CHAPTER 76: CHAPTER 76: WORSE OFF THAN A DOG

When he was feeling angry, Sonny had just come out from the children’s playground.

As soon as he saw Jordan Hawthorne, he jogged over to show off, "Dad Hawthorne, look at the building block model I just made."

He originally wanted praise.

But Jordan Hawthorne’s expression turned stern as he asked, "I called you earlier, why didn’t you respond?"

Sonny was stunned, unable to understand his attitude.

Brooke pretended to scold him, "Sonny, Dad Hawthorne wasn’t feeling well and called you. What were you doing? Why didn’t you come to check on him?"

Coming back to his senses, Sonny quickly explained, "I... I didn’t hear it just now."

Jordan Hawthorne, looking displeased, reprimanded, "Don’t get too absorbed while playing; it’s a bad habit!"

Brooke also chimed in, "Yes, you were too engrossed. You can’t do this next time. Apologize to Dad Hawthorne right away."

Sonny obediently followed, immediately responding, "Dad Hawthorne, I’m sorry, I didn’t do it on purpose. Don’t be angry. In the future, I won’t get so absorbed!"

Jordan Hawthorne’s anger didn’t dissipate because of his apology.

Seeing this, Brooke felt her heart sink.

In the past, whenever Sonny acted cute and she coaxed a little, Jordan would basically ease up.

But tonight, she saw the impatience in Jordan Hawthorne’s eyes.

She clenched her fingers.

She can’t let all her efforts up to now go to waste before securing a place in The Hawthorne Family.

With this thought, Brooke immediately moved closer and gently coaxed, "Jordan, don’t be angry anymore, it’s my fault too, teaching Sonny to focus on things since he was young, which led to today’s mistake. I’ll talk to him about it later... Shall we go eat?

Tonight, the meal is full of your favorites. I’ll stay to take care of you tonight, alright? I’m not comfortable leaving since you’re not feeling well."

Ultimately unable to resist the allure of his first love’s gentle charm, Jordan Hawthorne quickly nodded in agreement.

After dinner, Brooke and Sonny successfully stayed over.

After taking a bath, Sonny excitedly went to choose a room.

He immediately took a liking to the room where Zara stayed and hurried to ask Jordan Hawthorne, "Dad Hawthorne, can I stay here?"

The little fool’s room was filled with many good things.

Various limited-edition toys and rare, expensive decorations.

Because of his young age, his greed and desire couldn’t be concealed.

Jordan Hawthorne didn’t notice, only glanced around the room.

Sabrina Hayes had decorated the little one’s room very warmly and childishly, and it was kept in perfect order.

After a few seconds, he said indifferently, "This room hasn’t been cleaned for a few days, it’s dusty and not clean, let’s change to another one."

Seeing her son being refused, Brooke felt her heart sink slightly.

She didn’t understand why Jordan’s attitude changed so much in just a few days.

Had Sabrina Hayes just moved out, and it already affected him?

If this continues, is there still hope for her?

Brooke couldn’t help but feel anxious, a thought forming in her mind.

If tonight, she could share the room with him, maybe all these changes wouldn’t matter anymore?

With this thought, Brooke also went to bathe.

Afterward, she wrapped herself in a towel and went to knock on the man’s door, "Jordan, I don’t have any clothes to change into, can I borrow one of your shirts?"

Jordan Hawthorne looked at the delicate figure wrapped in a towel, the hem barely covering the top of her thighs, and was momentarily dazed.

But the stiffness from his legs snapped him back to reality, making him look away and say, "I’ll have the maid bring you Sabrina Hayes’ pajamas, wear them and get some rest early."

With that, he called the maid and gave some instructions, then shut the door.

Brooke’s plan fell through, leaving her frozen in place.

She couldn’t believe it.

She was almost naked, yet he... was unmoved???

...

Sabrina Hayes was unaware of all this.

After the signing ceremony, she focused entirely on her work.

