CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54: YVONNE YORK RETURNS TO CHINA

Hawthorne Group

At this moment, various media outlets were gathering at the company entrance, and Caden Hawthorne’s assistant, Bryan Coleman, was busy dealing with the fallout.

"Assistant Coleman, where is President Hawthorne right now?"

"You’re President Hawthorne’s assistant, you must know the insider details of his secret marriage, right?"

"Yes! Assistant Coleman, give us some hints!"

Bryan was surrounded by entertainment reporters, crowding him to the point of suffocation. He quickly said, "Sorry! I’m just an assistant, I’m not privy to President Hawthorne’s personal affairs."

The reporters weren’t willing to let Bryan go easily and continued to press: "When will President Hawthorne come out to address this issue? There’s rampant speculation online about President Hawthorne’s secret wife, which must impact Hawthorne Group’s image significantly, right?"

"Yes! Online chatter claims President Hawthorne’s wife is an ordinary person from a poor background, and her adoptive mother is accusing her of being ungrateful, abandoning the parents who raised her for wealth and status."

"Why would President Hawthorne choose to marry into poverty? Rumor has it that this Vivian Lynch is pregnant; could it be that President Hawthorne married due to the child?"

Bryan’s expression turned serious, and he calmly stated, "Media friends, please remain calm. President Hawthorne will provide a response at an appropriate time regarding this matter. Currently, all company operations are proceeding as usual and won’t be affected by this issue. Please give President Hawthorne some time and space, and refrain from excessive speculation and spreading false information."

After speaking, Bryan squeezed out of the crowd with the security team’s escort and returned inside the company.

Caden returned to the company through the back entrance, thus not addressing the reporters’ questions.

Bryan immediately went to the CEO’s office to report the situation.

"President Hawthorne, the number of reporters at the company entrance is increasing. What should we do?" Bryan asked anxiously.

Caden frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure in his eyes. "Ignore them for now, let the PR department monitor public opinion dynamics closely and prepare response strategies."

"Yes, President Hawthorne." Bryan nodded and turned to leave.

"Wait." Caden called him back, "How is Vivian doing? Has she been disturbed by reporters?"

Bryan quickly replied, "President Hawthorne, rest assured, Madam is protected by dedicated personnel, and no reporter has yet found Hartswell Manor’s address."

Only then did Caden relax, reclining into his chair as he pondered how to properly handle this incident.

"By the way, President Hawthorne, the company has been somewhat affected lately, and the shareholders are very upset, waiting for your explanation." Bryan suddenly remembered something and added a remark.

Caden’s frown deepened, his long fingers tapping lightly on the desk as if contemplating how to deal with the issue.

He calmly said, "I’ll handle this matter myself. Inform them that we’ll hold a shareholders’ meeting this afternoon."

"Yes, President Hawthorne."

After Bryan left, Caden fell into thought. He knew this incident required careful handling; he needed to protect Vivian and the child while stabilizing the company.

Hartswell Manor

"Sister-in-law, are you awake?"

Vivian Lynch awoke from her afternoon nap to find Riley Hawthorne still keeping a close watch over her.

"Riley, why didn’t you go to rest?"

"Sister-in-law, you’re now the key protection target for our family. I promised my brother to take care of you." Riley said while thoughtfully placing a soft pillow behind Vivian Lynch.

"Riley, thank you." Vivian smiled gratefully.

"Sister-in-law, saying that makes us strangers."

"Where’s your brother? Isn’t he back yet?" Vivian glanced around the room; if Caden Hawthorne had returned, he wouldn’t miss seeing her.

Riley shook her head, "The online rumors have had some effect on the company, so my brother is probably holding a shareholders’ meeting at the company now!"

Upon hearing this, Vivian lowered her eyes, a trace of guilt and heartache reflected in them. "I’m sorry for causing trouble for you all."

"Sister-in-law, it’s not your fault; the fault lies with those who hurt you." Riley placed her hands on Vivian’s shoulders, smiling to comfort her.

In the afternoon, the shareholders’ meeting was held as scheduled. Shareholders gathered, and the atmosphere was tense and serious.

Caden Hawthorne walked into the conference room, his gaze firm and confident. He glanced at the shareholders present and took his seat at the head position.

"President Hawthorne, you’re fashionably late; does that mean your family issues are resolved?"

"President Hawthorne, your wife has a poor reputation online, even affecting our company; you owe us an explanation, don’t you?"

Caden sat at the chief seat, his expression calm, his voice moderate yet serious: "Fellow shareholders, regarding the recent rumors, I believe you’re all aware. I understand everyone’s concern for the company’s image and development, but rest assured, I will handle this matter appropriately."

"Handle it? How?" An elderly shareholder listened, immediately displaying an angry expression: "President Hawthorne, we don’t care who your wife is, but if she affects the company, then she’s a sinner to Hawthorne."

"Yes, President Hawthorne, you could have married anyone, yet you chose a girl from poverty; isn’t that lowering your status?"

"Indeed! President Hawthorne, wasn’t Miss York interested in you? Marrying her would have strengthened both the Hawthorne and York families."

"Silence!" Caden’s expression darkened, and he angrily slapped the table.

The shareholders under him immediately fell silent.

Caden coldly glanced at the shareholders, speaking each word firmly: "Whom I, Caden Hawthorne, choose to marry and wed, doesn’t require your approval. Regarding any impact my wife Vivian Lynch may have on the company, I’m sorry! But I will not allow anyone to insult her. My personal affairs aren’t subject to your scrutiny."

The conference room fell silent, stunned by Caden’s imposing manner.

After a moment, an older shareholder cautiously spoke, "President Hawthorne, we’re just thinking about the company’s interests. However, if you act so unyieldingly, it may pose more risks to the company."

Caden squinted slightly, a resolute look in his eyes: "I understand your concerns. First, I will openly respond to this matter soon to clarify the truth and eliminate negative effects. Second, we will strengthen the company’s public relations to enhance its image. Finally, we will continue advancing various business operations to ensure the company’s stable development."

Pausing there, Caden added another sentence, "I hope my personal matters won’t be confused with the company’s affairs, and I ask you to respect my wife. As for this company’s loss, I, Caden Hawthorne, am willing to bear it alone."

The shareholders exchanged looks; though still dissatisfied, none dared refute Caden.

They knew Caden Hawthorne’s methods and determination; once he decided something, it was hard to change.

"Do you have any concerns or objections?"

A shareholder chuckled, "Since President Hawthorne has stated this, how could we object?"

Other shareholders responded in agreement, "Yes, President Hawthorne. You’ve taken on all the responsibility, leaving us speechless."

"President Hawthorne, go ahead and proceed! We trust your abilities unconditionally."

Caden Hawthorne knew these people were the type who chased money and weren’t willing to suffer any loss; they would start jumping up at the mention of profits.

After the meeting ended, Caden returned to his office, exhausted, leaning back in his chair, rubbing his brows.

Just then, Bryan Coleman entered, "President Hawthorne, Miss York is here, wanting to see you."

Upon hearing this, Caden nonchalantly asked, "Which Miss York?"

"It’s Yvonne York, the eldest daughter of the York Family," Bryan replied.

Upon hearing this, Caden frowned a bit more and opened his eyes suddenly, "Why has she returned to the country?"

"Reportedly, it was an early morning flight today. She likely rushed back upon hearing the news of your secret marriage." Bryan said cautiously.

Caden’s frown deepened after listening and showed no intention of meeting her, immediately instructing Bryan, "Tell her I’m still in a meeting, let her leave first."

As soon as he spoke, a gentle and pleasant female voice sounded from outside the door, "Caden, do you really not want to see me?"