Although no emotional changes were discernible from Cyrus Hawthorne’s cold and abstinent face, Mark Joyce wouldn’t have reached his position without so perceptiveness.
Could it be that a recent project encountered issues that caused President Hawthorne’s mood to sour?
No, that can’t be. Even when the company lost a hundred billion-dollar order, Mark Joyce had never seen Cyrus display emotional fluctuations.
"Move up the inspection trip to the research institute, and don’t schedule anything for the next couple of days." Cyrus spoke coldly from the head of the dining table, tapping his index finger lightly on the tabletop. "Also, find soone."
"Yes, who do you want to find?" Mark Joyce was instantly alert and responded.
"Ann Vaughn."
Mark almost thought he misheard, cautiously asking again, "Sorry, President Hawthorne, could you repeat who you just ntioned?"
He wasn’t having hearing problems, was he?
If President Hawthorne wanted to find Ann Vaughn, he should presumably go to the cetery or the Hawthorne Family’s ancestral hall to ’see’ her, right?
"Ann Vaughn." Cyrus repeated clearly, word by word, before instructing, "Investigate discreetly and get back to soon."
Mark was barely able to maintain his poker face, as a frightening thought quickly rose in his mind.
Was President Hawthorne missing Miss Vaughn so much that he’s gone... mad?!
This wasn’t unheard of, especially in the first two years after Ann Vaughn left, when it was significantly severe.
So severe that despite knowing Ann Vaughn was the victim, Mark couldn’t help but feel sympathy.
If anyone were deceived for a whole decade, cherishing an imposter while pushing the real, deserving love into an abyss.
They’d be in unbearable pain, as if fallen into hell.
"President Hawthorne, Miss Vaughn has been deceased for four years now. I think you should calm down..."
Before he could finish the sentence, Cyrus directed his sparse gaze at him, "Do I need you to teach how to handle things?"
"No, no need! I’ll go investigate right away!" Mark imdiately changed his tune, feeling foolish, really.
How could it be his place to sympathize with President Hawthorne!
...
Ann Vaughn rested at ho for two days, not going to the studio. Taking advantage of the ti, she improved the scar removal cream formula and sent it to Eli Sheridan.
The Sheridan Family’s businesses include pharmaceutical production, and they’re among the top companies in Marinia.
This was the first ti Eli had seen Ann Vaughn use the scar removal cream on a patient and then propose a partnership idea.
Nowadays, the scar removal cream is incredibly popular in Marinia due to its quick effectiveness and skin-softening prowess. Despite being pricey, many are eager to buy it.
"Interested in developing other business opportunities?" Eli asked over the phone.
"Like what?"
"Won here in Marinia are flocking to us because of the scar removal cream’s skin-softening effects. My company’s custor service gets thousands of calls daily asking when we’ll release skincare products. What do you think?"
Ann was montarily surprised but quickly understood.
"I’ll take so ti to update the Jade Beauty Cream’s formula then; it’s from four years ago after all."
While the Jade Beauty Cream was very popular back then too, with Eli’s help, it wouldn’t take long before it isn’t just a craze among Marinia’s won.
"Alright." Eli agreed warmly, then added, "Do you have ti tonight? I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t had a chance to give you a proper welco ho dinner. I’ll be in The Imperial Capital later to treat you to dinner."
"Sure, I’m definitely going to feast heartily at your expense tonight." Ann smiled playfully.
"I’ll be more than honored. I’ll pick you and Kenny up at six tonight."
After hanging up, Ann jotted the Jade Beauty Cream matter in her planner before grabbing her car keys, heading downstairs, and driving to the dress shop.
"Miss Vaughn, here is your custom dress. There’s a fitting room inside; you can try it on. If anything isn’t right, we’ll make adjustnts for you." The clerk took out the dress box, displaying the dress.
It was a snow-white handmade embroidered silk cheongsam, adorned with plum blossoms using Bian embroidery techniques, with silver lining outlining the edges, looking particularly striking.
Holding the cheongsam, Ann’s bright eyes flashed a hint of amazent.
Yet thinking about the cheongsam’s price, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of anguish.
Although Eli’s profit shares were substantial, it wasn’t enough to withstand her continual donations for Kenny’s blessings.
Even if it’s a desperate asure, Ann believes destiny will safeguard Kenny.
"I’m satisfied and trust you; no modifications needed." Ann gauged briefly, knowing the cheongsam fit her well and didn’t waste ti trying it on.
"Alright, the embroiderer would be delighted to hear your praise." The clerk smiled politely, as she helped package the cheongsam into the box.
Ann left the dress shop with the bag in hand.
No sooner had she left, a woman approached the clerk, asking, "Is there another dress like the one earlier? I’d like one too."
"I’m sorry, Miss Morgan, that was a custom design by the previous custor." Recognizing the woman, the clerk answered respectfully.
Miss Morgan frowned upon hearing this, saying with a haughty tone, "I’ll pay double the price if you make an identical one!"
"Miss Morgan, that’s against our policy here."
"You!" Miss Morgan was so angry she gritted her teeth, yearning for the dreamlike beautiful cheongsam.
Such a beautiful dress should indeed be worn by her!
It infuriated her!
Thinking this, Miss Morgan grudgingly took out her phone, dialing a number: "Brother, I can’t bear it anymore..."
What happened afterward Ann Vaughn didn’t know. After putting the dress away in her apartnt, she took Kenny downstairs.
Eli Sheridan had booked a high-end restaurant in The Imperial Capital, exclusively for mbers. In other words, only those with backgrounds and family prestige could enter.
"Order whatever you want; don’t be polite with ." Eli handed the nu to Ann Vaughn and Kenny with a smile, saying, "Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of ."
"Don’t be too arrogant." Ann snorted lightly, not shy about it.
Eli leisurely twisted the Buddha Beads in his hands, rely smiling at Ann’s words, turning to see Kenny intently eyeing the beads, looking adorably bemused.
He didn’t exactly like children, despite having many in the family as old as Kenny.
When they made noise, all it gave him was a headache, with none of the affection he felt towards Kenny.
"Kenny, hold this." Eli handed the Buddha Beads over, placing them in Kenny’s palm, "These beads have been blessed by a master, wearing them will protect you, so don’t refuse."
"Thank you, Uncle Sheridan." Kenny thanked him politely, although the beads were too big for Kenny’s hands, so he put them into the smiley pocket on his denim straps.
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