CHAPTER 31: CHAPTER 31: HAWTHORNE GROUP’S DILEMMA

After Ann Vaughn administered the medicine, the doctors insisted on a detailed explanation of the acupuncture process during the surgery, and some sharp-eyed doctors even noticed what she had secretly given to Old Master Hawthorne to drink.

However, since the extracted solution was of great importance, Ann Vaughn wasn’t generous enough to disclose everything freely. Fortunately, Professor Chaney stepped in to help her out, allowing her to escape the situation.

"Young Miss Vaughn, listen to the professor’s advice. Although the Chinese medicine industry is sluggish now, with your skills, I believe you can make it shine again. I sincerely hope you’ll consider returning to your studies; you shouldn’t be buried in a manor."

Before leaving, Professor Chaney earnestly urged Ann Vaughn.

She knew that being a graduate of The Herbalist Hospital would help her integrate more smoothly into the industry, just as he said.

However, while Ann Vaughn was touched, she saw little hope in returning to school.

And she didn’t know when Cyrus Hawthorne would be willing to let her go.

Ann Vaughn didn’t think too much and took a taxi to the Jennings Family villa.

The butler greeted Ann Vaughn more enthusiastically than yesterday, "Miss Vaughn, the young master still has no appetite today. I heard he is willing to eat the pastries you make, could you perhaps...?"

"Of course, I’ll head to the kitchen to make something to eat first." Ann Vaughn responded with a light smile, and, noticing that Sutton Jennings wasn’t around, asked curiously, "Is Mr. Jennings not here?"

"Lord Shane managed to find half of the herbs listed last night. He said the remaining rare ones will be gathered by tonight. Let me know if there’s anything else you need."

Gathering almost all the herbs on the list in less than a day?

Ann Vaughn internally marveled. The difficulty of finding those herbs aside, their value was immeasurable with money.

Who exactly was this Mr. Jennings?

But her curiosity wasn’t intense. After being surprised for a moment, she went to the kitchen to make some pastries and then headed upstairs.

Unlike last night, Sawyer Jennings was staring blankly at a children’s drawing, expressionless, with no light in his beautiful pupils, casting a dim and pitiful aura.

Ann Vaughn quietly pushed the door open, glanced curiously at the crayon drawing, then approached him and set the pastries down, softly saying, "Have something to eat."

Sawyer Jennings still didn’t respond.

Ann Vaughn didn’t mind. After checking his pulse and recording it, she prepared to leave the room.

"Regarding your husband’s company’s drug issue, I could ask my brother for help." A boyish, husky voice sounded from behind, "As long as you help me..."

"Help you end your life?" Ann Vaughn paused and turned her head towards him, "How can you be sure I can’t cure your leg and let you walk out to see the scenery of the world personally?"

Her gaze lingered on the drawing for a few seconds; her red lips curved into a smile, then she walked out.

Sawyer Jennings’ gaze returned to the drawing as his dry lips unconsciously pressed together.

It wasn’t surprising that Sawyer Jennings knew so much. Given Sutton Jennings’ protectiveness over his brother, she should have been thoroughly investigated.

Although she acted indifferent in front of the little guy, as soon as Ann Vaughn left the room, she took out her phone to look up related news.

The matter had already been fermenting online, with relentless posts of resistance, but Hawthorne Corp.’s public relations had quickly quelled it before it caused worse damage.

But if it continues this way, the entire image of Hawthorne Corp. would be hit hard.

After some thought, Ann Vaughn called her friend Susie Sommers, a program planner at a TV station, who knew more insider facts than most.

"From what I know, Hawthorne’s new injury medication seems to have hit the market without being perfected. Someone used this medication, which led to wound deterioration and infection, almost resulting in amputation, which is why it has blown up."

"But don’t be fooled by how well Hawthorne has sealed off the information; all those media who love chaos are watching them. Furthermore, the victim side is unwilling to settle privately. If this issue blows up, the Hawthorne Group’s project will likely be completely boycotted."