CHAPTER 117: CHAPTER 117: ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT ME?

The previous incident.

Pushed the Hale Group into a difficult situation.

Poppy Hale knew nothing about the company’s business, and Eugene Lynch knew she didn’t like dealing with company matters, so he didn’t force her to learn.

Truth Hale also fell ill.

Many things were left for Eugene Lynch to handle.

Eugene Lynch’s greatest strength and weakness was his soft-heartedness.

He was a very good family member but not a suitable entrepreneur.

There were actually quite a few relatives within the company.

But none held important positions. Sean Lynch was Eugene Lynch’s secretary, while Eugene Lynch managed the factory line.

Thus, he had more opportunities to get involved with factory matters.

The factory where the incident occurred those years ago was one of the factories Eugene Lynch was in charge of.

Thinking about the phone call from the client company before.

The more she thought, the more Poppy Hale felt that the incident all those years ago might have a turning point.

Florence Lynch’s medicine bottle was empty.

The nurse came to remove the needle and gave some discharge instructions before letting them leave.

As they passed by the nurse’s station, the nurse stopped Poppy Hale.

"Oh, by the way, your husband seems to be on the phone in the next room. Why didn’t you ask him to leave with you?"

The nurse found it amusing.

This woman, how could she forget her husband?

Poppy Hale was momentarily stunned.

She hadn’t expected Declan Hawthorne to still be there, and didn’t bother to explain their relationship. After thanking the nurse, she turned back and knocked on the door of the neighboring room.

Declan Hawthorne was holding a phone in his hand, standing in the hospital room, with a difficult sharpness in his eyebrows, and his words were quite harsh.

It sounded like he was talking to a business partner.

His voice was thick and deep, and the veins on his arms were clearly visible, a bit intimidating.

Florence Lynch called out softly.

"Uncle Hawthorne."

Poppy Hale covered Florence Lynch’s mouth with her hand and made a shushing sound.

Declan Hawthorne heard the sound at the door and turned his head to look over.

The moment he saw Poppy Hale and Florence Lynch, the dark clouds on his face dispersed, and the sky cleared.

He apologized fluently in English to the person on the other end, "The meeting needs to be rescheduled. My daughter just got discharged, and I need to take her home."

Originally, it was a standoff in negotiations.

The other party suspended the meeting.

Declan Hawthorne walked over in big strides, took Florence Lynch from Poppy Hale’s hands, and weighed her a bit.

"You’ve gotten a bit lighter recently. No worries, Uncle will help you gain it back."

While speaking, his gaze fell on Poppy Hale’s face.

It’s not clear who he was actually saying had lost weight.

Just as they got into the car with Florence Lynch, Heather Underwood’s call came through.

Declan Hawthorne didn’t avoid Poppy Hale, who was still in the car, and directly answered the call, Heather Underwood’s voice echoing in the cramped vehicle.

"Declan, why did you cut off the meeting? The situation is in our favor now. Push a little harder and we’ll seal the deal!"

Declan Hawthorne calmly replied, "Florence just got discharged, which is more important than a meeting. You can follow up on the remaining content, it’s not a big issue."

It was originally just the finishing part.

Heather Underwood, known for her efficiency, could easily handle the follow-up progress.

But it was her first time seeing such a workaholic like Declan Hawthorne actively interrupt a meeting.

Listening to what the other party said, Declan Hawthorne mentioned his daughter’s discharge.

Heather Underwood’s tone shifted, "Old Master Hawthorne is coming to Arvum today. Do you want to take Florence to have a meal with him?"

In the back seat, Poppy Hale was holding Florence Lynch and upon hearing this, her eyes looked sideways.

Declan Hawthorne was direct.

"What’s the benefit? If he scares Florence, who will I complain to?"

"Old Master would be very happy to know about Florence."

Declan Hawthorne sneered.

"He has plenty to be happy about. I used to let him have his way. Should I let him have his way now too?"

After all, it’s a Hawthorne Family matter.

Heather Underwood knew both Declan Hawthorne and Mrs. Hawthorne had grievances against Old Master Hawthorne.

This call, if not instructed by Old Master Hawthorne, she wouldn’t want to handle this hot potato.

Ending the call.

Declan Hawthorne calmly said, "Rest assured, no one will ever try to take Florence from you. She is your daughter, always will be, whether her surname is Lynch or Hale, she will always be yours."

As if realizing something, he let out a bitter smile.

"Nor will I."

Poppy Hale nodded, giving a slight hum.

"Thank you."

After a moment, Poppy Hale looked up, catching Declan Hawthorne’s gaze in the rearview mirror.

Inside his eyes was a layer of dark clouds, holding profound and unfathomable emotions which she felt she couldn’t penetrate.

Beneath the dark clouds lay a mass of sadness.

As if a slight exertion on the eyelashes could bring forth rain.

Poppy Hale’s heart skipped a beat.

"Was Heather talking about your grandfather?"

Declan Hawthorne gave a slight hum.

A barely noticeable nasal tone.

"Yes, my grandfather."

"Last night, your mother said she doesn’t quite like your grandfather?"

The car drove towards another route.

"Hmm, my mom and my grandfather aren’t just a matter of not liking each other. There’s enmity. After having me, my grandfather wanted her to have another child. She didn’t want to, so he demanded my parents divorce."

"He also said many harsh things that upset my mom. She was depressed then and attempted suicide once. My dad thought he had lost her and attempted suicide too. Fortunately, both were saved."

Declan Hawthorne’s lips curled into a silent mocking smile.

"My grandfather is that kind of person who assumes he can control everything but can’t control anything in reality."

But because of that incident, Declan’s parents had a strong relationship, a bond forged in adversity.

Mrs. Hawthorne’s depression healed as well.

Poppy Hale came from a decent family and had seen many secrets among the elite.

There weren’t many relationships like Truth Hale and Eugene Lynch’s.

Likewise, Declan’s parents’ would be few.

She understood now the resentment behind Mrs. Hawthorne’s words yesterday.

And the hatred in Declan Hawthorne’s eyes and expressions.

Almost costing him his parents in an instant, then locking Declan in a cage with his obstinate ways.

Not daring to express what he loves.

Completely stifling the nature of a child.

Old Master Hawthorne was truly a stubborn person.

Arriving home.

Just as Florence Lynch entered the house, Poppy Hale’s wrist was grabbed by Declan Hawthorne.

Poppy Hale turned around.

Seeing the man leaning against the doorframe, his face carrying an enticing, clear smile, fully captivating.

Poppy Hale feared Truth Hale might see this scene. She lowered her voice, "What are you doing?"

"Were you concerned about me just now?"

In the car, the questions she asked.

Obviously, showing concern for him.

Poppy Hale was not one to pry into other people’s family affairs.

The hallway’s light sensor turned off, the shadow cast by Declan’s brow bone deepened his expression.

Poppy Hale’s attempts to break free were futile. She resorted to kicking.

He didn’t dodge, taking the blow head-on.

His tone carried a strand of joy.

"You were concerned about me, weren’t you?"

Meeting his gaze, his smile remained.

Poppy Hale pushed him out at once.

"I care more about a dog than about you."

After finishing, she closed the door.

Poppy Hale leaned against the door to change her shoes.

Hearing a low dog bark from outside the door.