Mrs Hale, I Surrender
Chapter 278 - 277 This night is absurd, just the superfluous son-in-law (2 updates)

Chapter 278: 277 This night is absurd, just the superfluous son-in-law (2 updates)

Zoe Bell had been spending her time at the Hot Spring Villa, accompanied by Julia Yates.

Because of Kevin Bell’s appearance, which had startled her, the Payne Family being close to her hadn’t raised any suspicions. However, during dinner one day, Julia Yates unexpectedly received a call from her father-in-law.

"Dad."

Zoe knew that both her maternal grandparents had passed away; thus, the person at the other end of the line must be her own grandfather.

"...I’m not blaming Celine; it’s all in the past," Julia smiled, "What’s up? Did that girl go to complain to you? Saying that she was scolded by Mario and Tim?"

"While talking on the phone, she suddenly burst into tears," Mr. Payne had specifically asked about the situation.

"It’s nothing serious."

"That’s good. Your mother and I will return to the capital after a while. You’re not in good health, don’t work too hard, leave the matters to Mario."

"I will."

...

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Julia finally hung up the phone, though her expression looked rather unpleasant.

Letting Kevin in was clearly not a momentary act of kindness from Celine Payne; it was pure malice.

After her "death," she had stayed in Summerland for a long time, and her impression of Celine, her niece, remained that of her childhood—a bit spoiled and willful, but otherwise harmless.

Now, it seemed it wasn’t just as simple as being wilful.

On the surface, Celine appeared dignified and graceful, probably as per Iva Payne’s demands, but once she was away from her mother’s control, her true nature emerged: she too had a malicious heart.

Once the old man and the old lady returned to the capital, she would probably play the part of the pitiful one in front of them again.

——

After dark, inside the hot spring pool

Zoe’s body was immersed in the milky waters of the hot spring. A light sweat formed on her forehead, and just as she was about to get up, she turned and realized William Hale had appeared at some point, clad in a bathrobe, sitting by the shore watching her.

"When did you get here?"

"I’ve been here for a while. You were daydreaming; what’s on your mind?"

"Mom said grandfather and grandmother are coming back to the capital soon."

"Afraid they won’t like you?"

"That’s part of my worry, but I’m more concerned about Celine causing trouble again. I definitely offended her last time."

Zoe had publicly confronted her, and she was sure to hold a grudge.

"Why think so much?" William spoke, and he had already shed his bathrobe and entered the hot spring.

"What are you doing coming in here?"

"Taking a dip in the hot spring."

"..."

This was a private hot spring where no one would disturb them, but Zoe wasn’t a fool. She always feared he might do something and thought about escaping, but one of her feet hadn’t recovered fully. Before she could leave, her waist was clasped.

Her back pressed against the shore, being kissed...

The overly hot springs enveloped her entire being.

Her heartbeat raced,

And she felt a bit dizzy.

The scorching kisses spread from her lips to the side of her ear.

In her ear was the sound of his rapid, chaotic breathing.

"Zoe—" his voice was both low and hoarse, with an indescribable sexiness, "How’s your leg today?"

"It’s, it’s okay," she replied with frantic breaths, her voice also fragmented.

"Is it okay to do it here?"

"You’re insane; my mom might come."

"Mrs. Payne has gone out; that’s why I came to find you."

Otherwise, William wouldn’t have dared to be so bold.

Under the milky white hot spring water, their bodies clung tightly...

Grinding,

Fervent,

And arousing.

The room was dimly lit, his eyes the only thing glowing, red-hot as fire, as if they could melt the ice and snow of winter.

By the time they returned to the room, Zoe was so tired that she couldn’t lift her arms. She bit her lip, trying to endure the absurdity. Taking a dip was exhausting in itself, and after reaching the peak of exhaustion, her head hit the pillow and she immediately fell into a deep sleep.

The following day was supposed to be when she, Hannah Johnson, and Isaac Shea headed back to the city, but she overslept, missing the time.

