CHAPTER 84: CHAPTER 84: WHY DOES HE GET TO HOLD HER?

After resolving the issue with the nanny, Sabrina was finally able to eat in peace.

In the following days, she started to get busy with matters at the research institute.

The team she led was extremely efficient, with every drug component’s formulation and procedures calculated to the utmost precision.

This led to rapid progress in research and development.

By chance, she overheard rumors about the Hawthorne family.

Jonathan Hawthorne’s birthday was approaching, and the Hawthorne family was organizing a grand banquet, widely inviting the political and business elites of Veridia.

The last time, during Zara’s birthday, the Hawthornes suffered a great loss of face.

This time, Jordan Hawthorne had just won a significant government project worth billions and intended to invite people to share in this piece of the pie, momentarily becoming the center of attention.

Sabrina didn’t react particularly to what she heard.

The business world is naturally a place of profit, and the grievances Zara suffered were, to others, merely topics of conversation over meals.

When interests are not involved, people express a few words of sympathy and regret.

But more often than not, people prioritize their interests!

There were countless people eager to curry favor with the Hawthornes!

Even the relationship between Jordan Hawthorne and Brooke Sinclair became a topic of gossip.

The versions she heard included: [Miss Sinclairs is virtuous, busying herself before and after, helping with preparations for the Family Head’s birthday.]

[Mrs. Hawthorne was hospitalized, and she stayed by her side, taking care of her more thoroughly than a real daughter-in-law would.]

[That real daughter-in-law made a scene in the banquet hall, even trampling the Hawthorne family’s dignity, likely being kicked out.]

Sabrina found it ironic.

In previous years, during the birthdays of those in the Hawthorne family, when was she not exhausted, running back and forth?

Did anyone ever appreciate her efforts?

On Jonathan Hawthorne’s birthday, Florence Scott happened to be discharged from the hospital.

Last time, Sabrina used tape to bind her, causing skin injuries that took days to heal.

Brooke Sinclair thoughtfully said, "Luckily, it’s all better in time for Uncle’s birthday banquet, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to wear a beautiful dress."

The mention of this matter made Florence Scott grit her teeth with hatred for Sabrina.

At the same time, she found Brooke Sinclair more and more pleasing, "During this time, thanks to your help and care, the banquet would also trouble you to manage, you are truly so well-behaved, sensible, and capable."

Brooke Sinclair smiled gracefully, "This is what I should do!"

Florence Scott nodded slightly and glanced at the time.

It wasn’t early; the guests had mostly arrived.

She quickly instructed Brooke Sinclair, "Go call Jordan and tell him to come home early."

"Alright."

Brooke responded and quickly went to make contact.

...

At four in the afternoon, Sabrina was still busy in the laboratory when she suddenly received a call from Dylan Quinlan.

He sounded a bit anxious, saying, "Dr. Nash, I just got a call from the school teacher. Sonny’s father, Mr. Hawthorne, brought a lawyer and bodyguards over to forcibly take her away, claiming he wanted her to attend her grandfather’s birthday banquet.

I’m at an academic exchange in a nearby city today and couldn’t stop them. What do you think we should do about this matter?"

Sabrina’s expression changed, seemingly not expecting Jordan Hawthorne to forcibly take Zara away.

She immediately said, "I’ll handle it."

After hanging up, she immediately called Jordan Hawthorne.

The man answered, his tone cold, "Hello."

Sabrina suppressed her anger and spoke coldly, "Jordan Hawthorne, why didn’t you notify me beforehand when you took Zara away?"

Jordan Hawthorne’s voice was indifferent, lacking warmth, as he replied, "I’m taking my own daughter. Why would I need to notify you? Do you really think the school’s rules can do anything to me?"

Sabrina held back her anger and spoke sternly, "Jordan Hawthorne, I won’t stop you from visiting Zara, but what’s your intention in taking her to that occasion?

Are you trying to use her again as a tool to present yourself as a good father? Have you forgotten how you treated her on her last birthday?

How did the entire Hawthorne family humiliate her?

Now, taking her to such a place, are you so unwilling to see her do well?

I forbid you from taking her there!"

Jordan Hawthorne was annoyed by her rude attitude.

He didn’t think there was anything wrong with what he did last time!

"Sabrina, I’m only taking Zara to attend her grandfather’s birthday banquet for a mere two or three hours. Must you make such a big deal out of it? Since I’m bringing her, I’ll make sure she’s well taken care of!"

After saying this, he hung up with a cold face.

Sabrina was furious.

He would take good care of Zara?

That was the funniest joke she’d heard in her lifetime!

She had long lost all trust in that man.

Not to mention, there wasn’t a single person in the Hawthorne family who liked Zara.

If her precious child were to be in such a place, she couldn’t imagine how badly she would be bullied.

Worried sick, Sabrina didn’t care about anything else for the moment and left the research institute after handing over her work.

...

The Hawthorne mansion was bustling and lively.

The guests who came to celebrate were either wealthy or distinguished, all dressed to the nines, a scene filled with clinking glasses and laughter.

Jordan Hawthorne arrived home just before the banquet began.

Today, he wore a bespoke expensive suit, standing tall and regal, holding the cute and sweet Zara in his arms. As he walked in, he attracted quite a bit of attention.

Florence Scott frowned, extremely disdainful, "Why did you bring her here?"

In such a grand occasion, bringing someone with autism was like broadcasting to everyone that she had a foolish granddaughter, wasn’t it?

