CHAPTER 383: CHAPTER 383: RAINIE HAWTHORNE PURSUES CONRAD STERLING

Lola met Jade Sterling for the first time today.

He knew she was Conrad Sterling’s only relative, and her gaze towards him and Pop was filled with kindness.

Yet for some reason, the little guy couldn’t bring himself to like Grandma Murray.

Maybe Conrad Sterling’s cold demeanor was passed down to Lola, even amplified. Even when he was younger, Lola couldn’t stand his adoptive parents and Holly Sutton.

He seemed to have been born with a heightened sense of perception, unusually alert.

Except for Anna Thornton and Pop, Lola regarded the outside world and people with hostility.

Perhaps it was because he was taken away and hidden by Holly Sutton as a child.

Anna Thornton was particularly concerned about the little guy’s sensitive temperament because of this.

After Lola finished speaking, he prepared to return to his room along the usual route.

But the little bear onesie he was wearing made it difficult for him, making the little guy exert extra effort to lift his short legs over each step of the staircase.

Seeing his struggle, Anna Thornton simply walked up and picked Lola up, carrying him upstairs.

The little one didn’t resist; only when he was in Mommy’s arms did Lola willingly be a cared-for baby.

After returning Lola to his room and coaxing him to sleep, Anna Thornton finally went back to her own room.

It was close to midnight, eleven o’clock.

Conrad Sterling was awake, having finished his last document in the study, he changed clothes in his bedroom.

Then headed straight for Anna Thornton’s room.

When he reached her door, Conrad Sterling tried pushing it open but was unable to, as it was locked.

Fortunately for Conrad Sterling, he had keys to all the rooms in the Sterling Residence.

And, just as well, he had brought them!

President Sterling inserted the key into the keyhole and manually turned the doorknob.

But still couldn’t open it; something was blocking the door.

Conrad Sterling’s brow furrowed slightly; it seemed Anna Thornton had prepared in advance.

Conrad Sterling eventually climbed in through the window; he scaled the building from the backyard, managing to reach the second floor.

Upon entering the room, he saw a table and chairs barricading the door, and his previously cold expression broke into a mocking smile at the sight. Anna Thornton had underestimated his persistence.

At midnight, Anna Thornton emerged from the bathroom after showering.

Seeing the man already lying on her bed, the face mask she was about to apply fell to the floor.

"How did you get in?"

"Climbed through the window!"

Conrad Sterling replied while loosening his collar.

Though he was wearing silk pajamas, there were two differently patterned ties on the bedside table, seemingly challenging her—

"Getting on the bed?"

"Not getting on? I’ll tie you down till you do!"

"Can you beat me?"

Anna Thornton: "..."

Life can’t go on like this.

Just as Anna Thornton was trying desperately to escape Conrad Sterling, this well-dressed beast, Rainie Hawthorne was making her romantic advances to President Sterling.

Yes, Rainie Hawthorne was pursuing Conrad Sterling!

However, the way she pursued him was unlike other women.

Rainie Hawthorne was in a fierce competition with Ethan Hawthorne, leaving little time for her to focus on appearances and unable to gather President Sterling’s interests and hobbies.

Her approach was to frequently appear in Conrad Sterling’s line of sight under the guise of business.

But her timing was so frequent that even Ethan Hawthorne noticed Rainie Hawthorne’s intentions.

"Rainie Hawthorne, unable to compete in the business world, is now trying underhanded moves? Typical women, when they lack ability, they think lying on the bed and spreading their legs is enough. Doesn’t she even consider whether she’s worthy? President Sterling, don’t pay her any attention, that woman is cheap!"

Ethan Hawthorne saw Rainie Hawthorne’s every move as an attempt to steal his golden sponsor Daddy.

Of course, Ethan Hawthorne spoke poorly of her, sparing no derogatory remarks.

Conrad Sterling might not have listened intently to Ethan Hawthorne, but Ethan certainly felt a bit uncomfortable hearing it.

Objectively speaking, Rainie Hawthorne was very beautiful, considered a beauty no matter where.

Ethan Hawthorne’s words were too harsh; some crude terms are inappropriate for any woman. Moreover, Rainie Hawthorne and Ethan Hawthorne were relatives, sharing the same surname and generational ties.

Of course, Ethan wasn’t siding with Rainie Hawthorne either.

Even Ethan Hawthorne could sense that Rainie Hawthorne was constantly creating opportunities to appear before Conrad Sterling; Ethan, who followed President Sterling daily, surely knew what intentions every woman had when trying to get close to him.

Ethan was on Anna Thornton’s side; he would blacklist every one of these women.

Rainie Hawthorne, due to her differing approach from other women, was placed on Ethan’s large, bold caution list.

Other women might show skin to seduce in President Sterling’s presence, making crude attempts to get on his bed, or play coyly pure, feigning resistance to ultimately attract. Regardless, their end goal was seduction.

But Rainie Hawthorne was different; she didn’t exude strong feminine allure. Even when trying to impress Conrad Sterling’s circle, she proved her capability through her work achievements. Always proper and dignified.

Ethan was unsure how he got the idea that President Sterling would be attracted to his bootleg replication.

Taking advantage of Rainie Hawthorne’s visit to the Sterling Group this morning, adopting a sincere trip approach for collaboration, offering increasingly favorable terms.

Ethan couldn’t help but sneak into the tea room during break to make a call to Anna Thornton.

"Miss Anna, lately Rainie Hawthorne has been trying to find opportunities to get close to President Sterling!"

Anna Thornton received this call during a break at the set.

She couldn’t help but laugh, "What does that have to do with me?"

"Miss Anna, I’m not sure exactly what happened between you and President Sterling or how long your disagreement will last. But after all, you’ve registered your marriage and have a child. I think... hey, let me speak frankly, I don’t want anyone to ruin your family, I don’t want you or the child to be sad, I don’t want President Sterling to regret it."

In Ethan’s mind, Anna Thornton and the child came first; second was his breadwinner — President Sterling.

This hierarchy felt right; he didn’t feel like he was biting the hand that feeds him.

Makes sense!

"Ethan, I’ll be honest with you too. I’ve met Miss Rainie Hawthorne and can see she has feelings for Conrad Sterling. They actually seem quite suitable for each other. If she could really win over Conrad Sterling, I’d thank her."

Anna Thornton was genuine with Ethan, who was sincerely looking out for her, and spoke the truth.

But hearing this left Ethan stunned.

"Miss Anna, you’re joking. No woman wishes for her husband to be taken by another woman!"

"Did you forget how you yourself went through so much trouble to win over President Sterling when you first returned to the country?"

Anna Thornton hasn’t forgotten; she was just... a bit regretful. Truly regretful! Before pursuing, she thought Conrad Sterling seemed cold, with no idea she’d face days where he’d climb through windows to enter her room.

"Miss Anna! Maybe you should reconsider. Ultimately, I believe you two suit each other better. If Rainie Hawthorne were with President Sterling, I’d be unable to speak to either of them. Also, President Sterling isn’t all flaws; he has strengths. Think about it, surely he has strengths, don’t impulsively push him to other women..."

For example, President Sterling is handsome! And wealthy!

With those two points alone, you shouldn’t let him go to those other little bitches.

Ethan’s heart was roaring, having much more to say.

Thankfully, he didn’t speak out!

Because with a ’crack’ —

He saw President Sterling standing at the tea room entrance, and in his hand... a shattered glass cup.