Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 62

Hazel walked past them without a flicker of emotion. She didn't care about Apex Holdings; she just wanted her current project to run smoothly.

Just as she reached the lab door, the low growl of a car engine caught her attention.

Turning around, she saw a black Maybach pulling up to the Institute's entrance.

The passenger door opened, and Evelyn Vance stepped out. She was wearing a pale pink dress, her hair flowing freely, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

Julian stepped out from the driver's side, walking around the front to join her. He murmured something, and Evelyn smiled and nodded.

Hazel's eyes lingered on Evelyn for a second. She was wearing the exact same outfit and accessories as yesterday. A heavy sinking feeling settled in her chest.

Evelyn had stayed over at the Hayes estate last night, and Julian had been there too. It was painfully obvious what had happened.

She didn't want to think about it anymore.

Exhaling softly, Hazel pushed down the unwanted emotions, her face returning to a mask of calm. It had nothing to do with her anymore.

Even if they had slept together in the family estate last night, it was none of her business.

She turned to head into the lab, but Julian caught sight of her. His expression darkened. After exchanging a quick word with Evelyn, he strode over.

"Hazel."

She paused and turned to face him. Her expression was neutral, completely undisturbed. Julian furrowed his brows. "Did you not see my texts?"

"I was rushing to get ready this morning and missed them," Hazel replied coolly. "What is it?"

Frustration flared in Julian's chest, giving his tone a demanding edge. "Why did you talk back to my mom last night? Do you have any idea how furious she was? I had to spend forever doing damage control and apologizing before she finally let it go."

Hearing this, Hazel only wanted to laugh, but Julian kept going before she could get a word in.

"I told her you'd go over tonight, buy her that designer bag she's been eyeing, and apologize properly."

His voice took on a rare, patient softness. "Honey, you were in the wrong here. I've already smoothed things over. All you have to do is say you're sorry."

Hazel's gaze instantly turned glacial.

So that was his brilliant plan. Apologize, buy a bag, and play the good wife. He had the routine down perfectly, like he had rehearsed it a thousand times.

She looked up at him. "Are you paying for it? Because if I remember correctly, that bag costs a fortune."

Julian sighed, reaching out to take her hand, but she smoothly dodged his touch. His hand hung in the air for a second before he pulled it back.

His tone softened further. "Of course I'll pay for it. You're my wife; my money is yours. But this time, my mom wants to see genuine remorse from you. I can't do this part for you."

She used to keep her head down, listen quietly, and obediently go back to apologize. Back then, she believed he was right, that she just wasn't trying hard enough. Now, she understood he didn't care about what was right; he just didn't care about her.

If Evelyn had been the one to upset Eleanor, would he have lectured her like that?

Hazel let out a heavy breath. Forget it. Why waste energy thinking about it?

She was about to get back to work when her phone buzzed. It was a message from Grandma Hayes.

"Hazel, do you have time today? I'd love to grab dinner with you. Just the two of us."

Hazel sat in silence for a moment before typing a reply. "I'm sorry, Beatrice, but I don't think I can make it tonight. We have a lot of data to consolidate for the experiment. Let's do it next time, and the dinner is on me."

The reply came quickly. "Alright. Please don't be mad at Julian about what happened last night."

Hazel didn't text back. Beatrice definitely knew Evelyn had stayed over, but had deliberately chosen to keep it from her.

She quietly tucked her phone away.

Forget it.

Staring at the screen, she took a deep breath, pushing all the messy drama to the back of her mind. Work. This was the only thing that truly belonged to her.