CHAPTER 120: CHAPTER 120: CATCHING THEM IN THE ACT

Sabrina Hayes wished she could vanish into thin air.

This girl, what nonsense is she spouting?

She prepared to pull the person behind her, but before she could, she heard Tessa Hughes muttering, "Hey, the pattern on this dress looks so familiar, just like that cheongsam you were wearing earlier..."

When she said this, she realized something and suddenly exclaimed, "Ah? Is this Mr. Fitzgerald’s painting of Sabrina?"

Sabrina Hayes really wanted to cover her mouth.

Jasper Fitzgerald, however, looked calm and unperturbed, saying, "Yes, I caught a glimpse of it and was inspired, so I sketched it, although it’s not finished yet, the figure is only halfway done."

He glanced at Sabrina Hayes and asked, "You don’t mind, do you?"

"I don’t mind."

Sabrina Hayes shook her head, trying her best to appear nonchalant.

Tessa Hughes seemed completely unembarrassed by her earlier blunder and immediately praised, "How could anyone mind? Mr. Fitzgerald, your artwork is phenomenal, no wonder I found it familiar... Even with just an outline, the essence shines through, once completed, it will surely be a masterpiece!"

Jasper Fitzgerald remained composed and replied, "You flatter me!"

He then added, "Give me a moment."

Afterwards, he picked up a paintbrush and quickly sketched some lines on the canvas, filling in the lacking shadows.

It took about ten minutes for the painting before them to become fully clear.

This time, one didn’t even have to look closely to see that the person in the painting was Sabrina Hayes.

The young lady, wrapped in a red cheongsam and a white mink shawl, with her charming and lively demeanor portrayed vividly.

Like a magnificent flower blooming in the snow, it was so beautiful that one couldn’t look away.

Tessa Hughes was in awe, "Wow! It’s as good as a photo—no, it’s even more soulful than a photograph!"

Despite her friend being stunningly beautiful, for some reason, there was an even more breathtaking quality to the figure in the painting.

It was as if the artist had captured all her best features and magnified them to the fullest.

Sabrina Hayes was equally pleased.

It was truly well-drawn!

Seeing her eyes sparkle, Jasper Fitzgerald instinctively asked, "Your current outfit looks nice too, would you like me to paint it?"

"Really? Would it be too much trouble?"

Sabrina Hayes hesitated.

"Not at all."

Jasper Fitzgerald shook his head and extended the invitation to Tessa Hughes beside him, "Miss Hughes can join too, I can do a double portrait for you both."

"Oh, really? Sure, sure, thank you, Mr. Fitzgerald!"

Tessa Hughes agreed without hesitation, showing no reservations as she pulled her friend to sit on the bench in the pavilion.

Once seated, Jasper Fitzgerald quickly began to paint.

However, this time, it took quite a while.

Just when Sabrina Hayes felt like her whole body might turn to stone, the man finally said, "Finished."

"Let me see, let me see..."

Tessa Hughes couldn’t wait to look.

After seeing it, she was once again shocked.

This time, the man had painted three portraits.

One for Tessa Hughes and one for Sabrina Hayes individually, and another of both together.

It was no surprise that they were so stunning one couldn’t look away.

Jasper Fitzgerald handed the individual portraits to them and said, "These single portraits are for you, but can I take the double portrait home? My portfolio is missing a piece featuring people."

Tessa Hughes, captivated by the beauty of the painting, immediately agreed, "Of course, it’s an honor for me!"

Sabrina Hayes had no objections, "It’s an honor for me too!"

Later, they carefully stored the paintings before returning to their photoshoot.

Although it delayed the shoot, they compensated for it, so the crew had no complaints.

When the day ended, Sabrina Hayes picked up Zara on her way home.

The little girl naturally noticed the two paintings as well.

She almost instantly recognized Jasper Fitzgerald’s style and piped up in her sweet voice, "Did Uncle paint this... Did Mommy secretly go to see him?"

Sabrina Hayes laughed and cried, "What do you mean ’secretly go to see’? I met him openly!"

Zara touched the painting and said, "I miss Uncle..."

Tessa Hughes, observing this, sincerely thought that Jordan Hawthorne really failed as a father!

Zara never once said she missed him!

Indeed, she knew exactly who treated her well!

...

The Hawthorne Family Mansion.

Florence Scott returned from Sabrina Hayes’ house yesterday feeling upset.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt that Zara definitely wasn’t of the Hawthorne bloodline.

Otherwise, how could she be so detached?

Just like Sabrina Hayes, she’s practically an ungrateful wretch!

This made her even more determined to throw Sabrina Hayes out.

As for the replacement, it was undoubtedly Brooke Sinclairs!

Brooke Sinclairs was smart, considerate, and capable, also able to support Jordan in his career, the perfect choice for a daughter-in-law of the Hawthorne family.

If the two of them advance, moving forward, then the divorce is just a matter of time.

Thinking of this, Florence Scott immediately called Jordan Hawthorne, "After you finish up tonight, head straight to Maple Leaf Manor. I’ve booked a spot there; with this weather, it’s the perfect time for a hot spring.

You’ve been busy lately, it’s a good chance to relax. Bring Brooke along; since she’s back from overseas she’s been tied up with work and hasn’t had a chance to unwind. Let’s go together later."

