CHAPTER 67: CHAPTER 67: AN UNPREDICTABLE FAMILY

When he grew up, he gradually understood that many things had to be fought for by relying on his own abilities...

Even when he found a surrogate mother to give birth to Twinkle six years ago, it was a last resort.

Five-year-old Justin Hawthorne entered The Hawthorne Estate and sweetly called out, "Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, Second Uncle, Second Aunt, Third Aunt, Third Uncle, Big Brother, Second Sister, Third Sister, Fourth Brother..."

His childish voice instantly captivated the adults, and Old Master Hawthorne lovingly placed his youngest grandson on his lap, meeting all his demands.

Clearly, the indulgence was deep!

Speaking of which, all this credit goes to Justin Hawthorne himself. He wasn’t as taciturn as his father; he was a charming little one, smiling at everyone from a young age, and called whomever Grandma taught him to call.

Moreover, he was especially good at being cute.

Old Master Hawthorne, who was always serious, was also captivated by his cuteness, and it became unstoppable ever since.

The servants at the estate all knew that the Old Master adored his little grandson, so they prepared his toys and his favorite foods early on knowing he would come.

Wade Hawthorne, the eldest of the Hawthorne Family, watched this scene with some jealousy. His son wasn’t pampered like this when he was young! Why was it different when it was the third son’s child?

Even though tonight was a family dinner, Jasper Hawthorne brought his girlfriend Serena Jennings. Serena was quite considerate and prepared a small gift for the Old Master, sweetly saying, "Grandpa, this is a little token of my appreciation. I wish you good health and a long life! Before I came, Uncle also specifically asked me to pass on a message that he wants to discuss chess strategy with you someday!"

What she meant was nothing more than showing that Uncle valued her highly, intentionally saying this for Old Master Hawthorne to hear.

Wade Hawthorne was quite satisfied with this daughter-in-law; she really made him proud!

However, the issue of seniority was indeed troublesome...

Logically, Old Master Jennings was his father’s friend, and he had always respectfully called him Uncle Jennings, yet the prospective daughter-in-law Serena Jennings was actually Old Master Jennings’ youngest brother’s daughter.

This...

Really is confusing!

Old Master Hawthorne was also satisfied with this granddaughter-in-law, smiling and responding, "Great! I’ve long wanted to discuss strategy with my old buddy!"

Justin Hawthorne looked up, and suddenly suggested, "Grandpa, last time you said Twinkle has improved in chess, why don’t you have a match with me first?"

Old Master Hawthorne was stirred to play chess by his grandson’s provocative tone, and Eleanor Ford quickly set up the chessboard for the grandfather and grandson, "Angus, Twinkle is still young, you must let him win a bit."

Old Master Hawthorne huffed and glared, "He’s a little kid but very smart!"

Justin Hawthorne quickly grinned, instantly revealing the look of a clever little rascal!

Serena Jennings’ chess suggestion unexpectedly allowed Old Master Hawthorne and his precious little grandson to enjoy family harmony. Wade Hawthorne naturally was fuming; this Justin Hawthorne looked innocent and clueless, but in reality, he was quite shrewd!

As for this scene, Jason Hawthorne felt helpless too; he hadn’t taught his son these things, was it possibly inherited from that woman?

Thinking about it now, many aspects of his son aren’t very much like him, especially the smiling at everyone and having such sweet words, completely different!

He certainly couldn’t do that as a child.

Wyatt Hawthorne could only pretend he hadn’t seen anything. He didn’t have a son, only twin daughters, so every time he saw the eldest and youngest nephew vying for attention from their father, he could only sigh!

Vivian Hawthorne and Nicole Hawthorne, the twin siblings, also understood their father’s situation, always finding ways to please Grandpa, and thoughtfully bringing him gifts.

But it’s frustrating that younger brother Justin Hawthorne was too good at being cute, even making them unable to resist liking him.

Lana Hawthorne wholeheartedly wanted to help her second brother, and now she was even more dedicated to nurturing her just-entered-university son Weston Lockwood, hoping her father would show extra favoritism to this only grandson.

The family gathered together, always each with their own thoughts, secretly competing.

During the meal.

Wade Hawthorne feigned sincerity towards his son, saying, "Jasper, you’re not getting any younger, when will you arrange the marriage with Serena?"

Jasper Hawthorne, feeling a sudden impulse, replied without thinking, "Dad, Third Uncle isn’t in a hurry, so why should I be? Third Uncle has been with Serena’s second sister for so many years without mentioning marriage, if Serena and I were to rush ahead it would seem inconsiderate, wouldn’t it?"

After he said this, everyone’s eyes turned to Jason Hawthorne quietly eating.

Jason Hawthorne unhurriedly set down his chopsticks, casually glancing at the provocative Jasper Hawthorne, "If you’re already being inconsiderate, isn’t saying this now even more inconsiderate?"

Wade Hawthorne quickly defended his son, "Fourth Brother, saying this might be inappropriate! Jasper and Serena are truly in love, and even the Jennings Family praises them as a perfect match made in heaven."

