Mrs Hale, I Surrender
Chapter 302 - 301 Baiting with one’s body, undercurrents surge

Chapter 302: 301 Baiting with one’s body, undercurrents surge

Tim Payne had recently spent most of his time, aside from work, with this suddenly appeared, newfound younger sister. Reportedly, he had even designed a set of jewelry for her to wear on the day of the family recognition banquet.

He had become the envy of everyone in their circle, being called a sister-spoiling madman.

Mario Payne and his wife held her in the highest esteem, and even Martin Yates had returned to the country.

When Ophelia Wilson saw him for the first time, she was so frightened that her heart trembled violently.

His voice, damaged from an injury, was unusually hoarse, and his facial features were as sharp as if chiseled by an axe.

Unlike the other Paynes, just one look from him made her skin crawl.

His first words were:

"She... is not my niece!"

Ophelia Wilson breathed deeply with fright, not daring to look into his eyes.

"I do not recognize this person!"

"Martin," Julia Yates frowned, "what nonsense are you talking about? Ophelia is my daughter. We’ve already had a paternity test. What right do you have to say such things!"

"Instinct."

"Don’t talk nonsense in front of the child."

"Anything can be faked these days."

"Shut up!"

...

As the siblings argued, Ophelia Wilson was terrified, holding her breath. Luckily, Tim Payne gestured for her to go out with him, and once in the back courtyard, he quietly comforted her, "Don’t be afraid; my uncle is just like that. He means no harm."

"He doesn’t seem to like me very much," Ophelia said, feeling incredibly guilty.

She had read about Martin Yates’s background in a file at Iva Payne’s.

It was said he had killed a man abroad.

"Don’t be afraid." Tim Payne stroked her hair.

"My uncle is just like that; he doesn’t like me either."

Ophelia nodded.

Hesitantly, she spoke up, "Brother, I’m scared."

"It’s okay."

"I... Can I hug you?"

"You’re my sister; why not?" Tim Payne said, pulling her into his arms and gently patting her shoulder. "Actually, my relationship with my uncle is also very tense."

"In this family, my aunt’s family, my uncle... surrounded by wolves. Previously, my parents weren’t in Capital City, and it was really difficult for me alone."

"It’s good that I have you now."

"You will help me, right?"

Ophelia stiffened.

"What if I wasn’t your sister?" she said tentatively. "Would you drive me away?"

"What silly thing to say; although our time together has been short, I’ve already come to see you as one of us. Whether you are my sister or not, I like you."

Ophelia’s breathing tightened, and her face flushed instantaneously.

Using the excuse that it was cold, she walked away quickly.

Her steps were erratic, her face a picture of shyness.

Once Tim Payne was sure she had left, he took a deep breath and turned around, only to see Finn Hale standing under a tree not far away, his eyes full of amusement.

"When did you get here?"

Finn Hale, "I’ve been here the whole time."

"..."

"Using yourself as bait, Junior President Payne is really bold."

All Tim Payne wanted was for him to leave immediately.

And soon, Ophelia Wilson received over a dozen dresses and pieces of jewelry that Tim Payne had prepared for her to choose from.

Iva Payne reminded her, "Don’t forget the main task."

"These jewels are just for you to wear; you don’t really think they were a gift, do you?" Celine Payne, seeing the items her cousin had sent over, was overcome with jealousy.

"I’ve arranged everything; you just need to follow the plan." Iva Payne instructed.

"I understand."

Ophelia Wilson responded verbally, "After everything is over, can I leave safely?"

"When that time comes, everyone’s attention will be on Tim Payne; no one will care about you. I will act according to the situation and arrange for you to leave the country. The promised 5 million won’t be a cent short."

"Thank you."

"That’s what you deserve. Do a good job, and once it’s done, I’ll give you another 2 million."

Ophelia Wilson smiled and nodded.

She was just an ordinary person, chosen only because she happened to bear some resemblance to Julia Yates. When had she ever seen so much money?

But during her time with the Payne family, she had been to their collection gallery, where any random artefact was worth millions.

What Iva Payne had given her was just a drop in the ocean.

It was even less valuable than the jewelry Tim Payne had given her.

If it all worked out,

Tim Payne’s reputation would be in tatters, his future utterly ruined.

Did she really want to destroy him?

**

In the Payne household, undercurrents surged, but the family recognition banquet went ahead as planned.

The entire event was orchestrated by Iva Payne, who micromanaged every single detail down to the flowers used in the decoration, all of which were flown in.

Outsiders said that as an aunt, she was incredibly conscientious.

The incense used that day was all purchased from Zoe Bell’s shop, so whether it was for work or personal reasons, she had to attend.

It was her first time receiving such a commission, so naturally, she took it seriously.

The recognition banquet was held in the evening, and she closed her shop in the afternoon to bring her staff to the event. Iva Payne had booked the entire hotel for the occasion, so every room, private box, and even the restrooms had to be taken into account.

Some of the room doors already had signs on them, distinguishing different guests’ resting areas.

"Are journalists coming tonight?" Zoe Bell asked when she saw a sign that read "Media Resting Area" on one of the room doors.

"Yes, the Payne family attaches great importance to this recognition banquet and has specially invited quite a few journalists. They want everyone to recognize the young miss of the Payne family," a hotel employee said with a smile.

"The Payne family really treasures her like a princess. It’s quite enviable."

Zoe Bell merely smiled in response.

What she didn’t expect was to run into a familiar face at the hotel.

It was the beautiful girl who had visited her shop previously.

That face was stunning every time she saw it.

The girl approached her. "Boss Bell?"

To ensure the smooth progression of the evening’s banquet, the hotel had already stopped doing business with the public. Thus, anyone present now was either a staff member or a guest for the evening.

"What a coincidence," Zoe Bell replied politely. "I have the incense sticks you wanted in my shop, but you haven’t been by recently, and I couldn’t contact you."

"I’m sorry, I forgot to leave my contact information."

They exchanged contact information, and Zoe Bell casually inquired, "Are you also here to attend the banquet tonight?"

"Yes, I live quite far away and was worried about getting caught in traffic later, so I came early."

"That makes sense."

"Do you need help? I’m free anyway."

"Thank you, but we’re almost done."

The remaining tasks could be handled by Joy Watson and the other employees. Since Zoe Bell had some free time, she chatted a little longer with the girl until her phone vibrated. She received a call from William Hale.

"I’m already at the hotel, bringing you your evening gown."

"Mr. Hale, you’re here so early?"

"I’m not busy today, and I just happened to pick up Grandpa and Grandma on the way."

"Is everyone here?"

"Except for my little uncle, he’s got some sudden matters to attend to, and he might not come tonight."

"My little uncle isn’t coming tonight?"

Outsiders might not know the situation, but the Hale family was well aware that tonight’s banquet was bound to have incidents. It was surprising that Finn Hale had something come up at the last moment.

Zoe Bell was on the phone, completely unaware that the breath of the girl beside her relaxed instantaneously.