Dean nodded, lifted the limp Jack off the ground, and left with his team.Haley leaned on Shane's shoulder, and after holding back her tears for so long, they finally started to fall. "Mr. Ford, I never knew that Mom went through so much pain."She had always seen her mother as busy, often away from home, with a passion for playing the violin. But over time, her mother grew more melancholy, lost in thought. Haley now understood that her mom had been struggling all along, hiding immense pain and hardship behind every smile.Hearing her words, Shane felt a pang of sadness in his heart. He gently patted her back, comforting her, "It's over now. She's in a better place, watching over you.""But it still hurts so much..."Her mother had protected her so well, bearing all the burdens alone without ever letting her know. Haley felt like she had failed as a daughter."She loved you too much to let you worry. Don't cry anymore. Your mom wouldn't want to see you sad," Shane said softly
Haley instantly looked innocent, blinking her eyes. "No, absolutely not."Shane chuckled and turned away. He then unbuttoned his sleeves and rolled them up, revealing his well-defined arms. His fair skin made the veins stand out prominently. Each inch of his arm displayed raw power, impossible to look away from.Haley was mesmerized, her eyes full of admiration. Then Shane turned back to her, beckoning. "Come here and tie the apron for me."Haley snapped out of her daze, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She could not believe she had just been staring at his arms. Damn, why did every little thing he did have to be so attractive?Cursing herself inwardly, she moved to tie the apron around his waist. Shane was tall and well-built, and even through the fabric, she could feel how firm his waist and abs were.Her face flushed bright red as her mind wandered to how Shane looked in bed without a shirt. That waist, those legs, and...Stop! She couldn't keep thinking like th
Shane picked up some garlic butter mushrooms with his utensils and placed it in her bowl. "Don't just eat fried food. Have some mushrooms too."Haley nodded with her mouth full of food. She had been so busy all day that she was starving. Now that the photos were destroyed and no one could slander her mom anymore. She felt a weight lifted off her shoulders, making the food taste even better. Watching her eat heartily, Shane's lips curled up in a smile, and his own appetite improved.After the meal, Haley leaned back in her chair, rubbing her full stomach with a satisfied look on her face. "That was delicious. I wish I could eat like this all the time."Shane, catching her hint, chuckled. He ruffled her hair without hesitation. "What? Have I been starving you before?""Not exactly, but the chef's food doesn't taste as good as yours," Haley said, blinking her innocent eyes and effortlessly delivering sweet words.Even though he knew she was being playful, Shane couldn't help but
Shane chuckled helplessly, "Saying thank you to me?"Haley playfully stuck out her tongue, "Okay, I won’t say it then."As she spoke, she stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around Shane's neck, and kissed him on the corner of his lips. Her bright, almond-shaped eyes stared at him without blinking. Shane's heart softened under her clear gaze. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist, pulling her close, and lowered his head to rest his forehead against hers."Give me another kiss," he whispered. His warm breath brushed against Haley's cheeks.Haley's face turned red. She giggled and turned away, "No!""Just one more?" Shane leaned in closer, a light smile playing in his deep-set eyes.Haley's eyes darted around, then she quickly pecked him on the lips. "Is that enough now... Mmm..."Before she could finish speaking, Shane pressed his lips against hers, deepening the kiss. Caught off guard, Haley's mouth was gently pried open, leaving her no choice but to accept his pas
She waved her hand dismissively. "Alright, I got it. You can leave now."After Layla left, Haley took a deep breath and opened the files, starting to go through them. As she signed papers, she muttered to herself, "Being a CEO is really not easy." She couldn't help but wonder how Shane managed to run such a large company when she already felt overwhelmed managing JY.Despite her complaints, her hands never stopped moving. It was tiring, but the results were worth it. For instance, last quarter's product sales had hit a record high, and customer satisfaction with the JY brand was very high, successfully reopening the consumer market. At this rate, returning JY to its former glory was just a matter of time.Seeing a significant increase in revenue, Haley felt reenergized. It gave her a push to keep going!...At the hospital, the doctor finished examining Joe. The doctor reminded Xena to keep an eye on him and to seek help if anything happened. Xena nodded. After the doctor
At that moment, Evelyn suddenly walked out of the room, frowning, "What's all this noise? Don't you know I'm entertaining guests?"Xena's eyes lit up as she quickly called out, "Mom, it's me, Xena! These helpers won't let me in. Fire them right now!"Evelyn was taken aback. "Xena? Why are you back?"Xena thought Evelyn was showing concern, and her eyes reddened. "Mom, you have no idea what it was like for me in jail. Thank goodness I'm out now. Mom, I missed you so much..."Even though Evelyn was tough and often critical of her, after being locked up for so long, Xena felt a sense of closeness to anyone she knew. She looked at Evelyn with eagerness, hoping for some comfort and sympathy.However, Evelyn coldly laughed and mocked, "Xena, since you're back, find a time to get the divorce done quickly.""What?" Xena stared in disbelief."I said, you should recognize and accept the situation. Go and finalize the divorce with James as soon as possible," Evelyn replied, giving Xena a d
Evelyn's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly nodded in agreement. "Don't worry, Ria, I promise to resolve this matter as soon as possible. You won't suffer any grievances!"Xena became furious at Evelyn's attitude. "You want to replace me as the Ford family's daughter-in-law? Dream on!"Ria frowned and took a step back in disdain. "With you acting like a shrew, replacing you will be a piece of cake."She had heard that James had given up an engagement for Xena and had even been kicked out by Shane because of her. Before meeting Xena, Ria had thought she was a cunning woman. Now, she realized Xena was nothing special.Ria’s words made Xena so angry that she nearly spat blood. She rushed forward and aimed a slap at Ria. Her hand cut through the air, landing on Ria's face with a loud "smack." A red handprint quickly appeared on Ria's fair cheek.Ria clutched her face and screamed, her eyes flashing with malice. But in the next second, she seemed to realize something and quick
"James, you're a jerk! I've sacrificed so much for you, and this is how you repay me?" Xena screamed, her voice loud and shrill. She was completely lacking the poise and grace expected of a lady of her standing. Instead, she came across as a common shrew.James looked at her with disappointment. How had he not seen this side of her before? "Are you done with your tantrum? If so, go back to your room!" he snapped, signaling the helpers, who immediately took hold of Xena and led her inside.Turning to Ria, James's expression softened with apology. "Miss Watson, I'm truly sorry. It's my fault for not managing Xena better."Tears streamed down Ria's face, but she maintained a composed demeanor. "It's okay, I understand. Miss Xena only acts this way because she loves you so much and sees every woman as a threat."James's guilt deepened at her words. "Regardless, this was unacceptable. Let me make it up to you. I'll take you out for dinner as an apology."Ria nodded happily and bid