The motion of Hailey's knife paused ever so slightly as she continued slicing her bacon.
She knew Zhang Ma had misunderstood. The older woman probably thought something passionate had happened between her and Ethan last night.
But in reality?
Nothing even close.
Ethan Dong had turned into a beast. A rabid dog. He hadn't made love to her—he'd devoured her.
He had spent the entire night leaving bite marks on her like some kind of territorial animal marking his possession.
But how was she supposed to explain that?
Some truths were better left buried.
So she said nothing, finishing her breakfast in silence before grabbing her bag and heading out the door.
Today, she had a mission: make her escape plan a reality. The sooner, the better.
And the only person with the power to help her do that… was Grandpa Hai.
But to her dismay, the moment she brought up the idea of studying abroad, he didn't even hesitate before shooting her down.
"No," Grandpa Hai said firmly, leaning heavily on his cane. "Studying overseas is out of the question. If you want to attend school, you can find a university right here in C City."
Hailey had anticipated this. She'd prepared her argument well in advance.
"But Grandpa, my strongest skill is foreign languages. I'm not good at much else. Going abroad is the only way I can really make something of myself."
Grandpa Hai narrowed his eyes at her. "If you can't even master the fundamentals of your own country, what makes you think you'll thrive learning someone else's? No. Overseas doesn't suit you. You're not going."
His voice brooked no room for debate.
Still, Hailey pressed on, heart pounding with desperation. "Please, Grandpa. I really want to go. Just for a year—only one year! I promise I'll come back."
But how could she ever outwit the man who had raised her, taught her, seen through every lie she ever tried to tell?
Grandpa Hai sighed, his sharp gaze softening.
"Hailey, it's not that I don't want to support your dreams," he said slowly, his voice suddenly tired. "I'm eighty years old now. Who knows how many more years I've got left? If you leave for a year, that's one less year we have together. If I die while you're away… we may never see each other again."
His words hit her like a thunderbolt.
Her chest tightened, and her throat burned with guilt.
Eyes reddening, she immediately shook her head. "No! Grandpa, I won't go. I'll stay. I'll stay right here in C City and be with you. I'm not going anywhere."
The old man chuckled warmly, clearly satisfied.
"Good," he said. "Then it's settled. I'll help you find a good school here in the city. You'll study, and you'll stay close to Grandpa. That's all I ask."
He smiled at her, a smile full of affection—but also a glimmer of cunning satisfaction.
Just like that, her entire plan to study abroad and escape Ethan fell apart.
Grandpa Hai knew exactly how to reel her back in.
And she—Hailey Tang—was helpless against his love.
She didn't stay long at the old manor after that. Her emotions were too tangled to sit still.
It was Saturday, and she had already made lunch plans with Jo Ning.
In this lifetime, Hailey was determined to make things right—to cherish this friendship she once took for granted.
Luckily, the two of them got along effortlessly. Jo Ning was easygoing, kind, and refreshingly genuine.
They'd arranged to meet at a high-end restaurant downtown—an upscale spot where a single meal could cost thousands of yuan.
Jo Ning looked a little hesitant as she settled into her seat, glancing around at the luxurious surroundings.
"Hailey… was it really necessary to come somewhere like this?" she asked carefully. "We could've gone to a simpler place. It's not like I need anything fancy."
Hailey smiled. "This is my first time treating you to a meal. Of course it has to be a good one. You deserve the best, not some random takeout place."
Jo Ning still looked uncertain. "But this place is so expensive… I really don't need anything over the top."
"Don't worry about it. Eat whatever you want. I promise it won't break the bank," Hailey said breezily.
Truth was, she rarely spent money on herself. She'd saved up a considerable amount of her allowance over the years.
Not to mention, Ethan had practically forced that black card into her hands last night.
If push came to shove, she'd spend his money without a second thought. He clearly didn't care, and neither did she—not anymore.
If he wanted to give her unlimited access to his wealth, fine. She'd use it to spoil her friends.
Jo Ning looked at her for a moment, then smiled. "Still, even if you're doing well, you shouldn't waste money."
"You helped me on the plane when I needed it," Hailey said sincerely. "And I like having you as a friend. You're someone I want in my life. So no matter how expensive this meal is, it's not a waste."
She pushed the menu toward her. "Order whatever you want. Seriously—don't try to save me money."
Hailey truly meant it. She wanted to treat Jo Ning right this time.
Jo Ning chuckled, touched by her sincerity. "Well, since you insist, I won't hold back."
She picked out a few dishes—nothing extravagant, but not cheap either. Elegant dishes with good flavor and balanced pricing.
They made for the perfect lunch.
As the meal progressed, the two young women chatted and laughed over appetizers and dessert. Hailey found herself relaxing, the tension of the past few days slowly easing under Jo Ning's warmth.
And yet, somewhere deep inside, the shadow of Ethan Dong lingered.
Even as she laughed, part of her remained alert—guarded.
She had no idea what he would do next, and after last night, she didn't dare underestimate him.
But for now, she had this moment of peace.
She wouldn't waste it.
Not again.