Back then, even when Ethan Yu had the opportunity to marry someone of higher status, he still chose Lin Xinyer—a woman of ordinary background.
If that wasn't love, what was?
Hailey Tang knew then that Ethan and Lin Xinyer were truly in love. So this time around, she had no intention of getting in their way. She would stay far from their sight, quietly walk away, and give them the ending they wanted.
But not yet.
She would wait patiently—for Ethan to fall in love with Lin Xinyer again. Only when that happened would he willingly agree to divorce her.
…
When Hailey returned to the Tang family's old estate, her grandfather had just finished his morning workout.
Though already in his eighties, General Haizhi Tang remained tall, straight-backed, and full of vitality. He'd served in the military his whole life and was still widely respected, even in retirement.
Hailey was the granddaughter of his youngest son—his only remaining child—and the apple of his eye. She was spoiled growing up, not just because she was the only one left, but also because she had a naturally willful streak.
Seeing her grandfather again brought a sudden sting to Hailey's eyes.
"Grandpa!" she called, voice bright but tinged with emotion. She ran up to him and hugged his arm tightly.
"Ah, my precious granddaughter," he beamed, his tone warm and teasing. "What brings you here so early? You're not one to skip your beauty sleep."
Hailey laughed sheepishly. It was true—she was infamous in the household for waking up late whenever she had the chance.
"I came here just to see you, Grandpa. I missed you," she said sweetly, leaning her head on his shoulder.
General Tang's heart swelled with joy.
"Well now, this is rare. I thought all your thoughts were with that Ethan Yu boy. Never thought this old man still had a place in your heart."
No, not anymore.
From now on, her heart belonged only to her family. Ethan Yu had no place there.
"I love you the most, Grandpa," Hailey said seriously, her eyes shimmering. "Not him."
Honestly, in her heart now, Ethan didn't even rank above the family dog.
The old man burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Sweet talker. You're just saying that to make this old man happy."
He didn't believe her, of course. To him, Hailey's love for Ethan had always been obvious.
"Alright, alright. Grandpa knows you love Ethan Yu most. Don't worry—I'm not jealous," he joked, patting her hand.
See? Even when she denied it outright, no one believed her anymore.
Changing the subject, Hailey smiled. "Grandpa, I don't have anything to do today. Can I stay and keep you company?"
The old man was delighted. He lived alone in the ancestral home, and nothing made him happier than family dropping by.
"Of course, of course! If my darling granddaughter wants to stay with me, I couldn't be happier!"
Seeing how happy he was made Hailey's heart ache a little.
In her past life, she had been so unfilial.
Back then, she had been so obsessed with Ethan that she rarely visited her grandfather, the only person who had truly loved her unconditionally. When she was sentenced to death, it was the heartbreak that took him—not time.
Her father had passed away when she was little. After her grandfather died, there was no one left to care for her. No one fought to reduce her sentence. No one stood by her side.
It was only in prison that she realized—he was the most important person in her life. Her true anchor. Without him, she had no right to be reckless or selfish.
Thankfully, this life gave her another chance.
This time, she would never do anything to disappoint him again.
…
The Tang family had deep roots in both politics and business.
General Haizhi Tang had once held one of the highest military ranks in the country. Though retired, he remained highly respected. The Tang family had influence stretching across government and commerce.
Hailey, as a direct descendant, was a true heiress in every sense.
Ethan Yu's family, while equally powerful, had always focused on business. He himself had built an empire in City C and was already its undisputed financial king.
Hailey knew that with Ethan's talents, it was only a matter of time before he expanded his reach globally.
Soon, he would be the pride of the entire nation—a man of such stature that no ordinary woman could stand beside him.
Right now, she barely matched him.
But in the future?
Only royalty would be a suitable match for a man like Ethan Yu.