Free Web NovelChapter 70: Chapter 70: If This Isn’t Fate, What Is?
Chapter 70: If This Isn’t Fate, What Is?
Ever since the Starlight Charity Gala concluded, Lydia Thorne had been unable to quell the resentment festering in her chest.
Whenever she closed her eyes, the image of Maxine Rhodes’s poised figure on stage, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Ethan Hawthorne, felt like a fine needle repeatedly pricking at her pride.
’A woman who only managed to squeeze into this circle thanks to her looks and a little patronage from Benjamin Sterling thinks she’s qualified to steal my spotlight?’
However, intertwined with this lingering resentment was another figure—clearer, more striking—Ethan Hawthorne.
That man... merely by standing silently in the interplay of light and shadow, he commanded an undeniable presence. His family background, his capabilities, his appearance—everything about him was top-tier.
’If I can make him mine, what would Benjamin Sterling’s company even matter? The resources of the entire Kingsland Circle would be open to me as Mrs. Hawthorne!’
’Besides, in her view, only a man like Ethan Hawthorne was truly worthy of her! The two of them, standing side by side—that should be the most dazzling, most well-matched power couple in the Kingsland Circle!’
’As for Maxine Rhodes, she was just a lucky-break buffoon. I’m the one who is a true match for Ethan Hawthorne, the one who should be standing by his side, looking down on everyone else!’
The next morning, Lydia Thorne deliberately set aside her usual power-suit style, changing into a new suit from the latest season. A soft silk blouse worn underneath added just the right touch of femininity.
Her makeup was meticulously applied in anticipation of a "chance" encounter with Ethan Hawthorne.
As she strode elegantly toward the company entrance in her seven-centimeter heels, her heart began to race inexplicably at the thought of Ethan Hawthorne.
To her utter surprise, fate arrived even sooner than she’d hoped. That familiar black Maybach was parked right at the company’s main entrance!
’It really is his car!’ Lydia Thorne’s heart leaped with joy, and her pace quickened. ’I can’t believe I get to "run into" him so soon. If this isn’t fate, what is?’
Just then, Ethan Hawthorne, having just dropped off Maxine Rhodes, was watching her walk away. As he was about to turn and get back in his car, he caught sight of a figure heading straight for him out of the corner of his eye.
"Mr. Hawthorne, what a coincidence!"
Lydia Thorne flashed what she deemed her most charming smile and strode confidently over to Ethan Hawthorne, stopping at a calculated distance. "Your speech at the charity gala was so enlightening. I’ve been following the Hawthorne Group’s development strategy with great interest and was hoping we might have more opportunities to exchange ideas."
Ethan Hawthorne frowned. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Maxine Rhodes walking back toward them. She had realized she’d likely left her compact mirror in the car and had returned to retrieve it.
Only then did Lydia Thorne notice Maxine Rhodes, and she sneered inwardly. freewёbnoνel.com
’She’s probably here to hit on Mr. Hawthorne too. Of course. A man like him is bound to attract a flock of beautiful women.’ She scanned Maxine Rhodes from head to toe. ’Doesn’t she know her place? How dare she even try?’
Lydia Thorne immediately stepped forward. With the distinct superiority of a supposed senior, she addressed Maxine Rhodes in a tone that brooked no argument. "Director Rhodes, can’t you see that Mr. Hawthorne and I are in the middle of a discussion? Perhaps you should make yourself scarce."
Maxine Rhodes stopped in her tracks, raised an eyebrow, and nodded agreeably. "I understand. After all, the opportunity to speak with Mr. Hawthorne is rare indeed."
With that, she ignored the way Lydia Thorne’s face instantly turned livid and made an elegant exit.
The moment Maxine Rhodes rounded the corner, however, her composure vanished. She immediately pressed herself against the wall and strained to listen. She was determined to find out what this woman was really trying to do.
Seeing Maxine Rhodes gone, Lydia Thorne casually flicked her hair back and deliberately pulled her collar a little lower. Her voice brimming with confidence, she said, "Mr. Hawthorne, I’ve always admired capable men. We should exchange contact information. There’s a great movie out right now, and I happen to have some free time. Or, I know a fantastic Japanese restaurant. It’s almost impossible to get a reservation with the head chef, but I can arrange it."
Ethan Hawthorne’s expression was frigid. Without even glancing at her, he raised his right hand. The wedding band on his ring finger caught the morning light, glinting coldly.
"I’m married," he stated flatly. "And I’m terrified of my wife. It’s inappropriate for me to have unnecessary private conversations with other women."
With that, he turned and walked away.
’Married?!’
Lydia Thorne froze, thunderstruck. ’Ethan Hawthorne is married? How is that possible? A man of his stature getting married... how could there not have been a single whisper about it?’
After the initial shock, a new thought quickly took shape in her mind.
’It must be a marriage of convenience, an alliance for business. Marriages between families of this caliber are often just unions of mutual benefit, with each side getting what they want.’
’That so-called Mrs. Hawthorne is probably just a figurehead. She’s likely not as beautiful or as accomplished as I am.’ At this thought, the tension in her chest eased slightly.
’And for a man so ruthless and decisive in the business world to openly admit he’s afraid of his wife? Far from deterring her, this sparked an even stronger desire for conquest. A man so devoted and responsible... wasn’t he exactly the kind of man she had always dreamed of?’
A determined glint flashed in Lydia Thorne’s eyes. ’So what if he’s married? I’ve seen plenty of these loveless business alliances. The more difficult a man is to conquer, the more satisfying the victory.’
She watched Ethan Hawthorne’s retreating figure and made a silent vow. ’This man will be mine.’
From around the corner, Maxine Rhodes heard every word of the exchange. She then turned and headed upstairs, her mood visibly lifted and a new spring in her step.
She had just reached her office when her phone buzzed.
Ethan Hawthorne: "Mrs. Hawthorne, are you really that unconcerned about me?"
Every word oozed suppressed frustration and a hint of grievance.
Looking at the screen, Maxine Rhodes could almost picture his tense jawline and pursed lips. She couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
Deciding to tease him, her fingers danced across the screen as she typed her reply.
Maxine Rhodes: "Mr. Hawthorne’s charms are endless, but I have complete faith in your self-control. [Well-behaved Kitty.jpg]"
The reply came almost instantly.
Ethan Hawthorne: "You know perfectly well that’s not what I’m talking about."
The message was quick and urgent, tinged with a rare bluntness.
Maxine Rhodes paused, momentarily taken aback. Before she could decide how to respond, another message appeared:
Ethan Hawthorne: "When I get home tonight, we’re settling this."
Looking at the two messages sent in quick succession, Maxine Rhodes suddenly understood his meaning. Her fingers danced across the screen again.
Maxine Rhodes: "Oh? And how exactly does Mr. Hawthorne plan on settling this? [chin in hands, looking expectant.jpg]"
This time, Ethan Hawthorne didn’t reply right away. The "typing..." indicator appeared and disappeared repeatedly, but no message came through. After a full minute, the screen finally lit up again.
Ethan Hawthorne: "With all of your time, after your period is over. With principal and interest."
Reading that line, Maxine Rhodes felt her cheeks flush instantly, as if she could feel his deep, dangerous gaze through the screen.
But a second later, a sly smile played on her lips, and a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes.
’Who’s afraid of who?’
She quickly typed her response:
Maxine Rhodes: "Alright, then. I’ll be waiting. [beckoning finger.jpg]"
