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.

gift, but it was clear who

graceful smile.”Mrs. Calhoun, I’m sorry I’m late. Happy birthday–I brought you a little something. I hope you

girl. You didn’t

is too important to miss.”

“Besides, I haven’t seen Owen in so long.”

but Owen was looking

knowingly. “After all these years,

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

smiled, but jeanie’s expression

had noticed Hailey the moment she walked in the girl was hard to ignore. Yen die had

guest

man who had never let a woman dose, to suddenly have * pritrend.

at

a smile, her voice sharp.

voice cut in. “Oh, she’s from the Dalton family–the one stone comeback frons the countryside

gaze snapped up.

Amy Calhoun, one

never quite mastered the grace expected of her, but the had certainly perfected the

but still muttered, “Well, it’s

her voice smooth and steady, “Yes, that’s me. Halley Dalton Shee to meet you,

suggested she had spent

to her, Jeanie’s carefully polished

she had to greet

for a brief

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

her. “Of course. Let me help

strong as ever. Besides, if you dote

at

firm. “That’s right,”

rolled her eyes. “Listen to him! What a spoiled grandson I raised.”

table broke into laughter–except for Jeanie, whose smile had

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