Chapter 981

Half an hour later, Shaun brought Halsey back to the villa. The maid greeted them politely, "Welcome back. Would you like me to prepare dinner?"Shaun replied, "We already ate out. Just prepare some bone broth."The maid nodded. "Right away."The bone broth was for Halsey. Shaun was very strict about her daily diet—she had to drink nourishing soups every day.Shaun held Halsey's hand as he led her upstairs to their room.Halsey pulled her hand away. "Sit down. I'll re-bandage your wound."Shaun looked at her. "Do you realize your mistake today?"Halsey froze. Was he about to bring this up and give her a serious talking-to now that they were back?"I didn't do anything wrong," she said. "Those two guys were drunk and harassing me. It's not my fault I'm pretty. Don't blame women for men's bad behavior when they can't control themselves!"Shaun couldn't help but laugh. Even now, she was still quick with her words."I know it's their fault. What I'm talking about is you going o

Chapter 982

Halsey deliberately lifted her hand to show him her bare wrist.Shaun blinked in surprise. "What did you say? I bought Elise a diamond bracelet?""Yeah. That bracelet must be pretty expensive. I didn't expect you to be so generous."Shaun was speechless. "I don't know anything about a diamond bracelet. Who told you I bought her one?"Halsey stared at him. What did he mean? Didn't he buy Elise that bracelet? How could that be?"You can be honest with me," Halsey said firmly. "Why would you lie about a bracelet?""I'm being honest. I didn't buy it, so why would I admit it? Listen carefully—I have never bought Elise any bracelet."Halsey was stunned. She studied Shaun's face, trying to find any sign of a lie. His handsome face showed no emotion at all—it was calm and composed. He was telling the truth.What was going on?"Are you staring at me because you don't believe me? Did Elise tell you this? I'll call her right now and ask her in person."With that, Shaun pulled out his ph

Chapter 983

Halsey tried to get Shaun to let go of her.But Shaun didn't loosen his grip. Instead, he pulled her even closer. "I'm not letting go."Halsey raised her hand to push him away. "What are you doing? Elise is watching. Let me go!"Shaun held firm. "I said, I'm not letting go."Elise stood by the door, speechless. Her face was full of questions. What the hell? Had she become just a part of Shaun and Halsey's little game? Was she unnecessary?She figured she should just leave, and said again, "Mr. Lane, you called me here."Shaun slowly lifted his eyelids and looked at Elise. "You're wearing a diamond bracelet, right?"Elise's expression changed immediately. She instinctively moved her wrist, trying to hide the bracelet.But Shaun had already seen it. He sneered, "Did you tell others that I bought you that bracelet?"Elise stammered, "Maybe there's been some misunderstanding. I—""There's no misunderstanding," Halsey cut in. "Didn't you show it off in front of me? That happened

Chapter 984

Elise couldn't believe it. She had only been working as Shaun's secretary for a few days, and now. she was fired.This was the only way she could get close to him; Shaun firing her meant no more chances to see him. If she wanted to meet him again, she would probably have to make an appointment.Elise's face went pale. "Mr. Lane, please give me one more chance! I swear I'll change, I really will…"Shaun had no patience for her. "I only give one chance. You haven't taken your job seriously and have been too focused on me. I don't keep people like you around. Just leave."Before coming to the villa, Elise had imagined a bright future. Now, she was thrown into darkness."But—""Not leaving on your own? Then I'll have someone make you leave! Security!"Two black-suited bodyguards entered quickly. "Yes, Mr. Lane?""Throw her out.""We're on it." The two bodyguards grabbed Elise on each side. "Move it!"Elise burst into tears. Her dream of marrying into wealth was shattered. "No, pl

Chapter 985

From the moment Shaun first saw Elise dancing in the bar, he knew she was trouble, and that she was after him.The only reason he kept her around was because people called her "Halsey 2.0". He wanted to see how Halsey would react when she saw him with a woman who had ulterior motives, a woman who was basically her replacement.He wanted to see if Halsey would get jealous.He wanted to know if she still cared about him.He didn't care what anyone else said—he needed to find out for himself.And now, he had his answer.Ever since Elise had been by his side, Halsey had been distracted, unlike herself.She was jealous.She still cared.Halsey glared at the amusement in his eyes and said, "You've really changed. You weren't like this before."Shaun grabbed her wrist and pinned her to the bed. "If I've changed, it's because of you.""Because of me?""Yeah. I wanted to become someone you'd fall for."Her heart softened. "Didn't you say we were over?"Shaun tightened his grip. "I

Chapter 986

Shaun carried Halsey to the bathroom, washed her gently, then brought her back to bed. Exhausted, Halsey curled up under the covers and was out like a light.Shaun pinched her cheek playfully. "You can't sleep yet, my lady."Halsey kept her eyes shut, mumbling a drowsy protest in a soft, sleep-slurred voice. "Shh… I'm so tired…"Shaun ran his fingers through her damp hair. "Your hair's still wet. Let me dry it for you."He grabbed the hairdryer and began carefully blowing her hair dry, his movements so light they didn't wake her. Halsey only faintly registered the warmth of the air and the soothing drag of his fingers through her long strands as the moisture slowly vanished.Once he was done, Shaun set the dryer aside and slipped into the shower himself. When he returned, he pulled back the covers and climbed into bed. Though this was technically his room, he hadn't slept here since bringing Halsey back—he'd never held her in this bed before.Now, with Halsey deep in sleep, he ga