On the weekend, according to Jasper Fitzgerald’s arrangements, she took Zara and Flash to the military district compound for training.

This place was originally heavily guarded, but thanks to her superb medical skills, Commander Coleman issued her a long-term pass.

Upon arrival, just showing it allowed her to pass without hassle!

They arrived at the training ground, where a trainer was already waiting.

He had also trained Flash before and, after many days, naturally tested the little ball of fur’s various reactions.

As the little master, Zara began interacting with Flash as instructed.

The little girl didn’t speak much, but her gestures were plenty. With a slight gesture, Flash could respond very flexibly.

The trainer watched for a long time and was astonished.

He noticed Zara’s gestures were very standardized training techniques, but some steps were simplified.

He could command the little furball more quickly and efficiently!

The trainer immediately asked Sabrina Hayes, "Has this little girl learned animal communication methods?"

Sabrina Hayes shook her head, "She hasn’t formally learned, though she did talk with Mr. Fitzgerald about some methods before."

The trainer understood suddenly, "No wonder! Mr. Fitzgerald’s teaching methods are indeed highly effective!

Judging by what I’ve seen, many adult military dogs might not respond to commands as well as Flash can!

But being able to grasp the key points through short exchanges, this little one of yours is quite impressive. She might possess a magical talent for communicating with animals."

Sabrina Hayes was a bit surprised after hearing that.

Another talent?

Earlier, she showed talent in drawing, then in musical perception, and now another one emerges.

All of this... was coaxed out by Mr. Fitzgerald.

Could he have realized it long ago?

That would be terrifying, wouldn’t it?

As she secretly marveled, the trainer began more challenging training with Flash.

Young Zara scurried beside to help.

With her there, the trainer felt it was twice the result with half the effort.

That day, Flash learned various assault skills, and also learned the ability to quickly discern scents and search.

Strength was instantly boosted to a new level!

At the end, the trainer told Sabrina, "Bring it for training regularly. In three months, the little furball should be able to protect your little one! Even if faced with an adult attack, there won’t be a problem."

Sabrina thanked him repeatedly.

After leaving the military compound, Zara hugged Flash and pouted at her, "Mommy, Flash is hungry, and Zara is hungry too..."

As soon as they finished speaking, both of their stomachs growled in unison.

Gurgle—

Sabrina laughed upon hearing it and immediately patted her head, saying, "Alright, I’ll take you both for some good food. You and Flash were amazing today."

Zara nodded her little head happily.

Sabrina quickly went online to search for a buffet restaurant.

The restaurant was having an anniversary event, where if three people went, one would eat for free.

She thought about it, then called Tessa, "Come out for a meal."

Tessa declined, "I’m dieting, not eating!"

Sabrina chuckled, "I know, but there’s a reason I’m calling you, so hurry up."

Tessa was suspicious, but she still followed the address and came.

An hour later, in the restaurant.

Tessa looked at the two small ones and one big one eating happily in front of her and couldn’t help but ask, "Don’t tell me you brought me here to cover Flash’s bill!!!"

Sabrina chuckled, "You guessed it right, by you coming, Flash gets to eat for free!"

Flash seemed to understand and lifted its head from the fragrant beef bowl to grunt at Tessa.

Tessa laughed in exasperation, "That’s too much! Even if you count by the head, you shouldn’t put me in the same category as the dog, right?

Plus, Flash gets to eat, and I don’t. I’m really living worse than a dog!"

Sabrina consoled her, "No need for that, if you want to eat, Flash would probably be happy to share some beef with you."

"Should I be thanking Flash then?"

Tessa was amused and deeply felt that she had befriended the wrong person!

Is it still time to break up this friendship?

...

For the next few days, Veridia was once again shrouded in chilly rain.

However, Sabrina’s days were still busy and fulfilling.

The research lab’s drug development progressed smoothly, the recruited personnel went through rigorous selection and were performing efficiently.

