Elise’s eyes were full of tears; she looked at Shaun with a pitiful, helpless expression that would make any man feel sorry for her.


    But Shaun seemed in a good mood. He had seen everything happen, and suddenly smirkedzily.


    “You knew she wasn’t someone to mess with, and you still provoked her. Of course she’d hit you.”


    Elise was speechless. Did he hear what he was saying? Nofort, no sympathy, no scolding for Halsey-just him lecturing her instead?


    Why was he like this?


    Feeling even more wronged, Elise whispered, “Mr. Lane—”


    Shaun cut her off. “Are you getting in? If you don’t want to ride with her, take a cab to the bar yourself.”


    Then, he climbed into the driver’s seat.


    Elise was left standing there in the wind, disoriented.


    She was furious, but didn’t explode. She was determined to ride in the same car as Halsey-she wouldn’t give Shaun or Halsey a


    chance to be alone.


    Elise opened the back door and got in.


    Halsey kind of admired Elise-after everything, Elise still had the nerve to get in the car. Not just anyone could do that.


    Shaun stepped on the gas pedal, and the luxury car smoothly sped onto the road.


    Halsey stayed quiet. If Elise hadn’t provoked her, she wouldn’t have made a move.


    But Elise spoke up yet again. “Ms. Mallin, you’re really brutal, resorting to violence whenever you want. It’s kinda scary.”


    To that, Halsey sneered. “Sorry, but you’re the first person to ever make me strike first. Instead of criticizing me, maybe you should think about why you made me angry in the first ce.”


    Elise was shut down.


    She snorted coldly, unwilling to give up. “You have quite a temper. I get it-being a rich girl can do that to you. But seriously, who could put up with someone like you?”


    Who could put up with her?


    She was Halsey Mallin, for god’s sake! She had so many suitors that she lost count.


    Halsey turned and looked at Shaun. “She’s talking about you. Can you put up with me?”


    Shaun nced at Halsey, taking in her angry face and sparkling eyes. For some reason, he let out a quietugh.


    Halsey frowned. “What are youughing at?”


    Elise sneered, “He’s just speechless at you.”


    Halsey reached out and gave Shaun’s arm a hard pinch. “Stopughing!”


    “Ouch,” Shaun winced.


    Elise was stunned. “You can hurt me all you want, but how could you hurt Mr. Lane?”


    Halsey grinned. “Mr. Lane, can I hurt you?”


    Shaun raised an eyebrow, a smile still ying on his lips. “Sure, but easy on me-I’m innocent!”


    Elise waspletely shocked. Why did Shaun spoil Halsey so much? Now, she understood-Halsey’s tempe spoiled.


    Halsey looked at Shaun. “Your secretary said no man could put up with me-


    Shaun interrupted, “I can.”


    Then with a tender smile, he added, “Is that good enough for you, mydy?”


    He said those words in a low, rich voice, full of endless love and care.


    11