Watching Kathryn enter the hotel, Hayden instructed the driver, “Return to the old house.” “Okay.” Hayden settled back into the car seat, lost in thoughts of Kathryn. Those who might conspire against her were undoubtedly her own family members. Within the Farrell family, the only individuals who genuinely supported Kathryn’s rise to leadership were the family head and those from the collateral lineage. Shiloh, the former young master of the Farrell family, was not the true daughter of the family, which raised doubts about the offshoots’ willingness to allow her to take control. If Kathryn couldn’t bear the heavy burden of leadership, the daughters from the collateral lineage would likely begin to stir up trouble.

Hayden suspected that Kathryn’s family was behind these machinations, and that some in the collateral line were aware but chose not to intervene. Although Kathryn was the legitimate daughter of the Farrell family, she had not grown up among them and had little experience dealing with family members since childhood. The collateral relatives feared that if Kathryn ascended to power, she would be even more demanding and unyielding than the family head, given her lack of close ties to them. If Shiloh couldn’t assume the role, and Kathryn was unable to take on the immense responsibility, only their subordinates would have a chance.

The rivalries between wealthy families have always been ruthless; just consider how Matriarch Farrell was willing to eliminate her own sisters to secure an advantage. For the sake of power and prestige, they would go to any lengths. This made Hayden reflect on the York family. The Yorks had always maintained a harmonious environment, with brothers, uncles, and nephews refraining from competing for wealth and status. They placed a strong emphasis on education, ensuring that every child was nurtured to develop their talents. Each family member had their own unique strengths.

preferences. If given the chance, they would thrive in their preferred industry. They enjoyed a successful career, and even if they didn’t inherit the family business, they could still carve out their own niche. Suddenly, Hayden realized why her parents liked Kevin so much. Beyond Kevin’s worthiness of her, they also appreciated the York family behind him. Her parents had always hoped she would marry a good man. As Hayden contemplated her future with Kevin, she became lost in thought until the driver stopped the car and turned to remind her, “Young Master, you’re home.” It was only then that Hayden snapped back to reality. Outside, the sky had darkened, and the streetlights at Queen’s yard were illuminated. Kevin was waiting by the front door, and when he saw Hayden’s Maybach arrive, he approached with a smile, opened the car door for her, and said, “You’re in front of me, so why did you come back later than I did?” He spoke as if he was already part of the Queen family, treating their home as his own. Hayden exited the car and, glancing at him, walked toward the main house. She explained, “I ran into Kathryn on the way. Her car was tampered with, causing it to break down. She has an important meeting with a client at my Greenrest Hotel, and she can’t be late. I took her there.” Kevin walked alongside her, attempting to hold her hand, but she pushed him away and shot him a glare. Rubbing his nose with a chuckle, Kevin said, “Holding my hand won’t cost you anything. Okay, okay, stop pulling and glaring at me. If you keep staring, you’ll leave a mark on me, and I’ll have nightmares tonight. Then, I’ll come to settle the score with you.” Hayden retorted, “I’m so scary? If I can give you nightmares, then please do me a favor and spare me. Just don’t come near me in the future, or you’ll have even more nightmares.” Kevin replied, “It’s

“It’s thrilling to experience nightmares. That’s my favorite kind of thrill,” Hayden remarked. Kevin continued, “So, Kathryn’s car was tampered with—she didn’t actually have an accident? Does that mean someone wants her dead?” Kevin added, “Does that person truly want her to die?”

“Her life and death are irrelevant to me,” Hayden replied. “Most people who tamper with cars intend to cause an accident to kill the driver, not just to sabotage the vehicle. Kathryn’s siblings and even her biological mother show no concern for her, let alone Shiloh.”

Kevin responded, “If they do attack, it will certainly lead to Kathryn’s death.” Hayden looked at him and asked, “Are you suggesting that Matriarch Farrell is behind this? Setting up a scenario for Kathryn to see how she will handle it?”

Kevin acknowledged, “That’s a possibility. It’s also possible that they haven’t dared to take her life outright yet. This could just be a test.” Hayden leaned toward this latter view.