Chapter 556
When Adrian and the Coles arrived with gifts, they were greeted by the sight of Hailey in a chic white tweed dress, her makeup flawless. Looking sweet and charming, she stood beside Marianne, smiling and chatting with the other socialites.
She truly looked every bit the part of a high-society debutante.
Nearby, a few of the women were still fawning over her. One held Hailey’s hand and said cheerfully, “Hailey, how old are you now? My boy is twenty-three and just started learning the ropes at the family company. Would you be interested in having dinner with him p>
Hailey glanced at the woman.
After returning to the Wynn family, she had diligently researched everyone in Vaelion City’s upper crust, committing them all to memory.
She recognized this woman. Her family was highly regarded in Vaelion City, much wealthier than the Wynn family had been in the past.
A glint appeared in her eye as she considered how to respond.
Just then, another socialite took her other hand. “Don’t listen to her, look at my son! My boy is exceptional, and handsome too p>
“Have you no shame? Starting to fight over her already? Well, if you’re all going to be so forward, then I won’t hold back! Hailey, look, here’s a picture of my son p>
Hailey was surrounded by a crowd of socialites.
Looking at them, each one more distinguished and wealthier than the last, she could barely suppress a smile.
Marianne, standing beside her, was grinning from ear to ear.
“Hailey p>
A clear voice suddenly cut through the chatter.
Hailey’s smile froze.
She looked up and saw Adrian standing at the entrance to the Wynn family’s home, with his parents, the Coles, just behind him.
“Sorry, I’m late.” Adrian saw Hailey staring at him, seemingly in a daze.
He assumed she was simply captivated after not having seen him for so long.
He had taken special care to dress up before coming.
He started walking toward her. “I wanted to come see you earlier, but when my parents heard, they insisted on coming along to meet you p>
The arrival of the three Coles silenced the once-lively gathering.
Hailey bit her lip and glanced at Marianne.
Marianne patted her arm and gave her a meaningful look.
Hailey knew what her mother meant.
The Cole family was far more powerful and influential than any of the other families present.
The original marriage contract between their families was a case of the Wynns marrying up.
However, the Coles had behaved outrageously before.
Now, with the Wynn family’s new reputation for being close with the Blackwoods and the Lancasters, combined with the buzz around Hailey being a renowned designer’s final protége, they had a bit more leverage.
They could afford to be firm with the Coles.
If they forgave the Coles too easily, wouldn’t it make them look cheap?
Besides, the fact that the Coles had come in person, bearing so many gifts, was proof that their strategy was working.
That was all the more reason to put on an act for them.
Adrian strode forward, reaching out to take Hailey’s hand.
Hailey took a step back, avoiding his touch, and shrank behind Marianne.
She pouted, biting her lower lip as she shot Adrian a look of playful resentment.
“Hailey Adrian started to say more.
Marianne stepped in front of her
daughter, looked at Adrian, and scoffed. “Mr. Cole, what a surprise. To what do we owe this visit to the Wynn family p>
She then turned to Mr. and Mrs. Cole, who were approaching with smiles, and gave them a cool, dismissive look, “What wind” blew you two here? Our humble home can’t possibly accommodate such important guests p>