Because of the morning kiss, Shane's mood remained pleasantly uplifted throughout the day. Even when his subordinates occasionally misspoke during meetings or filled in data incorrectly on reports, he did not get angry. He even smiled and said to them, "Pay attention next time."He thought he was showing his gentle side, but little did he know that his unusual behavior had put the entire company on edge for the whole day. Everyone in the company, from top to bottom, tiptoed around, afraid to make any mistakes. Even those who usually loved gossiping were now diligently focused on their work, fearing that Shane might be playing possum, waiting for them to drop their guard so he could catch them in the act.Perhaps their anxiety was too obvious because even Shane noticed. He was surprised to find that all the employees in the company today were especially cautious, greeting him quickly before scurrying away.He curiously looked at Dean and asked, "Do I look scary today?"Dean hurr
Unable to resist his curiosity, he tentatively pressed on, "Is it related to Madam?"Shane's handsome face seemed to stiffen for a moment, then he nodded.Dean instantly displayed a knowing expression. He knew it.Other than Madam, who else in this world could make Mr. Ford show such an expression?"Mr. Ford, why not tell me about it? Maybe I can help!" Dean suggested.After a moment of thought, Shane found the suggestion reasonable and decided to voice his doubts, "I want to get a gift for Haley. What do you think would be good?"Dean pondered for a moment before asking, "Does it have any special significance?"Seeing Shane's puzzled expression, he quickly clarified, "Like for a birthday, Valentine's Day, or an anniversary. Couples usually exchange gifts on those occasions."Shane shook his head, "There's no special significance, I just want to give her something, that's all."He had never been one for formalities and had never understood the significance of those holidays. I
At the Nightshade Bar, Shane passed through the noisy ground floor lobby and took the elevator straight up to the third floor. This club was owned by Henry, and Shane had shares in it, so their private room had long been reserved. They would choose this place Every time they gathered.Upstairs, the environment was quiet, and privacy was paramount. It was their own turf, so there was no concern about interruptions.After Shane ascended the stairs, he promptly swung open the door to the private room. Upon glimpsing the scene within, he couldn't help but furrow his brows.Henry and Zac were seated on the sofa, indulging in drinks. Henry had a woman on each side, serving him. The two women were provocatively dressed, boasting alluring figures and adorned with heavy makeup. Their gazes filled with haze and allure as their ample bosoms brushed against Henry's body.Henry sat in the middle, holding a tall glass in his fair and slender hand, gently swaying it. The liquor in the glass appea
"Back off, I'm married," Shane said firmly.The woman holding the drink paused, her eyes filled with disbelief. There were all kinds here, married or not, they had seen it all. Many men came here for fun behind their wives' backs. These women were trained to know what to say and how to act to please men. So, even if a man was married, he could still be a regular here. Though Nightshade Bar had strict rules, they were not harsh on the women who worked there. They never forced them to sell their bodies to please men, and if the man made unwanted advances, the club would step in to handle it. But if a woman wanted to hook up with some big shot, they would not stop her. However, if it went too far, she'd be dismissed immediately. Still, many women were eager to try. Even though the pay was good here, who would not prefer to latch onto a sugar daddy? Anyone with ambition would not be content to work here honestly. This was a golden opportunity for them. After all, who in Jasper Cit
After the two women left, Shane still stood at the door without moving. Henry smiled casually and waved at him, "Shane, come in quickly. Are you planning to be guarding the door forever?" Shane frowned disdainfully and ordered in a deep voice, "Change to another private room." Henry raised his eyebrows in confusion, somewhat puzzled. "Isn't this private room fine? Haven't we been drinking here before? Why do we need to change?" Before Shane could respond, Zac stood up first and walked outside. "I agree to change the room." He had endured it for a long time here. As someone with serious cleanliness issues, he could not stand the proximity of those women. But Henry was also childish. The more Zac disliked something, the more Henry seemed to insist on it, as if deliberately opposing him. If it weren't for the important matter he needed to discuss with Henry today, he would have left long ago. Now that Shane was here, he saw no need to tolerate anymore. Watching their backs as
Shane had been in the private room for over half an hour when his phone suddenly rang. He answered the call, and whatever was said on the other end changed his expression instantly."You wait here, I'll be right back," he said after hanging up. Standing up, he grabbed his suit jacket and headed out. "I'll leave first, you guys enjoy your drinks."Seeing him unusually tense, Henry asked, "What's wrong? Why the rush?"Shane's expression was serious. "The butler called me. He said my mom isn't feeling well, so I need to go back and check on her."At the Ford residence, it was currently in a state of chaos.The butler had summoned the family doctor to attend to Mrs. Ford Sr.'s illness. The helpers dared not make a sound, while Evelyn and James stood silently by Mrs. Ford Sr.'s bedside, heads bowed.Entering Mrs. Ford Sr.'s bedroom, Shane saw her lying on the bed, her complexion pale.She looked weak and exhausted, with no trace of color in her face.Seeing Shane return, Mrs. Ford S
When Haley arrived, the atmosphere in Mrs. Ford Sr.'s bedroom was quite somber. Everyone's faces looked grim, especially James and Evelyn. Mrs. Ford Sr.'s eyes lit up as soon as she saw Haley enter. "Haley, come here quickly," she said. Haley obediently approached and let Mrs. Ford Sr. hold her wrist, asking with concern, "Mom, are you feeling better?" Mrs. Ford Sr. waved her hand dismissively. "I'm fine after taking medicine. They're just making a fuss." Haley held Mrs. Ford Sr.'s hand tightly and reprimanded, "Mom, please don't keep things from us in the future. If you're not feeling well, remember to tell Mr. Moore." With Haley's arrival, the atmosphere in the room immediately eased. Evelyn pursed her lips, feeling somewhat resentful. Both were daughters-in-law, yet Mrs. Ford Sr. favored Haley so blatantly. She had given birth to a son for the Ford family, but what had Haley done? Just a vixen who knew how to crawl into bed, what was there to be proud of? Just wait!
Mrs. Ford Sr. continued, "When you were little, you used to cling to Shane, only letting him and your mom hold you. Anyone else who tried to touch you would cry non-stop."Haley's cheeks turned slightly red, feeling somewhat embarrassed. She never imagined she was like that when she was young. She had always thought she had hardly any interaction with Shane.But it turned out that Shane had actually taken care of her when she was just born.Seeing Haley's shy demeanor, Mrs. Ford Sr. could not help but smile.She motioned for Haley to come closer with a wave, signaling her to step nearer, and in a voice only they could hear, she asked, "Haley, how far have you and Shane progressed?"Meeting Mrs. Ford Sr.'s affectionate gaze, Haley's cheeks instantly flushed red, her eyes darting around. "Mom, what are you talking about? I don't understand."Mrs. Ford Sr. gently tousled her hair and chuckled softly, "Getting shy in front of me? Although Shane has a reserved personality, he's a ve