Jordan Hawthorne listened and did not refuse.

Maple Leaf Manor is a very famous hot spring resort in Veridia, where The Hawthorne Family visits regularly each year.

After informing Jordan Hawthorne, Florence Scott called Brooke Sinclairs, sharing the good news, "The atmosphere there is great, just seize the opportunity. No need to worry about prying eyes or being spotted."

Brooke Sinclairs was thrilled, but she replied modestly and politely, "Thank you, Auntie. I’ll get along well with Jordan."

That night, Jordan Hawthorne and Brooke Sinclairs arrived at the hot spring resort in succession.

As for Florence Scott and the others, they deliberately lagged behind, claiming a car mishap caused them to be late, and suggested they have dinner without waiting.

Jordan Hawthorne didn’t object and led Brooke Sinclairs to the restaurant.

They booked a private room.

During the meal, Brooke Sinclairs looked somewhat downcast, drinking several glasses of wine.

Seeing this, Jordan Hawthorne asked with concern, "What’s wrong? You seem a bit off."

Brooke Sinclairs hesitated, unsure if she should speak.

But unable to bear the pain, she started, "Today... is the anniversary of my divorce. I remembered the nightmares of domestic abuse and beatings, and hoped to drink and sleep it off, forget everything."

Jordan Hawthorne slightly frowned, his tone darkening, "What do you mean by domestic abuse and beating?"

Previously, she had mentioned the breakup was due to pressure from the old lady, but never brought up the marriage with another man.

He hadn’t wanted to hear it, fearing jealousy and a loss of control.

But now, hearing about her being beaten, he couldn’t help but ask.

Brooke Sinclairs looked downcast, and said, "Back then... After I broke up with you and went abroad, I met that man. He pursued me aggressively, but I repeatedly refused. Yet he took advantage when I was drunk, and forcibly...

I became pregnant and had to marry him, but during the marriage, he indulged himself, returned home drunk, and took out his emotions on me.

Initially, I endured for Sonny’s sake, but later couldn’t bear it, afraid I’d be beaten to death one day, so I divorced and returned home."

Saying this, her eyes reddened, her expression aggrieved, seemingly genuine.

Jordan Hawthorne felt a sharp pain in his heart.

He had never imagined she would have experienced such things.

After the heartache, his voice softened, "It’s all in the past, no need to fear. You’re already back home now."

Brooke Sinclairs shuddered slightly, gripping his hand tightly, "I know, I shouldn’t be afraid, but I can’t control it... Jordan, can you stay with me? With you here, after tonight, I’ll surely forget all the bad things.

Afterwards, I’ll focus on you and Sonny, live well, and grow our families’ business bigger, standing firmly by your side."

Jordan Hawthorne, feeling sympathetic, naturally agreed, "Alright, but don’t drink too much, it’s harmful."

Brooke Sinclairs replied, "It’s okay, this sake is low in alcohol, it won’t get me drunk, plus, it’s just one night, it won’t harm me."

Despite saying this, later on, her eyes conveyed a certain drunken allure.

Her gaze brimmed with seduction!

She began to find an excuse to stand up, saying, "I... need to go to the restroom and wash my hands."

But as soon as she stood up, she staggered, losing balance and almost falling.

Quick on his feet, Jordan Hawthorne caught her immediately.

Brooke Sinclairs leaned completely into his embrace, the distance between them suddenly very close.

"Are you drunk?"

Jordan Hawthorne looked down at her and asked.

Brooke Sinclairs tightly clutched his clothes, her eyes filled with longing, looked at him and said, "Jordan, during those years abroad, do you know how much I missed you? Whenever I thought about you, it hurt; that wasn’t the marriage I wanted. In my heart, there’s only you, but fate...

Now I’m back, able to see you every day, I thought I’d be satisfied, yet I’m still so greedy... Jordan, I still love you..."

After saying this, she closed her eyes and leaned in towards Jordan Hawthorne’s lips.

Jordan Hawthorne didn’t dodge.

Completely hit by Brooke Sinclairs’ words, he naturally accepted her initiative.

With her increasingly passionate kisses, his gaze deepened as his desires were fully awakened.

The next second, he wrapped his arms around her waist, starting a strong response.

Brooke Sinclairs wasn’t drunk, feeling his reaction, her heart surged with joy.

She used all her tricks, continued to tease him, her hands slipped into his clothing, reaching his chest, even extending towards his waist.

She was skilled and adept, and before long, Jordan Hawthorne lost all control.

He picked up Brooke Sinclairs by the waist and quickly left the private room, heading towards the bedroom.

Upon entering, they immediately rolled onto the bed, deeply entangled...

Brooke Sinclairs took advantage of his inattentiveness, gleefully curling up her lips.

First, she feigned helplessness to arouse his pity, then attacked, sure enough, she got him.

Tonight, she could finally become his woman!

...

Sabrina Hayes had just finished bathing Zara and was about to head back to her room to freshen up when she received an unexpected text message, "Maple Leaf Manor, Room A001, catch the affair, divorce evidence."

At first, Sabrina Hayes didn’t react.

Only after a few seconds did she connect the dots.

Was this a hint to catch Jordan Hawthorne and Brooke Sinclairs in the act?

This number... it’s the same one that sent photos last time!