Chapter 80

As Xena saw Joe about to dial, her eyelid twitched, and she intervened swiftly. "Hold on. There's no need for that. The Ford family has stepped in. Making a call won't change anything."

If Joe proceeded with the call and got the truth from the principal, Xena feared it would only stir up trouble.

She couldn't afford to let that happen.

"The Ford family?" Joe's hand paused as he dialed the phone, feeling somewhat surprised.

Xena nodded knowingly. "Haley sought Shane Ford's help. Otherwise, how else would Riley end up facing disciplinary action?"

Joe put down the phone, dismissing the idea of calling.

At the same time, he felt a twinge of doubt.

When had Haley connected with Shane? And why had she kept it from him?

Zoe also felt uneasy and nudged Xena gently. "Xena, you should apologize to Haley tomorrow. Offending the Ford family wouldn't be wise."

With Shane's influence in Jasper City, handling the Carter family would be a walk in the park.

Joe, feeling displeased, questioned