Chapter 541: Chapter 541: Serena Is My Woman!
Hayden Crawford watched as several fathers approached Serena Sterling, collecting their children. He didn’t know what they said to her, but Serena spoke to them softly and even waved her little hand, saying goodbye.
Hayden noticed the gentle, sparkling laughter in her eyes, akin to what those men had mentioned earlier, soft and sweet. Yet, since she returned, she hadn’t smiled at him like that.
Her smile no longer belonged to him.
Hayden glanced at the fathers again, being a man himself, he could see Serena’s fatal attraction towards them.
Hayden’s handsome brows furrowed deeply, his expression dark enough to drip water. He never denied his possessiveness over Serena; she was his private possession now. No one could touch her, much less think of getting close.
Hayden opened the driver’s door and stepped out.
As soon as Hayden appeared, he instantly drew everyone’s gaze.
The parents had heard that the Crawford family’s eldest grandson, Caden Crawford, was enrolled here. Caden’s daddy was currently the top financial magnate, and all the surrounding properties belonged to the Crawford family. Even the tallest building in the kindergarten was donated by Hayden Crawford. Now that Hayden showed up, everyone was shocked.
Serena Sterling looked up and spotted Hayden. Today, Hayden was dressed in a fitting black suit, his naturally firm stature handsome and imposing. He strode over with long, vigorous steps, the crowd automatically parting for him. His reserved yet powerful aura felt like an emperor’s presence, making people want to bow in awe.
Little Caden Crawford saw his daddy and quickly called out, "Daddy."
Hayden stopped in front of Serena, his sharp gaze barely glancing at the fathers who had been chatting with Serena. Those fathers felt a chill run down their spine; they couldn’t understand Hayden’s inexplicable hostility—his look was like rivals meeting, exceedingly jealous!
The fathers quickly retreated, avoiding confrontation.
Seeing them disappear from his sight, Hayden finally retracted his gaze, slightly lifting his determined chin, appearing a bit proud; if they wanted to compete for her, they were still too green!
Serena stared at this formidable presence before her, aware everyone’s attention was on them. She didn’t want others to notice anything, so she handed over little Caden Crawford’s hand, "Mr. Crawford, Caden was very good today at kindergarten. You can take him home now."
Hayden saw her fake smile—she was only placating him, yet she beamed sweetly at those fathers earlier. The disparity in treatment was too stark!
Hayden grasped little Caden’s hand, said nothing, and turned to leave, presenting Serena with a distant yet regal figure.
Serena tried to disregard this capricious man, turning her attention to little Caden Crawford, "Caden, bye-bye."
Little Caden looked at Serena reluctantly.
Father and son reached the luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom. Hayden opened the rear car door, letting little Caden climb in. Then he turned sideways, his deep, narrow eyes landing on Serena’s exquisite small face, calling her in a low voice, "Serena Sterling!"
Hayden suddenly spoke, his deep, magnetic voice quickly reaching everyone’s ears, prompting them to all look at Serena.
Oh my god.
Mr. Crawford actually called Serena Sterling by her full name in public! What kind of relationship do they have?
Everyone’s eyes burned with gossip, feeling like they discovered explosive news—a big scoop!
Serena froze suddenly; she hadn’t expected Hayden to call her out in front of so many people. What was he doing?
"Ms. Sterling, Mr. Crawford is calling you." Mr. Collins quietly reminded.
Feeling countless eyes scrutinizing her and Hayden, Serena quickly ran up to him, "Mr. Crawford, you’re calling me? Did I overlook something in my work? Please let me know, I will definitely correct it."
Hayden observed her efforts to cover up, his thin lips curling into a cold sneer, impatiently saying, "Get in the car."
Get in the car?
He was actually asking her to get in the car?
Hiss.
The whole crowd gasped.
Serena’s eyes narrowed in disbelief. Didn’t he say their relationship couldn’t be public? Yet now he wanted her to get in his car — was he dissatisfied with how openly exposed their relationship was?
What was he thinking?
"Serena Sterling, are you getting in or not? If you don’t get in now, you won’t get in my car or see Caden again in the future." Hayden threatened unhappily.
Fine, Serena immediately accepted the threat, bending down to climb into the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Hayden closed the rear car door, ignoring the multitude of eyes, and got into the driver’s seat, driving mother and son back to Maplewood Villa.
The scene exploded with chatter; they watched as Serena got into Hayden’s luxury car and was taken away. The Rolls-Royce Phantom left behind an arrogant and defiant silhouette, as if declaring to the world that Serena was his woman!
...
Maplewood Villa.
Little Caden Crawford wanted cake, so Serena decided to make one for him herself.
Auntie McCoy went to prepare the ingredients, while Serena entered the kitchen, separating the egg whites and yolks, then began whisking the whites.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching behind her.
Who?
Without turning, Serena knew it was Hayden because she could already smell the tobacco scent on him; he had smoked earlier, and the clean, crisp masculine aroma mixed with the faint tobacco scent was surprisingly pleasant.
Serena’s long lashes quivered slightly, as Hayden reached his large hand, clasping her soft waist. He pressed against her slender body from behind, his thin lips landing on her long hair, beginning to kiss.
Was he starting again?
This time, even in the kitchen?
Serena moved uneasily, softly protesting, "Hayden, stop, Auntie and Caden could come in at any moment."
"They won’t come in; I locked the door."
What, he actually locked the kitchen door!
Now Hayden had kissed her snow-white earlobe, watching her casually, muttered in a lazy, hoarse voice, "Don’t go to work at the kindergarten tomorrow."
"Why?" Serena turned her head, looking at him with bright, questioning eyes.
Hayden’s handsome face was hidden in the light, alternating between illumination and shadow. He glanced at her vaguely, "If I tell you not to go to work at the kindergarten, you just don’t go. What’s with all the whys? Spend your daytime with Caden and nights with me—isn’t that enough to keep you busy?"