Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 60

"Hazel!" Grandma Hayes called out, reaching for her, but Hazel was already heading steadily toward the exit.

She didn't rush. As she stepped out onto the sprawling driveway, the soft amber glow of the security lights illuminated two distinct figures standing by the gates.

Julian was tightly gripping Evelyn's hands, his head bowed as he spoke to her with intense urgency.

Evelyn had her back turned, her shoulders trembling dramatically as she sobbed. Julian's voice, usually so clipped and demanding, was sickeningly soft and tender as it drifted through the cool night air.

"Please stop crying, Evelyn. I never meant for this to happen. Grandma is just old and stubborn. Don't let her words get to you..."

Hazel casually pulled her gaze away. She walked right past the intimate scene, not pausing her stride for a single second.

Julian was completely oblivious to her presence. Every ounce of his attention was poured into soothing the weeping woman in his arms. He genuinely had no energy left to spare for his actual wife.

Hazel stepped through the massive iron gates and stood on the quiet road. She took a deep, shuddering breath, the icy night wind biting at her neck and making her shiver violently.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw a text from Grandma Hayes.

"Hazel, sweetheart, please don't be too angry with Julian. I know how much you're hurting right now."

Hazel stared at the glowing screen, a sudden, heavy lump forming in her throat. She typed out a long reply, then deleted it all. In the end, she just sent a simple text: "Grandma, I'm not angry. Please get some rest."

She slid the phone back into her pocket and flagged down a passing cab.

She gave the driver Professor Finch's address, then sank deep into the leather seats. She closed her eyes as the imposing lights of the Hayes estate faded rapidly in the rearview mirror.

Hazel shook her head, the sheer exhaustion of the evening finally settling into her bones.

"I haven't told her yet. I want to wait until the paperwork is finalized. If I tell her now, I'm afraid she'll try to stop it, and things will get incredibly complicated."

Queenie nodded, completely understanding the logic. "Alright, we'll wait. There's no rush. Go get some rest now. I've already drawn a hot bath for you—go soak and try to relax. I also left some dinner warming on the stove. I figured they wouldn't let you eat in peace over there."

A soft, trembling smile curved Hazel's lips, her eyes growing misty. "Thank you, Professor. You should go get some sleep too."

Queenie gave her a slow, comforting nod. "Goodnight, sweetheart. Sleep well."

Hazel nodded and headed straight for the bathroom. After a long, restorative soak, she felt infinitely lighter. Suddenly, she remembered what Zachary had told her earlier at the station. She walked down the hall to the guest room, and the moment she pushed the door open, she saw the item sitting squarely on the nightstand.