Not far from the courtyard, Melissa Merce and Mother Hai stood behind a thousand-year-old tree, hidden yet able to clearly see the scene unfold in the yard. They had been there for a long time, watching Finn Morgan busy with people in the courtyard. The words on the proposal banner were particularly eye-catching. She watched as Hailey Hale opened the living room door, walked down the steps, and stood before Finn Morgan in the courtyard. Melissa’s heart tightened into a knot, feeling a bit impatient, "Mother Hai, do you think she will say yes?" "There are reporters, you know." Mother Hai noticed. "She won’t agree, right?" Melissa clung to a glimmer of hope, "If she agrees, she solidifies her role as the third wheel." Mother Hai couldn’t be sure, as true love didn’t care about such things. Hailey showing up delighted Finn; he didn’t immediately kneel but instead proactively took her hand, turning with her to face the reporters. The reporters were invited specifically, so they said little and captured everything accurately. Finn said, "I have something to clarify first, and I don’t want to hold a separate press conference; today seems the perfect occasion." "Why did I dine with Melissa last night? Here’s what really happened—" "Yesterday, Hailey had a minor accident and injured her leg. I thought Miss Melissa was responsible, so without understanding the situation, I slapped her." "When I learned the truth, I felt sorry and quickly apologized. She suggested having dinner to make amends, and I agreed." Hailey turned to look at him; his sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, his voice still so gentle and elegant. The reporters recorded all of what he said in detail. Behind the tree, listening to his words, Melissa’s face turned green with anger, her fingers clenching into a fist. For more chapters visit novel⚑fire.net Finn tightened his grip on Hailey’s hand and turned to her, "Originally, I didn’t want to go, I was very resistant on the way, so how did the photos come out so warm?" "It was because Miss Melissa said she decided to let go, wished me and Hailey happiness, and mentioned that she was returning to Veridia today, which relieved me, but I didn’t expect her to scheme against me." The word ’scheme’ made Melissa want to rush out and wreak havoc! Fortunately, rational Mother Hai held her back, whispering, "Miss, don’t seek embarrassment; there are reporters, and Young Master Morgan has already disregarded dignity, saying anything he wishes. We’d be at a disadvantage then." "..." Melissa’s chest heaved violently, and she gritted her teeth, "Damn it!" Facing the reporters, Finn analyzed, "The photos were candid shots, but not taken by passersby. First of all, they were taken with a professional camera, not a phone." "The person who took the photos was called over by Miss Melissa in advance, with a well-chosen angle, while her own face bore a happy smile throughout." "I don’t know what she’s happy about; I never loved her." With that, Finn embraced Hailey’s shoulder, glanced at her, and then said to the reporters, "There are rumors that Miss Melissa is my fiancée; in truth, it’s just a casual mention by the elders, without any ceremony or feelings between us. It’s her wishful thinking, I’ve refused her countless times." Upon hearing this, hiding by the tree, Melissa’s face slightly stiffened, her eyes burning with anger. "Miss, let’s go, don’t let the reporters find us." Mother Hai guided her by the arm, "Don’t watch anymore." Just as they were about to turn and leave, a voice called out— "Look! Isn’t that Miss Melissa?!" Before the voice faded, several reporters quickly ran over in this direction! Just a dozen or so meters away. Melissa and Mother Hai had barely taken two steps when they were intercepted!