Early this morning, Florence Scott suddenly called, saying, "Today is Old Mrs. Hawthorne’s 49th day memorial. For the final step, Zara, the eldest great-granddaughter, needs to kowtow in tribute, bring her over."

It wasn’t a notice but a command.

Initially, Sabrina didn’t want to get involved in The Hawthorne Family’s affairs, especially since she already bid farewell to Grandma Hawthorne the last time.

Florence seemed to guess her thoughts and remarked casually, "If you don’t want to bring her, I won’t force you, but I’ll have someone come to pick her up. However, Sabrina, Old Mrs. Hawthorne treated you with all her heart while alive, and you won’t even bring her precious great-granddaughter for the memorial. How could you face her?"

Sabrina frowned but ultimately didn’t refuse.

She wasn’t comfortable leaving Zara alone with The Hawthornes.

So after breakfast, Sabrina changed into a solemn black dress and took Zara to The Hawthornes’ old house.

Upon entering, she inevitably saw Jordan Hawthorne.

With an indifferent look, she glanced at him, then withdrew her gaze and stayed silent the whole time, leading Zara to perform the kneeling tribute.

Old Mrs. Hawthorne’s portrait was still kindly, elegant, and dignified.

Seeing it stirred a wave of sadness in Sabrina’s heart.

This might really be the last time to pay tribute to the elderly!

In her heart, she said, "Grandma, Jordan and I are destined not to be together! He never loved me, and I don’t love him anymore... I can no longer uphold your wish. One last time, I bow to thank you for your years of love and care!"

Jordan stood to one side, his face full of sadness.

The rest of The Hawthorne Family members also silently shed tears, mourning.

Whether sincere or not, at least they put on a good show.

At this moment, Sabrina’s apparently calm face seemed somewhat out of place.

Florence Scott saw this and mocked sharply, "Mom, when you were alive, your judgment was really off, having a farewell rite, and not even a tear from her. It’s a waste of all your kindness!

I told you, she’s a thankless wolf, not only disrespecting you but also colluding with outsiders to humiliate The Hawthornes!

Mom, in your heavenly spirit, keep your eyes wide open!"

Sabrina could certainly hear the pointed sarcasm.

She couldn’t be bothered to respond, nor did she want to argue in front of Old Mrs. Hawthorne’s spirit.

Later, after completing the ritual, Sabrina planned to take Zara away.

Unexpectedly, Brooke Sinclairs came with Sonny as well.

As soon as they entered, Sonny ran to Jordan Hawthorne, saying, "Dad Hawthorne, Mom and I also came to pay respects to Great Grandma!"

Hearing this title, Zara was stunned, her gaze blank as she watched the two of them.

Brooke glanced around and deliberately moved next to Jordan, saying, "Not too late, am I?"

Jordan nodded slightly, his gaze momentarily landing on Sabrina.

However, Brooke pulled him over, saying, "Join me and Sonny in kneeling, will you?"

Jordan got distracted and complied.

After the three of them knelt in a row, Brooke sincerely and softly said, "Grandma Hawthorne, five years ago, I went overseas for my studies and missed the chance to be with Jordan. It’s a pity that I couldn’t stay by your side to fulfill my filial duties. If I hadn’t left, I might have been your granddaughter-in-law...

But regrets can’t be undone, today my son and I sincerely kowtow to you here."

Saying so, mother and son began the tribute.

Sabrina, after hearing, felt nauseated.

Marrying another man and even having a son, how does she have the face to say such things in front of Old Mrs. Hawthorne’s spirit?

Ridiculous!

What’s even more infuriating is that the little one is calling Jordan his dad in front of the photo...

Grandma, do you see this?

How can I endure such people?

Sabrina took one last deep look at Old Mrs. Hawthorne’s portrait and then departed with Zara.

With the memorial done, it’s time to leave!

But as the mother and daughter reached the courtyard, Florence Scott rushed out, sternly saying, "Sabrina, since you’re here, let’s talk about the divorce with Jordan. After discussing, sign the divorce agreement before leaving."