Chapter 27 Failure Is Not an Option

After Hailey apologized, she and Laura fled the mall in disgrace. Once outside, she immediately dialed Walter's number. "Dad, I just discovered something huge!" Hailey spoke quickly, her voice brimming with urgency as she shared the news with Walter. "That bitch, Natalie, might be connected to Horatio." On the other end of the line, Walter was frowning. "I was just about to call you. Get back here right away." A bad premonition rose in Hailey's chest. As she recalled Horatio's words from earlier, a sudden chill ran down her spine. She hurried back to the Lunsford residence. The moment she stepped inside, she found Walter sitting in his study with a dark expression, lost in thought. "Dad, what's going on?" she asked nervously as she shut the door behind her. "You still have the nerve to ask? Did you cause trouble today? Horatio's assistant just called to give me a warning. He said I failed to teach you manners and mentioned cancelling all our partnerships." Walter was very di