The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 430

Suzie opened the folder and leafed through the pages. Aside from the exclusive contract for the Sugar Buddies, there were several other major client agreements.

"This... Hayden, I can't accept these. These are all Timefly's clients."

She immediately closed the folder, pushing it back across the table with absolute finality.

Hayden took a slow sip of his coffee. "If you don't want them, then you can come back to Timefly."

"Hayden..." Suzie sighed, exasperated.

He met her gaze unflinchingly. "You and I are cut from the same cloth when it comes to business. It's one way or the other. We don't do half measures."

Suzie hesitated for a moment before probing delicately, "This decision... does Alice agree with it?"

Hayden's eyes narrowed. He stared at her for a long, piercing moment before asking quietly, "Suzie, you're hiding something from me, aren't you?"

The question hit her like a physical blow, leaving her momentarily panicked.

Thankfully, she managed to steady herself, offering a faint smile. "No. I just figured, since the two of you are eventually getting married, it's only natural that you'd discuss major business decisions with her..."

"It's my studio. I make the calls," Hayden cut her off firmly. "Alice is open-minded. She doesn't interfere with my work, and I don't interfere with hers. Regardless, if you refuse to take these contracts, I expect you in the office on Monday. It's your choice."

"Hayden..." she tried again, hoping to negotiate.

"It's not up for debate," he stated, shutting her down completely.

Suzie fell silent.

Hayden stood up. "It's getting late. Get some rest. When you decide on a location for your studio, let me know. I'll help you get it sorted."

Suzie walked him to the door, nodding politely. "Okay. I will."

Staring at the screen, her entire hand began to shake violently.

She didn't dare dream of leeching off Suzie and Jamie the way she used to, expecting them to bankroll a luxurious life for her family.

Because Lionel Lockwood was still out there.

That man had been relentlessly harassing them. They had even fled to the countryside to hide for a few years, and they still couldn't completely shake him.

If Lionel found out Suzie was alive, the darkest secret she possessed—switching the babies all those years ago—would be dragged out into the light!

Lionel had already warned her that his investigators knew she had an older daughter. That meant he had definitely seen photos of Suzie by now...

The sheer terror of it caused Margaret's legs to give out. She collapsed onto the floor, her face completely drained of color, looking like she had seen a ghost.

"Mom!" Stewart demanded greedily. "You need to go find her! If you don't, I'm going to track her down myself tomorrow!"