Mrs Hale, I Surrender
Chapter 369 - 368 Uncle calls him senior brother? Junior President Payne is secretly thrilled!

Chapter 369: 368 Uncle calls him senior brother? Junior President Payne is secretly thrilled!

Tim Payne massaged his temples, and Zoe Payne quickly approached him, "Brother, are you feeling unwell?"

"Just indulged too much in drinking."

"I’ll have someone bring over some hangover soup." William Hale was always keeping an eye on him, since his own brother-in-law was quite the worry.

"Zoe, come here," Hannah Johnson called from beside the floor-to-ceiling window, beckoning Zoe over.

On the square, there was a light show, with Isaac Shea standing next to her, his eyes fixed on her belly.

Since becoming pregnant, Hannah had spent half her time at home on prenatal care, probably not used to suddenly being idle, resulting in nights of staying up; now it was past midnight, yet she felt no hint of sleepiness.

Isaac Shea couldn’t help but inwardly criticize:

Later on, there might just be a little night owl born.

Because he rarely drank while being creative, Tim actually felt quite sick after suddenly drinking too much, the room was stuffy and suffocating, so he stood up to go outside for some fresh air.

"Going out? I’ll come with you," William stood up too.

"You stay with Zoe, I’ll just take a little walk."

"Or better I..."

William didn’t finish his sentence when Tim chuckled softly, "Everyone says Mr. Hale is cold and aloof, but why does he stick around like glue today, almost as if he can’t bear not sticking to me? I’m not your wife, why keep following me?"

"..."

"Don’t worry, I know Sussie must have sneaked off to see Finn Hale, and even if I see them holding hands, I wouldn’t make a fuss."

It made him sound as if he had a strong need to control his brother-in-law.

It was important crossing into the New Year, and his own sister-in-law wasn’t back, which definitely meant someone else was with her.

Tim patted William’s shoulder, "I’ve had too much to drink, not lost my mind."

"Just take it easy, no need to keep an eye on me for your uncle."

"Tell him if he wants to see Sussie, to just come openly instead of sneaking around, it’s simply disgraceful." Tim was just somewhat frustrated by those two sneaking around under his nose.

But he could tell his sister-in-law actually liked Finn.

Otherwise, with her personality, she would have rejected him early on, just as she rejected Michale Shaw.

Playing the villain to break up lovers, he wouldn’t do.

William just smiled and didn’t say anything more.

His cousin truly understood the situation.

Unlike his uncle, who only caused him problems and challenges.

—

Once in the corridor by the window—compared to the bustling scene visible from the room’s window—this side’s street only had the cold, lonely wind.

By this time, people began leaving other rooms.

Probably because the New Year’s celebration was ending, a crowd surged over, all in high spirits, some staggeringly drunk, even bumping into Tim Payne who was trying to sober up by the window, without so much as an apology.

With a tight chest and slightly furrowed brows,

The group reeked strongly of alcohol, apparently too drunk, and Tim had no intention of arguing with a bunch of drunks.

Since he was facing the window where the deep cold of the night outside covered the glass, he could clearly see a group of twenty-five- or twenty-six-year-olds—reckless and flamboyant—

Perhaps having experienced his sister’s "death" from a young age, Tim had never been so unrestrained, whether at fifteen or twenty-five.

He sometimes envied them quite a bit.

"Sis, I’m so envious you received such a New Year’s gift."

"Yes, I heard it’s from Payne Corps."

"Having such a boyfriend is so great, and it’s thanks to you we could be here for the New Year."

...

It was only upon hearing his own company’s name that Tim turned to look.

The girl, surrounded by several people, but Tim could tell at a glance that her smile was perfunctory.

He also noticed the earrings she was wearing.

A designer from Payne Corps had created them, named Cherry Blossoms, with a cherry blossom setting embedding pink gemstones.

But the ones on her ears...

Were fake.

Although well made, the quality of the pink gemstones clearly had flaws.

Cheating a girl with counterfeit goods, that’s just downright low.

And yet, doing so under the guise of his company’s name!

Those earrings cost a tidy sum, way more than the cost of a night’s reservation for these rooms; the fact that this man was willing to spend money to party here but bought his girlfriend fake earrings—while the girl looked quite pretty, her taste in men wasn’t that sharp.

Tim hoped she would soon see through the man’s true colors.

**

On the other side

After the New Year’s countdown, Sussie Lopez realized she had been out too long and decided to head back, only to find Finn Hale following her out.

"What are you following me for?"

"I’m going back with you."

"What?"

"Stop staring, let’s go." Finn said, taking her hand and pushing open the door to the next private room.

Since the two private rooms were very close, Sussie hadn’t even realized what was happening before she was pulled in. Tim Payne had already returned and raised an eyebrow subconsciously when he saw them holding hands.

This kid, Finn...

So audacious now?

When everyone saw an elder had arrived, they naturally behaved, greeting him, "Hello, Uncle."

And the said elder carried himself with full dignity.

Tim Payne gave him a look, and the two walked to a corner of the private room to talk.

"Usually you sneak around, how come you dare to hold her hand now?" Tim raised an eyebrow.

Finn chuckled lowly: "I received the message you passed on from William."

Tim was speechless:

These uncle and nephew sure share messages quickly.

Truly, family who had grown up together.

"How come I never noticed how obedient you were before?"

Tim chided lowly, "And here I thought the third master of the Hale family liked to skulk around like a thief."

"It’s not about obedience, it’s respect." Finn smiled, "You’ll understand when you have someone you like."

"..."

Tim felt like he was somehow showing off through his words.

"I specifically called you over here because I have something else to discuss."

Seeing Tim’s serious expression, Finn also put away his smile, "Go on."

"What’s the deal with your assistant?"

"You mean Finn Robinson."

"Yes, him. Last time when Declan Saunders splashed mud on Sussie, you didn’t make a sound, but your assistant jumped out to add fuel to the fire. His behavior, to those unaware, appeared as if he had deep hatred for her."

"His tone clearly carried personal emotions."

"I didn’t pursue this matter post-event since it’s related to your studio, and I didn’t want to interfere."

"But as far as I know, he’s been with you for many years. Perhaps you had your concerns, or other considerations. Just a friendly reminder, if you keep a troublemaker by your side, it will cause chaos sooner or later."

Tim was quite displeased when Finn’s assistant suddenly lashed out last time.

But then Finn suddenly mentioned he was chasing his own junior sister...

This unexpected news completely stunned him.

Where was his mind to think about irrelevant people?

It was only upon reviewing events later that he felt there was a significant problem with Finn’s assistant.

Finn nodded, "I’ll take care of it. I remember, and it’s for my sister’s sake too."

Tim stood up, preparing to search for his sister.

Yet Finn abruptly remarked:

"I should still thank you for the reminder..."

"Thank you, senior brother."

Senior... brother?

What did Finn just call him?

Tim was surprised inside, but he composed himself outwardly, stiffly turning his head to look at him, his eyes filled with confusion.

"You’re Sussie’s senior brother, so naturally, you’re mine too."

"Or do you prefer, per William, to be called... ’Uncle’?"

"I think ’senior brother’ sounds good, don’t you think?"

Uncle?

Finn must be dreaming.

Even though William Hale and his sister hadn’t held their wedding ceremony yet, they had already registered their marriage. By this relation, Tim should indeed be calling him uncle, but how could he be willing?

Tim’s face showed no emotion, "As you wish."

But inside, he was...

Secretly thrilled!