As they left, the previously quiet crowd erupted into a flurry of gossip. No one could believe what they had just witnessed."Wasn't Haley supposed to be engaged to James? How did she become Mr. Ford's wife?""This is just absurd! They're messing with the hierarchy.""Didn't they say James was involved with Xena? If Mr. Ford really married Haley, would Mrs. Ford Sr. allow Xena to marry into the family?"...Watching the guests chatter, Evelyn was so furious she felt like she might explode. The perfectly good party had been ruined by Shane and Haley!It was absolutely despicable!"No, I have to teach Haley a lesson, let her know what I'm capable of!"Evelyn, in her high heels, was about to storm over to confront Haley when Stella intervened just in time."Evelyn, there are so many distinguished guests at the party. It wouldn't be good for your reputation if things got out of hand. Let's talk after the party."Evelyn had acted impulsively, but Stella's words quickly calmed her
Haley's eyes widened with surprise. "Why would you say that?"Despite Stella's strong fixation on Shane, even directing her anger towards her, why was Henry able to see through it all? Weren't many men considered to lack the ability to perceive such matters?Henry flashed a bright smile, running his hand through his hair, exuding a charming aura. "Haley, that's just prejudice! Not all men are clueless about women."He even winked at Haley after saying that.Haley was speechless.Why was he boasting now?But she knew in her heart that Henry was kindly reminding her. Thus she smiled and nodded, promising herself to be more careful.Henry finally relaxed and led Zac away.Usually, he would not bother with such trivial matters, but since Haley was Shane's wife, he could not just ignore it.More importantly, he could get along well with Haley.If it weren't for Evelyn and James snatching the engagement, perhaps Haley and Shane would have been together long ago.He heard that Sh
But Henry acted as if he had not heard what James said. With his smile deepening, he replied. "Don't be mad, nephew. Your uncle and I are good buddies. I'm calling you by your proper title, right?" James was fed up and shook off his hand. He asked with furrowed brows, "What are you up to?" Henry's smile faded, his gaze growing distant. "James, there's a time and place for everything." James wanted to retort, but Shane heard the commotion and approached. "What are you guys doing?" Hearing Shane's voice tinged with anger, James's shoulders tensed. "Uncle." But Shane did not spare him a glance, walking straight past him to stand before Haley. The man whose eyes were usually sharp and piercing seemed to transform in front of Haley, his deep cold eyes now holding a barely perceptible warmth. "Are you okay, Haley? Feeling wronged?" Haley smiled and shook her head, taking Shane's arm. "Not at all. I'm not one to be taken advantage of." Shane smiled. That was true indeed. Otherwi
Shane pulled Haley to sit on the sofa, handing her desserts and juice. "Next time you meet James, you don't need to save face."Haley had endured a lot of grievances when she did not break off the engagement with James. At that time, he could only discreetly advise James, but it did not really have any effect. But now, Haley was his wife, and he could rightfully protect her. Since the moment Shane brought Haley home, he secretly vowed to protect her with all his might in this lifetime, and never let her suffer any harm again.Meeting Shane's caring gaze, Haley felt a warm surge in her heart. She nodded gently and assured him with a smile, "Don't worry, Mr. Ford, I won't hold back!"Shane grinned with satisfaction, affectionately rubbing her head. Seated together on the sofa, they exchanged smiles, their gazes locked as if they were the only ones in the room, filled with warmth and tenderness. It was a scene as picturesque as a painting.Many guests sighed inwardly when they saw t
That little vixen was just like her despicable mother. They were both nothing but shameless seductresses! Seeing how Shane cared so much for Haley, those buried feelings of resentment and suppression triggered by Yvonne, surged back.She asked bitterly, "Stella, when will your plan start? I can't wait any longer!" Stella bit her lip, replying, "It can't happen today. Next time, maybe." "Why?" Due to her agitation, Evelyn's voice became sharp and piercing, filled with resentment in her tone.Stella glanced angrily at Haley and replied icily, "Haley and James had such a scene just now, embarrassing the Ford family. If we act now, it'll raise suspicion."Stella's aim had always been Haley, but she did not want to incur Shane's wrath. So, it was not the best time now.Hearing this, Evelyn felt disappointed and enraged. "That little bitch Haley really got the better of us! Are we just going to let it go?"They had been planning this for days, even preparing an ambulance. Everything
"Shane, I heard you got married? I missed it before, so this is my wedding gift for you and Haley." Steven handed over another gift box, but his gaze fell on Haley in Shane's arms. Haley was someone he had watched grow up, and he had heard about what James had done. It made him feel even more sorry for Haley. Shane glanced at him lightly, took the gift box, then lifted Haley in his arms. "Thanks, Steven. If there's nothing else, Haley and I will head back." Steven stopped him. "Shane." Shane hesitated for a moment, then turned slowly. "Is there anything else?" Although they were brothers, perhaps due to the significant age gap, they were not close. Moreover, Shane had always been solitary by nature, and even his elder brother Steven could not penetrate his inner world. Meeting his cold gaze, Steven sighed inwardly. "I want to apologize to Haley on behalf of James. I hope you'll treat her better. She's a poor child." "I know." Shane responded, then turned and left with Hal
Her cheeks burned with pain, her eyes filled with disbelief. "Steven, did you just hit me? How dare you?"Steven froze, staring blankly at his palm, a tinge of guilt flashing in his eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice calm. "I've told you many times already, Evelyn. My relationship with Yvonne is not what you think. Why won't you believe me?"Evelyn scoffed. "Not what I think? Then what is it exactly? Don't forget why you married me in the first place!"Steven looked at her with disappointment, shaking his head lightly. "If that's what you believe, then I have nothing more to say. I shouldn't have come back."With that, he did not glance at Evelyn again, turning and walking away. Watching his resolute departure, Evelyn could not hold back any longer, bursting into tears.Despite the successful event and the countless admiring glances she received that night, only she knew how cold her heart felt. Everyone outside claimed that Steven, the playboy, had truly fallen
After the party ended, Shane carried the soundly sleeping Haley home. He had initially planned to wake her up to change out of her gown. Sleeping in it would surely be uncomfortable, not to mention the lingering scent of perfume and alcohol. But Haley was too deeply and could not be woken up no matter how much she was called. Shane, resigned to the situation, called for the helpers to assist Haley with changing clothes and taking a bath. The helpers, upon hearing the instructions, glanced at Shane with surprise in her eyes. However, since he had given the order, they had no choice but to comply. Despite her deep slumber, Haley seemed on high alert, crossing her hands tightly across her chest and clutching the fabric of her dress. She appeared uncomfortable. The two helpers took quite some time, trying to be gentle and quiet. It was over an hour before they finally breathed a sigh of relief. Haley, lost in her dreams, remained oblivious to it all. The next morning, she woke