CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56: PRESIDENT HAWTHORNE FINALLY GETS IT—GIFTING HIS WIFE 99 ROSES

"What’s wrong with me?" Caden Hawthorne raised an eyebrow.

"You rascal!" Vivian Lynch playfully chided, then immediately lay down, turning her back to him, shyly covering her face with the quilt.

Caden looked at Vivian’s adorable reaction and a doting smile appeared on his lips. He gently tugged at the quilt and softly said, "Okay, don’t be mad. Quickly take down the quilt, don’t stifle yourself."

Vivian held onto the quilt tightly and said muffled, "No, you go out."

Caden chuckled helplessly and coaxed, "I’m not going out, I promise I won’t mess around. Be good, listen to me."

Vivian hesitated for a while before slowly pulling down the quilt a little, revealing her red eyes looking at Caden, "Really not messing around?"

Caden nodded, reached out to his chest, and said gently, "Really, sleep."

Vivian leaned against Caden’s chest, feeling his warmth and heartbeat, and the shyness in her heart slowly dissipated.

She closed her eyes and peacefully fell asleep in Caden’s embrace.

The night was serene and beautiful.

Caden Hawthorne and Vivian Lynch slept in each other’s arms, as if the whole world had only the two of them.

The next day.

Caden went to the company early, while Vivian, having nothing to do, continued to draw design sketches.

Riley Hawthorne was arranging flowers nearby and occasionally glanced at Vivian’s drawings.

"Sis-in-law, are you drawing jewelry?"

Vivian nodded, "Yes, I heard there will be a jewelry competition in Aethelgard next month, and the first prize is a million-dollar reward. I want to participate."

Upon hearing this, Riley chuckled softly, "Sis-in-law, you’re already the wife of the richest man, isn’t it good to be a full-time wife at home? You’re working so hard. Are you afraid my brother would ditch you?"

Vivian shook her head, "I just think we women should have our own careers and hobbies, and not rely on men to live."

"Sis-in-law, you can rest assured, my brother is not an ungrateful person. He would never divorce you."

Vivian smiled slightly, "I know Caden is not that kind of person, but I still want to do something I like. Besides, having my own career makes me more confident and independent."

Riley nodded, "Sis-in-law, you have a point. But, won’t it be tiring for you to enter the jewelry contest? Considering you are pregnant now."

Vivian gently touched her belly, "I will take care of myself and not let myself get too tired. Also, I think drawing makes me happy, which is good for the baby too."

Riley gazed at Vivian’s determined eyes, filled with admiration. "Sis-in-law, you’re truly amazing. If only I had your talent and courage."

Vivian smiled and encouraged, "You’re great too, you have your pursuits. As long as you persist, you’ll definitely achieve your dreams."

The two exchanged smiles and continued to enjoy this peaceful and beautiful time.

Soon, Mrs. Lynch and Finn Lynch issued a statement online, claiming they defamed Vivian for money.

The situation gradually turned around.

Meanwhile, Hawthorne Group also released a statement and a lawyer’s letter, indicating they would pursue criminal responsibility against those defaming the company, to protect the rights of Hawthorne Group, President Hawthorne, and the First Lady.

As the statements from all parties were released, the online public opinion quickly shifted. The voices that once questioned and defamed Vivian gradually faded.

However, there were still some dissatisfied with her, feeling she schemed to get pregnant with Caden’s child to become Mrs. Hawthorne.

Seeing the changes online, Vivian felt a mix of emotions in her heart. She knew all of this couldn’t have been achieved without Caden’s efforts and protection.

In the afternoon, Caden came home early, bringing a surprise for Vivian—a bouquet of roses.

"Vivian, these are for you!"

Vivian looked at the flowers Caden handed over and showed a happy smile on her face.

This was the first time he had bought her flowers since they got married shortly.

"Caden, thank you."

Caden walked up to Vivian, leaned down, and whispered in her ear, "Call me ’husband’ for me to hear."

Vivian’s cheeks instantly turned a shade of red, and she lowered her head slightly, shyly calling out, "Husband."

Caden’s lips curled up, his eyes full of tenderness and joy.

He gently hugged Vivian, gazing at her with an ambiguous look, "Since you’ve called me husband, isn’t there still something missing?"

At his words, Vivian looked puzzled, raising her eyes to look at him, "What?"

Caden pointed to his cheek and smiled mischievously, "Kiss me."

Vivian’s face flushed even more. She bit her lip gently, hesitated for a moment, and then quickly kissed Caden on the cheek.

Caden showed a satisfied smile and held Vivian tightly. "Vivian, you’re so cute."

As soon as he finished speaking, Caden lowered his head and kissed Vivian’s lips.

Just then, Riley and Mrs. Hawthorne walked in from outside and happened to see this scene.

Mrs. Hawthorne quickly covered her eyes and exaggeratedly said, "Oh my, I didn’t see anything, carry on."

Vivian hurriedly broke away from Caden’s embrace, awkwardly greeting, "Mom, Riley."

Riley teased with a laugh, "Oh my, this public display of affection is going to give me a sugar rush."

Caden didn’t mind and smiled at Riley, "Your sister-in-law is shy, don’t tease her."

Riley giggled as she looked at them, her gaze falling on the roses in Vivian’s hand, "Brother, you’re really getting better at being considerate. Sis-in-law, you’re so lucky."

Vivian blushed, not knowing what to say. Caden dotingly looked at her, his eyes full of love.

"Sis-in-law, you don’t know this, but my brother never buys flowers for girls. You’re the first."

"Really?" Upon hearing this, Vivian couldn’t help but look at Caden, as if asking him if it was true.

Caden nodded slightly, his eyes tender as he looked at Vivian. "It’s true, you’re the only one."

Vivian’s heart warmed, and a happy smile appeared on her face. Mrs. Hawthorne, seeing their loving display, was also filled with joy.

"Vivian, Caden has finally come to his senses. Usually, he seems cold, but he’s truly attentive to you. Even I, as his mother, haven’t received a bouquet from him on Mother’s Day." Mrs. Hawthorne said with a laugh, then gave Caden a reproachful look.

Caden felt a little embarrassed, "Mom, I’ll make it up to you, I’ll make it up to you."

"That’s more like it." Mrs. Hawthorne finally smiled with satisfaction.

Vivian suddenly felt a bit awkward, wondering if her mother-in-law was jealous.

"Brother, what about me?" Riley extended her hand expectantly, "Do I get anything?"

Caden glanced at her and poured cold water on her expectations, "In your dreams! Let your boyfriend send you some."