CHAPTER 69: CHAPTER 69: SILAS EVERETT IS NO ORDINARY MAN

In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the jewelry competition.

The competition was held at the most luxurious hotel in Aethelgard, attended by almost all the jewelry companies from the city.

Caden Hawthorne and Silas Everett were invited by the organizers to serve as guest judges for the event.

Inside the hotel lobby, the lights were dazzling, and people were coming and going, creating a lively atmosphere.

Jewelry designers from all walks of life brought their meticulously crafted pieces, waiting nervously yet eagerly for the competition to start.

A black Maybach pulled up at the hotel entrance.

Instantly, reporters stationed outside the hotel swarmed forward.

Caden Hawthorne stepped out of the car. Wearing a crisp black suit, his demeanor was cold and commanding, making people hesitant to approach.

Right after, Vivian Lynch stepped out, wearing a black evening gown with a loose design that perfectly concealed her slightly protruding belly.

From outward appearances, no one could tell she was nearly five months pregnant.

Seeing this high-profile couple, reporters rushed to interview them.

"President Hawthorne, we heard that Miss Lynch is a jewelry designer and is participating in today’s competition. Do you think your wife can win first place in this competition?"

Hearing this, Caden instinctively looked at Vivian beside him and took her hand with affection in his eyes, "No matter who wins first place tonight, it won’t affect our relationship. In my heart, Vivian is the best."

Seeing him praise her in front of so many reporters, Vivian blushed with embarrassment.

The reporters were warmed by Caden’s response and marvelled at the strong bond between the couple.

Then another reporter asked, "Miss Lynch, as a participant, do you have any special feelings about this competition?"

Vivian slightly raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a gentle smile, "I’m honored to participate in this competition and grateful for a platform where I can showcase my work. I will do my best and hope to gain everyone’s recognition."

"President Hawthorne, we heard that you were invited by the organizers to attend as a guest judge. During the competition, will you give your wife’s work high marks?" Another reporter posed a sharp question.

Upon hearing this, Caden smiled lightly, "The competition is fair and just. In my heart, of course, I would give my wife full marks. But when evaluating, I will approach her work from a professional standpoint. Let’s wait and see!"

After speaking, Caden offered no further explanation.

But his response successfully won over the surrounding reporters, earning widespread admiration.

"President Hawthorne is indeed the crown prince of The Aethelgard Circle, that response is perfect."

"President Hawthorne seems like a master at navigating tricky situations. Is he afraid of his wife at home?"

"President Hawthorne not only has high emotional intelligence but also dotes on his wife. With wealth and looks, Miss Lynch is truly lucky!"

The female reporters looked at Vivian with envious eyes.

The reporters wanted to continue probing with more questions when Caden slightly frowned and shielded Vivian by his side, "Alright, reporter friends, today is about the jewelry competition. Let’s keep the focus there."

After speaking, he led Vivian inside the hotel, escorted by security.

Inside the hotel lobby, people glanced with envy and reverence at Caden and Vivian’s arrival. Vivian, feeling the surrounding gazes, felt a bit nervous. Sensing her emotions, Caden softly said, "Don’t be nervous, you’re the best."

Vivian nodded, took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself.

They approached the area near the judges’ seats, where Caden exchanged greetings with other judges and guests, while Vivian quietly awaited the start of the competition.

At this moment, Silas Everett also noticed them.

Today, he was wearing a dark blue suit, paired with a burgundy tie, appearing both elegant and rebellious.

He adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses on his nose and walked over with a meaningful smile.

"Master Hawthorne, Miss Lynch, what a coincidence. I didn’t expect to meet here again."

Caden’s expression darkened, coldly looking at Silas, "Why is Mr. Everett here?"

He had investigated Silas’s background, discovering he was the son of David Everett, Cinderport’s wealthiest man, and suspected his intentions were anything but simple.

After all, over the years, the Everett Family and the Hawthorne Family had been business rivals.

Silas smiled slightly, "President Hawthorne might not know, but I’m also a judge today."

After saying this, he glanced at Vivian, his eyes carrying an inscrutable gleam.

Vivian looked at Caden, then at Silas, awkwardly smiling, "Mr. Everett, what a coincidence."

"Isn’t it just! I’ve heard Miss Lynch is also participating in the competition, and I’m very curious about what kind of work Miss Lynch will present."

Hearing Silas’s words, a trace of displeasure rose in Caden’s heart.

He subtly shifted to shield Vivian behind him and said coldly, "Mr. Everett, you should focus more on other contestants’ works. My wife’s work doesn’t need your concern."

Silas remained unfazed, still smiling as he said, "Master Hawthorne, don’t be so tense. I’m simply interested in Miss Lynch’s design talents. After all, to capture Master Hawthorne’s heart, she must be extraordinary."

Caden’s expression turned even more sour, ready to retort when Vivian gently tugged at his sleeve, signaling him not to act rashly.

Vivian looked at Silas and politely said, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Everett. I’ll do my best."

Silas nodded slightly, "Then I look forward to it."

After speaking, he turned and walked toward the judges’ table.

Caden watched Silas’s back with a wary look.

He whispered to Vivian, "Vivian, this Silas Everett is not simple. Stay away from him."

Vivian chuckled softly, "Caden, are you being too sensitive? Or are you getting jealous again?"

"Vivian, I’m serious." Caden frowned slightly.

Vivian couldn’t help but take his arm with a cheerful smile, "Alright, I got it."

Just then, Yvonne York’s delighted voice rang out, "Caden, you’re here too!"

Yvonne and Yara York appeared, also dressed in evening gowns, coming to attend the jewelry competition.

Caden heard Yvonne’s voice and immediately frowned more deeply.

He didn’t even glance at Yvonne and simply spoke to Vivian, "Let’s go."

Vivian glanced helplessly at Yvonne, then at Caden, and had no choice but to prepare to leave with him.

Yvonne saw this and hurriedly stepped forward to block them. "Caden, why do you always avoid me? I just want to say a few words."

Caden’s expression was grim as he coldly stated, "Miss York, there’s nothing for us to discuss."

Yara, unable to bear it, pointed at Vivian angrily, "Vivian Lynch, you’re just relying on being pregnant with Caden’s child. What’s so great about that?"