Chapter 31
Hailey had heard the rumors–Owen didn’t get along with his family’s second branch. Seeing it firsthand, she realized just
how true that was.
She smiled politely at Juno, “Yes, Juno, I’m the second daughter of the Dalton family. I just recently returned home”
Hailey’s calm, respectful demeanor made it hard for Juno to say anything harsh, even if she wanted to.
At that moment, Richard walked in, carrying the gifts Hailey had brought.
Owen spoke up in his usual tone. “Hailey brought some gifts for everyone. Hope you’ll accept them.”
Richard distributed the gifts among the family, leaving only a bracelet untouched.
Even those who had been dismissive of Hailey carlier hesitated–after all, it was hard to criticize someone after accepting their generosity.
Hailey turned to Penelope, revealing the bracelet. “Mrs. Calhoun, I picked this out for you. I hope you like it.”
Penelope’s face lit up with a warm smile. “Like it? I love it! Come, put it on for me.”
Hailey smiled and fastened the bracelet for Penelope as the family murmured their approval.
For now, at least, everything seemed harmonious–whatever tensions lurked beneath the surface remained hidden behind polite smiles.
Just then, the butler approached and whispered something to Penelope. “Miss Gibbs is here,” he announced. “And the Blackwells will be arriving soon.”
Penelope nodded, her smile deepening.
The butler hurried to the entrance to greet the
guests.
A moment later, a woman in a soft pink dress stepped inside.
Jeanie Gibbs–the country’s most famous actress–was as beautiful as ever. She had a delicate face, her features soft and refined. She was tall and slender, with an air of quiet elegance.
She carried a small gift, but it was clear who she had really come to see.
Her gaze flicked briefly to Owen before she stepped forward with a graceful smile.”Mrs. Calhoun, I’m sorry I’m late. Happy birthday–I brought you a little something. I hope you like it.”
Penelope chuckled. “You’re a busy girl. You didn’t have to trouble yourself.”
Jeanie’s smile softened. “Your birthday is too important to miss.”
She hesitated, then added, “Besides, I haven’t seen Owen in so long.”
She turned toward him shyly, but Owen was looking down at his phone, frowning and completely uninterested.
Penelope clearly enjoying herself. “Jeanie. This is Hailey. Owen’s girlfriend.” She smiled knowingly. “After all these years, he finally made my wish come true.”
Penelope took Hailey’s hand in hers, giving it a reassuring pat. Her eyes crinkled with a warm, knowing smile—an unspoken promise that she was on Hailey’s side.
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Chapter 31
Hailey smiled, but jeanie’s expression froze
She had noticed Hailey the moment she walked in the girl was hard to ignore. Yen die had wound was
guest
She didn’t expect Owen, the man who had never let a woman dose, to suddenly have * pritrend.
Jeanie paled at Penelope’s words.
Jeanie forced a smile, her voice sharp. “And which family are you from?
Before Hailey could respond, an ironic voice cut in. “Oh, she’s from the Dalton family–the one stone comeback frons the countryside
Owen’s gaze snapped up.
It was Amy Calhoun, one of Owen’s younger cousins,
Amy, Juno’s younger daughter, had never quite mastered the grace expected of her, but the had certainly perfected the art of being sharp–tongued and condescending
Amy shivered under his stare but still muttered, “Well, it’s true?
Hailey remained unfazed. She stood and turned to Jeanie, her voice smooth and steady, “Yes, that’s me. Halley Dalton Shee to meet you, Miss Gibbs,
She was poised, and elegant. Nothing about her suggested she had spent years away from high society,
Compared to her, Jeanie’s carefully polished charm suddenly felt forced.
Jeanie’s expression stiffened but she had to greet Hailey,
Their gazes met, and for a brief moment, the air between them crackled.
Before the tension could rise any further, Penelope clapped her hands. “Alright, that’s enough introductions. Let’s eat”
Hailey smiled at her. “Of course. Let me help you up.”
Penelope waved her off. “Nonsense. I’m still as strong as ever. Besides, if you dote on me too much, Owen might start complaining.
Hailey glanced at Owen.
Without hesitation, he reached for her hand with a smile, his grip warm and firm. “That’s right,” he said lazily. “Hailey’s been fussing over you all night and completely ignoring me.”
Penelope rolled her eyes. “Listen to him! What a spoiled grandson I raised.”
The table broke into laughter–except for Jeanie, whose smile had begun to slip.
A group of more than ten people gathered around the large dining table in the backyard of the old estate.
Just as the meal was in full swing, the butler returned. “Madam, the Blackwell family has arrived.”
Penelope beamed. “Oh, wonderful! Show them in.”
Even before the guests stepped inside, a voice rang out. “Hey, Penelope. I’m here!”
The bold greeting belonged to Quilla Blackwell.
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Chapter 31
She and Penelope had been friends for decades, their bickering, as much a tradition as their friendship.
Trailing behind Quilla was Christopher
He hadn’t wanted to come. Ever since his accident, he avoided gatherings like this.
Christopher always remained withdrawn, his mood visibly darkening
But Quilla had insisted, hoping it would do him some good. The hope was that by bringing him into a social setting, he might open up, make a few friends, and perhaps shake off some of the gloom that clung to him.
So Christopher had been pulled along
After the initial greetings, a servant wheeled Christopher to a quiet spot in the courtyard.
Hailey’s eyes flicked to his legs. Something unreadable passed across her face.
The meal carried on, full of chatter and laughter. The two old women reminisced about old times, their voices bright with nostalgia.
Old friends reuniting always brought a special kind of joy, and amid their lively exchanges, no one seemed to notice Christopher.
But halfway through dinner, Christopher whispered something to a servant. A moment later, he was quietly wheeled away.
Hailey noticed a second figure slipped out after Christopher.
A worry settled in her chest. Setting down her fork, she leaned toward Owen and murmured, “I’ll go to the restroom. I’ll be right back.”
