Haley looked at the diamonds in her hand, clear and dazzling, radiating colorful lights. It was obviously an antique passed down from the previous generation.This priceless item couldn't be bought even with wealth. Grandma actually gave it to her.Haley felt moved from the bottom of her heart. "Thank you, Grandma."She put away the jewelry and paused before asking, "Grandma, will the DeRoss family attend tomorrow night's banquet?""Invite those despicable pieces of trash from the DeRoss family? Wouldn't that tarnish the reputation of our Martínez family?" Madam Martinez’s eyes flashed with cold anger. "Back then, they tried every possible means to take your life. Now, the more radiant and splendid you are, the more it slaps their faces!"Haley tightly held Madam Martinez’s hand, feeling a sense of tranquility in her heart....Night fell, and the lights were just beginning to illuminate.Before it was even 8 o'clock at night, a long line of luxury cars had already parked outside the
Could it be that tonight's banquet was the engagement party of the Martínez family's eldest son?The Martínez family, ranking in the top ten in Cuenca, and Justin being the prospective son-in-law, sought after by many affluent women in Cuenca, everyone wanted to see which prestigious lady was so lucky to become the fiancée of the Martínez family's eldest son.In an instant, the hundred pairs of eyes in the banquet hall landed on the woman beside Justin.Then, a gasp of astonishment filled the room.She was too beautiful!Where did this beauty come from? How could she be so stunning?Her appearance made all the socialites present feel ashamed of their own appearances."My goodness, where did the Martínez family find this fiancée? She's so beautiful, her looks are simply heavenly!""Her skin is so fair, her figure is incredible. As a woman, I am even mesmerized by her. Ah, ah, ah!""Don't you think the Martínez family's fiancée of the eldest son looks a lot like the eldest daughter of t
"Ms. DeRoss, how dare you show up in front of everyone after all the ugly things you did...?”These questions were more and more provocative.However, Haley had anticipated them when deciding to attend the banquet.There was not much embarrassment on her face, but her voice was as cold as a blade: "On this occasion today, I would like to announce that I, Haley, have no more relationship with the DeRoss family.""As for the scandalous photos from four or five years ago..." Her eyes glanced around, "Most of the ladies present here have boyfriends or fiancés, I presume. If I were to spend some money to have paparazzi follow you, I'm sure the headlines in Cuenca for the next half year would be the scandalous photos of all of you."Her words caused the faces of the high-class ladies present to change.They were all young ladies from wealthy families and usually had nothing serious to do, so dating was considered normal.And nowadays, it was not uncommon for dating to lead to intimate encou
While they were talking, Miss. Versta passed by.Louis's eyes followed Miss. Versta's movements and then stuck to her, "Miss. Versta, you look really beautiful today..."Mark: "..."He shouldn't have wasted that bit of sympathy...Haley walked with Ivan to the balcony.The two of them, one with captivating beauty and the other astonishingly handsome, walked side by side to the balcony, instantly attracting countless attention."Oh my god, as soon as Cuenca's number one beauty returns, she steals Ivan's heart?""Isn't Ivan uninterested in women? Why would he go to talk to Haley alone?""We're done for. Now that Haley is back, will we still have a way out?"The socialites sighed as if their vitality had been sucked away.They still remembered when five years ago, Haley had made her debut.Whenever Ms. DeRoss attended a banquet, wherever she went, she would shine brightly. Even if she didn't wear any makeup and dressed in the simplest clothes, she would still be the most dazzling presenc
Haley patted his head, "Let's go, I'll go find Angela with you."She had already shone at the banquet, there was no need to continue dealing with those scheming people, it was better to spend more time with the children.The two held hands and went to the lounge upstairs.Madam Martínez was old and did not like attending parties. She had not been present at the entire evening, and had been taking care of Angela in the lounge.May and Barbara didn't want to see Haley showing off, so they also stayed in the lounge to accompany Madam Martínez.Angela sat on the balcony reading a book, her fair skin captivating like milk.Her long feathery lashes were like a dense little fan, casting a faint shadow on her porcelain-like skin.Sitting there, she was like a shining child star in a movie. When she grew up, she would definitely be a stunning beauty.May Martínez' eyes turned green from jealousy, she sighed and said, "Angela is so beautiful. She will be even more outstanding than Haley, it's j
"Wuwuwu, grandma, it was that mute girl, the mute girl bullied me!"As soon as Jerry saw his grandmother, he instantly gained confidence and started complaining.May looked up and saw Angela standing behind Owen, her face filled with indifference and hostility.Her anger flared up instantly. This wild child was not a first-time offender.She bullied her grandson! She angrily rushed over, reaching out to grab Angela's ear.Owen, on the other hand, pushed her away: "I was the one who hit him. What, you want to hit back?"He was only four years old and not very tall, but his presence was towering at 1.8 meters.He stared with a pair of eyes, those sharp eyes were just like Ivan's, and it left the May dumbfounded."Grandma, it was him who had someone throw us into the flower bed!" Jerry cried out loudly.The other children also chimed in, "Yes, it was him. His bodyguard threw all of us into the flower bed.""He even had someone throw a clump of mud into my mouth! Wah wah wah, Mom, you mus
Ivan tightened his jaw.He actually didn't see anything, he only heard the sound of the children crying.When he walked over and saw the dirt-stained little girl, the fire inside him couldn't be restrained.Such a cute little girl would never willingly hit someone.Therefore, it was clear that she had been bullied.As expected, with just a bluff from him, those high-ranking ladies immediately retreated.Ivan cast a cold gaze at Owen's bodyguard.The bodyguard stepped forward and respectfully reported, "Those children were teasing this young lady for being mute, and a fight broke out between the two sides. The young master couldn't overlook it, so he ordered his subordinates to help the little girl vent her frustrations."She can't speak? Mute? Ivan's heart sank. His pitch-black eyes froze for a moment.He looked at Angela, and a dull pain slowly spread in his chest.He crouched down, at the same height as the little girl, and waved his hand: "Come here. Let me see where you're hurt."
