Chapter 5

The household staff huddled together, gossiping quietly. And the subject of their gossip was none other than Haley. Early in the morning, the butler informed them that there would be a new lady of the house from now on, and instructed them to take care accordingly.

Everyone was shocked, unable to believe that the usually aloof Shane had actually brought a woman home. Before Haley descended the stairs, everyone speculated about her identity. They all wanted to know what kind of woman could match Shane, this high and mighty figure.

When they finally laid eyes on Haley's face, they were all thoroughly amazed. Haley's features were delicate, her skin as fair as snow, her almond-shaped eyes bright and clear, yet exuding an inexplicable allure. She was even more beautiful than the actresses on TV!

What surprised them the most was that Haley was wearing Shane's shirt. Shane was known throughout the entire villa for his slight obsession with cleanliness. Nobody was allowed to touch his belongings. Being able to wear Shane's shirt indicated a relationship that was definitely out of the ordinary.

"This is the first time Mr. Ford has brought a woman home. It's really unheard of!"

"She's so beautiful, no wonder Mr. Ford made an exception for her."

"Mr. Ford isn't getting any younger. It's time for him to have a wife."

...

Just as everyone was discussing, someone suddenly spoke up: "Wife? Do you even know who this woman is? She's James's fiancée!"

Everyone turned to look at the person who spoke. Her name was Lily Frank and everyone called her Lily. She had been working at the family estate before Shane moved in and took several household staff with him. Lily was one of them.

"What? James's fiancée?"

Lily glanced disdainfully in the direction of the dining room and said, "She’s just a seductive vixen. If James isn't into her, she goes after Mr. Ford!"

She had seen Haley at the family estate before and naturally knew about the engagement between James and Haley. Flirting around without calling off the engagement, what else could she be but a seductress?

She couldn't stand such women, with their pretty faces, seducing others everywhere. Who knew what spell she cast on Mr. Ford to bring her home? If this were to get out, the Ford family's reputation would surely be tarnished, wouldn't it?

Lily's words piqued everyone's curiosity, and they gathered around to ask what she knew.

Just then, a furious roar came from behind, "What are you all gathering here for? Are all the chores done?"

Seeing the butler approaching with a stern face, the household staff couldn't help but cower and quickly dispersed. They had a natural fear of the butler. Although he was always polite and maintained a courteous smile, he still gave off an oppressive aura.

Every interaction with him left them breathless.

As the butler approached, his gaze swept over all the household staff, and he warned, "Let me reiterate, Madam is the lady of the house here. If I hear any gossip from your mouths again, pack your bags and leave. Do you understand?"

"Yes, understood!" The household staff nodded hastily.

Satisfied, the butler withdrew his gaze and looked at Lily. "Repeat what you just said in front of me."

Lily was startled and immediately lowered her head further. "I didn't say anything! Bob, please forgive me. I just spoke without thinking."

The butler sneered, "Come see me later and settle this month's wages."

Lily panicked, "Bob, you can't treat me like this! I was personally chosen by Mrs. Ford Sr.!"

The butler glanced at her indifferently. "I will personally report this to Mrs. Ford Sr. and I believe she will decide who is more important, the daughter-in-law or the household staff."

With that, he left without looking back.

Lily's legs went weak, and she fell to the ground, her face turning pale with fright. It's over, it's all over now!

The other household staff were also stunned. Lily had followed from the family estate and had been working here for several years, yet she was dismissed so easily. Wouldn't their fate be even worse?

After this incident, almost all the household staff remembered one thing: never disrespect Haley.

In the dining room, Haley was completely unaware of this, enjoying her breakfast. The chefs hired by the Ford family were top-notch, and the breakfast they made was delicious. Haley ate contentedly, her mood becoming very pleasant.

Just then, her phone on the side suddenly rang. Haley's brows furrowed slightly as she glanced at the caller ID. It was her father, Joe Carter, calling. Without much thought, she knew it must be her dear younger sister tattling on her again.

As she answered, she was greeted with a burst of anger, "Haley, you've grown some guts, actually daring to stay out all night and making your sister cry. Get back here right now!"

Coldness flashed in Haley's eyes as she retorted without hesitation, "Isn't this what I learned from you? My staying out all night is all thanks to your exemplary teachings."

When her mother was still alive, Joe often used the excuse of being too busy with work to come home.

In the past, she naively believed it, striving to be an obedient and sensible child, afraid of causing trouble for her father. But what was the result?

Less than a month after her mother's death, he shamelessly brought his mistress and illegitimate daughter into the house. It wasn't until then that she realized, the so-called work was just an excuse. In reality, he had long been with another family.

Joe gave all the paternal love she yearned for to another daughter. As for her and her mother, they meant nothing to him.

It was truly remarkable how he managed to navigate between two families for over a decade without being caught. Not acknowledging him as a time management master was really unfair considering all his years of hard work.