Chapter 2

As she realized the ambiguous position they were in, Haley's cheeks flushed red, and she quickly pulled away from the man's embrace. Feeling embarrassed, she murmured softly, "No, my legs are numb."

"Hmm," Shane responded with a pleasant chuckle, though it wasn't clear if he believed her or not.

His gentle and deep voice seemed to have a calming effect, causing Haley's heart to flutter slightly, feeling both tingly and itchy.

She rubbed her ears curiously and asked, "Mr. Ford, what are you doing here?"

Shane replied nonchalantly, "I just happened to pass by."

And he happened to see a poor little creature standing in the rain by the roadside, helpless and pitiful like an abandoned cat.

Haley nodded knowingly but didn't know what to say.

She had just experienced betrayal and felt physically and emotionally drained, only wanting to find a quiet place to rest.

Shane glanced at her and asked, "Do you want revenge?"

"What?" Haley stared at him in confusion, not understanding his meaning.

Shane seemed to understand her confusion and asked patiently, "James betrayed you. Are you planning to let him off the hook?"

Haley's expression changed abruptly, becoming wary. "How do you know about this?"

If Shane knew, did that mean other members of the Ford family knew too? If that were the case, then all the tough talk she had given in front of James and Xena would turn into a joke.

Shane replied, "You came out of the hotel looking like this, isn't that already saying everything?"

Haley was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized.

Realizing she had misunderstood him, she apologized, "Thank you, Mr. Ford, but I'll handle it myself."

No gain without pain.

Besides, Shane was also a member of the Ford family. How could he genuinely help her?

Regardless, she didn't want to have any further involvement with James and his family.

Shane chuckled lightly and answered calmly, "I'll help you, but it's conditional. You might want to hear the terms first."

"What terms?" Haley asked.

"I'm in need of a wife," he stated succinctly.

Haley almost thought she was hearing things. It took her a while to find her voice again. "Mr. Ford, are you kidding me?"

Was Shane really looking for a wife? If he wanted to, there would be a line of women eager to say yes. Could he be playing a prank on her?

Shane responded, "Do I seem like I'm joking?"

Haley shook her head. She had heard many rumors about Shane before. He was known for being decisive, keeping his distance from strangers, and avoiding romantic entanglements. Given his status and position, there was no need for him to waste time joking with her here.

"Why then?" Haley asked.

"The old lady at home is pressuring me to get married. I need someone to serve as a shield for me. If you agree, I can help you dissolve your engagement with James."

Haley froze, looking at him in disbelief.

Shane was holding the umbrella, shielding her from the rain that fell upon her. The dim light from the roadside lamp illuminated half of his face, while the other half remained hidden in the darkness, adding a mysterious air to him. This exceptional man was simply incomparable to James, that scoundrel!

Yet, her rationality remained. She questioned in puzzlement, "Why me?"

With Shane's power and his devastatingly handsome face, attracting any woman should have been a piece of cake for him. So why choose her? She never believed that good fortune would fall into her lap. Even if it did, it would never hit her.

Shane explained, "Because I need someone who knows the ins and outs and can also achieve mutual interests with me. You fit my criteria."

"But..."

Just as Haley hesitated, Shane suddenly leaned down. His deep and enticing voice sounded in her ear.

"Don't you want James to call you 'aunt'? Moreover, if you marry me, Xena will never set foot into the Ford family."

Haley's eyes lit up instantly, unable to contain her excitement. If she married Shane, James would have to address her as his aunt. Just thinking about it felt satisfying!

She stole a glance at Shane, a hint of pity flashing in her eyes. Rumor had it that Shane was already thirty years old and didn't even have a woman by his side.

Either he liked men, or he had some hidden illness. Now it seemed that those rumors were probably true. No wonder he wanted to enter into a marriage agreement with her.

After pondering for a moment, Haley asked in distress, "Mr. Ford, won't Mrs. Ford Sr. object to this?"

After all, until the engagement with James was officially dissolved, Haley was still his fiancée. If she turned around and married Shane, who knows what kind of rumors might spread outside?

Despite Haley's concerns, Shane remained calm and didn't even furrow his brows. "Don't worry, I'll handle it."

With his assurance, Haley completely dispelled any lingering doubts and decisively agreed, "Okay, I agree!"

"Then let's go."

Shane's lips curled slightly as he lowered his gaze, concealing the subtle emotions within his eyes, before opening the backseat car door.

He leaned his hand against the car roof, considerately protecting Haley's head. His actions were gentlemanly and caring, as if he were treating an intimate lover.

Haley was startled by her own thoughts, her cheeks flushing slightly as she hurriedly got into the car. Although the heater was on inside the car, she couldn't help but shiver. She hugged her arms and leaned back in the seat, wishing she could curl up into a ball.

Suddenly, a hand with distinct knuckles passed her a towel. Shane's voice remained steady, without any fluctuation. "Wipe yourself dry. Don't catch a cold."

Haley thanked him quickly and took the towel, wiping her damp hair. The car fell into an eerie silence, with only the sound of her drying her hair breaking the quiet. The atmosphere was strangely unsettling.

Feeling uneasy all over, Haley cleared her throat and pretended to be calm as she asked, "Are we going to the county clerk's office now?"

Shane glanced at her, his expression profound. "We can, but are you sure you want to go like this?"

Following his gaze, Haley lowered her eyes, only then realizing that she was completely soaked and looked disheveled. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, wishing she could find a hole to hide in.

She had almost forgotten that because of the rain, she was drenched all over. Her white shirt was clinging tightly to her skin, and even the color of her bra was clearly visible.

This appearance was indeed not suitable for getting married.

And did she sound too eager just now, as if she were in a rush to marry him?

Would he misunderstand?

Haley cautiously glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, seeing his calm expression, finally breathed a silent sigh of relief. Shane’s assistant, Dean, who was driving, couldn't help but sigh as he looked at the rearview mirror.

His boss was too unusual, completely overturning his previous understanding. In fact, they had been waiting outside the hotel the whole afternoon.

Originally, he had come with Shane for a business meeting, but before they even got out of the car, they saw James and Haley's step-sister, Xena, entering the hotel together.

Shane immediately instructed him to anonymously message Haley to catch them in the act at the hotel. At first, he didn't quite understand why his boss wanted to scheme against his own nephew.

But now, he finally understood. How could a nephew be more important than a wife!

No wonder his boss always looked at Haley with a peculiar gaze before. Now, thinking back, everything made sense!

His boss had long harbored feelings for Haley.

No, it's more like deep affection for her!