Hayden’s expression darkened as he helplessly responded, “Mom, I only rest on the weekends because I prefer to sleep in and wake up naturally. Plus, taking a day off to play can be more exhausting than working. Besides, Mr. York is also busy; I don’t want to bother him all the time.”

Donald interjected, “Can’t Kevin take you out for some fun? Shouldn’t it be you showing Kevin around? This is Jensburg, and you know it better than he does.”

Hayden remained silent, sulking.

Kevin chimed in, “When it’s necessary, I’ll just ask Mr. Queen to be my tour guide.”

Mrs. Queen replied, “Kevin, just tell Hayden where you want to go. He’s a local and knows all the fun spots and great places to eat in Jensburg.”

Kevin grinned, “Auntie, if you’re saying that, I won’t hesitate to take advantage in the future.”

Mrs. Queen smiled back, “You’re welcome! Auntie likes you the most.”

Neither of her children could match Kevin’s charm. He could talk about anything, especially topics she enjoyed.

She really liked Kevin.

“Mom!” Hayden exclaimed.

The way her parents treated Kevin made Hayden feel like they saw him as a potential son-in-law, wishing to pack her up and send her to his bed.

After all, she was only 28—not too old.

Why rush?

If she wanted to get married, she’d consider it after turning 30.

“Hayden, Kevin came all the way to Jensburg as a guest; we need to treat him well. Stop acting like he’s here to collect debts,” Donald said, addressing his daughter. He regretted letting her disguise herself as a boy for so long.

He initially thought it was just a phase, but he never expected she would continue this way for over 20 years.

What’s worse, they had all grown accustomed to it.

Their daughter wore clothes designed for men. Whenever he looked at her, he felt as though he had two sons.

Hayden couldn’t continue like this.

She needed to gradually return to her feminine form.

Even as a woman, Hayden could still lead Queen’s. She had been at the helm of the business for so long that she had established a strong position. Her gender didn’t matter.

“Dad, Mr. York isn’t here as a guest; he is…”

“Uncle, I am here to seek refuge,” Kevin interjected, completing Hayden’s thought.

Refuge?

Both Donald and his wife exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what he meant.

Hayden fixed her gaze on Kevin.

Kevin blinked at her, seemingly unaware of the meaning behind her stare.

He sheepishly explained to Donald and his wife, “It’s not my family elders who pressured me into marriage. I couldn’t resist, so I fled.

In the past, they also pushed for marriage, but at that time, my older and second brothers were still single, and I was third in line. I could hide behind my older brothers as a shield. Now that my older brother is married and the second brother is engaged, I have no shield left. I feel like I’m being pierced by arrows, and I had no choice but to escape.”

Upon hearing this, Donald and his wife exchanged glances.

Hayden noticed the sparkle in her parents’ eyes. At that moment, she really wished she could sew Kevin’s mouth shut.

He had such a loose tongue, rambling on and on.

A grown man should know to be more cautious and speak less.

“My mouth was made for talking and eating,” Kevin replied.

Hayden could only respond with silence.