James was left speechless, her words catching him off guard."Let's tackle one issue at a time. I understand I've wronged you, but the recording doesn't just tarnish my reputation—it affects the Ford family's as well. Could you consider deleting it?"Knowing Haley didn't respond well to force, he softened his approach.Haley smirked, seeing through his intentions. "Do you think bringing up the Ford family will make me compromise?""Then tell me, what would it take for you to delete the recording?""I've said it before, compensate me for the mental distress and lost years of my youth—10 million, not a cent less."James gasped. "Are you serious? 10 million? Why not just rob a bank?"While he was taken aback, Haley remained surprisingly calm.She spoke slowly, "We've been engaged for 12 years now. In those 12 years, I've never betrayed our engagement. But what have you done?"Sensing she was about to continue, James hastily cut her off. "Enough, I'll compensate you, isn't that en
Haley slowly shook her head, choosing to remain silent. James... was beyond help. She couldn't be bothered to argue with him anymore. It was only out of past sentiment that she reminded him in the end, "James, I hope you won't regret your current choices in the future."Furrowing his brows, James glanced blankly at Huxley beside him. What did that mean? Why couldn't he understand it at all? Huxley shrugged, indicating that he didn't understand it either. James had no choice but to decide to personally visit Jasper City University tomorrow. Ever since getting caught red-handed in that scandal, he couldn't look Haley in the eye. Once he clarified the truth, he was determined to redeem himself in her eyes!"There's one more thing. Have you been getting close to Shane recently?"Haley was about to hang up the call but she hesitated for a moment. A faintly mocking smile forming at the corner of her lips. "That's my personal business. Why does it concern you?"James felt a lump in his
Haley's smile widened, gratitude shining in her eyes as she looked at Shane. "Mr. Ford, thank you for standing up for me. Since my mother passed away, no one has been this kind to me."Shane's gaze shifted slightly as he settled down beside the bed, his eyes deep and intense. After a brief silence, he spoke slowly, "So, is there any payback?""Hmm?" Haley blinked in confusion, not grasping his meaning.Suddenly, Shane leaned in closer, his handsome face nearing hers. Haley's breath hitched as she felt a soft touch on her forehead, snapping her out of her daze. Realizing what Shane had done, Haley's cheeks flushed red, her eyes darting away, uncertain where to focus.Instinctively, she reached to touch the spot where she'd been kissed, but withdrew her hand quickly, feeling awkward."Mr. Ford..." She looked at Shane, bewildered, her heart pounding erratically.Shane's lips curled slightly as he lowered his voice. "Haley, I've never been one to do good deeds without expecting somet
He gave James a hesitant glance. "James, should we still go find Haley?""What's there to find? Let's go back and sleep!" James shot him a fierce glare, then pushed open the door and got out of the car.Huxley rubbed his nose, regretting his question. James was clearly in a foul mood, so staying silent seemed like the best option.But despite his intention to keep quiet, James, being as unpredictable as he was, wouldn't allow it.Back at home, James grabbed a bottle of rare vintage wine from his collection and popped it open.Seeing the pricey bottle, Huxley's eyes widened in disbelief."James, that's part of my dad's collection. You can drink any other wine, but not that one..." Before he could finish, James had already uncorked the bottle.Huxley was at a loss for words.James held the bottle stopper in one hand and the wine bottle in the other, locking eyes with Huxley for half a minute.Huxley felt like he was about to cry, but with the bottle already open, he could only w
Dean couldn't help but shrug his shoulders and took two steps back.Having been by Mr. Ford's side for so many years, he knew better than anyone else that Mr. Ford was on the verge of getting angry.At this moment, it was often best to stay as far away as possible.Unfortunately, James had no idea and continued speaking: "Once the debt is paid off, Haley and I will be even. Uncle, I like Xena, I want to marry her.""Fine," Shane said.James had originally expected strong opposition from his uncle to his proposal, but he didn't expect him to agree so readily.He tightened his grip on the phone, almost too excited to speak."Uncle, I knew you were the best to me!"Shane's affirmation was almost like a pleasant surprise to him.But he was too happy too soon.Shane continued, "I haven't finished. If you want to marry Xena, fine, but you'll be cut off from the Ford family."The smile on James's lips froze instantly, the joy in his eyes instantly dissipated, replaced by disbelief.
James closed the door behind him, hesitating as he approached the bedside, uncertain of how to start.He had acted impulsively earlier, and now he worried about upsetting his grandmother, especially given her fragile health.Just as he debated whether to broach the subject, Mrs. Ford Sr. spoke up, "I'm already aware that you want to call off the engagement with Haley. Is there anything else?"Observing his hesitant demeanor, Mrs. Ford Sr. wondered what else might be troubling him. After all, she knew her grandson better than anyone.If Haley hadn't visited her a few days ago, she wouldn't have agreed to the engagement. This engagement had been arranged by her and Haley's mother, Yvonne, years ago.Now that Yvonne was gone and Haley's father showed bias, without the backing of the Ford family, Haley would undoubtedly face hardship.But now she understood Haley's intentions and wouldn't force her to stay engaged.James widened his eyes in astonishment. "Grandmother, how did you fi
James hardly registered the latter part of Mrs. Ford Sr.'s statement. All he knew was that his grandmother had finally consented to the termination of the engagement. He raised his head eagerly, grasped Mrs. Ford Sr.'s hand, and exclaimed, "Really? Grandma, I always knew you cared about me the most!"Observing his uncontainable excitement, Mrs. Ford Sr. shook her head slowly. She explained, "A few days ago, Haley came to the house herself and brought up the termination of the engagement. I agreed then, but your phone was unreachable."A flicker of surprise danced in James's eyes. Haley had initiated the termination of the engagement herself? So, she hadn't deceived him. He had misjudged her. He had always assumed that Haley was reluctant to call off the engagement because she couldn't let go.Yet, unbeknownst to him, Haley had already proposed to call off the engagement. Recalling the times when he had lashed out at Haley in anger, James felt a hot flush of embarrassment spread acro
He didn't want his grandmother to get the wrong idea about Xena, so he decided to shoulder the responsibility himself. Mrs. Ford Sr. waved him off, saying, "You don't need to explain these things to me, and frankly, I don't care to hear them. Is there anything else you want to discuss with me? If not, then please leave. I need to rest."Observing Mrs. Ford Sr.'s tired expression, James swallowed his explanations and remained silent. "Grandma, I genuinely care for Xena. I want to marry her. I hope you can approve of us."Mrs. Ford Sr. gave him a brief glance and inquired, "Are you truly unable to live without her?"James nodded firmly, "Yes, she holds a significant place in my life."Mrs. Ford Sr. fell silent, taking her time to respond.James pleaded, "Grandma, I hardly ever ask you for anything. Please consider this request.""Don't bring up this matter again in the future. I won't agree to it," Mrs. Ford Sr. declared firmly.James hesitated, wanting to say more, but upon see