"That's not going to happen. Everything you see here is real, and I can vouch for it. Do you not trust me, Haley?"Haley shook her head. "Of course, I trust you. It's just that thinking about being apart from Mom makes me feel empty inside."Shane laughed softly and gently ruffled her hair. "Silly girl, it's not like we're never coming back. We're just going back temporarily to handle some work. No matter when you want to come back, I'll be right there with you."Haley couldn't help but smile at his serious tone, her worries slowly dissipating."Yes, as soon as we finish our work, we'll come right back."If it weren't for JY and the Ford family's roots being in Jasper City, she would have moved to the capital already to be closer to her mom.After they finished packing, Shane lifted Haley onto the bed. "It's late. Get some rest."Haley blinked, her eyes showing no sign of sleepiness. "But what if I can't fall asleep?"Shane's eyes darkened slightly. "If you really can't sleep,
After breakfast, Shane brought down the luggage, getting ready to leave with Haley.Henry and Jenny were also leaving. Jenny, who was there on a business trip, had already concluded her project. With Haley leaving, she saw no reason to stay longer.Zac still had some matters to deal with and planned to return a few days later.Haley clung to Yvonne, not wanting to let go, her eyes red with tears, looking extremely aggrieved.Yvonne, also reluctant to part, gently coaxed her, "Haley, be good. If you can't find the time, I'll come to see you in a while."Haley jerked up from her embrace, "No, no, there's no need. Mom, your health isn't good. Stay in the capital and take care of yourself. I'll go first."After speaking, afraid Yvonne might notice something, she quickly waved her hand and got into the car.Yvonne was puzzled and turned to Charles, who avoided her gaze, looking everywhere but at her."Are you hiding something from me?"This wasn't the first time she had this feelin
As soon as the elevator doors opened, they saw a familiar face, Zoe. Even though Zoe was over 40, she maintained herself well, wearing all designer clothes, including a short, sexy skirt with a low neckline that revealed her fair skin and impressive figure. The man beside her looked to be in his fifties or sixties. Despite wearing a gray suit, he had a bloated physique and a beer belly, with thinning hair. Standing together, they looked more like father and daughter. However, their intimate behavior revealed their true relationship.Haley and Shane exchanged a glance, their eyes lighting up with gossip."Is Joe being cheated on by Zoe again?" Haley asked.Shane nodded, "Looks like it."Haley snorted, a hint of schadenfreude in her voice, "Serves him right. It's karma for what they did to my mother."Remembering the grievances and pain her mother had suffered, Haley felt an intense desire to tear those two apart."Want to embarrass them? That's easy," Shane said, noticing Hale
When Joe opened his eyes again, ready to confront Zoe, he found the hospital room empty.When a nurse came in, he asked if Zoe or Xena had visited recently. The nurse replied that they had not."Mrs. Zoe left the hospital right after you lost consciousness. Since then, she hasn't returned. We tried to contact her to settle your bills, but we couldn't reach her."Joe nearly coughed up blood in anger. What was Zoe up to?Why hadn't she paid his bills? Did she want him dead?He pulled out his phone and called Zoe, but she didn't answer. Frustrated, he called Xena to ask about Zoe's whereabouts, but Xena was evasive and hesitant."Dad, I haven't seen Mom lately. I've got something to do, so I need to go.""Hello? Hello!"Listening to the busy tone, Joe was so angry he almost smashed his phone. The nurse, seeing his fury, tried to calm him down, her eyes filled with sympathy. Joe had been in the hospital for a while, and the staff had heard plenty of gossip about him. They k
Everything before her was just the beginning. Haley was kind-hearted and disliked conflict, but Shane was different. He was notoriously vengeful. If he set his mind to it, no one could escape his grasp without facing consequences.Reading Shane's message, a warm feeling surged in Haley's heart. "Thank you, hubby."She then quickly texted Charles, her fingers typing swiftly on the screen."I heard about Rachel. Thank you, Dad."In the capital, Charles, who was enjoying tea with his wife, couldn't help but smile upon receiving the message.Yvonne looked up at him with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "What made you so happy? It's rare to see you like this."Having been with Charles for so many years, she knew him well. Although he often showed a gentle side around her, she was more aware than anyone that his coldness was ingrained in his nature. Seeing him suddenly smile at his phone was unprecedented.Charles's usually aloof expression softened, a touch of joy spreading across
Three days later, Haley received a call from an unknown number. Thinking it might be a client, she absentmindedly answered, only to hear Joe's voice."Haley, it's your father..."Hearing that familiar voice, Haley's expression instantly turned cold. "Mr. Carter, do I need to remind you? We severed our father-daughter relationship a long time ago. Additionally, the DNA test proved I'm not your biological daughter."Joe felt a stinging pain on his face, a deep regret swelling in his chest."Haley, I was wrong back then. I was out of my mind and did many things that hurt you. But I've seen the error of my ways. Could you please give me another chance?"He genuinely realized his mistake now. Or rather, he regretted the choices he had made. He had always believed that Zoe was loyal and would never betray him. But now he understood that Zoe had been with him only for his money.Haley, though not his biological daughter, was kind and pure. If he treated her well, wouldn't the JY company
The mere thought of it seemed so romantic. If only someone would take her out for a candlelight dinner!Haley couldn't help but laugh. "If you love candlelight dinners so much, you should have Dean take you out. He's saved up quite a bit working with Shane all these years."Layla's cheeks turned bright red. "Miss Haley, don't tease me..."Seeing her blushing face, Haley chuckled. "Alright, I'll let you off this time. Get back to work."Feeling relieved, Layla quickly scurried away.In the evening, Shane arrived on time to pick up Haley, and they headed to an underwater restaurant. The surroundings were made of transparent glass, with deep blue water and marine life swimming around them. The ambiance was serene and elegant, with an unmistakable touch of romance, complete with a violinist playing in the background.Shane held Haley's hand as they followed the waiter to their table. He handed her the menu. "What would you like to eat?"Haley glanced at the menu and casually ordered
Three days later, Zac returned from the capital, bringing Rachel with him. When Haley and Shane arrived at the airport to pick them up, they were surprised to see Rachel."Zac, what's this about?" Haley's eyes fell on Rachel, her tone filled with confusion.Zac glanced at Rachel with a cold expression. "Explain yourself."Rachel, despite her reluctance, remembered her grandfather and uncle's warnings and suppressed her resentment and humiliation. She bowed slightly to Haley. "I'm sorry!"Her clear, loud apology echoed through the bustling airport, laced with a touch of resentment.Haley was taken aback for a moment but quickly realized what had happened. Rachel, always the haughty heiress, would only come all the way to apologize under the orders of her father and grandfather.A warm feeling surged in Haley's heart. "So this is what it feels like to be cherished by family? It's wonderful…" Haley thought to herself.Haley cleared her throat and addressed Rachel, "Miss Fisher, you