CHAPTER 257: CHAPTER 257: HE WAS ALWAYS THERE

Julian Lawson’s leg bone was dislocated.

This news was received when Silas Hawthorne and Jasper Ford returned to Hawthorne Manor.

Silas Hawthorne slightly furrowed his brow. At that moment, he noticed Julian Lawson’s leg bending unnaturally and thought it was fractured.

If only he had known earlier, he would have hit him a few more times, breaking his leg to see if Julian Lawson dared to mess around again.

Jasper Ford looked at Silas Hawthorne after hearing this. From Silas Hawthorne’s expression, Jasper Ford understood the other’s thoughts.

Definitely someone who had drifted on the seas for years; ruthless.

"Be cautious when you see Serena later, her condition is very unstable right now." Silas Hawthorne said to Jasper Ford.

Jasper Ford nodded; he was aware.

He had thought Silas Hawthorne was about to ask him not to tell Serena.

Silas Hawthorne saw through Jasper Ford’s intentions, smiled, and said, "I’m not afraid she’ll find out."

He knew that Serena’s tolerance in many matters was higher than Jasper Ford assumed.

She had become like this because Julian Lawson hurt her too deeply.

The two walked into Hawthorne Manor.

...

Serena Sterling chatted with Shayla Randall for a while.

Shayla Randall attempted hypnosis treatment for Serena, but after two tries, it had not succeeded.

Shayla Randall frowned deeply.

Serena had been getting better, but this time, her condition worsened sharply.

"I still suggest you opt for hospitalization treatment." Shayla Randall said earnestly.

But Serena shook her head, saying, "I still have things to do recently."

She needed to win the game and reclaim Sheridan Family’s belongings.

Her concert, Hawthorne Group’s new product, taking care of Seraphina—she had so many things to manage and worry about.

Shayla Randall was a gossip enthusiast, and considering Serena’s affairs had stirred widespread concern, she was also aware.

So she did not insist.

While packing, she said: "Mr. Hawthorne negotiated with the sanatorium to let me stay in the estate, just next door, with the family doctor. If you feel unwell, call me."

"Remember to take your medicine on time." Shayla Randall said, "I’ll be watching you; you’re not like before, you can’t skip medicine, understood?"

Serena lowered her eyes slightly and nodded.

"I’ll come by the next few days to try hypnosis and other treatments. If it still doesn’t work..." Shayla Randall did not continue, "heal bit by bit first."

If her condition continues to worsen, she might really need MECT, or Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy.

After Shayla Randall left, a nanny came in to look after her.

Serena sat leaning against the bed, turned her head to look at the scenery outside the window.

The view at Hawthorne Manor was beautiful, with a delicate layout in the courtyard, but Serena still felt some boredom.

Once bored, she would start overthinking.

She seemed to have never stopped over the years.

In just a short while, she thought about many things, one by one.

Her father’s death, Julian Lawson’s attitude change towards her, Sheridan Family’s belongings, her gaming agreement, Hawthorne Group’s new products, the concert...

All of these were like whips, constantly urging her forward, making her unable to stop.

Finally, she could not sit still and looked at the nanny.

"Can you help inquire if my phone has been returned?" Serena said.

Yesterday, her phone was snatched by Julian Lawson, it should be left with him.

The nanny immediately made a call.

Shortly, Mrs. Walsh brought the phone in.

"Sir asked someone to retrieve it," Mrs. Walsh said, "but the screen is already broken. Sir has someone buying a new one, it will arrive soon."

Serena nodded to show she understood.

Then, she told Mrs. Walsh to help bring her some materials and things back from her rented office.

Serena estimated she would have to work from home for a while.

When Silas Hawthorne and Jasper Ford came, they noticed Serena had already moved her study items to the bedroom.

At the moment, she was leaning against the headboard, typing on the computer, probably handling work matters.

Jasper Ford was anxious, about to say something when Silas Hawthorne stopped him, shaking his head.

He understood Serena’s character and her urgency.

Forcibly intervening might result in the opposite effect.

Finally, the two approached her bedside, and the nanny brought chairs for them before leaving and closing the door.

Jasper Ford looked at her bandaged wound, wanting to express concern but feared she would recall past events.

After thinking for a while, he finally put on a smile and said, "Serena, the concert tickets sold out just after they were released today!"

Let’s say something happy to keep everyone in good spirits.

Serena nodded, looking at Jasper Ford’s face. After thinking a bit, she also raised her lips slightly.

Before, she thought selling some would already be good, never expecting they would sell out.

"Now it’s almost impossible to get a ticket!" Jasper Ford continued, "Many people are even seeking scalpers for overpriced tickets!"

Jasper Ford enthusiastically said, "Although the pricing was pretty favorable, the demand was overwhelming. On concert day, there will be small merchandise sold too, all at the initial pricing without a last-minute markup, and some free small merchandise will be given away."

"As long as this concert goes well, it will certainly advance further!"

Jasper Ford said: "Now, the only challenge before us."

Serena looked at Jasper Ford, waiting for him to continue.

"Is for you to recover soon," Jasper Ford said earnestly, "Don’t harm yourself anymore, Serena, you’re great, really great."

Jasper Ford’s eyes reddened: "Do you know?"

Moved, Serena nodded.

Silas Hawthorne also told her not to worry about Hawthorne Group’s new product. Her designs were good, and this time, let Hawthorne Group run independently.

The two chatted for a while, and soon, Bianca Lynch arrived.

Bianca Lynch had just learned that Serena had previously sought psychiatric help, specifically to keep it secret, hence she did not visit Aeston First Hospital.

Her eyes were swollen from crying for a long time on the way here.

She immediately hugged Serena tightly.

"I haven’t told my brother yet," Bianca Lynch said, "I’ll wait until he returns with the news to tell him."

"Okay," Serena responded softly.

...

And so, the day came to an end.

In the evening, Silas Hawthorne came to her room again to keep watch over her.

In the dark, Serena repeatedly fell into nightmares.

From the apartment, to the two lost children, to the beaten days at her stepfather’s house, and to the scene where her father jumped off the building, dying in front of her—eyes wide open...

Every incident left her waking up time after time, unable to sleep peacefully.

During the day, work could numb her, but at night, she was like a soldier without armor, letting the swords pierce her repeatedly.

The only comfort was Silas Hawthorne’s firm grasp on her hand.

He was always there.

Every time she woke up, he was by her side.

Providing warmth, giving her peace.