Why didn't he have a daughter? Why did he have two sons in his family?If he had a daughter, he would definitely spoil her and make her the most enviable little princess in the whole world.Ivan thought of going over to hug the little girl, but restrained himself.She is Haley's daughter!This woman has ulterior motives, her daughter might just be pretty on the surface!Ivan forced himself to look away, his hand in his pocket, radiating coldness.But Owen had already rushed over.He couldn't help it and pinched Angela's face.The little girl coldly opened his hand, her gaze full of vigilance."Angela, from now on, I'll be your big brother. I'll protect you, can I help you blow-dry your hair?"Angela, who usually never responded to outsiders, vigorously shook her head.Haley was extremely surprised.No matter what she said in the past, Angela never responded, not even nodding or shaking her head.But now, Angela actually reacted to a stranger's child.It seems that Angela has a special
After a thorough read, she folded the document and spoke up, her voice indifferent, "Kid, who drafted this contract?""Our young master did," replied Russell, “Ms. DeRoss, if everything looks fine to you, the contract will take effect once you sign it."Haley chuckled. She was striking, exuding a bewitching charm.And yet, within the depths of her clear eyes, there was a peculiar blend of innocence and mystery.Keith felt his defenses soften and his detachment give way when he saw her smile. It was as if a hole had been poked through his armor of indifference.Realizing too late that he had been staring at Haley for a while, frustration surged within him.This woman must have used that same smile to ensnare Dad and confuse Owen..."I see a problem," she said, her smile vanishing.She leaned forward, a sense of authority emanating from her.Looking Keith straight in the eye, her lips twisted into a disdainful curve, "You should be in school at your age, not out here trying to show off.
Transmedia Tech, an internet media company.Two years ago, there were rumors of its bankruptcy, and after being acquired, it suddenly came back to life and became a leading player in the internet industry.However, there is not much information about this company on the internet.Haley glanced at Transmedia Tech's profile and said lightly, "What time did they make an appointment?""Half past two, at Pennie Coffee."After finishing her work in the morning, Haley drove straight to Pennie Coffee.She arrived ten minutes early, ordered a cup of coffee, and began to read the information on the internet.She searched for the company again, but she still couldn't find much info, and even the investor info behind it had been removed.It can be seen that this company has a lot of connections.She just didn’t know why this company would take a fancy to her newly opened studio.Haley waited for about five minutes before she heard footsteps outside the private room.She straightened her collar an
Keith thought that Haley had also planned to gain the trust of the entire Winston family through Owen. This woman's quite a schemer. Keith knew he had to be cautious......Haley picked up the kids and went home. When she was cooking dinner, she received a video call from Owen."Haley, why didn't you come to see me?" Owen's voice was still weak, "I'm so bored here in the hospital all alone. Could you come keep me company? I want to hear stories..."Haley shook the ladle in her hand, "It's too late today; I'll come see you tomorrow and bring you some cookies I've baked.""You're the best, Haley!" Owen's enthusiasm was palpable.Haley’s lips curled into a smile, "Get some rest now, and don't stay up too late, okay?""How about a goodnight kiss, then?" Owen puckered his lips towards the phone screen, a bandage still wrapped around his head, looking both pitiful and comically adorable.Laughing, Haley pressed a kiss to her phone screen and then ended the call.Carrying the freshly stewed
"The timing is too perfect, isn't it?" Keith said slowly, "Owen got in a car accident, and Haley just happened to be there and then saved him by donating her blood to him. What a coincidence!"His voice was deep and raspy, unlike a four-year-old boy.Ivan's eyes narrowed, "You think Haley staged the accident?""She had a motive," Keith pressed his lips together firmly and continued, "Surely you're aware of the bad blood between Mom and Haley...""It wasn't her," Ivan stated flatly.He had already been briefed on the accident. It was indeed premeditated. Someone had the audacity to target his son. But that someone couldn't possibly be Haley."Dad, are you so certain it isn't this woman when the investigation is still ongoing?" Keith's voice chilled, "What if it turns out to actually be Haley?""She wouldn't hurt Owen," Ivan looked at him with conviction. "She saved your brother; you shouldn't suspect her."Darkness crept into Keith's eyes.His moth
