Haley originally just wanted Shane to tone it down a bit, but she did not expect him to actually apologize.Feeling a tad guilty all of a sudden, she fluttered her long lashes and murmured, "Hmm, just be more mindful next time."And with that, she wriggled out of Shane's embrace like a slippery fish and headed towards the door.Shane did not catch on at all. At that moment, her lips were subtly upturned, suggesting she was in quite a good mood.Shaking his head in resignation, Shane trailed after her.Dean sat in the car, watching as Haley stepped out of the villa in her evening gown. There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes.This gown had been designed by one of the most renowned international designers, whom he had personally reached out to. So, he had seen the design sketches and the finished product even before Shane did.Back then, he already found the gown beautiful, but now, seeing Haley wearing it, he felt even more confident in his eye for beauty.Haley was simply m
Shane could not resist smiling as he tried to guess what Haley was thinking. Leaning in, he whispered, "You know, as husband and wife, we have this special bond. It's like I can read your mind in a heartbeat."Haley was not buying it. "Then why can't I do the same with you?"Taking Haley's delicate hand, Shane placed it over his heart. His lips curved slightly as he explained, "Maybe it's about feeling it with the heart. So, Haley, to understand my thoughts, you have to reciprocate genuinely with your own."Haley could not help but find Shane's mix of humor and seriousness amusing. Who would have thought that the seemingly reserved CEO had this side to him? If his admirers saw this, they would be stunned, wouldn't they?Seeing Haley finally smile, Shane's deep eyes softened with tenderness. "Now, can you tell me what you were thinking just now?"Haley pursed her lips and admitted, "This gown is too sexy, it's a style I've never tried before, so I'm a bit nervous."Shane was taken
He always understood that Haley would put up a strong front for everyone, but deep down, she was more fragile than anyone realized. He hoped she could embrace the spirited and playful nature she had as a child, rather than burying it beneath a facade of obedience and maturity. It brought him joy to see Haley open up and show her true self around him, a sign of the trust she had in him.**At the Cloud Court Hotel, Evelyn warmly welcomed every guest attending the birthday party, her face lit up with a radiant smile. Evelyn felt immensely satisfied as people extended their birthday wishes to her.Stella stood beside her, her graceful presence earning her much admiration. Some subtly inquired about Stella's marital status.Although Stella was not directly related to the Ford family by blood, everyone in the circle knew she had been raised by them for years. Unfortunately, with no daughters in the Ford family, considering Stella was not a bad choice. Leveraging this opportunity to conn
With her reminder, Joe instantly snapped out of it, suppressing the resentment in his heart."How could that be? This was personally entrusted to me by your family's James. He insisted I must come, saying we're practically family now. Why bother getting hung up on these trivial matters?"He emphasized "practically family" deliberately, ensuring everyone present caught wind of it. Some cast suggestive glances at Xena, teasing, "Looks like James is about to tie the knot with Xena!"Before Evelyn could speak, Joe interjected with a cheerful smile, "It's too early for that!"With that sentence, all the guests present became more convinced that Fu Jingyuan and Xena were indeed going to wed. They congratulated them with smiles."Joe, Evelyn, when the wedding is confirmed in the future, remember to invite us to share in the joy!"Joe graciously accepted each invitation, his satisfaction evident.Evelyn was grinding her teeth, almost itching to give Joe a slap. He must be doing this o
Shane seemed to sense her emotions, tightly holding her hand and gently caressing the back of it with his thumb, silently comforting her.Haley met his gaze, and inexplicably felt much more relaxed, a hint of a charming smile appearing on her lips.Suddenly, someone in the crowd recognized Haley's identity and could not help but exclaim, "Isn't she the one who was abandoned by James? How dare she show her face here!"Upon hearing this, Shane's dark gaze coldly swept towards the speaker, his eyes sharp as blades.The speaker was immediately startled and awkwardly shut her mouth, taking several steps back.Watching the person retreat in fear, Shane could not help but chuckle.In full view of everyone, he reached out and pulled Haley's slender and delicate waist, pulling her into his embrace."Let me introduce you to my wife, Haley. From here on out, show her some respect when you talk. You all should be familiar with how I handle things. If I catch wind of any disrespect towards h
As they left, the previously quiet crowd erupted into a flurry of gossip. No one could believe what they had just witnessed."Wasn't Haley supposed to be engaged to James? How did she become Mr. Ford's wife?""This is just absurd! They're messing with the hierarchy.""Didn't they say James was involved with Xena? If Mr. Ford really married Haley, would Mrs. Ford Sr. allow Xena to marry into the family?"...Watching the guests chatter, Evelyn was so furious she felt like she might explode. The perfectly good party had been ruined by Shane and Haley!It was absolutely despicable!"No, I have to teach Haley a lesson, let her know what I'm capable of!"Evelyn, in her high heels, was about to storm over to confront Haley when Stella intervened just in time."Evelyn, there are so many distinguished guests at the party. It wouldn't be good for your reputation if things got out of hand. Let's talk after the party."Evelyn had acted impulsively, but Stella's words quickly calmed her
Haley's eyes widened with surprise. "Why would you say that?"Despite Stella's strong fixation on Shane, even directing her anger towards her, why was Henry able to see through it all? Weren't many men considered to lack the ability to perceive such matters?Henry flashed a bright smile, running his hand through his hair, exuding a charming aura. "Haley, that's just prejudice! Not all men are clueless about women."He even winked at Haley after saying that.Haley was speechless.Why was he boasting now?But she knew in her heart that Henry was kindly reminding her. Thus she smiled and nodded, promising herself to be more careful.Henry finally relaxed and led Zac away.Usually, he would not bother with such trivial matters, but since Haley was Shane's wife, he could not just ignore it.More importantly, he could get along well with Haley.If it weren't for Evelyn and James snatching the engagement, perhaps Haley and Shane would have been together long ago.He heard that Sh
But Henry acted as if he had not heard what James said. With his smile deepening, he replied. "Don't be mad, nephew. Your uncle and I are good buddies. I'm calling you by your proper title, right?" James was fed up and shook off his hand. He asked with furrowed brows, "What are you up to?" Henry's smile faded, his gaze growing distant. "James, there's a time and place for everything." James wanted to retort, but Shane heard the commotion and approached. "What are you guys doing?" Hearing Shane's voice tinged with anger, James's shoulders tensed. "Uncle." But Shane did not spare him a glance, walking straight past him to stand before Haley. The man whose eyes were usually sharp and piercing seemed to transform in front of Haley, his deep cold eyes now holding a barely perceptible warmth. "Are you okay, Haley? Feeling wronged?" Haley smiled and shook her head, taking Shane's arm. "Not at all. I'm not one to be taken advantage of." Shane smiled. That was true indeed. Otherwi