After the old man left, only the two of them remained in the elevator.
"You have a way with people." Hayden broke the silence.
Shelly shook her head. "If you interact with the elderly more, you'll find that most of them are kind and tolerant. They have lived most of their lives, and they've experienced and seen many things. That's why they are very open-minded towards the people around them. I've only occasionally met that old man around the neighborhood, and we haven't really had a deep conversation. As long as you smile at them, they will think highly of you."
As Shelly finished speaking, the elevator came to a stop.
Shelly watched as the elevator doors slowly opened, and her heart pounded like a drum.
If Hayden followed her home, he would discover Audrey, but Shelly had no viable reason to keep Hayden from entering her house.
If she refused to let him in just to keep Audrey hidden, Hayden, being such a proud man, would be frustrated, and he might not want to have anything to do with her again, which was not the outcome she desired because she still wanted to visit the Fosters and see Aiden.
If she strained her relationship with Hayden, she would be too embarrassed to go to Elliot's mansion in the future.
It was a dilemma.
Hayden stood in the elevator, saying lightly, "Go home! I won't come over to your place."
Shelly felt a wave of joy in her heart, but her face revealed her confusion. "Don't you want a drink of water, at least?"
"I'm not thirsty," Hayden said. "Don't you live with your mother? It's late, and I don't want to disturb her."
Shelly did not insist. "All right, Hayden. Thank you! I'll come see Aiden tomorrow."
"Yeah."
Shelly stepped out of the elevator and watched as the doors closed before heading home.
When she arrived home, Shelly's heart was still pounding heavily.
Not long after, her mother exited her room. "Shelly, what happened to you?"
"Mom, Hayden accompanied me back. He dropped me off on our floor." Shelly took a deep breath. "I thought he would come inside, but he said he didn't want to disturb you, so he didn't come in."
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