Gilbert let out a low chuckle. “This is gonna be one hell of a show!”


    Back home, Halsey ran a hot bath to wash away the day’s exhaustion. Just as she was finishing up, Patricia walked in holding a steaming bowl of lobster bisque.


    “Here-drink this,” she said.


    Halsey took the bowl and tasted a spoonful. “Wow, this is really good!”


    Patricia looked at her daughter with tender eyes. “Of course it is. I made it myself… Well, technically, I made it for my first grandbaby.”


    Halsey’s heart swelled with emotion. She was the textbook example of a wealthy heiress-born into privilege, with loving parents and a perfect upbringing. An only child, pampered and protected. People always said Shaun was the one hopelessly in love, but truthfully, if she hadn’t met him, her life might have been a lot smoother…and much duller.


    Halsey rested her head on Patricia’s shoulder. “You’re the best!”


    Patricia smiled and tapped her lightly on the nose. “You and that sweet mouth of yours. Come on, finish it while it’s hot. I’m going back to the kitchen to make more soup. Even if you don’t have an appetite, you should at least have a little.”


    With that, Patricia got up and left.


    Halsey stayed on the bed, slowly finishing the lobster bisque. She gently ced her hand over her stomach.


    “Baby, you have to be good. I was going to tell your daddy about you today, but he was busy. Don’t worry. We’ll find another time. Do you like your daddy, too?”


    Hershes lowered, casting soft shadows over her delicate face. There was a calm, motherly warmth about her now.


    Just then, her phone started ringing, breaking the peaceful moment. She picked it up and answered.


    “Hello, who’s this?”


    A familiar voice came through. “Ms. Mallin, it’s me.”


    Halsey’sshes fluttered slightly. “Warren? Is something wrong?”


    “I was wondering if you had a moment,” Warren said. “I’d like to meet with you.”


    “You want to meet me?”


    “Yes. I want to talk. Since I’m Shaun’s best friend, I think it’s time we have an honest conversation.”


    Halsey knew Warren hadn’t been very fond of hertely. Still, she had been meaning to talk to him too.


    “Alright, I’m free. Where are you? I’lle to you.”


    Warren gave her an address, and she responded, “I’ll head over now.”


    At the restaurant, Halsey spotted Warren sitting by the window. She walked over toward him.


    “Warren.”


    He motioned to the seat across from him. “Sit.”


    Halsey sat down. “So, what did you want to talk about?”


    Warren looked at her, his tone sharp. “Shaun got into a fight with Gilbert at the hospital today, didn’t he? All because of you. You and Shaun are over-do him a favor and stay away.”


    Halsey’s fingers curled slightly. “I’m sorry, but I can’t promise you that.”


    Warren mmed his hand down. “Why are you so stubborn?”


    Halsey met his re calmly. “I don’t understand why you’re still so hostile toward me, even after three years. What did I do that was so wrong?”


    “You seriously don’t know?” he snapped. “Let me remind you, then. Three years ago, Shaun was disfigured because of you!”


    Halsey froze.


    She had no idea what Warren was talking about. In fact, she had never known how Shaun’s face got scarred.


    “What do you mean?” she asked.