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.

was clear who she had really come to see.

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

You didn’t have to trouble

is too important to

added, “Besides, I haven’t seen Owen

shyly, but Owen was looking down at

This is Hailey. Owen’s girlfriend.” She smiled knowingly. “After all these years, he finally made

in hers, giving it a reassuring pat. Her eyes crinkled with a warm, knowing smile—an unspoken promise that she

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Chapter 31

smiled, but jeanie’s

noticed Hailey the moment she walked in the girl was

guest

expect Owen, the man who had never let a woman dose, to suddenly have *

paled at Penelope’s words.

sharp. “And which family are you from?

Hailey could respond, an ironic voice cut in. “Oh, she’s from the Dalton family–the one stone comeback frons the

snapped up.

was Amy Calhoun, one of Owen’s

of her, but the had certainly perfected

his stare but still muttered, “Well, it’s true?

remained unfazed. She stood and turned to Jeanie, her voice smooth and steady, “Yes, that’s me. Halley Dalton Shee to meet you,

poised, and elegant. Nothing about her suggested she had spent years

polished charm

she had to greet

gazes met, and for a brief moment, the air

any further, Penelope clapped her hands. “Alright, that’s enough introductions. Let’s

course. Let me

as strong as ever. Besides, if you

glanced at Owen.

her hand with a smile, his grip warm and firm. “That’s

to him! What

for Jeanie, whose smile had begun to

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