As expected, the final showdown for the championship was between Haley and William. The host could not help but remark, "This year, the designers from Birkham have been exceptionally strong, claiming both the champion and runner-up positions."Now, let's reveal the winner of this year's competition—"William lifted his chin, a confident smile spreading across his face. He even took a moment to smooth out the wrinkles in his suit, certain that victory was his.But in the next second, the host announced that the true champion was Haley.William's expression darkened immediately. However, with so many eyes on him, he maintained a veneer of gentlemanly composure and refrained from reacting outwardly.Haley held the trophy and raised an eyebrow at him, her expression brimming with unspoken challenge.William's face turned ashen, and after the award ceremony, he shot Haley a long, hard look before leaving."You just wait. One day, I'll beat you," he muttered.Haley kissed the trophy
Haley winced and rubbed her forehead. She then looked up at them with sharp eyes. "Who sent you?"The man did not answer but instead signaled his subordinates to surround the car completely. "You’ll find out when you get there. Don’t worry, we’re not going to hurt you. Our boss just wants to invite you over for a chat. No harm intended."A cold smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. If they really meant no harm, would they be using such methods to "invite" her?From the driver’s seat, Dean kept a close eye on the men outside, his hand discreetly moving towards his waist. "Ma’am, hold on tight. I’ll get us out of here."Haley frowned and shook her head. "No, there are too many of them. Don’t act rashly. Let’s find out what they want first."This trip to Salterra was personal, with only a few people aware of it. Haley’s mind immediately flashed to William’s face, and she cursed him silently.The man in black stood calmly outside the car, his eyes fixed on Haley, confident that s
William winced, sharply inhaling as his eyes widened in disbelief. "You actually dared to hit me?"Haley shook her hand as if brushing off dirt, feigning disdain. "I hit you, so what? Did you want me to schedule an appointment first to hit you?"She had figured out that with someone like William, polite conversation was useless. Though it was a bit violent, she had to admit that slapping him felt incredibly satisfying.William sneered and signaled to his guards. "Since you don’t know what’s good for you, I won’t bother with pleasantries. Take her away."The guards swarmed them, separating Haley and Dean. Dean fought back fiercely, kicking several guards to the ground, leaving them writhing in pain. But Haley was quickly restrained and dragged upstairs.Dean tried to follow, but the guards overwhelmed him. Despite his strength, the relentless attack wore him down. In a moment of distraction, someone from behind seized Dean, twisting his arm and pinning him to the floor. William
Just as William was about to speak, Shane suddenly kicked him, sending him sprawling to the ground with a heavy thud. William clutched his chest, coughing violently, his eyes narrowing in fury. "Shane, do you even care about saving Haley anymore?"Shane sneered, stepping forward to press William down with his foot, his dark eyes filled with disdain. "Of course I care, but that doesn't mean I won't beat you to a pulp."With that, Shane bent down, grabbed William by the collar, and landed another punch. Blood surged up from William's chest, and he spat out a mouthful of it.Seeing that Shane had no intention of stopping, Haley hurried down the stairs and softly called out, "Shane, that's enough. If you keep going, he'll be in serious trouble."Shane scoffed, completely indifferent to William's well-being. "This scum is just wasting air by staying alive. Might as well put him out of his misery."William's eyelids fluttered as memories of a twisted, angry face and harsh words floode
Shane chuckled softly and scooped Haley up into his arms, striding toward the car. Caught off guard by the sudden lift, Haley let out a small gasp, her arms instinctively wrapping around Shane’s neck. She shot him a playful glare. "Put me down! I can walk just fine."Instead of letting go, Shane only held her tighter. "Don’t move. If I drop you, don’t blame me."Haley gave up her struggle and nestled her face against his shoulder.Once inside the car, Haley’s eyes softened with concern as she noticed the bruises on Shane’s face. "What happened? Did you two fight again?"Shane reached up to touch his face, the injuries not severe but noticeable. He raised an eyebrow at her and grinned. "Yeah, but I won," he said with a hint of pride.Haley could not help but laugh, shaking her head as she rummaged through the first-aid kit for some ointment and cotton swabs. "You’re too old for this. Fighting like some kid. What were you thinking?"Shane let out a chuckle, his tone carrying a hi
Shane paused mid-step, a teasing glint in his eyes as he looked at Haley. "It's just a bath. What were you thinking?"Haley froze for a moment, then quickly buried her face in Shane's chest, too embarrassed to say another word. "Oh no... How embarrassing!" Haley thought to herself. Shane’s smile widened as he gently reassured her, "Don’t be shy. If Mrs. Ford is interested, I’m more than happy to oblige."Haley quickly covered Shane's mouth, her wide eyes glaring at him. "Stop it! No more!""Alright, alright, I’ll stop," Shane chuckled, "Let’s just get you a nice hot bath so you can relax. Tomorrow, I’m taking you somewhere special."Haley blinked, her curiosity piqued. "Where are we going?"Shane’s expression turned playful, a mysterious smile tugging at his lips. "You’ll find out tomorrow."His secrecy only made Haley more curious. But no matter how much she pressed, Shane remained tight-lipped, leaving her to quietly anticipate what was to come.Later, after their bath, as
Because of what had just happened, Haley's lips were still slightly swollen when they left, making it unnecessary to apply lipstick. Once they were in the car, she touched her tingling lips and shot Shane a glare."Look at what you’ve done! How am I supposed to face people now?"Shane sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck and tried to soothe her. "Don't worry, it’s not noticeable. Besides, you look beautiful even without anything on."Haley huffed, then asked, "So, where are we going now?"Shane kept it a secret, smiling slyly. "You’ll see when we get there."After about ten minutes, the car pulled up in front of a boutique design studio. Shane opened the door and smiled. "We’re here. Let’s go in."Haley hesitated, glancing at the sign. "A design studio? Why are we here?""There's a surprise waiting for you," Shane said, taking her hand and leading her inside.The shop was quiet, filled with brand-new evening gowns, all uniquely designed and eye-catching. What caught Haley’s a
Throughout the day, Haley did not have to think about anything as Shane led her from one place to another. They visited the world’s largest amusement park and even went to a famous love bridge, where they attached a love lock. As she gazed at the lock they had just secured, Haley could not help but remark, "I never thought I’d be able to visit so many places in just one day."Shane hugged her from behind and whispered in her ear, "Did you enjoy it?""I loved it," Haley replied, her eyes sparkling with bright, dazzling light."As long as you’re happy, all the effort I put in was worth it," Shane said, planting a gentle kiss on her lips. Though brief, the kiss was filled with tenderness and affection.That evening, Shane arranged a grand candlelit dinner at the most famous underwater restaurant in Salterra. The environment was pristine and the décor was understated yet luxurious. A pianist played softly nearby, creating the perfect ambiance.On their walk back, hand in hand unde