The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 334

Suzie began pacing slowly across the office.

"You have a major reputation in this industry," she continued. "You already did me a massive favor by pretending to be their dad for the kindergarten interviews. If we go public with a lie like that, it will become a media circus. It will humiliate Alice."

Hayden crossed his arms, clearly disagreeing.

"I love those kids, and Alice adores them too. We spent every single day together a few years ago. I treat you like a sister, and she feels the same way. The two of you get along perfectly. Why would she care about a PR stunt to keep you safe?"

Suzie offered a sad, knowing smile.

"You really do not understand women, do you? I appreciate the offer, but the answer is no. I will figure my own way out of this."

Sensing Hayden was gearing up for another argument, she held up a hand.

"I am serious. I need you to let me stand on my own two feet. Spending the last few years in hiding made me a coward. I need to be strong again."

Hayden let out a long sigh, realizing she would not budge.

"Fine," he conceded. "Just promise me you won't let him walk all over you."

He reached out and gave her shoulder a supportive squeeze.

"I will let you get to work. Call me if you get overwhelmed. Alice gets back in a couple of days. We will all go out and celebrate."

After Hayden left, Suzie pushed the anxiety out of her mind, grabbed her files, and headed to the studio set.

She didn't return to her office until nearly noon.

Mia paused, making sure Suzie was listening.

"She didn't even love him anymore, so she tried to avoid him. But the more she pulled away, the more obsessed he became. His whole redemption act was flawless. Eventually, he wore her down, and she took him back. But the honeymoon phase barely lasted. They ended up having a massive blowout and breaking up for good."

Mia let out a heavy sigh.

"The truth was, he never actually loved her. He just had a massive, fragile ego. He could not stand the thought of something he owned belonging to someone else. It was pure possessiveness. Once he got her back, he treated her like garbage all over again. He even bragged to his friends about how easy it was to manipulate her."

Mia leaned forward, resting her arms on the desk, and took Suzie's hand.

"I know I am overstepping," Mia said softly, "but from an outside perspective, I think Mr. Baylor is exactly that type of guy. His ego is bruised. He knows you are back, and he is going to try to corner you. He might be aggressive, or he might try to sweet-talk you with romance. But whatever you decide to do, I just want you to choose your own happiness. You glow when you are happy."