CHAPTER 16: CHAPTER 16: WHERE DOES A LOSER GET THEIR SENSE OF SUPERIORITY?

This jade pendant is actually part of a pair.

Jordan Hawthorne also has one.

It’s designed with a dragon and phoenix as symbols of harmony, and when separated, each piece forms a crescent shape, but together, they form a circle.

It represents the idea of ’complete union’.

The old lady, when she was alive, always hoped that she and Jordan Hawthorne could live a happy and complete life together.

She once hoped so too.

However, whether it’s in love or marriage, it has never been just a matter of one person.

If only she clung to it, what would be the point?

Ultimately, she and Jordan Hawthorne could not reach that complete union!

Sabrina suppressed her bitterness, and responded calmly, "Got it."

After speaking, she took off the jade pendant from her neck without a trace of reluctance and placed it on the table.

Jonathan Hawthorne and Florence Scott were momentarily surprised, unable to hide it.

They seemed not to have expected Sabrina to be so straightforward.

Originally, they thought that asking for the pendant back would not be easy.

After all, they knew how deeply Sabrina loved Jordan Hawthorne.

This pendant symbolized the Hawthorne Family’s acknowledgment of her, and surely, she wouldn’t hand it over easily.

But now...

Florence Scott and Jonathan Hawthorne were caught off guard.

After a moment, Florence Scott was the first to react.

She must have used the old lady as an excuse, which is why Sabrina cooperated.

What a fool!

Not worthy of her son!

Florence Scott felt disdain in her heart and immediately put away the pendant.

Her speed, as if fearing Sabrina would regret it.

After she was done, she didn’t forget to say in her usual preachy manner, "Oh, so you can be sensible? Then, just don’t cause trouble for Jordan in the future! I heard that a few days ago at work, you deliberately made things difficult for Brooke, didn’t handle the handover well, and even targeted Brooke’s son...

As a daughter-in-law of the Hawthorne Family, can’t you have a broader mind? This significant strategic partnership between the Hawthorne and Sinclair families is of utmost importance and can’t afford any disruption from you!

So, you’d better behave, stay home with the child, and don’t ruin this cooperation! If I find out that you harm the company’s interests, don’t blame me for being rude to you!"

Jonathan Hawthorne heard his wife’s reprimand and did not speak, clearly agreeing with her.

Sabrina’s brows furrowed sharply.

She had heard too much of Florence Scott’s unwarranted scoldings and lectures in the past.

But before, she would tolerate it time and again for the sake of family harmony and to avoid making things difficult for Jordan Hawthorne, who was caught in the middle.

But now, there’s no need!

Sabrina’s expression darkened, her tone becoming sharper, "You’re exaggerating, I didn’t make things difficult for anyone, I handled the work handover entirely according to company procedures.

Over the years, how I’ve worked in the Hawthorne Group, I’m sure Dad knows very well. When have I ever joked about business affairs?

If Brooke Sinclairs had problems taking over, then she’s incompetent or undeserving of her reputation!

As for targeting Brooke Sinclairs’s son, it was because he bullied and insulted Zara, and the boy deserved it..."

"Enough!"

Before Sabrina could finish, Florence Scott angrily interrupted her.

Her expression clearly showed displeasure, her voice becoming sharper, "Sabrina, there’s no need for you to justify yourself here, nor should you attempt to slander Sonny! We’ve all seen him while dining; he’s an obedient and charming little boy.

Don’t talk nonsense here and tarnish a child!"

Jonathan Hawthorne also furrowed his brows, speaking sternly, "It’s natural for kids to be playful. Sonny just returned from abroad and wanted to find a playmate; being a boy, a bit of mischief is perfectly normal. For you, an adult, to quarrel with a child is such a disgrace to the Hawthornes!"

Hearing this, Sabrina no longer had the desire to continue the conversation.

She should have known, aside from the deceased grandmother, the rest were all the same.

They didn’t like her and didn’t like Zara either!

Initially, she thought that no matter what, Zara was their biological granddaughter, and if she was bullied, they would have some sympathy.

But the truth proved she was overthinking!

This couple was just like Jordan Hawthorne...

Sabrina’s expression turned cold, unwilling to waste any more words, she directly said, "I’ve handed over the item; is there anything else you need from me? If not, I’ll take Zara and head back first."

Florence Scott clearly had no intention of keeping them any longer.

After all, her goal had been achieved...

Showing a gesture of indifference, she waved her hand, "There’s nothing more for you here, you can leave now."

Sabrina didn’t even bother to say a parting word, turning directly to find Zara.

Then they left the Hawthorne’s grand mansion.

Unexpectedly, as they reached the courtyard, they ran into Ethan Hawthorne, who emerged from a nearby shrub.

Ethan Hawthorne had been outside the window on the phone, naturally overhearing Sabrina’s conversation with his mother.

At this moment, he approached specifically to mock her, "Sabrina, how dare you try to tarnish Brooke in front of my mom? I guess you didn’t know, but Brooke was raised under my mom’s watchful eye, and her mother and my mom have been best friends for decades.

Did you really think a few insinuations could win over our family members to like you? Stop dreaming, you don’t even compare to a single strand of Brooke’s hair..."

Perhaps holding a grudge from Sabrina calling him a lackey a few days ago.

Ethan Hawthorne continued his malicious diatribe, "Brooke comes from a good background, she’s beautiful, has a remarkable presence, and is an industry leader wherever she goes. Even when she’s on a business trip, she doesn’t forget to buy gifts for each of us at home...

And look at you! You’ve been married to my brother for years and still can’t get anything done, always causing trouble and annoyance; no wonder my brother has been pining for Brooke all these years and never looked highly upon you...

So what if you had a daughter? Given the chance, you were still useless! You can’t even win my brother’s heart; what a failure!"

As he spoke, his face was full of mockery and ridicule.

Listening to Ethan Hawthorne’s spiteful insults, Sabrina’s expression turned cold.

But she did not let him provoke her.

In the past, she backed down in front of the Hawthornes because she cared for Jordan.

But once someone stops caring about certain things, their weaknesses fade, and their strength rises.

Did Ethan Hawthorne still think she was the same, easy-target pushover?

Sabrina let out a laugh, immediately retorting, "Ethan Hawthorne, do you have the nerve to call someone else a failure? Look at yourself; in what way do you measure up to your brother?

Everyone outside says your brother is a prodigy in the business world, but you’re always falling short... I didn’t understand before, but now I get it, there’s some truth in their words!

You’re such a failure, you even have to love someone secretly, and privately you bend over backward for Brooke, going to great lengths to belittle and bully me.

Do you think that makes you look capable? Have you seen Brooke ever look your way?

She didn’t choose you then, and even now that she’s divorced, she’d rather be a mistress to a married man than be with you, and you still insist on playing her white knight!

You’re just a clown, yet you somehow gave yourself a sense of superiority?"

As Sabrina said this, the disdain on her face was even more pronounced than his earlier.