CHAPTER 104: CHAPTER 100: SUDDEN MISFORTUNE (PART 1)

Saying it’s unintentional, it clearly shows intent; saying it’s intentional, this matter clearly has a mysterious edge...

Her father asked him to appear in public with Stella Jennings only to announce to the world that his relationship with Stella is stable. The more it is like this, the less rumors of discord between him and Stella should be spread.

Extinguishing the cigarette butt, Jason Hawthorne personally called Stella Jennings, "I have a banquet to attend tomorrow night, I’ve already had someone prepare the dress for you, it’s your favorite white."

All of Stella Jennings’s grievances disappeared in an instant, this man always had a way to soften her heart, making it impossible for her to blame him...

She sniffed, "But I already have many white dresses, I like magenta now."

Jason Hawthorne’s tone was always calm as water, "We can still buy one when you arrive."

Just like that, Stella Jennings was content...

She never hoped Jason would be much gentler with her, as long as he was willing to talk to her nicely, she was satisfied.

This man was her fate, there was no escaping him.

"Jason, can I ask you a question?"

"Hmm."

"Is Laura Quincy really Asher Thorne’s lover?"

"Whatever their relationship is, it has nothing to do with us, rumors sometimes aren’t trustworthy, with Asher Thorne’s family background and status, he knows his limits."

His words were ambiguous, and Stella Jennings basically believed it.

Like Jason said, their status and background wouldn’t allow them to marry just any woman casually; at most, it’s just playing around.

Thinking of this, she felt at ease.

No matter what, the position of Jason’s lawful wife could only be hers, other women shouldn’t even think about it!

After figuring it out, she started packing her luggage to go to the airport, just in time to use tomorrow night’s banquet as an opportunity to let everyone know her relationship with Jason was stable, especially her sister Serena Jennings, it would be great to slap her face hard!

Laura Quincy had been feeling a bit bored these days, the messages she sent to Jason Hawthorne hadn’t been answered, and when she called once, he didn’t pick up. She guessed he was busy and didn’t call again.

But, to her surprise, Jason Hawthorne hadn’t replied at all, as if he had forgotten about her entirely.

The love he showed her was still fresh in her memory, but only two or three days of separation, and there was no news...

She couldn’t help feeling a bit sour inside.

When Nina Pierce came with fruits to visit her friend, she noticed her mood was off and couldn’t help teasing, "Are you having a fight with your man?"

Laura Quincy gave her friend a playful glare, "Watch your words, alright!"

Nina Pierce picked up a fruit knife and sat at the bedside to peel, "If it’s not a fight, then why the long face? I saw you glowing with happiness just the other day."

Laura Quincy bit her lip, "Not at all! Maybe he’s just a bit busy these days, and hasn’t replied to me."

Nina Pierce was astonished, "Huh? Not even a single call?"

Laura Quincy shook her head.

Nina Pierce paused her apple-peeling hand, "That’s odd! Typically, no matter how busy a man is, he would still care for the woman he loves."

Laura Quincy lowered her eyelids, "Maybe it means I’m not important enough!"

Nina Pierce comforted her friend, "Don’t overthink it! Maybe the Fourth Young Master is genuinely busy, so busy he doesn’t have time to look at his phone! Those business guys like them are always in endless meetings, where’s the time for romance?"

Laura Quincy thought about it, that seemed to make sense, maybe she was just overthinking.

The contrast between the indulgence from a few days ago and the coldness now was indeed stark...

"Hmm, you’re right, it’s better for me to pick myself up and focus on healing. If he wasn’t concerned about me, the news wouldn’t have disappeared without a trace, right?"

"Of course! The Fourth Young Master holds a lot of power, if he doesn’t want news to come out, then it surely won’t."

With her friend’s reassurance, Laura Quincy felt a lot better.

Meanwhile, at the Hawthorne Family.

The eldest and second, and third of the Hawthorne Family were all gathered under one roof, Mrs. Hawthorne, Eleanor Ford, couldn’t be bothered to listen to their chatter and took her precious grandson to the back garden to play.

Without the stepmother around, the three Hawthorne brothers spoke more candidly.

The eldest, Wade Hawthorne, chuckled with sinister intent, "Hey, second one, could it be you who leaked this time’s affair?"

The second, Wyatt Hawthorne, put on an innocent expression, "Eldest, what do you mean by that? I think the most suspicious person is your family! I have only two daughters, no matter how hard I try, father won’t pass the position of Aegis Group’s successor to Vivian and Nicole, but you’re different, Jasper’s been in the limelight lately, lots of people call him a rising star in investments, now you are Jason’s strongest competitors."

As soon as he finished speaking, the third sibling, Lana Hawthorne, added, "Isn’t that so! My second brother and I have always been honest and upright, not daring to have any extravagant hopes."

Her words were laden with meaning, and Penny Leighton, the wife of the eldest brother, was dissatisfied. "The second and third brothers have always been thick as thieves! What do you both mean by targeting my son Jasper? My son’s success is because of his own hard work, unlike some people who rely on having a mother who can sweet-talk her way into things!"

