    Den stood motionless, silently watching her disappear into the night.


    ...


    Hailey and James sat in the luxury car as the driver navigated through the streets.


    "Allie, tell me the truth-what''s your rtionship with Den? Are you two dating?"


    Hailey felt her cheeks heat up, but she didn''t shy away. "Dad, I like Den."


    "This is nonsense. You and Den are not a good match."


    Hailey''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Dad, do you have something against Den? I see it now-you''re judging him unfairly!"


    "Allie, this isn''t about his background. Den is an outstanding young man. He was the top student of his year, and I personally invited him to the university. I''ve always recognized talent. Do you really think I''d look down on him?"


    Hailey knew her father wasn''t the type to be prejudiced. "Then why are you trying to stop us from being together?"


    Instead of answering directly, James asked, "Allie, do you even know what Den''s father does for a living?"


    Hailey hesitated before replying, "I''ve only heard rumors that Den''s father was


    a drug dealer, but I don''t believe them."


    "Has Den ever told you about it himself?"


    "No, never."


    James was aware of the truth about Den''s father, but it had never affected his admiration for Den''s potential.


    "Allie, I''m not stopping you from being with Den. But ask yourself-does Den even want to be with you?"


    If Den had never shared this part of his life with Hailey, it meant he wasn''t ready to let her in.


    "He... He definitely wants to be with me..."


    But even as she spoke, Hailey''s voice faltered. She had always


    valued honesty, yet at that mome


    uncertainty gripped her. Did Den really want to be with her?


    When she had asked him if he liked her, he hadn''t answered.


    Technically, she was still the one pursuing him. Despite the intimate moments they


    had shared, Den had never officially acknowledged their rtionship.


    And yet, she was convinced he had to feel something for her.


    Her lips still tingled from the


    intensity of his kiss. It had been deep, urgent, and ended with a yful bite. The warmth of his touch lingered on her palm, burning like a quiet me.


    James'' voice broke through her thoughts. "Allie, you''re an adult now. It''s natural for you to start dating, and I won''t stand in your way. But you need to understand Den''s true feelings. I don''t look down on him. In fact, I admire him. know he''s still working multiple-jobs—even at construction sites and bars, ces with all kinds of people.


    "How about this? I''ll hire him as your tutor. And in the future, I''ll bring him into our family business. He can be the CEO."


    Hailey''s eyes widened. She stared at James in shock. "Dad... are you serious?"