She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 181

Hayden shook his head. "It's something my father left for you. I couldn't possibly open it without permission. It's been kept safely in a box all this time. Let me know when you're free to come pick it up, or I can bring it to you."

"I'm free today—right now, actually!" Hulda replied without a second thought.

She was desperate to know what Arthur Owen had left for her.

Hayden offered an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, Hulda, but I have an appointment shortly. How about tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow is perfect!" Hulda hurriedly pulled out her phone and exchanged numbers with him.

"Great." Hayden saved her contact and added her on his messaging app. "I'll reach out once I'm done today so we can set a time for tomorrow, if that works for you?"

"Yes, absolutely. Thank you for telling me all this, Mr. Owen."

"Don't mention it," Hayden smiled warmly. "I'm just fulfilling my father's last wishes."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they said their goodbyes.

Hulda watched him leave. She no longer had the heart to continue grocery shopping; her mind was completely occupied by the memory of Arthur and whatever it was he had left her.

As soon as Hayden walked out of the supermarket, he called Caspian Sterling. "Mr. Sterling, I've met with Hulda. We're scheduled to meet tomorrow."

"There's no need to thank me, Mr. Sterling. I should be thanking you. You've looked after the Owen family more than enough over the years. Besides, my father genuinely adored Hulda. We all just want to see her happy."

Just as Hayden ended the call with Caspian, another call came through.

The caller ID read: *Wade Jewell*.

Hayden answered immediately. "Mr. Jewell, I got a bit held up by something unexpected, but I'm heading your way right now."

"No rush at all, Mr. Owen," Wade's polite voice came through the speaker. "Take your time. I'll be waiting for you at the academy."

In high spirits, Hayden replied, "Alright, give me a moment. I'll have some good news for you when I get there."

"What is she doing? Didn't she invite Mom and me to take Miles to the zoo today? She asked us to pick her up, and here we are, but she isn't even out of bed yet?" Cora complained.

Valery's brow furrowed in disapproval; she despised people who lacked punctuality.

Noticing their annoyance, Callie quickly tried to smooth things over. "That's strange. Ms. Sinclair is usually an early riser. She never sleeps in. Maybe she's not feeling well."

"Where's Herbert?" Valery asked. When she walked in, she saw his car in the driveway, meaning he was home.

Yet she had been standing in the foyer for a while, and her son still hadn't come out to greet her.

Callie froze for a second. "Huh? Now that you mention it, I haven't seen Mr. Jewell come downstairs either. Could he still be sleeping?"

At that moment, little Miles giggled. "Hahaha! Dad and Sylvie are such sleepyheads! The sun's already up and they're still in bed! I'm going to go wake them up!"

With that, the boy bolted toward the second floor.