Chapter 38

Haley responded calmly, "Ending the engagement works for me."

Evelyn's heart soared with hope, her eyes gleaming. But in the next moment, Haley continued, "Your son owes me, and we need to resolve that. Besides the benefits you've received, consider the suffering and damage I've endured from him over the years. You owe me compensation for the mental and emotional toll, as well as for the lost years of youth."

Haley remained composed and articulate, even in the presence of Evelyn, her elder.

"What mental and emotional toll? What did my son do? It's clear that you couldn't control your man, you lack capability, and now you want to demand money from us? You must be dreaming!"

Evelyn was on the brink of losing it. It was the first time she had encountered such shamelessness from Haley. It was bad enough that Haley controlled the engagement, but now she was making outrageous demands.

"Not willing to comply? Then I'll have to get Mrs. Ford Sr. involved to discuss it." Haley's response s