William had work and left early.

Zoe hastily washed up and went to the dining area for a meal.

Just as she finished her coffee and was about to get another cup, someone handed her a fresh cup of coffee, "Need sugar or milk?"

Zoe looked up, stunned.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Why was it him!

"Add some milk; it tastes better," the man mixed the coffee with milk and handed it to Zoe Bell.

"Thank you," she received it with both hands.

"The temperature is just right. In this season, it’s still best to drink something hot," the man said, taking a sip from his own coffee by his side.

Zoe Bell nodded agreeably but her heart pounded nervously.

Because the man sitting opposite her—

was Celine Payne’s father!

She had only seen this man from afar twice and never spoke a word to him.

In the few days she spent at Hot Spring Villa, she hadn’t seen him either.

Now, when about to leave, she had encountered him.

And he took the initiative to pour her coffee, Zoe Bell didn’t understand his intention.

"What’s the matter? Afraid I’ve poisoned it?"

"No," Zoe Bell’s lips curled up slightly as she sipped her coffee.

"What happened last time, it was my daughter’s fault. That girl has been spoiled by her mother since she was young; don’t hold it against her," he spoke with unexpected gentleness, a different person altogether from Iva Payne.

Iva Payne was assertive. He spoke unhurriedly, with a calm tone.

Zoe Bell just smiled, "Miss Payne also meant well."

The man didn’t speak.

They were strangers, so the atmosphere was inevitably awkward.

Zoe Bell lowered her head to eat, yet she could feel the man’s gaze on her, always landing on her. When she occasionally looked up and their eyes met, he also had a warm smile.

"Mrs. Hale looks young," he commented as he looked at Zoe Bell, "May I ask how old you are?"

"24."

"Younger than Celine, but you seem to be much more sensible than her."

Zoe Bell smiled without a word.

"Did you enjoy your time at Hot Spring Villa?"

"Quite a lot."

"Mr. Hale seemed to have left early. Are you going back to the city today?"

"Yes."

"I will be leaving in a bit too. Let me give you a ride, consider it an apology for my daughter’s rudeness."

"..."

Zoe Bell definitely did not want to ride with him. If she called her parents or brother, he might figure something out, so she found an excuse to decline his offer.

When she checked out, she received a gift at the front desk, left especially for her by someone.

They didn’t disclose the identity of the person.

Upon opening it in the car, she found an exquisite jewelry box containing a bracelet adorned with many small gemstones.

It was obviously valuable.

Definitely not a gift from her parents or brother.

Could it be...

Celine Payne’s father?

An apology gift?

"Kyle Lowe, how much do you know about Celine Payne’s father?" Zoe Bell asked.

"Not much. I heard he comes from a moderately well-off family. He can’t compare to the Payne Family, and because he married into the family, he doesn’t have much say there," Kyle Lowe replied.

Zoe Bell nodded, thinking that made sense. Aunt Payne from the Payne family seemed very assertive.

She stared at the bracelet in the box, not quite understanding him.

——

On the other side,

Hannah Johnson had returned to Yarden, with Isaac Shea following behind, carrying the luggage for both of them.

The moment she opened the door, she was dumbfounded.

"Mom? What are you doing here?"

"Not welcome?" Yumi Johnson raised an eyebrow.

"No, that’s not it."

Looking more closely, Hannah noticed her grandmother, who disliked going out, was also there. She gestured to Isaac Shea behind her with a secret signal, telling him not to come in.

"What are you doing with your hand?" Old Lady Hugh asked.

"Nothing, Grandma. It’s cold, why have you come out? You didn’t even tell me in advance," Hannah said and abruptly shut the door.

Isaac Shea: "..."

Old Lady Hugh fixed her gaze on her granddaughter and huffed lightly, "You’re quite good at bullying others, aren’t you?"

"Who did I bully?"

"Then why did you shut someone out?"

"..."