CHAPTER 408: CHAPTER 408: WHAT SCHEME IS HE PLOTTING?

After Conrad Sterling stood up, he went to the next table to exchange pleasantries with his business partners.

Rainie went with him!

Anna Thornton lowered her eyelids. At this moment, Finn Grant sidled over and whispered, "Do you think he might sneak off to the ladies’ room for a tryst?"

Anna glanced sideways at Finn, then continued to eat watermelon.

"Come on, don’t pretend you can’t see that someone must be instructing that small celebrity, Riley Osborne, from behind the scenes."

Anyway, Finn saw it clearly: the person behind her was Conrad Sterling!

The Hawthorne Family treats Sterling like an honored guest, probably hoping he’s their savior in the family crisis.

Including that fool Ethan Hawthorne, who actually believes Conrad is genuinely uplifting him?

Little does he know, Conrad is plotting to dig the pit deeper and deeper, deep enough for ruin.

"Aren’t you curious what the Sterlings are plotting?" Finn continued to whisper near Anna’s ear. "If he wants to swallow the Hawthorne Family, it’s already time! But I feel he has other schemes!"

Of course Anna was curious!

Why else would she be sitting here now?

Though she appeared to quietly eat watermelon, Anna was secretly observing the members of the Hawthorne Family.

The old man of the Hawthorne Family is over eighty, sitting in a wheelchair with a head full of white hair. Although he tries to sit straight and emphasizes his authoritative presence, his physical abilities have deteriorated. He didn’t even eat with everyone; he only came out for a moment with the butler and then went back to his room to rest.

Anna slyly shifted her gaze to the main family’s table.

"That’s Marvin Hawthorne with his wife, Susan Jagger!" Finn mimicked Anna’s secretive manner, explaining in her ear.

Marvin Hawthorne is the eldest son of the Hawthorne Family, and Rainie’s father. The father-daughter duo looks quite alike. However, Rainie’s face and gaze exhibit a strong and intelligent air, while her father’s face seems more weary.

He’s not actually old, just in his forties or fifties—a prime age for a man. Marvin’s nose is high and features sharp; he must have been a handsome youth, admired by many girls. Now, his temples are gray and several deep furrows persist between his brows, as if something gnaws at him every day, turning him into this.

"Marvin Hawthorne was also a prominent figure in his generation. But after facing setbacks, he became what he is now," Finn continued his explanation.

"What setbacks?" Anna asked curiously.

"Not sure, but it’s rumored to be because of a woman."

Finn deliberately pursed his lips, showing disdain.

He’s not from Marvin’s generation, but men are alike, especially those with power and influence.

What kinds of women can’t they get?

Interested and she’s unwilling? Then chase, then pursue!

Like he pursues Anna!!

Is it enough to make a man so dejected and unmotivated, living like a stray dog for over twenty years, dead inside?

However, Finn still doesn’t realize love’s greatest rival isn’t a romantic competitor.

It’s not one-sided feelings, nor obstacles that can be overcome by effort alone.

The most helpless barrier is the divide between living and deceased!

Only when he experiences this feeling himself will he realize how similar he is to Marvin, whom he despises...

Anna turned her gaze to the second family’s table, but couldn’t find the target.

"Stop looking; with so much meat at the table today, Second Master Hawthorne won’t come out for this meal."

"Is Second Master Hawthorne a vegetarian?" Anna asked.

"Sort of! Have you heard of a man on a spiritual path? He’s been abstaining from meat, preparing to become immortal."

Anna: "Far from it!"

Who’d have thought that in such a lavish and indulgent setting among the four great families, the Hawthorne Family would produce a sage seeking seclusion. It’s an unusual level of enlightenment!

Finn seemed to read Anna’s thoughts, scoffing lightly: "What sage? It’s said Miles Hawthorne did something shameful in his youth. Afraid of retribution, he started a life of quietude and prayer—a kook, really!"

Anna realized Finn held a dismissive attitude towards everyone in the Hawthorne Family, not a kind word to say.

Second Master Hawthorne seems destined to be disinterested in worldly ambitions. He only has a wife and no descendants.

Anna shifted her gaze to the third family’s table, which was even quieter.

Since Mason Hawthorne’s incident, Tanya Ford sat alone with her youngest son. Everyone else kept a distance; clearly, they were isolated.

It was only less than a month ago Tanya, whose proud eyes once looked down on others at the kindergarten. Now she no longer wears furs, her skin less taut, looking at least five years older.

These days have taken a toll, with Tanya exhausting herself for Mason Hawthorne.

At least she thought she could return to the Ford Family, seeking help.

But currently, the Ford family head is Marilyn Ford’s father. Mason Hawthorne has hugely offended Marilyn—how could he expect help now?

Tanya is indeed cornered, forced to stay put in the Hawthorne Family.

Once a candidate for inheritance, now met with disdain, Tanya has suffered significant disillusionment and blows.

She ate her meal absentmindedly, sensing someone watching her, instinctively raising her head.

Anna quickly withdrew her gaze, bending her head over her watermelon.

From her experience, people in distress love to blame others, especially fueled by resentment. She didn’t want trouble by glancing at Tanya too long.

While eating watermelon, Anna pondered.

Could the main Hawthorne family possibly know her father?

Think about it: the Thornton Family and Conrad Sterling have feuds, and so does the Hawthorne Family!

Is it possible that these feuds have some connection? May even be the same one?

For example, did two elders from the previous generation team up against Conrad Sterling’s family?

Anna was just hypothesizing. She still believed her father wouldn’t wrong others!

That’s why she had to uncover the truth, to confidently confront Conrad Sterling and demand an apology!

Anna and Finn were murmuring, thoroughly engaged, their heads nearing the table.

In Conrad’s peripheral vision, their intimacy was infuriating.

President Sterling was clenching his molars.

Anna didn’t notice him. She was planning to soon pass by Marvin Hawthorne on purpose, testing if he recognized her or her father.

But at that moment, the hall’s lights suddenly went out.

The entire Hawthorne Family was shrouded in darkness!

Anna instinctively sensed trouble...