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
"Well, marrying Haley is my blessing," Shane nodded in agreement, then took a bite.It still had the familiar taste of the sandwiches made by the household chef, but Shane felt that it was even better than any he had eaten before.After finishing up the documents in the afternoon, Dean handed a file to Shane, saying, "Mr. Ford, the manager from Starlight Jewelry is here to discuss collaboration. He's waiting in the reception room."Shane glanced at the document and nodded lightly. "Let's go, we'll meet with them."Dean glanced at Shane, hesitated to speak, but ultimately kept his thoughts to himself. Well, Mr. Ford would see it for himself soon anyway.He quickly followed along, silently praying that Mr. Ford's interest in collaborating with Starlight Jewelry was solely based on its capabilities, and nothing else.In the reception room, the manager and designer from Starlight Jewelry were eagerly awaiting the collaboration.Although Starlight Jewelry had some reputation and had
Stella was a designer at Starlight Jewelry, and she was somewhat known in the industry.This morning, she overheard her colleagues gossiping about Ford Corporation calling to invite Starlight's designers for a discussion. Everyone speculated that Ford Corporation must have chosen Starlight for collaboration.Stella was ecstatic. Last night at the party, she had been trying to get close to Shane, but he was either busy talking to other company executives or being affectionate with Haley. She never found the right opportunity to approach him. Today was her best chance!So, she approached Manager Zimmerman herself, telling him that she and Shane had grown up together as childhood friends. Manager Zimmerman was thrilled and immediately decided to take her along.But Stella never expected Shane to completely ignore her, not even acknowledging her presence! When Shane and Manager Zimmerman finished their discussion, Stella finally found a chance to speak up."Shane, it's almost noon. Ho