CHAPTER 14: CHAPTER 14: DREAMING OF POPPY HALE

Actually, it’s just right.

A little more looks plump, a little less looks frail, Declan Hawthorne liked Poppy Hale’s figure back then.

"It’s pretty good."

He liked the feeling of having some flesh to hold onto, not just skin and bones.

The scene shifts.

Declan Hawthorne pressed Poppy Hale down in the hotel, this time there was no knitted fabric in the way, his palm rested on her slightly protruding belly.

Poppy Hale’s voice lingered by his ear.

She said, "You’ve crossed the line, Declan Hawthorne."

The rain outside poured harder, a flash of lightning streaked by, Declan Hawthorne abruptly opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling of his room, his breath unable to calm for a long time.

A moment later, Declan Hawthorne threw off the covers and cursed.

The sound of the shower trickling echoed from the bathroom.

After finishing a cold shower, Declan Hawthorne received a text message from an anonymous sender on his phone.

"Poppy Hale’s husband is named Sean Lynch. Arvum University graduate. Previously worked at the Hale Group, after the Hale Group went bankrupt, Sean Lynch was no longer heard from."

The agitation that had been suppressed by the cold water welled up again in Declan Hawthorne’s chest.

For no reason, he felt deeply exhausted.

Sitting on a single sofa, he lit a cigarette, an indescribable murkiness climbed up from Declan Hawthorne’s chest, suffocating him.

He was overthinking.

-

Dinners with the marketing department were not uncommon.

The previous project was well done, and with bonuses just handed out this quarter, plus Declan Hawthorne as the new direct superior coming in, it called for a dinner.

Amber Yates and Poppy Hale sat together.

Poppy Hale focused on eating, rarely looking up, occasionally responding when Amber Yates spoke.

From the start at the company, Amber Yates knew Poppy Hale was introverted, spoke little, and disliked getting involved in gossip, she never participated when others were gossiping.

But after a few drinks, some people got bolder.

Janine covered her mouth with her hand, gesturing, "Hey, hey, did you see? That intern from the secretary group, she’s been by President Hawthorne’s side all day."

Declan Hawthorne and the secretary group were also at the dinner, only they were some distance away and a bit far.

Taking advantage that Declan Hawthorne couldn’t see them, Poppy Hale and Amber Yates glanced over.

Dressed in a dark purple suit, Declan Hawthorne appeared more noble than usual, probably for the dinner paired with a floral shirt underneath, looking more relaxed and easygoing, yet even more out of reach.

Behind him, Rachel Rivers was also dressed in the same color scheme, smiling charmingly as she followed, holding a wine glass.

From time to time, Rachel Rivers reached out to tug on Declan Hawthorne’s sleeve, then flashed a bashful smile.

To look at them, they seemed like a couple in love.

The shrimp in Poppy Hale’s mouth lost its flavor, chewing it felt like wax, only mechanically stuffing more into her mouth.

Amber Yates clicked her tongue, "You think this girl can win over our President Hawthorne?"

"I think it’s doubtful. Poppy, what do you say?"

Poppy Hale looked up, "I think... no chance."

Amber Yates grew interested, "Why not? Tell us in detail!"

"To be a match for President Hawthorne, you’d need quite the family background. If she were a match, she wouldn’t be here interning at our company."

Amber Yates: "True! But you never know, President Hawthorne might like this type; men, even if they’re married, they don’t mind flirting with a little secretary on the side."

Janine sighed, "No way? President Hawthorne doesn’t seem like that kind of person to me."

"That’s uncertain, you see President Hawthorne’s face, even with nothing to offer, women would line up to cling."

Amber Yates shamelessly, "If it were me, seeing him with nothing in college, I couldn’t help but want to give him a home!"

Colleagues around couldn’t hold back their laughter and burst out.

But Poppy Hale couldn’t laugh.

Because she met Declan Hawthorne, who seemed to have nothing, in college.

Poppy Hale looked at her phone, excused herself to Amber Yates.

"I need to take a call."

Stepping outside, Poppy Hale answered a call from Sean Lynch.

"Sean, what’s up?"

Sean Lynch is Poppy Hale’s cousin.

As children, Poppy Hale and Sean Lynch grew up together, under their grandmother’s care.

Up until her passing, Poppy Hale never knew her grandmother regretted she wasn’t a son, showing favoritism towards males while being harsh with her daughter-in-law, yet extremely loving towards Poppy Hale.

Favor even exceeding that towards Sean Lynch.

After her grandmother’s passing, all her inheritance left to Poppy Hale, coupled with the passing of time, turned Mrs. Hale’s resentment towards her mother-in-law to ashes.

Despite issues with the older generation, Poppy Hale and Sean Lynch truly shared a close bond.

From the other end, Sean Lynch said, "My parents want you to bring Florence over for dinner this weekend."

Finally, he hastily added, "Stella won’t be there, don’t worry."

"I’m not going."

"Poppy, I know there’s been misunderstandings between you and Stella over the years, but we’re family, do your brother a favor..."

Perhaps having had a bit of low-alcohol fruity wine just now, plus receiving a substantial bonus, Poppy Hale was in a great mood, drinking more than usual.

Right now, her temper wasn’t as shy or submissive as usual but had a touch of her old demeanor, her brows carried a tinge of anger, and she raised her voice: "I’m not going!"