Mrs Hale, I Surrender
Chapter 192 To the Payne Family, Enemies on a Narrow Road (2nd Update)

Chapter 192: 192 To the Payne Family, Enemies on a Narrow Road (2nd Update)

After that, Isaac Shea moved to Yarden, but Hannah Johnson was very busy because her aunt’s memorial day was approaching fast. Besides work, she spent most of her time in the temple with her grandmother.

The memorial service was simple, and on that day, all of the Hale Family arrived except for Lily Lott and Wyatt Hale.

When Hannah saw Finn Hale again, she glared fiercely at him.

Finn raised an eyebrow.

He hadn’t provoked her, had he?

Who had angered her so much to have such a temper?

"Did you bully Hannah, lad?" Old Sir Hale asked in a hushed voice.

"With her temper, if I bullied her, would she let me off?" Finn remembered teasing her when they were young, with Hannah chasing after him.

"After all, she does call you ’little uncle,’ so you should be nicer to her."

"I know."

The old man sighed, "You don’t act the least bit like a ’little uncle’."

"I’m only three years older than her. What do you expect from me? I’ve already been acting mature," Finn glanced at Hannah, "Her character isn’t easy to handle for most men."

Old Sir Hale bristled at these words, "What about yourself?"

"You have the nerve to talk about others. If you’re capable, go and bring me a daughter-in-law first! Look at William, learn from him."

"If you’re going to say that, then I admit, I’m not capable."

The old man was so angry he was hopping mad.

This rebellious child!

If not for the occasion being inappropriate, he’d have given him a good scolding.

The memorial service lasted over an hour, a ritual Old Lady Hugh performed seeking peace of mind.

Afterwards, everyone went to the cemetery to pay their respects.

The sound of pine waves was incessant, and the chill penetrated to the bone.

Old Lady Hugh personally laid a bunch of Glory Lilies at the gravestone, "Eva, mom has come to see you again..."

Seeing her daughter’s photo on the tombstone, the old lady couldn’t help but tear up.

Old Lady Hale was beside her, patting her shoulder, "No matter what, you have to take care of your health. Eva was always so dutiful; she’d never want to see you like this."

"I understand."

She too had been forcing herself to keep going, forcing herself to eat more each time.

Otherwise, she would have broken down long ago.

Old Lady Hugh wanted to stay and spend more time with her daughter. Aside from Yumi Johnson, she asked everyone else to go ahead, understanding that she didn’t want too many people around her, and they didn’t linger.

William Hale had to go to the company, and Zoe Bell hitched a ride with Hannah back to Yarden.

She needed to pick up some incense-making materials.

"When are you and William moving back to Yarden?" Hannah asked casually.

After all, she and Zoe Bell had grown too close,

William seldom visited her place, but Zoe Bell loved coming over to her home often.

Zoe knew the code to her house and could easily discover her relationship with Isaac.

She needed to prepare early.

"Soon," Zoe Bell replied without suspicion.

"Aren’t you comfortable living in the old house? Why bother moving back to Yarden?"

"The old house is far from the company, and he wastes a lot of time on the road every day. Besides, I want to buy incense materials or ship products, which isn’t very convenient there," considering it was essentially in the suburbs.

"That makes sense."

Zoe Bell was clever, and Hannah knew that if she continued on this topic, she might arouse suspicion.

So she changed the subject, "What about the ring that William gave you last time? I haven’t seen you wear it."

"It’s too ostentatious."

Hannah laughed.

"Mainly, I make incense, so wearing it is inconvenient. Plus, that ring is not for everyday wear."

Hannah nodded, "That’s true."

That diamond was as large as a pigeon’s egg.

"Sister, do you have any free time recently?" Zoe Bell tilted her head to look at her.

"What’s up?"

"I want to buy a ring."

"A matching ring?"

Zoe Bell nodded. She had hardly ever given William a present. Aside from the cost of making incense, her online shop had started to turn a profit, so she wanted to use that money to buy him a gift.

"If you’re free, come with me to choose a design."

Hannah tapped her fingers on the steering wheel lightly, "The styles in the stores are more or less the same, and you can see them all online. How about customizing one?"

"I had a set of jewelry custom-made for my mom at the Payne Family’s place last time. She tried it on, and there were parts that needed adjustment. They informed me a while ago that I could pick it up. I’ve just been too busy lately to do so."

"If you need to, you can come with me when the time comes."

Zoe Bell smiled and nodded, "That sounds good."

