The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 429

Suzie sat behind the wheel, deep in thought as she processed Chester's words.

It seemed Chester wasn't just some shallow playboy who only knew how to flirt. The fact that he could put himself in her shoes and think ahead for her was something she hadn't expected at all.

Realizing this, she offered him a small, sincere response.

"Thank you for being so considerate. But Mr. Lambert, there really is no possibility between us. You're just not my type. I'm sorry."

With that, she rolled up the window.

She didn't want to owe him an endless explanation. Giving him a clean rejection so he could back off without getting hurt was the best way she could repay the favor.

***

That evening.

After dinner, the kids gathered in the living room, eagerly trying on their new autumn clothes and shoes.

The house was filled with the bright, ringing sound of their giggles.

Watching them, Suzie felt a profound warmth settle in her chest. For the next few days, she just wanted to rest. After she caught her breath, she would figure out whether she truly wanted to launch her own studio or just join an established one.

Later into the night, after the kids were bathed and tucked into bed, Suzie sat alone in the quiet solitude of her study.

Whenever she felt overwhelmed, this was her routine—sitting in silence until the late hours of the night.

The housekeeper had just brewed her a cup of herbal tea when a knock echoed from the front door.

Suzie frowned, listening as the housekeeper hurried to answer it.

Who could be visiting this late?

He looked up, his gaze piercing. "Tell me. What happened? What's the real reason?"

"Hayden, are you blaming me? Do you remember when I brought this up before? You completely shut me down. So this time, I just made the decision and did it..."

Suzie had anticipated this exact confrontation. Having worked alongside him for years, she understood how he operated, just as he understood her.

But because she had planted the seed during their last conversation about her leaving, her excuse now felt entirely natural and logical.

As expected, her answer left Hayden completely speechless.

The heavy silence stretched on until the housekeeper brought the coffee and quietly exited. Only then did Hayden speak again.

"I know your stubbornness. Once you've made up your mind, there's no looking back..."

He picked up the folder and pushed it across the table toward her. "I was harsh today in the office. I apologize for that. These are the contracts being transferred to you. I'm your mentor; I'm not a tyrant."