Coupled with Cynthia Vaughn’s unusual silence and lack of provocation, Ann Vaughn would usually consider this a good thing.
Yet, for so reason, a growing sense of unease settled in her heart.
The atmosphere seed charged, as if a storm was about to break.
Until the following day, news spread citywide about Hawthorne Group missing out on the southern town land developnt project, with major news outlets discussing the implications and what a loss it was for Hawthorne Corp.
This was supposed to be a sure win for Hawthorne Corp., but Horizon, an unexpected dark horse, stole the opportunity.
It’s well-known that Horizon is also owned by the Hawthorne Family, adding layers of intrigue to the situation.
This incident did not end there. When Orion Hawthorne, the current chairman of Horizon and Cyrus Hawthorne’s Second Uncle, was interviewed by reporters, his words were far from pleasant.
"Young people still need more honing. In business, what matters most are capability and tactics, not background."
Among the reporters were admirers of Cyrus Hawthorne, who upon hearing this, were eager to shove the microphone in his face.
It’s common knowledge that the initial custodian of Hawthorne Group was First Uncle Hawthorne, Cyrus Hawthorne’s father’s elder brother. Since Cyrus’s father went missing, he was being carefully grood by Old Master Hawthorne, succeeding a year later.
First Uncle’s tenure only lasted two brief years, during which the once-thriving Hawthorne Group nearly reached a state of financial ruin.
Several factories under Hawthorne shut down consecutively, and the supply chain was on the brink of collapse.
When Old Master Hawthorne returned from dical rest abroad to find the group an empty shell, teetering on bankruptcy, he was furious.
But by then, First Uncle had fled abroad with substantial group funds and his family, leaving no one to hold accountable.
It was during this ti that Cyrus returned to take over the then chaotic Hawthorne Group.
While everyone awaited the fall of the century-old Hawthorne Family and news of Hawthorne Group’s closure, he single-handedly revitalized Hawthorne’s core, incorporating new elents.
Not only did he resurrect a dying Hawthorne, but he also transford it into today’s grand comrcial empire, with assets spanning nationwide and overseas.
This is truly a scene of prosperity.
It could be said that the word ’legend’ fits Cyrus perfectly.
Yet despite this, Second Uncle couldn’t even get his face onto news pages, though his words made it through.
anwhile, the top floor conference room of Hawthorne Group was in an uproar over the bidding failure.
The group had invested so much financial and emotional resources into the southern land developnt project, only to have it snatched away by a "family mber" at the last minute—it was hard to stomach.
Despite the heated discussions, Cyrus, seated at the head of the table, remained composed and unfazed, showing no sign of disturbance over the incident.
"President Hawthorne, don’t you have anything to say about this matter?"
"We’ve invested so much in the southern land, everything was in place and ready for construction after the successful bid, but now this..."
Suddenly, the phone under the table vibrated.
Cyrus glanced down and answered the call.
The eting room fell silent, full of curiosity.
Usually, President Hawthorne would never take calls during etings.
"I understand, I’ll be right back." Whatever was said on the other side caused Cyrus’s expression to darken instantly. Ignoring the room full of people, he stood up and left.
Mark Joyce could only offer an apologetic gesture to them and followed behind.
Leaving the conference room filled with bewildered executives.
They couldn’t fathom what could prompt President Hawthorne, who scarcely showed emotion, to display a tension he didn’t even show during the bidding.
-
anwhile, at the manor.
Laura Quinn was furious upon learning that Hawthorne was defeated in the bidding by Orion’s Horizon. How could so many companies eyeing that pri southern land have it snatched from Hawthorne by Horizon!
If only this was a re lapse by Hawthorne, losing wouldn’t be so consequential, as Hawthorne is not short of money.
But after reading the information on her phone, anger surged within her, she grabbed her purse and rushed to the hilltop manor!
She even forgot her plans to go shopping with Bella Hawthorne.
The manor’s guards naturally couldn’t stop Laura Quinn, so she stord in unchecked.
At this ti, Ann Vaughn was in the garden, watering Juliet roses with a small watering can, oblivious to Laura’s arrival.
"You wretch!" Laura strode up behind Ann, yanked her clothes and used her purse to strike Ann across the face, "You’re a damn curse on this family, a waste!"
"I’ve yet to settle the dirty photo incident with you,"
Laura was beyond infuriated, her hits hard and brutal.
More so because the jewels and studs on the bag drew blood instantly with each strike.
Ann was so knocked by the blow that she felt dizzy, the searing pain from behind her ear furrowed her brows, and her vision swam with dark spots.
It hurt.
After a while, Ann Vaughn was finally able to clearly see the furious Laura Quinn standing in front of her. She reached out and blocked the incoming slap, shoving her away.
"Mrs. Quinn, do your manners and grace entail a right to assault others for no reason?" Ann wiped the back of her hand across her face, revealing a deep red.
No matter how tolerant she was, she couldn’t endure Laura’s shrewd behavior.
Laura, nearly toppling into the flower bed, looked even more enraged after being pushed.
At this mont, Cynthia entered the garden, noticing the bloodstains behind Ann’s ear and the finger marks on her face, a gleeful glint flashed in her eyes.
"Aunt, maybe don’t be too quick to anger. Perhaps things aren’t as you believe; perhaps my sister has her reasons." Cynthia approached Laura, softly advising.
But it only added fuel to the fire.
"Reasons? This wretch sold company secrets to Orion’s company; do you call that reasons?!" Laura raised her voice, eyeing Ann like she wished to skin her alive. "How much did Orion give you to make you less than human?!"
Listening to Laura’s seemingly absurd accusations, Ann licked her broken lip, her gaze icy, "I have no idea what you’re saying."
"But if you continue this harmful behavior towards , I will sue you!"
Company secrets, she hadn’t even seen such things.
...Wait, could it be?
Sothing occurred to Ann, and her expression subtly shifted.
"Sue ? Go ahead and sue, see which law firm in The Imperial Capital would dare take your case!"
Laura was utterly fearless, scoffing at Ann’s words, raising her purse to hit her again!
"Mother." Suddenly, a low, chilly voice interrupted Laura’s action.
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