Taking a deep breath, he said, "Don't worry, Mom, I'll have someone look into it. I won't let anyone hurt Owen."After she voluntarily donated blood to save Owen, it's unlikely she'd attempt anything against him again anytime soon..." Emily's voice was husky and choked with emotion. "Now that she's gained your dad's trust, I’m sure she'll make her move... Keith, I’m really scared she’ll hurt you or Owen. I’d rather she came after me...""It won't happen."Keith ended the phone call.He turned to his assistant, Russell, and said coolly, “Check out that car accident near the DeRoss Group building. See what that was all about.”Russell nodded, “Will do, Mr. Winston.”He pulled out his phone and started making calls...Keith instructed his driver, "To the hospital."As the car glided smoothly down the road, they hadn't even reached the hospital when Russell received a call from the traffic police.The majority of the time, Maple Street is congested, w
Keith had been involved in the family business since the age of three.The company under his operation, Transmedia Tech, was a subsidiary that the Winston Group had planned to divest from two years ago.He took over the day before its planned bankruptcy.Now, after a year of shrewd management, Transmedia had become one of the top three most profitable subsidiaries of Winston Group.Keith, having just finished a meeting, felt a nagging unrest.He was usually a calm person, but his current anxiety exposed a vulnerability reflective of a four-year-old child."Young Master, you've pretty much wrapped up all your work for today. Perhaps you should head back and rest?" suggested his young assistant, Russell, with due respect.Keith shook his head.He sensed discomfort.Had something happened to Owen?He was about to reach for his phone to call Alfred when his phone began to vibrate.He glanced at it. The incoming call was from his mother.Ti
It seemed he didn't really mind the idea of marrying this woman...Haley, with her acute senses, caught Ivan's stare and quickly changed the subject.Her eyes shifted to Owen and she spoke with authoritative firmness, “It might not hurt now, but once the anesthesia wears off, you’re going to be in tears from the pain. You’ll understand then just how terrifying a car accident can be! Owen, if you ever want to see me again, just give me a call. I'll come pick you up myself. If you dare sneak out like you did today, I won't come to see you ever again!”Her face stern, she emphasized each word, her tone leaving no room for protest.Tears pooled in Owen's eyes as he looked at Haley with a plaintive expression, “I won’t ever do it again, Haley... I just missed you too much, I couldn't help myself. I just wanted you to hug and kiss me...”His big eyes were brimming with sorrow, making him look like a forlorn puppy.Haley's heart softened, and she bent down to plant
Chapter 181Ivan took a seat on the other side of the bed.He stated calmly, "Alfred, get some sports drinks, please."Alfred promptly went to carry out the request.In the hospital room, aside from the slumbering Owen, only the two of them remained, surrounded by the sterile scent of disinfectant.With a muted voice, Ivan said, "Thank you for this. Whatever you need, just tell me.""I have a soft spot for Owen. I was more than willing to save him, and…" Haley's voice faltered, a slight bitterness on her tongue, "he must have snuck out to find me. That's how he got into an accident..."Her voice trailed off, her gaze lowered, shielding all emotions.Ivan paused before saying, "He's really fond of you."A gentle smile curled on Haley's lips.Looking at Owen resting in the hospital bed, she couldn't help but reach out and gently touch his face. She felt an immediate warmth towards him when she first saw him at the airport. Owen kept coming back
His opened his mouth, about to speak, but his phone began to vibrate in his palm, displaying Alfred's name.The sight of Alfred's name sent a sharp pain through Ivan's heart.Whenever Alfred reached out, it was always a matter of urgency.With Owen in surgery and Alfred calling, could it mean…The typically composed man's fingers trembled, requiring two attempts to tap the answer button."Sir, Owen's going to be alright!" Alfred exclaimed, choked with joy, "The surgery's nearly finished and doctors say he should wake up by tonight if all goes well!"Ivan felt a great relief.He walked briskly towards the hospital, concurrently asking, "How was the blood resolved?"He'd made calls, but a resolution couldn't have come this fast."Sir, you might not know yet, but Miss DeRoss, Owen's aunt Haley — she's got the negative blood type!" Alfred rushed out his words, "When Owen had his accident, Haley was there, she brought him to the hospital, and she volun