Chapter 160

Chapter 160 Karl Was Biased Jared’s gift was unexpected, but Hailey could take it. Jared had been a tool junkie since he was little. Hailey couldn’t get a firm grip on things until she was five and Jared put a gun in her hands at her birthday party. Everyone quieted down at the time. Twenty years later, Jared gave Hailey a bow, but it was much better than a gun anyway. “Don’t underestimate it. It looks similar to a slingshot, but it’s no less powerful than a pistol.”

Jared explained to Hailey how to use the bow, “Press here. If you want to play a prank, put a toothpick in the groove. If anyone pisses you off or bullies you, you can put a needle in it. It can penetrate five centimeters of flesh.” As they fiddled with the bow, the others stepped warily away. The cold steels were made on similar principles. Hailey quickly learned how to use the bow. She grabbed a toothpick from the table, placed it in the groove, and shot a bottle of drink near the wall. The toothpick was quickly sent flying. The bottle was pierced and the water went everywhere. Randal, Kyle, and Brook all took a step back. Their bitter experience reminded them to stay away from the dangerous siblings. “Not bad, huh?” Jared asked smugly. Hailey fiddled with the delicate and portable bow and nodded in satisfaction. “Great. I like it. Thanks, Jared!” “Not at all,” Jared responded with a smile. His eyes lit up as he saw the dishes on the table. “Did you make all this? When does dinner start? I’m starving!”

Hailey put the bow away and said, “Almost ready. The soup will be ready soon.” Just then, Jeremy brought out the soup. “Hailey, can we eat now?” Hailey nodded. “Yes.” Jeremy looked at the smiley face necklace around Hailey’s neck and responded happily, “Then I’ll bring out the cake.” Kyle glanced at Jeremy and asked Hailey, “I’ve been meaning to ask you. Who is this handsome guy? Why does he call you Master Hailey?” Hailey realized she hadn’t formally introduced Jeremy to them. She took a few steps forward, patted Jeremy on the shoulder, and said with a smile, “This is Jeremy. He’s here as Gail’s apprentice, but he’s a basketball player by trade. You guys have to take care of him and don’t bully him.” Jeremy’s face turned red and he greeted them one by one. Kyle teased, ‘So you’re kind of his master’s master? Sounds like you’re old and he’s a lot younger than us.” “Hey, don’t try to take advantage of him.” Hailey shot them a serious look and said to Jeremy, “Don’t listen to them. They don’t mean any harm. They’re not Claytons. You can think of them as brothers.” Jeremy nodded nicely, not angry at all. “You guys eat. I’ll go get the cake.” As soon as Jeremy left, Kyle winked at Hailey.

“You’re very protective of him.” “Of course. You bad guys can’t bully him.” “Okay, okay, we won’t.” Kyle opened his favorite wine. Hailey took it and poured a glass of hot wine for each of his brothers. Jared took off his wet jacket and asked, “Is Karl really not coming?” Hailey replied, “Yes, he called me this morning. He said he was too busy and told us to have fun.” Brook sniffled. “That’s an excuse. He just doesn’t want to see us and wants to meet with you alone, right? He doesn’t care about us at all. He only cares about you.” Kyle echoed, “It’s not fair!” Randal said with a smile, “Well, don’t blame Karl. He doesn’t like to party. Maybe he’s afraid of making the atmosphere serious.” “Yeah. It doesn’t matter if he comes or not. Did he send a gift?” Jared asked. Hailey nodded. “Yes.” “What was it?” They all looked at her curiously. Hailey answered, “An island.” The four men pursed their lips, looked at each other, and raised their glasses in unison. “Drink. Drink.” Hailey gave a helpless smile at their envious faces. Karl had been on her side and her other brothers had had to hold back.

It was a rare opportunity for them to get together and for Hailey to cook. Everyone was happy. Kyle and Brook looked at each other and said to Hailey, “Hailey, since you’re in costume, how about performing something?” “No!” Hailey refused outright, “I can’t sing or dance. What can I do? Acrobatics?” Jared said, “Good idea.” Hailey threw popcorn in his face. “Get out!”

Kyle flattered her, “Don’t be modest. Your voice is like an angel’s! Even Nick complimented you on your voice. No one can sing like you.” Brook agreed, “Yeah, you’re a good dancer too. The last time you danced at The Nomad, you wowed all the men in the audience “Come on. I was just bopping ” Hailey didn’t buy it. “You were dancing,” Kyle and Brook insisted that Hailey sing or dance.

Eventually, Hailey tossed the popcorn back into the bowl and clapped her hands. “Okay, I’ll sing for you! Don’t laugh at me!” “We won’t! We’ll applaud you!” Jared and Randal watched them as they ate their popcorn. Jared whispered to Randal, “Are you ready?” Randal whispered, “Sure.” Then he took two pairs of earplugs out of his pocket and put them in with Jared. Kyle and Brook asked Hailey to sing her hit song Opera. Hailey cleared her throat and started singing. Jeremy was startled in the kitchen.

He thought something had exploded outside. He lifted the curtain and walked out to see Hailey holding the microphone with her eyes closed. ‘Turns out she’s singing…’ By the time Hailey finished, Brook and Kyle weren’t in their seats. They laughed so hard under the table that tears were coming out of their eyes, but they had to restrain themselves.

Jared and Randal had taken their earplugs off and applauded. “Great! Hailey, you’re the best singer!”

Hailey put down the microphone. “I know I’m not a good singer, but is it that funny?” She dragged Kyle and Brook, who were laughing their heads off, out from under the table and punched them each in the chest. She knew they were teasing her. “Sorry. We just couldn’t help it…” Kyle and Brook leaned on Jeremy. “Jeremy, what do you think of your Master Hailey?” Jeremy just wanted to run away. “I’m going to get dessert…” He had just taken a step when Kyle and Brook grabbed him. Hailey said, “Jeremy, don’t be afraid. Speak your mind.” Jeremy looked up at her, thought for a moment, and asked seriously, “Hailey, was your throat bitten by a husky when you were a kid?” Hailey was speechless.

This time, everyone laughed, and Hailey smeared cream on their faces one by one.

Owen was standing outside the restaurant with an umbrella. Seeing them so happy, he had mixed feelings. Five minutes ago, they tried to go in, but they were stopped at the entrance. Hailey’s bodyguard said, “The restaurant has been bought out by Ms. Newman. It’s a family dinner and strangers are not allowed in. You can come back another time.” Jose explained, “We’re here to give Ms. Newman gifts…” The bodyguard said indifferently, “No room. You can come back another day or give them to us. Tell me your names and we’ll give them to Ms. Newman.” Jose tried to say something else, but Owen grabbed him by the collar again and said coldly, “Let’s go.”

Five minutes later, Gail received a message and went out the back door. He had just poked his head out when Jose hugged him from behind Jose grinned and said, “Sorry, Chef Clayton, I need your uniform.”