CHAPTER 207: CHAPTER 207: JULIAN LAWSON COUGHS BLOOD, COMPANY STOCK PRICE FLUCTUATES

Julian Lawson stared at the ring, and for a moment, he didn’t react to what had happened, just leaned back against the headboard.

The next moment, his stomach cramped, and he spat blood onto the wedding ring.

His mind felt empty; all he knew was to instinctively reach out and clean the ring, but traces of crimson stubbornly remained.

A delayed pain surged through him. He glanced at the perfume on the bedside table, then at the ring in his hand, and finally closed his eyes in agony.

...

Serena was alone at home.

After Silas Hawthorne and Julian Lawson both left, she sat by herself on the lounger on the balcony.

The evening breeze gently blew.

A blue heart-shaped pendant still hung around her neck.

She reached out and clasped the pendant, recalling the events of the day.

Remembering the serious and passionate look in Silas Hawthorne’s eyes, and Julian Lawson’s actions toward her.

She didn’t know Julian’s reasons, but she knew they could never go back.

From now on, she would spend her days with Silas, Seraphina, and perhaps also her mother.

Because the actual guardian of Seraphina was Sheila Jenkins, Serena was only supportive, so many things had to emphasize Sheila Jenkins’s primary guardianship, like on medical records, Seraphina’s mother would also have Sheila’s name written.

Subsequent family visits were also conducted through Sheila Jenkins.

Therefore, Serena felt it necessary to keep her mother by her side.

Although their communication wasn’t abundant, it was gradually improving.

Mother...

Serena looked at the pendant.

Does she still remember Father?

Serena lowered her eyes slightly.

Perhaps not remembering is normal, after all, Father has been gone so many years.

She could not demand her mother to always remember him.

As long as she herself remembers, that’s enough.

Perhaps Silas Hawthorne would remember him too.

Thinking of this, Serena felt a warm tinge in her heart, at least there was someone else in the world who shared her thoughts, missing the same person.

...

Time slowly passed by.

The next day, the Lawson Corporation was in upheaval.

Julian Lawson didn’t come to work.

It was heard that he had fallen ill, and all corporate matters were temporarily set aside, now being handled by Caleb Lawson.

People were all talking.

"What’s going on? Just recently, President Lawson seemed alright. Why has he suddenly fallen ill? Could it be because Silas Hawthorne has been persistently pursuing Serena Sterling, and it’s gotten to him?"

"Who knows? Isn’t he with Vera Hansen now? Serena is his ex-wife."

"This situation is rare. Previously, even if President Lawson wasn’t feeling well, he would at least send out directives or hold conference calls. This time, he’s completely set everything aside."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, now the old man is handling some matters."

"Oh heavens, could President Lawson be gravely ill!"

"Don’t say such scary things."

...

At the top floor of Lawson Tower.

Caleb Lawson was in his office.

The old lady was by his side.

Secretary Chaucer came over to assist with matters.

Caleb Lawson glanced at Secretary Chaucer and asked, "How is he now?"

Secretary Chaucer immediately replied, "He was rushed to the hospital last night. After examinations, it was determined there weren’t any major health issues, just overwhelmed by grief and possibly drinking too much recently, hence the blood vomiting."

"The doctor said proper treatment will make him fine," Secretary Chaucer added, reassuring the elderly couple.

Caleb nodded.

"Did he say what the reason was?" Caleb pondered and continued asking.

Secretary Chaucer let out a long sigh and shook his head.

Since learning about it, he had been inquiring, but Julian Lawson had said nothing, only wanting to be discharged.

Thinking of this, Secretary Chaucer added, "President Lawson insisted on being discharged, now resting at The Hillside Villa. I’ve arranged for doctors to visit and monitor his condition."

The Hillside Villa?

That was the marital home of Julian Lawson and Serena Sterling.

The elderly couple exchanged a glance and roughly understood the situation.

They didn’t trouble Secretary Chaucer.

"You go attend to the matters," Caleb said.

"Yes." Secretary Chaucer turned away, closing the door behind him.

Now only the elderly couple remained in the office.

"Old man, what do you reckon is going on? Is it related to Serena?" the old lady asked.

"Hm!"

Caleb snorted, saying, "Who knows! If it’s because of Serena, then he deserves it!"

The old lady hesitated to speak.

After about three seconds of silence, the old lady spoke again, "The young Hawthorne has been fervently pursuing Serena lately, and if Serena agrees..."

Caleb glanced at the old lady; he didn’t know what to say either, and they both fell silent once more.

After some time had passed, Caleb let out a long sigh, saying, "Let’s see if Julian can have a timely realization. If it goes on like this, I can’t help."

The old lady nodded beside him.

...

People at The Lawson Corporation thought Julian might appear after a day or two, at least update internal dynamics or hold a video conference.

But he didn’t.

For four days straight, there was no news of Julian Lawson.

Even though Caleb Lawson had mentioned that Julian was merely recuperating and simultaneously taking a vacation, Secretary Chaucer had already explained the situation to the shareholders and produced a certificate stating there were no issues, but people were still uneasy.

"If there’s really no problem, why not hold a video conference or make a statement on the internal platform?"

"Are we sure he’s not gravely ill?"

"It’s tough, President Lawson is the one who led the company’s transformation, he’s the backbone. If something happens, won’t the company be in trouble?"

...

Even The Lawson Corporation’s stock price experienced fluctuations.

No matter how many clarifications were made, Julian’s medical certificate was released, and yet some suspected it was forged or digitally altered.

On the fifth day of Julian’s recuperation.

While Serena was checking things at Hawthorne Group’s new product counter, she was suddenly surrounded by waiting journalists.

The reporters continuously asked questions——

"Miss Sheridan, do you know about President Lawson’s disappearance in the past few days?"

"Miss Sheridan, is President Lawson’s illness related to you?"

"Miss Sheridan, have you visited President Lawson? How is he now? Can you tell us?"

...

Though the bodyguards quickly came over to block the crowd, many were still glancing over surreptitiously.

Serena looked at the throng of reporters, feeling a bit of a headache.

She knew of Julian’s illness from the first day, but she didn’t intend to get involved.

Many days ago, she had already clarified things with Julian.

That night was merely stating things more explicitly.

In these days, she also kept a low profile, even disguising herself for today’s outing, yet was still recognized by those lying in wait.

Serena knew that without an answer, there would be more relentlessly chasing her.

The pendant pressed against her skin beneath her clothing felt cool, but it anchored her mind.

She should also give the reporters a definite attitude now.