Chapter 86: For Her Sake

Diana’s gamble had worked.

Despite his cold exterior, Jordan couldn’t refuse a dying woman’s final wish—especially not Lily’s.

However, he made one thing very clear.

He was going for Lily. Not for Hailey. Not for the Camdens.

Hailey, of course, clung to the opportunity.

“Jordan, you know how much Grandaunt Lily supports our marriage,” she pleaded. “If she finds out we’re divorced, she won’t be able to die in peace!”

Jordan remained silent.

Hailey pressed further. “She might even pass as soon as she hears the news! Please, can we just… pretend? Just for her sake?”

Jordan laughed dryly.

“Pretend we’re still married?” His voice was laced with sarcasm.

“You mean—never hold hands? Freak out if I touch your thigh? Sleep in separate rooms? Berate me for an entire day if I even breathe wrong?”

He smirked. “Sure. I can do that.”

Hailey’s cheeks burned with embarrassment.

She wanted to refute him—but she couldn’t.

Because he was right.

For three years, she had treated him like a stranger—a servant, even.

Hailey forced a smile. “That was in the past, Jordan. Things are different now.”

Jordan leaned back in his chair.

“Are they?”

Hailey hesitated.

Yes.

Because now, she knew who he truly was.

Now, she wanted him back.

Now, she would do anything to be Mrs. Steele again.

But before she could speak, Jordan cut her off.

“Fine. I’ll go along with it. But let’s make one thing clear—once this is over, we go our separate ways.”

Hailey’s heart sank.

But she forced herself to nod. “Of course.”

---

The Camden Estate

When Hailey returned to Diana’s villa and told everyone the news, the entire family erupted in celebration.

“You did it, Hailey!” Sylvie gushed. “I knew he wouldn’t refuse you!”

Elle rolled her eyes. “He didn’t do it for her. He’s only going because of Grandaunt Lily.”

Herman, who had been listening quietly, nodded in agreement.

“Jordan’s a man of honor. He wouldn’t turn his back on someone who was good to him.”

Drew, however, was more skeptical.

“Yeah, yeah, great. But don’t get ahead of yourselves,” he scoffed. “Jordan agreed to play pretend. That doesn’t mean he’s taking Hailey back.”

Diana, sitting in her usual chair, tapped her cane against the floor.

“That’s up to Hailey now,” she said firmly. “They’ll be staying together in South Daytona. And since they’ll be pretending to be husband and wife…”

Her sharp gaze landed on Hailey.

“You’ll be sharing a room.”

The implication was clear.

This was Hailey’s last chance.

She couldn’t mess it up.

---

The Next Morning—Heading to South Daytona

Jordan arrived at the Camden estate, right on time, with Lucky in his arms.

The moment he stepped out of his car, every single Camden came rushing out.

“Jordan!” Sylvie greeted him warmly, as if she hadn’t spent the past three years treating him like dirt.

Elle fluttered her lashes at him.

Drew stood awkwardly, torn between sucking up to him and keeping his usual sarcasm.

Only Diana remained seated, a small smile playing on her lips.

Jordan ignored them all. His eyes immediately landed on Hailey.

She had dressed carefully, wearing an elegant, modest outfit that made her look as pure and delicate as ever.

For a brief moment, he was reminded of their wedding day.

But the illusion was shattered when Hailey linked her arm through his.

Jordan immediately pulled away.

“Don’t do that.”

Hailey pouted.

“We have to pretend, don’t we?” she murmured, loud enough for only him to hear.

Jordan sighed.

This was going to be a long trip.

---

The Drive to South Daytona

Hailey sat beside Jordan in the backseat, while Sylvie, Benedict, and Elle sat in the other car.

The atmosphere was awkwardly silent.

Hailey fidgeted with her hands, then glanced at Jordan. “Aren’t you excited to see Grandaunt Lily?”

Jordan kept his gaze on the road. “I owe her my life.”

Hailey’s expression softened.

She had almost forgotten.

Grandaunt Lily had saved Jordan when no one else in their family would lift a finger for him.

Including herself.

Hailey hesitated before saying, “I’m sorry.”

Jordan glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. “For what?”

Hailey bit her lip. “For not being there when you needed me.”

Jordan said nothing.

Because there was nothing left to say.

She hadn’t been there for him.

And now, it was too late.

---

South Daytona

By the time they arrived, the atmosphere in Grandaunt Lily’s home was heavy with sorrow.

Lily’s son greeted them with a grateful yet tired smile.

“Thank you for coming. She’s been asking for you, Jordan.”

Jordan nodded. “Where is she?”

“Upstairs.”

Jordan immediately headed for her room.

Hailey tried to follow him—but he stopped her.

“I need to see her alone first.”

Hailey froze.

But in the end, she nodded. “Alright.”

As Jordan entered the dimly lit room, his heart tightened at the sight of Grandaunt Lily lying weakly in bed.

Her eyes slowly opened, and when she saw him, she smiled.

“Jordan… you came.”

Jordan walked over and took her frail hand in his.

“Of course, I did.”