Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 178

Gideon paused, his brows knitting together slightly. "Hazel, what do you want with her?"

"Just want to talk. Don't worry," Hazel replied, her tone light, though Gideon could tell it wasn't a request.

He nodded and walked over to where Dawn was standing.

Dawn was at the accessories display, casually flicking through a row of earrings. But the moment Gideon approached, she turned around instantly, as if she had eyes in the back of her head.

Nellie leaned close to Hazel, her eyes tracking Dawn's movements. She muttered suspiciously, "Do you think she approached Gideon on purpose?"

Hazel had been wondering the exact same thing.

Dawn's appearance was far too convenient. Gideon needed a blood transfusion, and she just happened to have the exact rare blood type required.

Mrs. Garrison had forced her onto Gideon, and now she had perfectly crafted excuses to stick to him like glue.

However, Hazel didn't jump to conclusions. She shook her head. "I'm not sure. That's why I want to talk to her."

Gideon quickly brought Dawn back. She stood in front of Hazel, her ponytail a bit loose with a few stray strands framing her face.

She blinked, her tone effortlessly sweet and innocent. "Hazel, did you need me for something?"

Gideon tactfully stepped away to give them space.

Hazel looked at her, bypassing any small talk. "Did you approach Gideon on your own to offer your blood?"

"Yup."

"Why?"

Dawn laughed, the sound carrying a hint of helplessness. "Why else? For the money, of course. Is that so hard to understand, Hazel?"

Her tone was breezy and honest—a flawless excuse.

Hazel studied her closely. Dawn met her gaze head-on, unflinching, and kept talking.

Dawn's eyes were exceptionally bright. It was the look of someone who had been battered by life but refused to be broken, sharpening into a resilient edge instead. Truthfully, Hazel found herself liking this kind of girl.

She was pragmatic, understood boundaries, and knew how to navigate situations. She had a clear objective, yet she never crossed the line.

That realization tugged at something deep within Hazel's chest.

It reminded her of her own childhood in the Garrison household. Mrs. Garrison had always prioritized Gideon, deliberately pushing Hazel to the sidelines. She, too, had been treated like an outsider. But at the very least, Hazel had a home to return to. Dawn didn't. Her only sanctuary was that small orphanage.

And now, with the very real threat of it closing down, Dawn had to be terrified.

Hazel's tone softened slightly. "While your situation is sympathetic, this is a transactional agreement. It's not an excuse for moral blackmail. You have no right to order Gideon around."

Dawn blinked, then let out a laugh. "Hazel, you've got it all wrong. It was his mom who told me to drag him out. She said Gideon spends too much time locked in his room and that it wasn't good for him. That's why I kept annoying him until he agreed to bring me to the mall."

She threw a quick glance in Gideon's direction. He was standing at the end of the aisle, pretending to inspect the hats, though he was clearly straining to eavesdrop on their conversation.