Chapter 598

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Lydia said softly, “James, this is Flynt Hartley from Torrenia.”
James gave a slight nod and said, “Hello.”
Flynt extended his hand politely and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shaw.”
“Hello,” James said, shaking Flynt’s hand.
Lydia glanced around and asked, “James, where’s Emma?”
James replied, “She and Aria are in the kitchen, baking a cake.”
Hearing Aria’s name, Lydia was taken aback for a moment, then quickly composed herself with a smile. She said, “Oh, Ms. Saxon is here as well.” She never expected Aria had already met Owen’s parents.
Lydia knew it was Owen’s birthday and made sure to send her wishes right at midnight. It wasn’t until 9 AM that Owen replied with just a simple “Thanks.”
Flynt noticed Lydia’s momentary distraction and said thoughtfully, “Ms. Yeager, since you’ve run into someone you know, I’ll leave you to it.”
Lydia snapped out of it. Though reluctant to leave, she couldn’t think of a proper excuse. She said, “I did promise to treat you to some desserts, Mr. Hartley. Let’s go pick something out together.”
Then she turned to James and said, “James, we’ll be heading out now.”
James smiled gently and said, “Have a pleasant time.”
Lydia wanted to explain that she and Flynt were just friends, but she knew that, in the eyes of the Shaw family, she was merely Owen’s former classmate.
After they left, Flynt studied Lydia thoughtfully and said, “Ms. Yeager, I’ve noticed you always seem a bit off whenever the Shaw family comes up. And today, seeing Mr. Shaw affected you even more. Is the person you like someone from their family?
“Is it Kim Shaw, the Chairman of the Shaw Group?”
Lydia hadn’t expected Flynt to be so perceptive. She quickly shook her head and said, “No, it’s not.”
Flynt pressed, “So, it’s Owen?”
Lydia hesitated for half a second, just about to deny it, when Flynt gave her a knowing smile.
Flynt said, “So, it’s Owen. Right, you two were classmates. You must have had a crush on him for years. Having a crush on someone can be tough.”
Flynt’s words struck deep, and a wave of bitterness washed over Lydia. She said, “If only I hadn’t gone abroad back then.”
Flynt said gently, “Ms. Yeager, you made the right choice. What’s destined for you will always find its way back to you, no matter the journey.”
Lydia gave a self-deprecating smile and said, “But he already has a girlfriend-Aria, the one I told you about. She’s
remarkable.”
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Flynt said, “She’s truly impressive, but you’re just as amazing, Ms. Yeager. Maybe the only difference between you two is a
real chance.”
Lydia sighed and said, “Maybe we just weren’t meant to be.”
Flynt said, “You never know. You have to fight for what you want.”
Lydia’s eyes widened in surprise.
Flynt gave a knowing smile and said, “Perhaps I see things differently from you. If I like someone, even if she’s already in a relationship or married, I’d still fight to make her mine.”
Lydia blurted out, “Isn’t that just being a homewrecker?” Then she quickly added, “Sorry, Mr. Hartley, I didn’t mean it that way.” She never imagined that Flynt, who seemed so gentle and refined on the surface, could harbor such shocking thoughts.
Flynt said, “It’s alright. I know my words took you by surprise. Everyone sees things differently-I respect that.”
No matter how deeply Lydia loved Owen, she could never bring herself to do what Flynt suggested-snatch him away from Aria.
She thought, ‘I don’t love Owen enough to sacrifice everything for him. I can get over Owen. It’s just a matter of time!’
Lydia gave a relieved smile and said, “Thank you for today, Mr. Hartley. I hope the person you like returns your feelings.”
A shadow flickered across Flynt’s eyes. He said, “Don’t mention it, Ms. Yeager. I wish you get what your heart desires.”
As Lydia walked away, Flynt turned on his heel and strode over to the trash can, tossing the gift bag in without a second thought.
A short distance away, a girl looked up and asked, “Mommy, why did that man throw that away?”
A woman replied, “Maybe he didn’t like it.”