273 Moral kidnapping? You come and be filial to him then

Inside the hall, many had come upon hearing the news.

It wasn't often you'd see such a commotion involving the Hale Family.

"People can't help but gossip," someone said. "The Hale Family has such misfortune, marrying that kind of daughter-in-law, with in-laws like that—it's truly an embarrassment."

"I chatted with Mrs. Hale last night and thought she was quite nice," another commented. "I believe the adoptive father is the larger problem here."

"The Paynes are holding their first banquet since returning to the capital, and to have a scandal now—wouldn't that be slapping the Payne Family's face?"

...

Amidst the buzzing crowd, someone spotted Zoe Bell.

"Mrs. Hale is here."

A cry of surprise went up and suddenly, no one dared to speak; instead, they made way for Zoe Bell.

Upon seeing her, Kevin Bell's eyes lit up.