"I know she's been good to you, but James is still her own grandson. Plus, if this matter gets out, it won't reflect well on the Ford family's reputation," said Jenny, her expression grave.Her upbringing wasn't as privileged as Haley's, and influenced by her family since childhood, she never believed genuine feelings existed in the face of self-interest.It's true that Mrs. Ford Sr. favored Haley, and it's true she doted on her, but in comparison to the entire Ford family, where did Haley really stand?Haley pondered for a moment, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It's okay. Let's take it one step at a time."In truth, she wasn't entirely confident either, but she absolutely wouldn't continue with this marriage engagement. She could accept that James didn't love her, and she could accept a marriage of mutual respect in the future, but she couldn't tolerate betrayal and deceit. So, she would definitely call off the engagement, no matter the cost.How could Jenny not see the conf
James pondered for a moment, looking at Xena with a puzzled expression. Xena only told him that a few days ago, Haley had angered her father and ran away from home. Now Joe was still in the hospital, reportedly suffering from a sudden heart attack. So, he instinctively assumed it was Haley's fault and didn't bother to inquire further. But now, being questioned back by Haley like this, he suddenly felt a hint of doubt arise in his mind. Meeting James's inquiring gaze, Xena's eyes flickered slightly, hastily explaining, "James, I just didn't want to tarnish Haley's image in your heart. After all, making Dad so angry isn't something to be proud of." Hearing this, James nodded in approval, "You did the right thing, Xena. You're the only one in this world who is so gentle, kind and always considerate of others." Upon hearing James's praise, Xena's cheeks blushed faintly, giving him a shy glare, "James, you're praising me in front of so many people, I'm embarrassed." Without a word
As more and more people gathered around to watch, Xena gritted her teeth inwardly, wishing she could hide her face to avoid being recognized. Coming here for dinner today was truly a mistake. She shouldn't have provoked Haley, that despicable person! It was all her fault. Why did she have to bring up these things? She could clearly sense the strange glances from the onlookers growing increasingly odd. They seemed tinged with disdain and mockery, as if they were regarding her as an unwanted third wheel intruding in someone else's relationship.But what was her fault? In matters of love, the one who wasn't loved was the true third wheel! James loved her, so she was the one who should have married him. Haley was just taking advantage of the favoritism of Mrs. Ford Sr. to seize control of this marriage. James had never found himself surrounded by so many people before, and a tinge of embarrassment flashed across his handsome face. He angrily shouted, "Haley, have you caused enou
Haley didn't notice that after they left, two people came out from the railing upstairs.One of them was impeccably dressed in a suit, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, and meticulously groomed from head to toe.The second person was dressed in a casual white outfit, the zipper halfway down the front, exposing finely sculpted collarbones, exuding a laid-back vibe.Henry, dressed in a white casual outfit, leaned his arm on Zac Fisher's shoulder, with a smile on his lips: "I was worried before that our little Haley would be bullied, but now it seems that Shane didn't misjudge her."However, their little Haley seemed quite alert.They were originally just sneaking a peek from the shadows, but they almost got caught unexpectedly.However, Haley probably wouldn't remember who they were by now.After all, over the years, Shane had ordered that none of them were allowed to appear in front of Haley.They dared not disobey Shane's orders.After all, when he got ruthless, he wouldn
He was seething with anger, wishing he could smash the phone. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and continued typing on his phone.【You've worn the title of future Mrs. Ford for years, and now you're asking me for money? Dream on! I'm warning you, I'll go to my grandmother tomorrow and call off this engagement. Even if I do end up marrying you, I won't give you a second glance.】Haley continued to reply: 【Calling off the engagement works for me, but you owe me money. Ten million, not a penny less. Otherwise, your beloved woman can only ever be a mistress for the rest of her life.】James could hardly believe that these words were coming from the usually gentle Haley. In the past, whenever he showed a slightly firm attitude, Haley would always accommodate him. He subconsciously thought that this time Haley would also compromise.After all, she was now struggling in the Carter family, and without the support of the Ford family, she would probably have been kicked ou
The butler was highly efficient, and he hired only professional private investigators. So, it took only a day for Haley to receive some of James's "evidence of wrongdoing." After reviewing this information, she realized that James had been involved with Xena as early as five years ago.Back then, Xena had still been in high school, right? Haley clicked her tongue lightly, a hint of sarcasm tugging at the corners of her lips. No wonder James said she was dull and conservative; turned out, he had more “important matters” to attend to, huh? However, Xena did have some skill, to make James so devoted to her. From five years ago until just a few days ago, they maintained a frequency of booking a hotel room 3 to 4 times a month. The most excessive was in the first year, when Xena was 17 years old; the frequency was particularly high, with almost 3 to 5 times per week. The highest record was even seven times a week.Haley propped up her chin, carefully pondering for a moment, as memor
Once you're in there, no one cared how noble your status was, only how hard your fists were."Well...," Haley tapped her fingertips lightly on the table, lost in thought.Seeing her lowered gaze and unreadable expression, the butler couldn't help but ask, "Madam, did someone steal your belongings?"Haley chuckled coldly and pointed to the Rose Manor, saying, "This estate is an inheritance from my mother, yet now it's been gifted to Xena by James. Tell me, does that not qualify as theft?"She had lent that Rose Manor to James, never expecting he would turn around and gift it to Xena.Five years ago, their relationship hadn't yet soured. James claimed he liked her Rose Manor and wanted to take some friends there for a few days.At the time, she hadn't thought much of it and had handed him the keys directly. She was still deeply immersed in the grief of losing her mother, quickly forgetting the incident.If she hadn't seen it today and felt oddly familiar, she probably wouldn't hav
The butler looked at Shane's cold and stern face, hesitating for a moment. He lowered his voice and asked, "Mr. Ford, do you mean to…""Reorganize a more detailed set of documents and send them to my email. Have them ready by tomorrow afternoon.""Yes, I'll do it right away."The butler nodded in agreement and left the living room. It seemed that this time Mr. Ford was truly angered. However, James had brought it upon himself. He had persistently pursued this marriage in the first place, and now, he was denying it and committing such foolish acts. He had truly disgraced the Ford family.After the butler left, only Haley and Shane remained in the living room. Haley stood up, walked in front of Shane, and looked up at him. "Mr. Ford, will you really stand up for me?"Meeting her clear and sincere eyes, all the sternness in Shane's gaze dissipated, and his expression softened. He lowered his head, looking at the girl who stood only up to his shoulder, her face filled with surprise.