After breakfast, Ann Vaughn noticed that Old Master Hawthorne might have sothing to say to Cyrus Hawthorne, so she took Kenny to the small orchard behind the villa.
"Unfilial descendant." Old Master Hawthorne watched eagerly as Kenny was led away by Ann Vaughn, then turned around and glared at Cyrus Hawthorne, who was leisurely eating beside him, "What on earth were you thinking? How could you let your wife and son wander outside for so many years?"
"Do you think the situation back then was due to my negligence?" Cyrus Hawthorne put down his fork, wiped his thin lips with a napkin, and replied calmly.
Back then, when Ann Vaughn was "reduced to ashes," even a DNA test was impossible. Even though he had doubts, he could only secretly deploy people to conduct a thorough search within the country and in other nations.
The results, however, were disappointing.
He had set foot in many places, traveled to prosperous countries on the other side of the world, and even to war-torn countries most in need of doctors.
Yet, nowhere held a trace of her.
Yet, it seed like everywhere held a trace of her.
Later, Hawthorne Corp.’s pharmaceutical operations were extended to all countries needing dical support, and the first international dical foundation in S Country’s history was established.
Its na was Hopewell.
If we are not to et again in this life, I hope you are well, just well.
Because Hawthorne Corp. was overly low-key and did not publicize this matter, not many people knew the renowned Hopewell dical Foundation was established by Cyrus Hawthorne.
At the foundation’s inception, it was clearly stated that traditional Chinese dicine practitioners would be given preferential hiring.
This is also why within a few short years, the traditional Chinese dicine industry in the country made a qualitative leap.
Even now, those who later pursued traditional Chinese dicine remain grateful to Hawthorne Corp.
Yet no one knows that Hopewell has never awaited the arrival of the person it should.
Old Master Hawthorne choked a bit, then his face turned stern, "Do you think I don’t know what you’ve done in the past? You wanted the best for Ann, yes, but you shouldn’t have divorced her. How are you going to resolve things now?"
"Kenny definitely has to be acknowledged by the Hawthorne family, but whether Ann will remarry you is still an issue. You have no status now and still want to win your wife and son back?"
"How did I end up with such a troubleso grandson? I warn you, if you don’t handle this well, don’t recognize as your grandfather anymore!"
Cyrus "No Status" Hawthorne: "..."
After listening to Old Master Hawthorne’s words, Cyrus Hawthorne felt a faint ache in his brow, and his chest felt heavily blocked.
Back then, to avoid raising Ann Vaughn’s suspicions, the divorce papers were genuine, and the process was genuine, with not a trace of forgery.
And her reaction at that ti perfectly proved that his plan was flawless.
Yet it turned out to be lifting a rock to smash his own foot, difficult to conclude.
For the first ti in his life, the great President Hawthorne felt a tinge of repentance.
...
In just over an hour, the bamboo basket Ann Vaughn brought from the villa was already filled, and she returned with Kenny.
Once they passed by the drooping willows along the shore and the rippling azure lake, Ann Vaughn saw Cyrus Hawthorne leaning lazily against the door, holding a lit cigarette, lost in thought with his eyes lowered.
Even in winter, he wasn’t dressed warmly, typically in a suit and leather shoes, a dark blue coat casually draped over his shoulders, his legs straight and long, his stance upright and elegant.
Just standing there, he exuded an undeniably powerful aura.
As if sensing sothing, Cyrus Hawthorne lazily lifted his eyes, catching sight of Ann Vaughn’s face, his deep, narrow eyes suddenly reflecting a sheen of light.
"Co here." As he spoke, he tossed the extinguished cigarette into the trash can beside him.
Ann Vaughn, hearing him, walked over, and there remained a faint tobacco scent lingering on him, though not unpleasant.
He didn’t smoke often, typically when in a bad mood or troubled by many things.
Was the conversation with Grandpa just now not smooth?
Ann Vaughn’s bright eyes flickered, and her small hand reached into the bamboo basket, took out two cherries, and handed them to Cyrus Hawthorne, saying with so pride, "I picked these. Try and see if they’re sweet."
Upon hearing this, Cyrus Hawthorne bent down and bit the cherry in her hand. When he straightened, amusent danced in the corners of his eyes.
"Mm, very sweet."
It was unclear whether he was talking about the cherry or sothing else.
Ann Vaughn’s outstretched hand hadn’t yet retracted, and she was stunned.
The slightly damp and tingling sensation brought warmth up from her fingertips to her cheeks, turning her already pale face, due to the cold, a rosy red.
With those flush peach cheeks and her shimring eyes, she was beautiful enough to make hearts race.
Nearby, Kenny almost puffed up into a round ball with jealousy. He had just eaten an apple, and The Archfiend was already making moves on his own mommy, as if he didn’t even exist!
Back at the villa, Ann Vaughn discovered several missed calls on her phone, all from Mark Joyce and Sherry.
Oh no!
Ann Vaughn suddenly rembered she had forgotten to inform Sherry of her safety, and she was probably worried sick!
She imdiately called Sherry back, clarified the situation on this end, and reassured her.
"As long as you’re okay." Sherry’s relief was evident in her voice, then she began to complain, "Your forr mother-in-law is just sothing else. You never wronged her, so where does all this malice co from?"
Upon hearing this, Ann Vaughn remained silent for a mont before speaking, "Who knows. Anyway, I won’t be at her rcy anymore. Her affairs have nothing to do with . How is the renovation progress at the Vaughn Clinic?"
"It’s almost done, just in ti for our planned opening next Friday. But..."
"What?"
"The Snowbell Clinic has sent you a challenge, wanting to compete with you, and almost everyone in the circle has heard about it, waiting for your response. Should I refuse it for you?"
Ann Vaughn hadn’t heard about this and asked, "What challenge?"
"The Crawford Family invited all the renowned traditional Chinese dicine practitioners within The Imperial Capital to their ho for a contest, claiming only those who pass are qualified to treat the Young Master of the Crawford Family." With a sowhat wry smile, Sherry continued, "But strangely, many practitioners can’t even pass the first stage."
How peculiar?
Ann Vaughn grew curious, "So Cynthia Sheridan wants to compete with to see who can pass the Crawford Family’s test?"
"Exactly."
"Then accept it for . I’m quite curious about what the first stage is about."
As for Cynthia Sheridan, it’s unclear whether she is blindly overconfident or has so hidden advantage, given that she studied Western dicine yet insists on competing in traditional Chinese dicine.
Ann Vaughn furrowed her brows, considering Cynthia Sheridan’s current influence, she might try to sabotage the Vaughn Clinic’s opening.
She would have to be cautious then.
Finding Jade Shepherd and Howard Vaughn also couldn’t be delayed any longer.
With this in mind, Ann Vaughn turned and went upstairs, pushed open the bedroom door, and walked in, "Quinn, I have sothing... uh?"
Reviews
All reviews (0)