Chapter 45: The Hailey Residences

Hailey and Jordan had originally proposed the idea for the luxury residential project. However, because Herman held a higher status within the Camden family, he had taken control of it, sidelining Hailey completely.

Now that the president of Ace Corporation had rejected meetings with Herman and Elle, Hailey saw an opportunity.

Elle scoffed. “Why would Mr. Steele meet you when he refused to meet any of us? You’re getting ahead of yourself.”

Sylvie, standing nearby, quickly defended her daughter. “Let Hailey try. She came up with the project idea in the first place.”

Diana Camden, the family matriarch, considered the situation. At this point, her only options were either to go herself or send Hailey.

Diana nodded. “Alright, Hailey, make a trip to Ace Corporation. If you fail, then I’ll go myself! No matter what, we must secure this partnership!”

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A Familiar Name

At precisely two in the afternoon, Hailey arrived at the Ace Corporation headquarters.

She had chosen a thin white sweater and a red checkered skirt, accessorized with a Swarovski necklace. It was an effortlessly charming, girl-next-door look.

Ashley led her to the meeting room.

“Please wait here, Miss Camden. Mr. Steele is currently occupied,” Ashley said before pouring her a glass of water.

Hailey smiled. Plain water was exactly what she preferred. She believed simplicity was the key to maintaining a flawless complexion.

For three years, Jordan had prepared her a cup of honey water every morning. Now, every time she made one herself, it reminded her of him.

Meanwhile, in the president’s office, Ashley informed Jordan of Hailey’s arrival.

Victoria glanced at Jordan and asked, “Do you want to see her?”

Jordan exhaled. “I rejected meetings with Herman, Elle, and Drew. If I refuse to see Hailey too, the Camdens will think we’re toying with them.”

He grabbed the contract off the desk. “Let’s just finalize this deal and be done with them.”

Victoria handed him the contract, and Jordan made his way to the meeting room.

The moment he opened the door, time seemed to slow.

Hailey looked just like she used to—dressed in the soft, feminine outfit she had often worn at home. It brought back a flood of memories.

Despite everything, Jordan couldn’t deny that she was breathtaking. No matter how many body-hugging dresses Elle wore, she could never match Hailey’s natural elegance.

But Jordan wasn’t there to admire his ex-wife.

He stepped inside and shut the door. “You’re here.”

Hailey smiled. “Yes. Mr. Steele must be really busy. I assume I’ll have to wait before meeting him. Why don’t you sit and chat with me in the meantime?”

Jordan’s tone was flat. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

He tossed the contract onto the table in front of her. “Review the terms. If everything looks good, sign it. The 11 million dollars will be transferred to your company in three installments within a week.”

Hailey blinked in surprise. “Mr. Steele already agreed? I thought he’d need more time to evaluate the project before investing.”

She eagerly opened the document, but her excitement turned to shock when she saw the name printed at the top:

Hailey Residences.

Her hands trembled. “Hailey Residences?! Why is that the name?”

More than six months ago, Jordan had chosen that name. The project had been his gift to her—a tribute to the woman he once loved. Even if the Camdens opposed it, he had planned to build it himself once his time as their live-in son-in-law was over.

Then Hailey betrayed him.

But despite everything, Jordan had never changed the name.

Hailey stared at him, eyes wide. “Did you… beg Mr. Steele to name it after me?”

Jordan’s voice was cold. “Why? You don’t like it?”

Hailey’s heart raced. She loved it.

The wealthiest families in the city would live in a community bearing her name. It was an honor she never expected.

Yet, she remembered how her family had rejected the name when she suggested it months ago. Diana had dismissed it outright, and Herman had scoffed, “Hailey Camden isn’t worthy.”

Now, the name was official.

Tears welled in her eyes. She stood up suddenly.

“Jordan,” she whispered, stepping closer. “You must have begged Mr. Steele to do this for me. Did you… get down on your knees for me?”

For the first time in three years, Hailey reached for Jordan’s hand.

“Thank you, Jordan.”

Jordan stiffened.

He had spent three years married to her, yet this was the first time she had ever held his hand.

Her touch was impossibly soft. Smooth.

He yanked his hand away.

“No,” he said firmly. “Mr. Steele simply likes the name Hailey.”

Hailey smiled knowingly. “You’re lying. I know you still love me.”

Jordan clenched his jaw. “Enough. Just sign the contract.”

Not wanting to lose the deal, Hailey nodded and quickly signed before stamping it with Landmark Realty’s seal.

Jordan took his copy and turned to leave.

“Wait!”

He paused.

Hailey beamed. “I’m so happy you convinced Mr. Steele to name it after me. Let me treat you to lunch to thank you. What do you feel like eating? Maybe your favorite place… what was it again? Duck and Noodles?”

Jordan turned around, staring at her in disbelief.

“You still don’t remember the name of my favorite restaurant? We’ve been there dozens of times. It’s called Chicken and Noodles, not Duck.”

A bitter chuckle escaped him. “You never loved me, did you?”

Hailey scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. I was nice enough to go with you to that gross place so many times!”

Jordan just shook his head.

Annoyed, Hailey crossed her arms. “Fine, if you don’t want lunch with me, I’ll just go have steak with Tyler instead.”