Jason Hawthorne shrugged his eyebrows indifferently, "Elder brother’s words really flatter me; I’ve never said a word about Jasper and Serena’s marriage, but it turns out my nephew is hurriedly encouraging my marriage."

He spoke nonchalantly, but everyone present caught the meaning.

Old Master Hawthorne sternly said, "The ancient saying goes: ’Do not speak while lying down, do not talk while eating!’ A good meal and you’ve made it messy! Jasper, as a junior, how can you rush your Third Uncle into marriage? If you don’t want to get married now, just say so."

Jasper Hawthorne bit his lip, unsure of how to respond at that moment. He had acted purely on impulse; just the thought of his ex-girlfriend Laura Quincy and Uncle Wyatt having an affair made him...

Wade Hawthorne was anxious, "Dad, Jasper’s intentions were only out of respect; considering that our youngest still isn’t married, he was afraid that his marriage to Serena would cause external ridicule. He didn’t mean that he didn’t want to get married!"

Serena Jennings also smiled, speaking up for her boyfriend, "Grandpa Hawthorne, you really misunderstood Jasper. He’s inherently kind and good-natured. What he said was purely out of respect for Uncle Wyatt."

Eleanor Ford immediately smiled and soothed her husband, "Honey, it’s your birthday today. Why get upset about some thoughtless words from the younger generation? It’s not good for your health."

It was only then that Angus Hawthorne’s displeasure slightly subsided.

Justin Hawthorne blinked his starry bright eyes and said, "Grandpa, I’ll give you some of your favorite sea bass. You should be happy."

His sweet, soft voice was like a warm balm, making Old Master Hawthorne feel cherished. His precious little grandson was so thoughtful! So young, yet he already remembered his favorite dish, much better than some others!

He then cheerfully patted Justin Hawthorne’s head, "Good grandson!"

His words betrayed the affection he had for him.

Eleanor Ford was overjoyed; her son might be taciturn, but this grandson utterly won the hearts of both herself and her husband. Calling him a little darling wasn’t an exaggeration!

Of course, happiness on one side meant displeasure on the other. For example, the face of the Hawthorne family’s eldest branch was ashen, especially Wade Hawthorne, who was utterly heartbroken!

Everything was fine before the meal; the situation was all great, but all because of one thing Jasper said—what on earth was he thinking!

Wyatt Hawthorne and Lana Hawthorne merely watched coldly. After all, they were eager to see the eldest and fourth fight intensely, best if both ended up injured!

This way, they could benefit from the chaos.

On the way back.

Wade Hawthorne couldn’t help but scold his son, "Jasper, what’s wrong with you? Since when do you care about when your uncle is getting married? It would be fantastic if you and Serena could marry before him! Old Master Hawthorne had almost agreed."

He paused and continued, "Well, now I fear it won’t be as easy for Old Master Hawthorne to agree to your marriage to Serena. Haven’t you just dug your own grave?"

Jasper Hawthorne kept his head down, saying nothing. What he said was purely out of impulse, and he regretted it immediately afterwards.

Looking back now, he truly agreed with the saying "Impulse is the devil!"

Serena Jennings, however, spoke up for her boyfriend, "Uncle, don’t worry. There might still be a chance to turn things around."

Wade Hawthorne glanced at his future daughter-in-law, "Serena, you must remind Jasper more in the future; he’s too honest and upright, always getting the short end of the stick!"

Serena Jennings replied obediently, "Don’t worry, Uncle!"

Wade Hawthorne and his wife went home first, while Jasper Hawthorne drove his girlfriend home.

On the road, Serena Jennings couldn’t help but ask, "Jasper, there must be a reason for what you said, right? Or do you really not want to marry me so soon?"

Jasper Hawthorne shook his head, "Serena, where is this coming from? I spoke without thinking at all."

Serena Jennings looked at her boyfriend; he wasn’t even looking at her. It was clear that she couldn’t fully trust his words...

"Jasper, we are on the same side now. You can’t hide anything from me; I’ll help you."

"Hmm, I know."

After a brief silence, they arrived at Serena Jennings’ home. Unable to get more out of him, she didn’t ask further, believing she would find out something eventually.

After his girlfriend left, Jasper Hawthorne lit a cigarette, overwhelmed by indescribable frustration.

In the morning, as soon as Laura Quincy arrived at the company, she was surrounded by Crystal Langley and Quinn Chase.

"Congratulations! I heard you landed that Gaulia airline deal? Mr. George is hard to deal with, right? Even Team Leader Jennings praised you highly!"

Crystal Langley’s tone was full of admiration.

Quinn Chase added, "I also heard Mr. George has some special hobbies. What secret weapon did you use, Laura?"

Laura Quincy felt slightly uncomfortable; how were Mr. George’s private matters spreading through the company so quickly?

"I’m just a translator doing my job responsibly. All credit goes to Vice President Yates and Team Leader Jennings."

She effortlessly shifted all the credit to Vice President Yates and Team Leader Jennings, not wanting to draw too much gossip.

Crystal Langley looked surprised, "But we heard later you were the only one accompanying Mr. George?"

Quinn Chase was also looking eager to hear some gossip.