CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34: PLAYED JORDAN HAWTHORNE

After a while, Jordan Hawthorne’s leg was relieved.

As he got up, he didn’t say a word of thanks, as if Sabrina Hayes did all this and it was only right.

Sabrina Hayes didn’t expect him to be grateful; after putting away the tools, she took Zara and went out.

The festival ended at noon.

As soon as the last guest left, Jordan Hawthorne’s phone rang.

The man’s expression became soft as he deliberately walked outside to answer.

"Brooke..."

Even from a distance, Sabrina Hayes could vaguely hear the name being called.

She laughed!

In the past, whenever she called him for something, he either wouldn’t answer or took a long time to respond.

Never has he answered so quickly, as if afraid to keep Brooke Sinclairs waiting.

It turns out he wasn’t too busy; he was just used to treating her coldly!

Sabrina Hayes withdrew her gaze indifferently, having no intention to stay.

Having bid farewell to Grandma, the remaining three members of The Hawthorne Family never welcomed her and Zara, so she took her little one and left.

Outside, she took out her phone to call a cab to buy art supplies for Zara.

Ever since receiving that painting, the little one’s interest seemed inspired. These days, she loved scribbling on paper.

It was rare for her to enjoy something, so Sabrina Hayes naturally indulged her!

Just as she opened the ride-hailing app, Jordan Hawthorne also walked out from the courtyard.

The man was walking with long strides, holding a coat, seemingly ready to leave as well.

Sabrina Hayes originally didn’t intend to engage, but unexpectedly, Jordan Hawthorne approached the mother and daughter, saying, "Get in the car, I’ll take you."

"No need, I’ll call a cab myself."

Sabrina Hayes declined without even looking up.

Earlier this morning, she had no choice but to ride together because there so many eyes were watching, and she didn’t want idle gossip or unnecessary reprimands.

Now, everyone was gone, and there was no need to pretend!

Jordan Hawthorne frowned slightly, "It’s hard to get a cab here, don’t you know? It’s so cold, do you really want Zara to stand here with you in the cold wind?"

Sabrina Hayes’ fingers paused.

The elderly lady liked tranquility, and her residence was halfway up the hill, usually with no cars coming here.

Even if she called for one, she’d have to wait more than half an hour.

Jordan Hawthorne, seeing her like this, became inexplicably a bit annoyed and simply picked up Zara and got in the car, "What’s the holdup? Help me get some medicine later!"

His leg always needed medication to prevent another flare-up after treatment.

Sabrina Hayes sneered.

No wonder he suddenly changed his tune; he needed her for something.

Indeed, every time this man softened his attitude towards her, it was usually for another purpose.

For Zara’s sake, Sabrina Hayes ultimately got into the car.

On the way back, the car was eerily quiet.

The driver in the front seat drove silently while Jordan Hawthorne leaned against the seat, resting with his eyes closed.

Zara sat in the middle, playing with a Rubik’s cube. Her little hands moved with extraordinary deftness and concentration.

After watching for a while, Sabrina Hayes turned her gaze to the scenery outside the window.

In a blink, more than half an hour had passed, and the car finally stopped.

The driver reminded from the front seat, "Young master, we’re here!"

Sabrina Hayes snapped out of her thoughts and was about to get out of the car when she suddenly realized something was wrong.

The place in front of her wasn’t a pharmacy; it was... the Hawthorne Group.

Jordan Hawthorne also sat up at this time, his voice low and drowsy, "Yes."

"Why come here?"

Sabrina Hayes frowned and asked him.

Jordan Hawthorne glanced at her and answered lightly, "I have a client to meet later, just stopping by to get a document first."

With that, he opened the door and got out.

Sabrina Hayes followed him with her gaze, quickly spotting a figure appearing in the office building.

Brooke Sinclairs came walking gracefully in high heels, her face full of charming smiles as she saw the man, "Here’s the document you wanted."

Jordan Hawthorne reached out to take it, his tone gentle, "Thanks for running this errand."

Brooke Sinclairs was all smiles, "Compared to you, what kind of errand is this? Getting up early to honor Grandma, you must be exhausted..."

As she spoke, she raised her hand to help him tidy his slightly disheveled collar.

It was at this moment, her peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of Sabrina Hayes and Zara in the back seat.

Her expression froze, with a flash of shock in her eyes.

Sabrina Hayes coldly watched their interaction, feeling somewhat nauseated, yet found the woman’s expression genuinely intriguing.

Although she and Jordan Hawthorne were in a situation akin to fire and water, they were still legally married. Was it really surprising for her to be in his car?

Brooke Sinclairs reacted quickly, immediately schooling her emotions, retracting her hand, and saying, "Is Sabrina here too?"

Jordan Hawthorne instinctively explained, "I asked her to help me get some medicine; my leg was a bit uncomfortable this morning."

Upon hearing this, Brooke Sinclairs immediately inquired with concern, "Is it serious? Should we go to a hospital?"

Her expression and tone couldn’t hide her anxiety.

If listened carefully, a hint of apology could be discerned.

"No, it’s fine now, don’t worry!"

Jordan Hawthorne gently comforted her, "You go on upstairs; I’ll go meet the client and come back later."

Brooke Sinclairs nodded reluctantly at his words.

