Chapter 697

As Hailey's fear became apparent, Sergio stepped forward to steady her. He frowned and asked, "Grandma, what's wrong?" Hailey looked increasingly unsettled but forced a shake of her head. "I-I'm fine. It's nothing." Sergio's cold gaze shifted to Maeve. "Maeve, what did you do to my grandmother?" "Mr. Brooks, I've been standing right here. I haven't done anything at all." Maeve moved to stand beside Zion with a look of confusion. "Why does Mrs. Brooks Senior look at me like she's seen a ghost? What's going on?" At the mention of "ghost", Hailey couldn't bring herself to meet Maeve's gaze. "Those things they said in the news… I thought…" "That was all a lie. Didn't I clarify that already? Mrs. Brooks Senior, I'm right here in front of you." As Maeve's sharp words continued, Hailey began to regain her composure. Looking at Maeve and confirming her presence, she realized Emily had duped her. The thought of losing 30 million dollars made Hailey's stomach churn. That money had come from selling off a significant portion of her jewelry! As Maeve studied Hailey, she became increasingly convinced that the kidnapping incident in Yewridge was somehow connected to her. Clara sensed the tension and stepped before Hailey to link arms with her. "Grandma Hailey, this is Ms. Scott. She's alive and well. "And she's engaged to Mr. Spencer. Their banquet is on the same day as mine and Sergio's." Clara's words were a clear attempt to signal to Hailey that Maeve had quickly moved on from her marriage and was now marrying someone else. Hailey was stunned by the news that Maeve was engaged to Zion. She scrutinized him and finally realized that he was the same person she had people secretly photographed before. She couldn't believe Maeve had found another wealthy partner so soon after leaving Sergio! Hailey had heard much about the Spencer family's reputation but didn't want to lose face as an elder. So, she feigned nonchalance. "Zion, right? I met your family's elders when I was younger. By lineage, both you and Sergio should call me 'grandma.'" Maeve suddenly burst into laughter, surprising everyone. Hailey frowned and demanded, "What's so funny?" "Nothing, really. I just find it amusing that you would say something like that, Mrs. Brooks Senior." Maeve paused and turned to Zion. "Zee, I remember hearing that decades ago, the Spencer family was at the top of Seathburn City, right?" "Of course." "I often heard my grandparents mention how only the elite were invited to the Spencer family's banquets back then. "Even the Scott family had to wait their turn. I didn't realize Mrs. Brooks Senior was so wealthy all those years ago—how enviable!" As her words hung in the air, several socialites couldn't help but chuckle, though they quickly recognized the inappropriateness of the moment and fell silent. Only Hailey's expression turned sour. Everyone knew the Brooks family had risen to wealth later than others. Decades ago, they weren't considered among the four major families, and even now, the Spencer family still held a formidable status. For the head of the Spencer family to refer to Hailey as "grandma" was audacious, to say the least. "Ms. Scott, are you being sarcastic?" At that moment, Clara couldn't help but retort, effectively shattering the tension and indirectly confirming Hailey's earlier boast. As expected, Hailey's face grew even darker. Maeve feigned ignorance and asked, "Ms. Ramoz, I was genuinely complimenting Mrs. Brooks Senior. Why do you think I was being sarcastic?"