CHAPTER 696: CHAPTER 696: NOT EVEN A SCRAP LEFT AFTER BEING DEVOURED

Ann Vaughn said gloomily, "People aren’t fools. If those reporters intentionally guide them, someone will definitely connect it to the ’revival potion’ incident from before. The audience for this live broadcast is so large that even if domestic news can be suppressed, overseas..."

"Then let them be." A dark and deep gleam flashed in Cyrus Hawthorne’s eyes. He reversed his hand to clasp hers, resting on his temple, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss, his voice carrying a trace of nonchalance.

"Dr. Vaughn’s hands aren’t meant for this."

Hearing this, Ann Vaughn reluctantly pulled back from her anxious thoughts and looked up at him.

Instantly, she met those deep, dark eyes filled with calmness and steadiness, seemingly carrying an innate magic that calmed her mind.

The heart of Ann Vaughn, soaked in cold water and brimming with worry and frustration, felt as if it was wrapped in a warm spring, dispersing all the chills.

Hearing him call her "Dr. Vaughn" once more, Ann Vaughn’s ears heated up, pretending to be calm as she retorted, "Is it specifically for holding the Golden Needle to treat patients?"

"Not just that." Cyrus Hawthorne’s thin lips curved slightly. With a little force, he pulled Ann Vaughn into his embrace, leaving only inches between them.

He leaned closer to her ear and whispered a few words.

The warm breath brushed against Ann Vaughn’s skin by her ear, causing her to shiver and making her extremely embarrassed by his words.

"Cyrus Hawthorne!" Ann Vaughn clenched her small fist and gave his chest a fierce punch, her voice full of exasperation, "You still dare to say that!"

He knew full well that she couldn’t stand these words, yet he kept reminding her again and again!

Still so easily teased.

Cyrus Hawthorne’s narrow eyes held a smile and just as he was about to straighten up, his gaze fell on the red mark on her face and his expression suddenly darkened. His slightly rough thumb covered it, "Who did this?"

His suddenly cold and foreboding voice scared Ann Vaughn, making her shiver.

Realizing what he meant, Ann Vaughn shrank back timidly, "I accidentally got scratched by those reporters earlier, it doesn’t hurt anymore."

The light inside the car was dim, making the red mark not easily noticeable.

But just imagining that she was bullied where he couldn’t see...

A fierce anger continued to burn in Cyrus Hawthorne’s chest, with coldness in his narrow eyes that was impossible to disguise.

"...Are you angry?" Ann Vaughn sensitively noticed Cyrus Hawthorne’s emotional change, gently tugging at his suit jacket, "It’s not like I got hurt on purpose..."

Hearing this, Cyrus Hawthorne seemingly sighed helplessly, pressing her head into his arms a bit more, "Rest quietly, I’ll wake you when we get home."

Ann Vaughn’s face was buried in the warmth of his embrace, with his hand neither heavy nor light pressing on the back of her head, so she didn’t see how frightening his expression was at that moment.

"Oh, by the way! Although the match ended in a draw, J Country still promised to give me the blood ginseng and reishi grass!" Ann Vaughn exclaimed excitedly.

If they weren’t in the car, she might have bounced up in excitement.

Cyrus Hawthorne lifted his brows slightly, "There’s plenty in the family’s private collection."

Ann Vaughn, who had never heard of this: "..."

She worked so hard to win the herbs in a competition, only to be told they already had them at home??

"Cyrus Hawthorne, you’re a jerk!" Ann Vaughn cursed, muffled and sulking.

Cyrus Hawthorne’s clean, warm palm brushed over her hair, calmly taking her verbal attack, "Mm, I’m a jerk."

Mark Joyce, sitting in the front seat: "..." Is it trendy to lure dogs in and slaughter them now?

...

Groggily opening her eyes, Ann Vaughn found herself back in her room, probably carried back by Cyrus Hawthorne from the car since she slept so soundly.

But he was nowhere in sight inside the room.

Ann Vaughn rubbed her cheek, got out of bed, and walked out of the room.

She reached the study door, just cracking it open when she heard voices inside, so she halted her steps.

"...The Andre Family’s reputation abroad is well-known, and many newspapers fear the power of their family, not daring to report any news about them. Only the Aurora News Agency dares to do so." Mark Joyce stood at the table with a tablet, reporting.

"By five o’clock tomorrow morning at the latest, the news of Bryce Andre being secretly married and having a son will spread across social networks domestically and internationally, just when Miss Vaughn’s news is being spread."

"But I found out that the person in charge of the deal the group is about to secure is Bryce Andre’s uncle. If this news spreads, I’m afraid it might affect the cooperation with the other party..."

Given that Bryce Andre is not only a globally popular superstar but also the brother of the current Family Head of the Andre Family.

Offending him wouldn’t just jeopardize this cooperation case.

I’m afraid Hawthorne Group will completely fall out with the Andre Family.

Mark Joyce cautiously advised, "President Hawthorne, this cooperation is crucial for the group. Perhaps you should reconsider..."

Seeing this cooperation about to finalize and even catch the anniversary celebration tomorrow night, it couldn’t be better.

"Partnerships can be found again," the man sitting behind the desk slowly lifted his gaze, his dark narrow eyes calm and unperturbed, "There is only one Ann Vaughn."

There is only one Ann Vaughn.

These words seemed to carry electricity.

Tingling from Ann Vaughn’s ears to her heart, causing her fingertips to tremble slightly, with an indescribable thrill spreading through her body.

Even when back in her room, Ann Vaughn’s cheeks hadn’t lost their flush, her fair neck tinted with a cherry blossom-like pink.

She buried her face in the pillow, calming herself for a moment, then pulled her phone from under the pillow, sending a message to Susie Sommers.

Little Rose: QAQ.

Heartbroken No More Love: ...I now have psychological trauma from this emoji.

Little Rose: What’s wrong?

Heartbroken No More Love: Tell me, did you mess around with your man during the day, and then think of hitting me up for advice after being devoured till nothing is left?

Ann Vaughn: ?

She abruptly sat up, holding the pillow, indignantly typing to Susie Sommers: It’s the middle of the night! What daytime! And why am I always the one being devoured!

Susie Sommers immediately sent over a sneaky laughing sticker.

To prevent this woman, whose mind was filled with lewd ideas, from thinking off track, Ann Vaughn briefly told her in a voice message about what she heard at the study door.

Heartbroken No More Love: ? You did what? Bryce Andre is married and has a son!??

Little Rose: Wow, are you a fan of his?

Heartbroken No More Love: I’m a wifey fan of his!!

Little Rose: ...My condolences.