Hearing the helplessness in Haley's voice, Shane felt a pang in his heart. He quickly reached out and held her hand."Haley, don't think too much about it. It's Joe's loss if he doesn't recognize you as his daughter. You are the best girl in the world."Feeling the warmth of his hand, Haley's anxiety gradually subsided. She pressed her lips together and nodded. "I understand, thank you, Mr. Ford."Shane chuckled. "Thanking me again?"After a pause, a mischievous smile curved his lips. "A hundred thank-yous don't compare to one 'hubby'."Haley's face flushed, and despite her embarrassment, she softly whispered, "Thank you... hubby."After a moment, Haley spoke up again. "Joe said that if I agreed to get Xena out of prison, he'd tell me a secret."Shane slowly pulled the car over and asked quietly, "Did you agree?"Haley shook her head. "No, but Joe seemed really angry and said a lot of things."Shane listened silently, not interrupting her. Although he did not know what Joe had
"Got it, don't worry about a thing," the subordinate replied confidently.He had worked with Joe for many years and had only left due to personal issues. During that time, he had become well-versed in handling all sorts of shady dealings.After the call, Joe's face twisted into a sinister smile. If Haley was not willing to settle things amicably, she could not blame him for being ruthless....After leaving the police station, Haley cried in Shane's arms for a long time. Eventually, she cried herself to sleep, still sobbing occasionally in her dreams. Shane gently kissed her tear-streaked face before starting the car and driving them home.He carefully carried her from the car to their bed, then quietly left the room and headed to his study. Thinking about Joe, his brows furrowed as he dialed Dean. "Look into Yvonne's background, as detailed as possible."Dean was stunned that Shane wanted to investigate his mother-in-law and could not help but ask, "Sir, did you get madam's
After hanging up, Haley focused on her paperwork. Soon, there was a knock on the door. Her assistant, Layla, walked in. "Miss Haley, Miss Jenkins from Morning Dew Design Co. has requested a meeting with you. What do you think?"Haley raised an eyebrow. "When?""Tonight, at the rooftop restaurant of the Sapphire Hotel. Do you want to go?"Haley noticed the slight puff of Layla's cheeks and could not help but smile. "From your tone, it sounds like you have some opinions about Morning Dew Design Co.?"Layla looked flustered. "Is it that obvious?" She touched her cheeks, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Back when our company was in trouble, Morning Dew quickly cut ties with us. Now that we're officially collaborating with the Ford Corporation, they want to cozy up to us. Their intentions are pretty clear."Haley nodded approvingly. "Well observed. In just a few days, you've already figured out their ulterior motives."Flustered by the praise, Layla's cheeks turned red. "Oh, Miss Haley
Luna’s face showed a hint of guilt as she apologized, "Miss Haley, I felt terrible for not helping JY when the incident happened and for pausing our cooperation."Haley smiled gently. "Miss Jenkins, it's all in the past. Let's not dwell on it. I understand your actions. If I were in your shoes, I might have done the same."Seeing Haley’s genuine understanding, Luna visibly relaxed and felt a growing sense of appreciation for her.After dinner, Haley said goodbye to Luna and called Shane. Within five minutes, Shane's car appeared at the hotel entrance. As soon as he got out of the car, Haley ran over and jumped into his arms."Mr. Ford! I missed you so much!""Mm, I missed you too," Shane replied, his lips curving into a slight smile as he held her close. "How did it go with Luna?"Haley replied honestly, "Miss Jenkins wanted to apologize, and I forgave her. Plus, I secured a big order for JY. Am I smart or what?"She looked up at Shane with sparkling eyes, a mischievous glint in
Haley was drenched in cold sweat, her clothes soaked through, and her face streaked with tears. She stared blankly at the ceiling and her eyes were filled with lingering fear. It took a long time for her breathing to steady.Haley came back to her senses and turned her head to meet Shane's worried gaze. He gently smoothed her disheveled hair and asked nervously, "Had a nightmare? Are you okay?"Remembering the scenes from her dream, tears welled up again. She threw herself into Shane's arms, sobbing softly. She clung tightly to his waist, whimpering like a child. Shane did not know what she had dreamt about but gently patted her back, repeatedly assuring her that he was there.After a while, Haley's emotions gradually calmed down. She lifted her head from Shane's embrace, her eyes and nose red from crying, looking incredibly pitiful. She sniffled and said in a choked voice, "I dreamt that Joe was choking me, trying to kill me."Shane gently caressed her face, his heart achi
Shane was already awake, leaning on his arm and staring at her with a smile. "Good morning, wifey.""Good morning..." Haley replied, realizing her voice was hoarse. Remembering what had happened last night, her eyes dimmed a bit before she snuggled into Shane's arms. "Thank you for last night.""You're still thanking me?" Shane chuckled, ruffling her hair until it was a mess. Haley pouted in annoyance and swatted his hand away from her head."Hungry? I had the kitchen make you some oat porridge. Want to get up and have some?""Okay." Haley blinked and slowly climbed out of bed. After the commotion of the previous night, several buttons of her nightgown had come undone. Her nightgown slid off her shoulder, revealing her delicate collarbone and smooth, round shoulder. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her skin and making it look even more fair and radiant.Shane's gaze lingered on her beautiful shoulder for a moment, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "Babe,
Hearing Yvonne's name, Shane's expression hardened, his voice growing even colder. "Speak.""Shane, you need to prepare yourself for this," Henry cautioned repeatedly, worried that his friend might explode in anger.Shane remained expressionless. "If you won't talk, I'll hang up."Henry pursed his lips, realizing his concern was unnecessary. Shane's resilience was impressive, and he did not need Henry worrying about him. Clearing his throat, Henry revealed his findings."I discovered that over twenty years ago, Yvonne indeed had close relationships with several men. These men privately called her a homewrecker, claiming she ruined their families. One of these men is someone you know well."Shane's brows furrowed, his gaze icy. He asked, "Is it my brother?""Yes. How did you guess that? I found out that back then, there were rumors about your brother and Yvonne being very close. They often appeared together at various events. No wonder Joe felt he was being cheated on."Henry cou
Steven sighed, rubbing his temples. "Actually, I should be the one apologizing to you. If it weren't for Evelyn and Stella, you wouldn't be in such a difficult position."Shane took a sip of his wine without saying a word.Steven continued, "I've already heard about Stella colluding with the design competition judges. I've sent her back to her hometown. She won't have another chance to target Haley."A flicker of surprise crossed Shane's eyes. He had not expected Steven, usually so submissive, to actually send Stella away. For years, Steven had been known for being under Evelyn's thumb. He thought Steven would just let the matter go.Seeing the shock in Shane's eyes, Steven gave a bitter smile. "Do you think your brother is a failure? I've been controlled by a woman all these years."Shane's gaze shifted slightly as he cautiously asked, "Why have you tolerated Evelyn's behavior all this time? You weren't always like this in the past."Steven had once been a handsome, spirited man