Mrs Hale, I Surrender
Chapter 297 - 296 Found the Payne Family’s daughter? But it’s not Zoe? (2 more updates)

Chapter 297: 296 Found the Payne Family’s daughter? But it’s not Zoe? (2 more updates)

William Hale was coming to pick her up, and the time it took him to travel from the old mansion was just enough for Zoe Bell to attend to a customer. So, Zoe turned around and hung a "Closed for Business" sign on the door.

"Sorry for the wait, I was on the phone with my family."

"You should be heading home for dinner by now."

"I’ve already eaten." After some small talk, Zoe got straight to the point, "May I ask what you would like to customize? We have..."

She casually handed over the promotional brochure to her customer.

"I’d like to order a batch of Incense Sticks that can be used to eliminate odors."

"Eliminate odors?"

"Preferably one that can purify the air, made of all-natural materials, and friendly for the elderly, children, including pregnant women, and pets," the customer specified.

Zoe nodded, "The ingredients could include Atractylodes, Agastache, and Angelica..."

"You wouldn’t believe it, but I actually have some of those spices right here in my shop."

Most people who bought spices did so to enhance smells.

"Really?" The customer was clearly surprised.

"I’ve got an uncle who ordered a batch not too long ago, but he took them all. If you need them, I can get some from him for you to try."

Finn Hale was restoring the Payne Family Mansion and wanted to use fragrance to eliminate odors, which led to him custom ordering a batch from Zoe.

"Would that be convenient?"

"Very convenient."

"Thank you so much."

After a long chat and considering it was getting late, they agreed to meet another time.

Not all visitors would place an order or make a purchase.

Always saying ’next time’...

There might never be a next time.

And the customer left in such a hurry that Zoe forgot to ask her to fill in her contact details.

Such a pity.

When William Hale arrived at the shop, he only saw his wife sighing, "What’s wrong? Did the deal not go through?"

"That customer was just too good-looking, I couldn’t get enough."

William raised an eyebrow, "A man?"

"A woman."

"..."

"She really was beautiful, and had such grace." Zoe lamented once more, then looked at him as they got into the car, "Wyatt mentioned that grandpa wants to set uncle up on a blind date?"

"Yeah."

"Did uncle agree?"

"He fled in the middle of the night."

"What?"

In Zoe’s mind, Finn Hale was a man who remained calm and composed; him running away was unthinkable.

She almost laughed out loud.

As expected, even uncle is afraid of marriage matchmaking.

"He didn’t even take a single piece of clothing with him, ran off really quick. Grandpa had a bit of alcohol tonight and is currently fuming at home," William said, glad to have the excuse to pick up his wife and escape.

"How’s grandpa now?"

"He’s berating Wyatt."

"..."

Poor Wyatt Hale; he just went to the living room to buy some yogurt and got caught by grandpa, who scolded him for being good-for-nothing and irresponsible.

When grandpa is angry, even a dog passing by can get kicked.

It’s uncle who angered you. Go find him! Why pick on me, just a little kid.

To avoid grandpa, William and Zoe were staying at Yarden tonight.

As soon as they entered, William unexpectantly tightened his grip around her waist.

Zoe hadn’t reacted yet when she was lifted up by one of his hands, the other closing the door, his warm lips landing on hers, his unique woodsy scent slowly seeping between her lips.

His palms were burning hot, cradling her buttocks...

They didn’t often stay here, and the heating had just been switched on; the chill hit as clothes fell, causing Zoe to shiver.

"We haven’t even started, why are you trembling?" he asked, his voice ending with a teasing laugh.

Clearly flirting.

Zoe’s face heated up, she wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his neck, taking deep breaths.

Just now, that kiss left one breathless.

"Cold..." she murmured with trembling lips.

"Let’s take a bath first."

"Then, put me down."

"Let’s do it together."

The last time at Hot Spring Villa, they had done even more outrageous things.

A rush of warmth surged through Zoe Bell’s limbs, her face blushed hotter than before, and her blood felt even warmer.

His kisses landed on her shoulder, nibbling her strap.

In the bathroom, the shower turned on; water fell...

As the steam rose, all she could feel was warmth.

...

After Zoe Bell groggily went to bed, William Hale started discussing their wedding.

"We need to consult my in-laws for advice and then both families can discuss the exact date."

William Hale had always hesitated to bring up the wedding, considering various aspects. If they were to have a wedding, the Payne Family would definitely attend as her maternal family, with Mario Payne likely walking her down the aisle.

But Zoe had not been formally acknowledged yet.

Hence, William wasn’t rushing the wedding preparations.

"Okay, I’ll talk to my parents about it."

**

Zoe Bell often visited the Sheng Family Mansion under the guise of delivering goods.

Today was no different.

She made an excuse to deliver goods, visit her grandparents, and fetch some air-purifying incense sticks customized by her young uncle, surely available in the old mansion.

As her car approached the parking area, Kyle Lowe said, "Ma’am, you should be careful."

"What’s the matter?"

"Iva Payne is here."

Kyle recognized her car.

"Celine Payne seems to have been released from detention as well."

Zoe nodded; preoccupied with her shop recently, she had almost forgotten about Celine Payne, who, she figured, should have been taught a lesson by now from her detention stint.

"Wasn’t she supposed to be detained for at least a half-month?"

"They say she fell ill and bailed out with money."

What Celine had done wasn’t criminal, just spreading rumors online, so her release was only a matter of time.

When Zoe entered the house, she found that the entire Payne family was present.

Today was a workday; her father and brother should have been at the office.

"Zoe’s here, come sit," the Old Lady invited her to sit.

Celine Payne voluntarily got up, served her tea and water, and bowed in apology, appearing genuinely remorseful.

"Iva, just speak what’s on your mind," Mr. Payne started.

"Grandpa, about this matter..."

Celine was speaking and glanced at Zoe.

She clearly wanted her to leave the room.

"It’s okay, go on," the grandfather responded, sipping his tea.

"Dad, about the car accident years ago, we never found the child’s body..."

As Iva Payne spoke, Zoe’s heart skipped a beat.

"Iva, why bring up such things out of the blue!" Mr. Payne’s face changed dramatically, "Haven’t I said that this topic is not to be mentioned in our Payne family!"

"Are you trying to rub salt in your brother and sister-in-law’s wounds?" he accused.

"Dad, I didn’t mean it like that!" Iva quickly explained, "I’ve always believed that the child is still alive, and I’ve been secretly hiring people to search all these years."

"Recently..."

"I finally got some news!"

Tim Payne’s brow furrowed, "Aunt, this is not something to joke about. We even have a death certificate from when my sister died."

"Do you think I would joke about this?"

Celine Payne quickly added, "Uncle, Aunt, what my mom is saying is true. Our cousin might still be alive, waiting for us to bring her home!"

Sitting in the corner, Zoe silently sipped her tea.

The person they found definitely wasn’t her.

Things seemed to be getting interesting.