Brooke Sinclair was also a bit surprised.

In their phone conversation earlier, Jordan Hawthorne hadn’t mentioned he was bringing Zara.

She had thought she could stand next to him tonight in the role of the hostess, with Sonny in tow.

But... the little one came to spoil things again!

A trace of coldness flashed in her eyes!

Beside her, Sonny was even more displeased.

This idiot, why should Dad Hawthorne hold her!

Jordan Hawthorne didn’t notice and simply replied, "It’s Dad’s birthday today; I brought her to wish Grandpa a happy birthday."

While speaking, he showed a rare gentle side to Zara in his arms, "Zara, say happy birthday to Grandpa."

Zara was very well-behaved and said in her childish voice to Jonathan Hawthorne, "Grandpa, happy birthday~"

Jonathan Hawthorne didn’t particularly like her, but on this good day, he didn’t want to hurt the child’s feelings.

He nodded and responded, "Good girl."

After that, he handed the little one a red envelope.

Zara blinked and didn’t reach out to take it. Instead, she looked at Jordan Hawthorne.

Jordan immediately took it on her behalf, stuffed it into her hands, and said, "Hold it well, it’s from Grandpa to Zara."

The little one nodded her head, holding it very tightly indeed.

After the congratulations, the birthday banquet proceeded smoothly.

Jordan Hawthorne carried Zara throughout, greeting the guests.

When it was time to cut the cake, whether to make up for her last birthday or for some other reason, he surprisingly gave her the first piece.

Sonny saw this and was furious.

Previously, during that idiot’s birthday, Dad Hawthorne would always give him the first piece of cake.

But tonight, he didn’t even glance at him!

Jealousy flashed in his eyes, and he looked at Zara with resentment and malice.

Midway, Jordan Hawthorne had an urgent call to take, so he handed Zara over to Florence Scott to look after.

Florence was busy dealing with those noble ladies, where would she have the time?

She casually settled her in the lounge area, said, "Wait here for your daddy," and then walked away!

Sonny seized the opportunity and immediately leaned over, saying, "Sister Zara, I’ll take you to play."

Zara naturally refused, "Mommy doesn’t let me play with you."

This person is bad!

Sonny’s expression turned dark, and he began to coax, "But I just saw your dog in the yard."

Zara was stunned, looked up at him, somewhat skeptical, "Really?"

"Really."

Sonny spoke convincingly, "If you don’t believe me, I’ll take you to see it!"

Zara was also smart and didn’t easily believe him, "That’s not right, Lightning is at home, it didn’t come!"

When they came over earlier, neither Daddy nor Mommy brought Lightning.

So, Lightning couldn’t possibly be here!

Sonny was annoyed as she hesitated and refused to go.

He didn’t want to act anymore, directly grabbed Zara’s wrist, and said, "I said it’s there, and you can’t doubt me!"

With that, he exerted force and started dragging Zara outside.

How could Zara’s strength compare to his?

Before she could resist, she was stumbled away.

By the time Jordan Hawthorne finished his call, Zara was already nowhere to be seen.

He instinctively asked Florence Scott, "Where’s Zara? Didn’t I ask you to keep an eye on her?"

Florence Scott was indifferent, "How would I know? She was just there, and in the blink of an eye, she disappeared. Probably wandered off to play."

Jordan Hawthorne’s heart tightened, a bad feeling creeping in.

He didn’t have time to blame his mother and immediately ordered people to find Zara...

At this moment, Sabrina Hayes happened to arrive outside the mansion.

The research institute was far from here, and it was rush hour after work. Even with all the hustle, it still took her over an hour to reach.

As she entered, she saw Sonny happily bouncing over from the direction of the back garden, looking very pleased.

Initially, she didn’t pay much attention, just coldly withdrew her gaze and took out her phone to call Jordan Hawthorne.

"Bring Zara out, it’s been over an hour, the celebration should be over by now. I’m on this side of the yard!"

She had no intention of going inside.

The crowd and the atmosphere inside were something she didn’t want to deal with.

She just wanted to take Zara home.

Jordan Hawthorne heard her words but didn’t respond, coming out quickly instead.

Sabrina Hayes, seeing him alone, furrowed her brows, "Where’s Zara?"

Jordan hesitated for a moment but responded calmly, "I don’t know where Zara ran off to, I’m arranging people to search for her."

Sabrina froze but immediately erupted in anger, "Is this what you call taking good care of her?"

Jordan Hawthorne frowned, "I’ve already got people looking for her, the house isn’t that big, we should find her soon!"

As he spoke, Brooke Sinclairs chased out from the banquet hall, saying, "Jordan, I heard you’re looking for Zara..."

Before she could finish, she saw Sabrina Hayes opposite him.

Seeing this woman, Sabrina suddenly felt uneasy.

She recalled just now that delighted child and, her face darkened, immediately questioned Jordan, "Did you let Zara be with her son again?"

Jordan Hawthorne firmly denied, "No..."

But Sabrina didn’t have time to listen to his explanation.

The unease in her heart grew stronger, possibly guided by some kind of intuition.

She suddenly stepped forward, running towards the back garden!

Jordan Hawthorne noticed and hurriedly followed.

The commotion of finding someone quickly caught the attention of those inside.

Florence Scott and her husband, along with some of The Hawthornes, came out to see what was going on.

Some guests were also drawn to the situation.

"What’s going on here?"

"Seems like... a child is missing?"

"..."