CHAPTER 28: CHAPTER 28: VIVIAN PASSED OUT

"Mom, there’s no need, I don’t lack anything, there’s no need to buy me gifts." Vivian Lynch, looking surprised and flattered, quickly waved her hand.

Riley Hawthorne couldn’t help but interject, "Sister-in-law, don’t be so polite with us. From now on, we’re all family."

Mrs. Hawthorne listened and smiled in agreement, "Riley is right. We’re family now; as your mother-in-law, I must follow the proper etiquette."

Vivian looked at Mrs. Hawthorne and Riley with such enthusiasm, a warm feeling welled up inside her, and she smiled shyly, "Thank you, Mom, thank you, Riley."

Mrs. Hawthorne looked at Vivian fondly and said, "Vivian, if you ever need anything, just let us know. We don’t need to stand on ceremony between family."

Riley nodded repeatedly, "Yes, sister-in-law, we can go shopping and chat together in the future, it’ll definitely be fun."

Vivian replied with a smile, "Okay."

Caden Hawthorne saw how well Vivian was getting along with his family and couldn’t help but smile slightly. Initially, he was worried that she might not adapt to this family, but it seemed his concerns were unnecessary.

"Alright then, let’s hurry up and have breakfast! After eating, I’ll take Vivian out for a walk." Old Master Hawthorne noticed they were engrossed in talking and hadn’t touched their breakfast.

"Yes, yes, let’s eat quickly."

The family had breakfast together, chatting and laughing, making Vivian feel especially happy.

In the Lynch Family, she was adopted, and since childhood, her foster mother would make her do all kinds of family chores. If she didn’t do well, she would be scolded or beaten, and she never felt the warmth of a family.

Now, in the Hawthorne Family, she had felt the care of relatives and the warmth of a family.

Vivian worried that over time she would truly be reluctant to leave the Hawthorne Family; they treated her so very, very well.

She especially envied Caden Hawthorne for having such a warm family, a loving grandfather and mother, and a cute, sensible sister.

After breakfast, Mrs. Hawthorne accompanied Vivian to go shopping.

In the study, Caden received a call from Zachary Sutton.

"Master Hawthorne, the person has been apprehended. Do you want to handle it personally, or should I take care of it for you?"

Zachary’s voice in the call was unusually excited; it had been a while since he moved his muscles, and he was all itching.

"I’ll come over in person," Caden said coldly and hung up the phone.

Caden got up, walked out of the study, and hurried downstairs, only to find Riley waiting for him at the staircase.

"Bro, where are you going?"

"Why are you asking so many questions, kid?" Caden glanced at her.

Riley pouted in dissatisfaction, "Bro, I’m already 20 years old, about the same age as sister-in-law. Why do you always treat me like a child?"

"You’re different from Vivian," Caden replied seriously.

Riley looked aggrieved, "Oh, are you protecting her now? I just knew you liked Vivian Lynch, right? Seeing her being wronged, you couldn’t sit still, are you going to avenge her?"

Caden did not answer but brushed past her, saying curtly, "I’m in a hurry."

With that said, Caden no longer paid attention to Riley and left directly.

Seeing this, Riley quickly chased after him, "Bro, wait for me, take me with you!"

Caden didn’t stop and refused without looking back, "No, you can’t go."

Riley was persistent, quickly following behind, "Why not? Bro, just take me, I promise I won’t get in the way."

Caden’s tone was firm, "It’s not a place for you."

After he said that, he quickened his pace to the garage, swiftly started the car, and drove away from Hartswell Manor.

Riley watched the car go, secretly calculating in her mind, "Hmph, if you won’t take me, I’ll find my own way."

With that thought, Riley also headed to the garage, drove out her sports car.

The thought of her brother avenging her sister-in-law was certainly thrilling; she didn’t want to miss it.

Most importantly, she could also meet the person she’s been longing to see.

On the other side, at this moment, Vivian and Mrs. Hawthorne were happily shopping at the mall, followed by several bodyguards who were there not only to ensure their safety but also to help carry their items.

"These, these, and these, wrap them all up for me."

Mrs. Hawthorne took out a black card, pointing at the clothes and bags, and went on a shopping spree.

Vivian was stunned, looking at those long receipts, she quickly said, "Madam, we don’t need to buy so many things, do we?"

"I’ve already said, even outside, just call me Mom like you would at home."

Mrs. Hawthorne held her hand warmly and said, "Vivian, buy whatever you like, don’t be polite; you don’t need to save money for me. Our Hawthorne Family has plenty of money."

Vivian smiled awkwardly, is this what life is like in a top-tier family?

Their spending in a single day was more than an ordinary family could earn in a lifetime; perhaps this is what being indulged with wealth looks like!

Suddenly, Vivian thought of the gift she still owed Caden, and she couldn’t help asking, "Mom, I want to buy a gift for Caden, but I don’t know what he likes."

She was thinking, with Caden being so wealthy, he probably doesn’t lack anything, right? What kind of gift could she give him that would be unique?

She couldn’t afford anything too expensive, and if it was too cheap, she felt she couldn’t present it, so she was very conflicted.

Mrs. Hawthorne watched Vivian’s conflicted expression and smiled gently, saying, "Vivian, Caden doesn’t lack anything, but whatever gift you give, he’ll like it."

Vivian blushed, "Really, he’ll like any gift?"

"Vivian, gifts exchanged between husband and wife are not about how valuable they are, but about the thought. As long as it’s something you’ve put thought into preparing, I’m sure Caden will like it."

Listening to Mrs. Hawthorne, Vivian seemed to ponder deeply and nodded.

Suddenly, someone recognized Vivian and began to point and whisper.

"Hey, isn’t this that famous female university student on the internet?"

"I heard she’s the campus queen of Aethelgard University, she looks quite pure, didn’t expect she’s actually a mistress."

"Yeah, with those brand-name bags, indeed, she’s being kept by someone."

"Shameless, young age but chooses to be a mistress!"

Vivian watched as everyone pointed and hurled insults at her, feeling dizzy, as if she was shocked, she tightly held her head.

"Vivian, what’s wrong? Are you okay?" Mrs. Hawthorne’s concerned voice came to her ears.

"What nonsense are you all talking? Vivian is my daughter-in-law, she’s no mistress, all of you get out..."

Soon after, she heard Mrs. Hawthorne’s angry voice ordering the bodyguards to drive them all away.

The feeling of the world spinning hit her again, and Vivian fell backward.

"Vivian..." Mrs. Hawthorne hurriedly supported the fainted Vivian, her face turning pale in fright, "Quick, take the young mistress to the hospital."