A custom-made, one-of-a-kind design is naturally the best.

"Isn’t it very difficult to get an appointment with their family for custom work?" Zoe asked further.

"Their family has a company. If you want the Payne Family Members to make jewelry, you probably need to book one or two years in advance, and it’s not guaranteed they’ll accept you; but there are other craftsmen in their company," Hannah Johnson explained. "You can go have a look first. If you like it and find it suitable, then you can order a custom piece."

Zoe nodded.

When the car arrived at Yarden, though Hannah Johnson felt nervous inside, she still casually asked Zoe, "Do you want to come over to my place to hang out?"

She spoke nonchalantly, but her heart was actually quite uneasy.

Zoe’s mouth curved up slightly, "No, I still have a lot to busy myself with."

"Then I won’t disturb you."

"I’ll be in Yarden for a day. If you want to come over for a meal, just let me know in advance." After all, Hannah had often freeloaded meals before.

She nodded in agreement.

But Zoe didn’t know that Hannah’s home now had a doting little husband who could cook, so she wouldn’t need to freeload meals anymore.

When Hannah Johnson got home, Isaac Shea was already in the kitchen, making cat food in Fanta’s bowl with chicken breast, chicken liver, and some carrots and cabbage. Fanta was devouring it with gusto.

She finally understood why Fanta had betrayed her.

The cat was naturally gluttonous and loved eating. Isaac always made different treats for it, so naturally, it liked him.

In just a few days, she felt Fanta had become much plumper.

"You’re back?" Isaac emerged from the kitchen. "Dinner will be ready in about half an hour."

"I’m going to take a shower."

All of a sudden, Hannah Johnson felt that living with Isaac wasn’t too bad.

At least, her quality of life had significantly improved.

Even the cat benefited from it.

After all, before, Fanta only ate cat food or canned food. Hannah herself rarely cooked, let alone prepared meals for it.

**

Zoe Bell, busy with the shop’s affairs, received a message from Hannah two days later, inviting her to customize a ring.

The location was a four-story building near the outskirts, with red tiles and white walls, and a slightly Chinese-style architectural design. There were even artificial mountains with flowing springs outside and the koi fish were being fed until they were quite plump.

There were many cars parked outside; besides the house number, the only sign read "Payne Corps."

If not for being brought here by someone familiar, Zoe Bell feared she might pass by without ever thinking this place was for customizing jewelry and gems.

Inside was a different world altogether—the lobby displayed a complex floral arrangement made of various jewels and diamonds, truly exquisite and beautiful. Zoe could barely take her eyes off it.

"This was made by the old master and Old Lady of the Payne Family," Hannah explained. "Someone offered 600 million for it, but she didn’t sell."

This was already a piece of art.

"There are other jewelry displays on the second floor," Hannah introduced.

"I’d like to take a look."

"Then I’ll go get my mother’s jewelry first and later I’ll take you to see the craftsman for the ring," Hannah had already made an appointment with the previous craftsman. "After you’re done, we can go next door for tea. If you can’t wait, just give me a call."

Hannah reminded her several times before leaving.

Zoe had seen some jewelry exhibitions at the Bell Family, but they were nothing compared to these intricate pieces.

No wonder so many people were willing to wait years to have their jewelry custom-made by them.

After looking around, she went next door to rest.

Those who came here for custom work needed a certain financial foundation, so there were not many people, and it was very quiet.

This was a spacious rest area, offering tea and desserts. She poured herself a cup of tea and had just sat down when she heard footsteps.

"...I think the necklace looks pretty good, but for the ring, let’s use diamonds; gemstones don’t really match my wedding dress."

This voice was...

Zoe Bell looked up and recognized a familiar face.

Their eyes locked, and Serena Conner also froze in place.

By her side was a man in his thirties, a bit short and plump.

There was also a woman dressed in business attire, probably an employee here.

A wedding dress?

Zoe was astonished. Was she preparing to get married? She didn’t let it show on her face and simply withdrew her gaze nonchalantly.

"Miss Conner?" the employee, seeing her distracted, gently reminded her, "Do you have any other requirements regarding the custom jewelry?"

"They say that getting your jewelry custom-made at Payne Corps is quite prestigious, but I didn’t expect them to start devaluing their brand now..."

"Really, any Tom, Dick, or Harry can come here now."

The employee’s expression changed slightly. Zoe drank her tea, her face expressionless, but she thought to herself:

Misery loves company!