When the Contract Marriage Ended, He Stayed

### Chapter 29: I’m Not a Bad Person

"Mr. Xavier, your wife is being targeted at Sterling Group. I hear things have been difficult for her these past few days."

Hazel Hawthorne is a new hire who suddenly won Holly Shaw’s favor. If she had proven skills or had already demonstrated her abilities in a way that convinced everyone, it might have been understandable.

But to most of the company’s senior employees, Hazel is a blank slate who doesn’t know anything and needs to be taught everything from scratch.

And it was this Hazel that Holly Shaw had taken a shine to. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

People at the company, like Sharon Winters, who went through hell and back to get an interview and land a spot in the design department, all did it for Holly Shaw. Some have worked under Holly for years without ever earning her high regard.

Aiden Xavier understood Hazel’s predicament. But what did that have to do with him?

"Your wife probably thinks you spoke with the upper management at Sterling Group, and that’s why they’re giving her special treatment."

A cold smirk touched Aiden Xavier’s lips. "Is that what you think, too?"

The secretary immediately fell silent. After a long moment, Aiden Xavier said in a low voice, "Answer me."

"Mr. Xavier, in my opinion, you would never do something like that. But your wife doesn’t know you, she doesn’t understand. So, Mr. Xavier, I think you should find a chance to explain things to her clearly, to stop her from misunderstanding you."

"You think if I go and explain, Hazel will believe me?"

Hazel might not know Aiden Xavier, but Aiden Xavier definitely knew Hazel. Even if he explained, she would either pretend to believe him or just refuse to listen. She had already made up her mind that it was him, so why should he bother with excessive explanations?

"But if you don’t explain, she’ll subconsciously connect anything that happens to her at Sterling Group with you, Mr. Xavier." The secretary offered the well-intentioned reminder, afraid he might misspeak, glancing at Aiden Xavier’s expression as he spoke.

Aiden Xavier mulled it over for a moment. "Go back to your work."

The secretary left the office, his heart pounding. Before closing the door, he snuck a peek and saw Aiden Xavier pick up his phone, hesitate for a moment, and then quietly put it back down.

’Mr. Xavier is so stubborn. He clearly doesn’t want his wife to misunderstand him, but he just has to act all proud and tsundere.’

The secretary’s words had prompted Aiden Xavier to pick up his phone to explain things to Hazel, but on second thought, he remembered her sharp tongue and immediately put it back down.

’What if I went running to explain, only for Hazel to give a cold, "I know," in return? I’d just look like I was overthinking things, forcing the issue, as if I were terrified of being misunderstood by her.’

’Hazel already thinks I pay too much attention to her. If I go out of my way to explain, she’ll probably think I’ve actually fallen in love with her.’

With that, Aiden Xavier gave up on the idea of explaining things to Hazel. He would just let nature take its course.

’Besides, Hazel told me not to interfere with her work. Asking a friend out to catch up doesn’t count as interfering, right?’

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"Well, look what the cat dragged in." Julian Sterling was smoking on a second-floor balcony outside the break room. He let out a soft chuckle at the unexpected call from Aiden Xavier, as if he’d already figured something out.

"When are you free to get together?"

"I’m free tonight." After a pause, Julian Sterling suddenly asked, "Bringing your plus-one?"

Aiden Xavier replied without a second thought, "Why would I bring her?"

"You’ve been married for three years, and your buddy here is still single. If you’re not bringing your wife, then bring a few beauties out. I see your scandals in the news even when I’m abroad. Don’t tell me you can’t find any."

Julian Sterling put out his cigarette just as he saw Hazel Hawthorne peek her head out the door. He quickly darted into a nearby corner, hiding behind a large floor vase.

Julian Sterling lowered his voice. "Alright, that’s the plan. I’ll send you the address in a bit. Remember to bring the girls. No girls, no party for you."

Julian Sterling put his phone away. This wasn’t the first time he had seen Hazel on the balcony. The last time he came out for some air, he’d seen her on the phone.

He hadn’t been trying to eavesdrop then; it was just that Hazel’s voice was so loud it was impossible to ignore.

Hazel walked silently onto the balcony and rested her hands on the railing. It wasn’t a high floor, so there was no grand, sweeping view. A heavy feeling settled in her chest; the sting of being ostracized was hard to bear.

"Who’s there? Who is it?" Hazel’s heart was troubled, but she had no close friends to confide in. She could have told Sharon Winters, but Sharon was rather simple-minded. If she vented to Sharon, and Sharon accidentally let something slip, wouldn’t that just offend even more people?

She liked coming here because it was quiet and rarely visited. But just now, she’d heard a phone ring, and she realized someone was there.

’I wonder if anyone was here last time when I was on the phone with Aiden Xavier.’

Even though he’d been discovered by Hazel, Julian Sterling remained perfectly calm. He emerged nonchalantly from behind the vase, one hand holding his phone and the other behind his back. He walked out with a smile, dressed in a suit but with slightly curly hair, looking like a man who had stepped right out of a manga.

He spoke softly, "Don’t be nervous. I’m an employee at Sterling Group, too. I’m not a bad person."

Julian Sterling had an innocent, boy-next-door face. To those who didn’t know him, he seemed like a sunny, handsome guy whose smile was as refreshing as a spring breeze, giving off a very approachable vibe.

Hazel remained expressionless, her eyes quickly scanning Julian Sterling. She exposed his lie without hesitation. "Let’s not even talk about your suit. That watch alone is worth two million. And you say you’re a Sterling Group employee?"

She’d never seen any Sterling Group employee who was that rich. A single watch worth millions?

Julian Sterling casually raised his hand and waved it at Hazel. "Oh, this watch? It’s a high-quality replica. I can give it to you if you like. You know how it is, working at a big company, you have to get some decent gear to look the part."

Hazel didn’t believe him for a second. She had seen the exact same watch in Aiden Xavier’s office. Though she’d only seen it a few times, she had a photographic memory. Plus, she had a thing for watches and had done some research on them.

"You don’t believe me? This thing only costs a few thousand. Here, I’ll give it to you."

As he spoke, Julian Sterling took off the watch and walked toward Hazel.

Seeing this, Hazel quickly backed away, wary and dismissive. "I don’t want it. If it’s a fake, you should just keep it for yourself."

"But you don’t believe me," Julian Sterling said seriously. "And I really don’t like it when people don’t believe what I say."

"Why do you care if other people believe you? As long as you believe it yourself, that’s all that matters." Hazel averted her gaze. "If you need everyone to believe every word you say, aren’t you just living for the approval of others?"

Julian Sterling stared at Hazel’s profile. The midday sun had broken through the clouds, its gentle warmth illuminating her face and making her skin seem even more porcelain. A light breeze swept past, lifting the hair at her temples, and for a moment, Julian was captivated.

"Are you unhappy? You can tell me about it. Maybe I can help you sort things out."

At that, Hazel rolled her eyes. "You’re someone who lives for the approval of others, and you’re going to help me sort things out?"

*****