Very soon, Jordan Hawthorne returned to the car.

Sabrina Hayes watched the whole time, originally intending to take Zara and leave, but inevitably, she was affected by Brooke Sinclairs’ apologetic look.

Something quickly flashed through her mind. Just as she was about to catch it, the car started.

Missing the chance to get out, Sabrina was eventually taken to the pharmacy.

This was an old traditional Chinese medicine shop with a quaint charm, called ’The Serenity Hall’.

Because of the man beside her, Sabrina had almost become a regular.

After the car stopped, Jordan Hawthorne said, "Be quick."

Sabrina didn’t speak. She got out with Zara, and once they were standing, she said coldly, "The prescription has been sent to your phone, get it yourself. We have things to do, we’re leaving now."

She no longer wanted to do things personally for someone who didn’t deserve it!

Soon, Sabrina left with the little one, without looking back.

Jordan Hawthorne sat stunned in the back seat, his face very displeased.

He seemed not to have expected that Sabrina would dare to toy with him!

In the end, it was the driver who got the medicine!

Not long after Sabrina left, Brooke Sinclairs came to knock on Jordan Hawthorne’s window.

Earlier, when the two left the Hawthorne Group, she had followed, fearing that if she didn’t pay attention, Jordan might change his view of Sabrina or repair their relationship.

Luckily, things didn’t develop as she feared...

At this moment, when Jordan saw her, he was clearly a bit surprised and quickly opened the car door for her, "Why are you here?"

Brooke Sinclairs responded gently, "I couldn’t stop worrying about you. Given your state, I have no mind to work. Did you get the medicine? I just saw Sabrina leave directly... doesn’t she care about you?"

Mentioning that woman made Jordan Hawthorne’s eyes turn cold, "Don’t bring her up! The medicine is ready. Later, I’ll go back and have the nanny prepare it."

Brooke immediately comforted him, "Don’t be angry. I’ll prepare it for you. Last time, when Sonny and I went shopping, I bought a set. I thought I could take care of you someday. Would you like to come over to my place later?"

Hearing her invitation, Jordan’s eyes darkened slightly. Of course, he wouldn’t refuse, "Sure, you’re always so considerate, Brooke."

Brooke shook her head, "I’m happy to take care of you."

Jordan’s heart softened, genuinely feeling that Sabrina couldn’t compare to Brooke.

Only she knew how to be considerate!

...

Sabrina was unaware of his thoughts.

Her current attitude toward Jordan was increasingly indifferent, otherwise, she wouldn’t have left him standing at the pharmacy entrance.

After leaving with Zara, she went straight to buy painting supplies.

Once done, she took the little one to a nearby eco-park to paint.

The environment here was exceptionally beautiful, with a massive lake of emerald clear water where fish were visible, and a stone bridge crossing over its center. Willow trees bordered the shore, offering lush greenery, plants, and flowerbeds in the summer.

However, it was winter, and everything was coated in snow, presenting a different kind of charm.

Many schools still organized activities and sketching sessions here for students!

After arriving, Sabrina led Zara to a pavilion and set up an easel for her.

Then, she opened the freshly bought paints and said, "Sweetheart, see what you want to paint, feel free to express yourself, okay?"

Zara was fascinated by this, especially with the colorful paints, which immediately captivated her interest.

The little one nodded and picked up a paintbrush, pondering for a few seconds.

Then, she began painting, letting her creativity flow on the paper.

Sabrina didn’t really have expectations for her to paint well.

After all, Zara had never learned to paint.

She just thought that since the little girl was finally interested in something, she should captivate her attention.

At least, it could reduce the time she spent lost in her own world.

However, after a while, Sabrina noticed something unusual.

Zara’s painting, though formless and quite abstract, exhibited a very bold use of color.

It seemed chaotic, but once completed, it had an inexplicable sense of harmony, even making Sabrina, a layperson, feel... it was quite striking.

Sabrina was suddenly entranced.

Zara continued to focus intently, freely moving the brush on the canvas.

Neither of them noticed someone approaching.

A few elementary school students here for field sketching came over to watch.

Initially, they were quiet, but soon, unable to contain themselves, they started discussing, "This girl used such beautiful colors, how did she match them together?"

"She looks so young, yet she paints better than me, impressive!"

"What is she painting? Trees? Or mountains?"

"Flowers, maybe? Only flowers would have so many colors!"

"..."

The little voices chattered on, and Sabrina quickly snapped back to reality.

She turned to see a bunch of kids gathered around, critiquing Zara’s painting.

Behind them stood a figure.

It seemed to be their teacher!

The teacher, visibly amazed as well, asked when Sabrina looked over, "How long has your child been learning to paint? She looks so young and already paints this well."

Sabrina paused, answering honestly, "She hasn’t learned before; today is her first time painting.

The teacher was quite surprised, "Never learned? Really? Then your daughter’s talent is amazing!"

Clearly excited, the teacher began pointing to the painting and commenting.

From color blending to composition and the gradually forming outlines...

After a thorough review, the teacher concluded, "A genius painter is defined by sensitivity to color, innate ability to shape, a rich imagination, unique creativity, and an innovative mindset ahead of others...

Your daughter’s inner world must be very fascinating! If possible, find a master to nurture her talent, she could shine brilliantly in the art world!!!"