Lana Hawthorne chuckled, "Sister-in-law, why bother saying this to us? It would be better to say it in front of Auntie Ford and Dad."

The second brother, Wyatt Hawthorne, chimed in, "To be fair, Jason is indeed more capable than me and our eldest brother. It’s only right for Father to let him be the heir. Ever since he took over the company, hasn’t everything been managed smoothly? The business has become more comprehensive under his development."

The eldest brother, Wade Hawthorne, snorted lightly, "You really know how to flatter! Trying to please the third house, but unfortunately, Auntie Ford isn’t here now."

He was effectively using the third sibling’s words as a deliberate counterattack against them.

The three branches of the Hawthorne Family have always been harmonious on the surface, but have been secretly feuding for many years...

Wyatt Hawthorne sneered sarcastically, "Who is like you, only knowing how to flatter! What I said is all true! Father did let you manage the company back then, but what was the result?"

His words carried obvious sarcasm.

Wade Hawthorne was fuming, back then, when Father hadn’t married into the third house, he and Wyatt were at each other’s throats vying for the heir position, fighting countless times.

Later, he, as the legitimate son born of the first wife, got the chance to manage the company. Unfortunately, he was too timid at the time, missed the right opportunities, and ended up losing several deals...

Since then, Father no longer trusted him.

Thinking about it always made him annoyed!

So, he placed all his hopes on his son, and luckily, his son did not disappoint, always performing well!

"Second brother, do you not feel any guilt when saying that about me? Acting as if you are so capable!"

Wyatt Hawthorne wasn’t angered, "I’ve always admitted I’m not as capable as our third brother, unlike someone who can’t perform but still won’t admit it."

Wade Hawthorne was furious, and Penny Leighton was unhappy, "Second brother, Wade is still your elder brother, is that how you should talk? Should we let Father decide?"

Lana Hawthorne interjected, "Sister-in-law, stop threatening us with Father. He’s not some unreasonable old stubborn."

As the three siblings were talking, Angus Hawthorne came down from upstairs, "If you can’t be good brothers, then get out!"

As soon as he spoke, no one dared to make a sound.

Everyone knew that the head of the Hawthorne Family was still the old man. Moreover, he wasn’t very old and was well-maintained, so they might not have complete freedom for quite some time...

Wade Hawthorne’s first action upon returning home was to call his son into the study, "Jasper, tell me honestly, was this your doing?"

Jasper Hawthorne didn’t intend to hide it from his father, "It was Serena’s idea, and she planned it."

Wade Hawthorne looked at his son in disbelief but was extremely pleased, "Was it her? Looks like I didn’t choose the wrong wife for you this time!"

Being praised by his father, Jasper Hawthorne was naturally happy, "Dad, you don’t blame me?"

Wade Hawthorne laughed, "Blame you for what? You did absolutely right! Jasper, you found a good wife! I have a suggestion: make it official with her soon! That way, your grandfather won’t stop you from getting married."

Jasper Hawthorne understood, "Dad, I know."

Wade Hawthorne patted his son’s shoulder, "If you get married before your uncle, it will benefit your future development. Moreover, your uncle might not be able to marry Stella Jennings."

Jasper Hawthorne immediately shared his plan with his father, "Dad, Serena wants to sabotage her sister and uncle’s relationship."

Wade Hawthorne slapped his thigh, "That’s a good idea! Serena really thinks like I do!"

Jasper Hawthorne was delighted and couldn’t have been happier.

Compared to the happy conversation in Wade Hawthorne’s house, the atmosphere was heavy in Wyatt Hawthorne’s home. The third sibling, Lana Hawthorne, advised, "Second brother, I think 80% of it is the eldest house’s doing. It’s the most advantageous for him!"

Wyatt Hawthorne sighed, "What’s the use of speculating? We don’t have any solid evidence!"

Lana Hawthorne had no other good solutions, "Actually, I think we still have a chance. Vivian has always been independent and smart. She just graduated this year and was hired as an assistant at a well-known law firm. Her future is limitless!"

Wyatt Hawthorne was still not satisfied, "What’s the use of that? No matter how capable she becomes, she’ll only be a lawyer and cannot become the heir of Aegis Group."

Lana Hawthorne continued, "How is it useless? Vivian can join our company’s legal department at that time!"

Wyatt Hawthorne was not very pleased, "The legal department isn’t a great position. I initially wanted her to join the legal department now, but she didn’t want to and insisted on going to Pinnacle Law Firm."

Lana Hawthorne repeated, "Pinnacle Law Firm?"

Wyatt Hawthorne glanced at his sister, "Why? You know it too?"

Lana Hawthorne suddenly remembered, "Second brother, are you confused? Do you know the Xavier Group?"

Wyatt Hawthorne nodded, "Of course I know, the Xavier Group has always been Aegis Group’s strongest competitor. Moreover, the Xavier Family is very wealthy, and in recent years they have developed exceptionally well, rising as the new elite in Aethelburg."