Mrs Hale, I Surrender
Chapter 303 - 302 Storm Approaching, The Grand Play is About to Begin (2 more updates)

Chapter 303: 302 Storm Approaching, The Grand Play is About to Begin (2 more updates)

Zoe Bell hung up the phone, only then did she realize that the girl beside her had been staring at her the whole time.

"With all the talk in the outside world about Mr. Hale being cold and aloof, I didn’t expect him to be so affectionate with his wife."

"Rumors aren’t always true."

The girl nodded.

Everyone said that Finn Hale and Tim Payne had made peace.

Such an important Payne Family banquet and he didn’t attend, which probably means the rumors aren’t true.

These two are likely still at odds.

Just as well he didn’t come.

I heard that at the last Payne Family dinner at Hot Spring Villa, he did show up.

The nature of their relationship really is baffling.

Zoe Bell didn’t know what was on her mind, and after exchanging a few more words, she found out that this girl also studied design.

"It’s quite a coincidence, my brother-in-law also studies design, but he’s into architectural design, what about you?"

"Interior design."

Zoe Bell nodded. No wonder she was looking to design custom air purifiers; it was probably for interior decoration needs.

Well, her profession matches my brother-in-law quite well.

"Your husband might be arriving soon, I won’t disturb you any longer," said the girl before turning to leave.

After parting ways, Zoe Bell met William Hale and then went to change her clothes and put on makeup, for the protagonist tonight was "Miss Payne," so everyone else tried to dress modestly.

Zoe’s legs weren’t suitable for high heels, so she chose an outfit leaning towards traditional Chinese style, paired with a long skirt.

"What’s my brother-in-law busy with tonight?" asked Zoe curiously.

"He said he encountered some difficulties during a project earlier, but it’s being handled smoothly and he should be able to make it in time."

"There’s still an hour before the banquet starts," Wyatt Hale said, sitting in the lounge and beginning the countdown, "Time seems to be dragging."

He had skipped class to come tonight.

His family didn’t know about it, otherwise, they’d break his legs.

He leaned close to Zoe Bell. "Sister-in-law, give me a heads up, what excitement is there to watch tonight?"

"I really don’t know."

Since Iva Payne brought back that "Miss Payne," Zoe had barely contacted her parents or brother. They clearly didn’t want her involved in this matter.

However, this affair was due to be resolved tonight.

—

In another lounge, Ophelia Wilson was being pampered by a group of makeup artists and stylists, as she was the centerpiece of the evening and naturally needed to make a grand entrance.

"My daughter looks so beautiful." Julia Yates said with a smile as she took her in.

"That goes without saying."

Mario Payne stood beside his wife and gave her a look. "Ophelia, your mother and I need to go greet the guests."

Ophelia nodded.

Never in her life had she enjoyed such treatment, the center of attention with everyone serving her. Yet she knew that after tonight, she would be back to her old self.

Once everything unraveled, Mr. and Mrs. Mario Payne would despise her to their core.

"You go ahead, I’m a bit nervous and would like some quiet time alone."

Then everyone else left.

In the vast room, only Ophelia remained. She glanced at the burning incense in the corner that emitted a faint scent of plum blossoms, very pleasant. Hesitantly, she made a call to Tim Payne.

**

At that moment, Tim Payne was receiving guests.

Today’s banquet had been arranged by Iva Payne. She had volunteered, saying to her grandparents, "Ophelia just returned, and my brother and sister-in-law will surely want to spend more time with her; this kinship banquet involves lots of minor details, let me handle it."

She promised to manage the event with grandeur.

So nearly every notable and dignitary from Capital City had received an invitation.

Unexpectedly:

Nearly all the members of the Hale Family had arrived.

"The Payne Family really holds great prestige, as the elderly Hales haven’t attended public events in a long time."

"Grandpa Hale also rarely makes public appearances after retirement, it’s really rare to see him!"

"It’s a shame Mr. Hale’s younger brother didn’t come."

"..."

Tonight, many people came, naturally including many familiar faces, Zoe Bell was kept busy with work. To take a rest, William had his brother accompany her aside.

Several media reporters were standing on the edge, specially invited by Iva Payne to capture the beautiful moments of the evening.

Wyatt Hale was wandering around, eating and drinking, his mouth never idle.

"Are you that hungry?"

"I’m just prepping my energy in advance, after all, there’s a big show to see later."

"Eat less, don’t stuff yourself."

Wyatt nodded in agreement.

"I was wondering, I’ve been searching for you for ages, and here you are hiding." Hannah Johnson had also arrived, probably because of the joyful occasion and Isaac Shea being so caring, she looked rounder and her complexion was extremely good.

Wyatt, known for his blunt mouth, blurted out, "Sis, you’ve gained weight."

Hannah’s face turned dark in an instant.

"If you can’t speak properly then shut your mouth."

"I just mean, your husband has taken great care of you."

"Speak less, no one treats you as mute."

"..."

Wyatt dared not provoke Hannah further, he just sulkily shut up, made an excuse to grab some food, and slipped away.

When Hannah bumped into someone she knew, she went to greet them, leaving Zoe Bell alone.

"Mrs. Hale."

Zoe, hearing the voice, looked up to see Celine Payne approaching her, dressed exquisitely. Her appearance stirred much gossip since it had just been over a month since she was detained.

"Since there are so many guests tonight, if the hospitality falls short, please forgive us," Celine said, maintaining an elegant and poised demeanor.

Zoe didn’t really want to engage with her.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Celine seemingly casually mentioned, "I didn’t expect Grandpa Hale and Grandma Hale to both attend."

"Why haven’t I seen Mr. Hale?"

Zoe was speechless.

It was clear she came for the younger uncle again.

Zoe really couldn’t understand Celine’s thought process; she wasn’t particularly beautiful, not scholarly, nor could she be described as talented, yet why did she think she could attract the younger uncle?

Plotting against her, then asking her about the younger uncle’s whereabouts, she really had thick skin.

"As for the younger uncle’s matters, how could I dare meddle? If you want to find him, you could call him," Zoe directly stated.

Celine clenched her teeth.

Just as she was about to leave, she caught a glimpse of a bead bracelet peeking out from Zoe’s cuff.

It was amber!

Although Celine had no talent in design, having grown up in the Payne family, she was used to seeing fine things. Even though she only saw a glimpse, she could tell:

The bracelet on Zoe’s hand was a top-quality amber.

Why did the pattern and color...

Look so much like Grandma’s?

Before Celine could take a closer look, a hotel staff member came running in, announcing that an incident had occurred, with cries for help heard coming from Miss Payne’s resting room.

But the door wouldn’t open, locked from the inside.

The staff’s voice was loud, some journalists overheard.

Iva Payne, being closest, immediately scolded, "What are you shouting for? You’ve disturbed our esteemed guests, can you afford to be responsible?"

At this moment, the Payne elders and Mario Payne’s couple were outside the hall, while Iva Payne hurriedly headed towards the rear rest area, followed quickly by a few journalists.

Celine quickly followed, then turned to look at Zoe, "Mrs. Hale, do you want to come and see?"

Zoe frowned.

She actually invited her?

Could this night’s incident somehow be related to her?