CHAPTER 160: CHAPTER 160: NURTURE YOUR MARRIAGE

Heather couldn’t hold back.

She smacked Iris Quill on the head with a swift knuckle.

"Shut up."

Iris grumbled, "Why can Florence change, and I can’t? Can I take my teacher’s last name then?"

Heather restrained herself, reminding herself to be a patient mom.

She asked, "What’s your teacher’s last name?"

"Cao, like the sports field!"

All the adults at the table went silent for a moment.

Heather couldn’t hold back her hand and gave Iris a slap.

This little rascal.

Heather’s molars were about to crack.

"Iris Quill, this weekend you’re coming with me to change your name to mine, and forget about changing it again for the rest of your life!"

"Okay, fine."

Having mom’s last name wasn’t a bad idea.

Florence recently started using chopsticks on her own, gripping the helper chopstick skillfully.

As she picked up a piece of corn, she asked softly, "Mom, why do I need to change my name? I really like my name now."

"If you like it, there’s no need to change it. But aren’t your classmates taking their dad’s last name? Florence, don’t you want to have your dad’s last name?"

Florence looked at Declan Hawthorne.

Her bright eyes twinkled, "Uncle Hawthorne, you’re not my dad yet, you know. I have a scorecard, and you need the points to be my dad. If you don’t score, you’re just an uncle, and if you lose points, you’re my brother!"

Declan was stunned.

No one at the table could help but burst into laughter.

Florence didn’t find it funny.

"Grandpa Hawthorne, it’s the same for you. If you don’t pass my test, you’re just an uncle!"

Hugo Hawthorne couldn’t laugh anymore.

The more he looked at Florence, the more he found her endearing.

How could she be so clever and adorable!

Hugo Hawthorne nudged his hand, careful and with a softened voice.

"And what about Grandma Big Bear?"

Florence shook her head, her pigtails swinging with her.

"Grandma Big Bear doesn’t need to take the test. She’s already injured for me, I can’t bear for her to be sad."

Jackie Barrett listened, tears almost falling.

She looked at Poppy Hale’s eyes, fluttering and holding back the bittersweet tears.

"Poppy, can Florence sleep here tonight?"

Poppy Hale thought for a moment, "I’ll stay here with my mom too."

"Great, great, I’ll have someone prepare a room for the old lady right away."

Hugo Hawthorne was gritting his teeth.

If he’d known a minor car accident would earn him such a sweet granddaughter...

He’d have bought a dog with Jackie Barrett that day!

Hugo smiled stiffly, "So, Grandpa Hawthorne, what should I do to earn points?"

Florence shook her head, "I don’t know, but Grandpa Hawthorne shouldn’t disturb my meal right now. If I eat too slowly, Mom will be unhappy."

Hugo immediately sat back down.

Looking down, he saw Florence using her chopsticks to offer him a piece of chicken wing.

Acting nonchalant, she concentrated on eating her own bowl of rice.

In that moment, Hugo finally understood why Jackie Barrett said Poppy Hale raised Florence well.

A two-year-old child, so sensible, articulate, able to express her feelings and needs smoothly, with clear logic.

It was clear how much effort her caretaker must have put into it.

Hugo looked at Declan Hawthorne, speaking earnestly, "Declan, remember, people coming into your life, bringing new branches to our family tree, that’s something amazing. Your wife is the most trustworthy person in your life; you should cherish your relationship."

Declan nodded.

"I know."

Hugo then turned to Poppy Hale.

"Poppy, I apologize. It’s our oversight that Declan didn’t tell you he was a member of the Hawthorne Family."

Both Tristan and Justin Hawthorne nodded along.

"It’s not just big brother who hid his identity."

Hugo raised his glass, "If Declan ever bullies you, just come to me, and I’ll make it right for you."

Without waiting for Poppy Hale to respond, he downed his drink in one go.

Putting down his glass, Hugo seemed a bit melancholy.

"These past two years raising Florence alone, it’s the Hawthorne Family that has wronged you..."

Poppy Hale shook her head gently.

When she gave birth to Florence, she never thought she’d still end up with Declan Hawthorne.

But when she first met Declan at seventeen, she wanted to marry him.

She never imagined that a youthful fantasy would come true.

Poppy lowered her eyes, calmly saying, "There’s no wrongdoing. Florence is very important to me too."

Justin Hawthorne spoke up, "Sister-in-law, are you starting your own company? Need to hire anyone? I could work for you!"

"You’re too talented for my place. It would be a waste for you; better not."

Justin shook his head, "No worries, sister-in-law. Your company is just starting and doesn’t need many people. I can handle HR, and once we hire people, I’ll leave."

Declan let out a cold laugh.

"Your company went bust again?"

"Heh, it’s called business restructuring."

Justin Hawthorne ran a beverage company.

But she only knew how to brew, having no talent for business operations.

She invested in several beverage companies and made a lot, but every company she started herself ended up closing one after another.

Justin realized she might as well work for the Hawthorne Family, so at least she wouldn’t be treated poorly.

At the Hawthorne Group, seeing Declan every day was daunting for Justin.

But Poppy Hale was different.

She was gentle, beautiful, and cherished by big brother.

Justin said, "Sister-in-law, if the Hawthorne Family comes knocking, I can help you."

Poppy Hale looked at Declan beside her.

The man was busy dealing with the crab in his hand, his thick lashes lowered, calm as he spoke, "Go ahead, I’ll handle your salary. Send your beverage company accounts to me tomorrow."

Justin exclaimed several times in excitement.

She didn’t mind that her intentions were all seen through.

As long as her big brother is willing to help, her companies might be saved!

She knew big brother cherished Poppy most.

After the meal.

The butler entered, approaching Hugo Hawthorne.

"Old Master has suddenly arrived."

At this time, Hugo’s gaze swept over Poppy Hale and Florence, slightly displeased but keeping it hidden.

"Mmm, understood. Poppy, take Florence upstairs. Let her get used to the house. Declan, Tristan, join me to greet Old Master."

Old Master’s sudden visit didn’t bode well.

Poppy Hale said nothing, pulling Truth Hale along upstairs.

Downstairs, moments later, Old Master’s furious voice rang out.

"Declan Hawthorne! Do you even consider me your grandfather? Who do you think nurtured you to where you are today?"

"Marriage is such a big deal, and you didn’t even tell me! Is this how the Hawthorne Family taught you? I think all those years of training were wasted, absolutely wasted!"

Old Master Hawthorne beat his chest and stomped his feet.

He looked utterly distressed.

Declan stepped forward to support him but calmly said, "Grandfather, who told you I got married?"