Chapter 231: Want to Know? Ask Him Yourself

Chapter 231: Chapter 231: Want to Know? Ask Him Yourself

The old man was resolute, making it clear he wouldn’t let Jared stay on the sidelines.

Jared Hawthorne took Vesper Grayson’s hand, led her to the sofa, and after casually peeling an orange slice and placing it in her hand, calmly stated his opinion.

"Second Uncle has been in charge of the business for many years, and the losses have far outweighed the profits. In terms of ability, he’s truly no longer fit for a decision-making role. But out of respect for the years he’s given the company, he did have some achievements in the early days. He deserves credit for his effort, if not for his accomplishments. His merits and demerits can be judged separately. Whether he steps down or not should ultimately be up to him. It’s not for others to decide for him."

"As for Liam Hawthorne, he does have a knack for business. He’s decisive and ruthless, and his vision and perspective are both superb. If the business were in his hands, it would undoubtedly thrive and have a bright future."

Liam Hawthorne was surprised. He hadn’t expected Jared Hawthorne to offer such a fair assessment.

’He had assumed Jared Hawthorne would resent his past with Vesper Grayson and hold a grudge, using this as an opportunity to suppress and undermine him. He never thought Jared’s words would be so impartial, without a hint of personal animosity.’

However, his words were ambiguous; he still hadn’t taken a clear stance.

Zachary Hawthorne gave him a long look, then turned his gaze and spoke earnestly, "Kevin, you’ve grown complacent in your duties over the years and have long been unequal to the task. Why not take this chance to step back and rest? Let the younger generation manage the family business. Besides, you’re only giving up your authority. Your shares remain untouched. Wouldn’t you enjoy a comfortable life, collecting dividends and traveling the world as you please?"

’How could this be measured in money?’

’Once he stepped down, he would be completely cut off from the business, with no say in anything.’

’Without power, he’d become an insignificant idler in the family, respected and valued by no one.’

’Moreover, Liam Hawthorne resented him, and Nancy Linton had held a grudge for a long time. In the future, he would be reduced to an invisible, irrelevant person in this family.’

’He had been surrounded by sycophants for most of his life; he had no desire to become a nobody.’

Kevin Hawthorne’s expression soured. He mumbled evasively, "Dad, let me think about it some more."

Hearing this, Nancy Linton said coolly, "What is there to think about? Luke is your only biological son. Surely you’re not still thinking of letting someone else take over the family business?"

It was a veiled jab at how he had once mistakenly raised another man’s son, becoming a laughingstock to others.

Only Liam Hawthorne was his true bloodline.

"I’ve never disowned him! It’s just that stepping down is a huge deal. Can’t I even have a moment to think it over?"

"No matter how much you think, the outcome will be the same."

Seeing the atmosphere grow tense as the two exchanged barbs, Zachary Hawthorne raised his hand and tapped his cane, cutting them off.

"That’s enough. Vesper and Jared just got here for dinner. Let’s not spoil everyone’s appetite with these vexing issues."

The pair immediately fell silent, their argument ceasing.

"Vesper, come join Grandpa for dinner."

The group moved to the dining room. Liam Hawthorne followed silently, his gaze involuntarily tracking that slender, gentle figure.

’He had to admit, after leaving him, Vesper Grayson was living a more stable and happy life.’

’Even the patriarch, who had always been so strict and imposing, showered her with favoritism and care.’

Throughout the meal, he watched her chat and laugh easily with everyone, never once sparing him a single glance. A complicated mix of feelings churned inside Liam Hawthorne.

’The girl whose eyes and heart were once filled with nothing but him... now had no place for him in her heart at all.’

The dinner ended peacefully. Just as Nancy Linton was about to leave with Liam Hawthorne, Zachary Hawthorne suddenly spoke up slowly.

"Luke, you’re not getting any younger. It’s time to start thinking about marriage. Grandpa has already arranged for you to meet the young lady from the Bloom family. Make some time to go see her next Monday."

Though phrased as a suggestion, his tone was firm, leaving no room for refusal.

Liam Hawthorne quietly clenched his fists and replied in a low voice, "Grandpa, I’ve just taken over the business and I’m swamped. I’m not in the right mind to think about marriage at the moment."

"I know you founded a tech company. The Bloom family is also a powerhouse in the tech sector. If you can form an alliance with them through marriage, it will be a tremendous help for your career transition in the future," Zachary Hawthorne said slowly, laying out the advantages of the union.

Before Liam Hawthorne could refuse again, Nancy Linton quickly chimed in, gently trying to persuade him.

"Luke, this is a wonderful opportunity! The patriarch is personally paving the way for you. You mustn’t disappoint him. An alliance with the Bloom family has nothing but benefits for you."

’The patriarch rarely interfered in the marriages of the younger generation. The fact that he was speaking up now showed how highly he regarded Luke.’

’If he refused in front of everyone, he would be embarrassing the patriarch, and all the favor he’d accumulated would be gone in an instant.’

Liam Hawthorne subconsciously glanced toward Vesper Grayson, only to see her expression was peaceful and placid, her features gentle. She seemed completely unfazed by the matter.

An indescribable bitterness welled up in his heart, and he finally relented in a low voice.

"Since it’s Grandpa’s arrangement, I’ll go meet her. I’ll give it a try."

Hearing this, Zachary Hawthorne nodded in satisfaction.

"Vesper, come with me to the study. Grandpa has something for you."

Once in the study, Zachary Hawthorne handed her a document.

"Grandpa, what’s this?"

"Five percent of the Hawthorne Group’s shares. Sign this, and they’re yours."

Vesper Grayson’s heart leaped in shock; she was overwhelmed.

"Does Elias know about this?"

"This is a gift from me to you alone. It has nothing to do with him," Zachary Hawthorne said gently. "You are now married to Jared, a true granddaughter-in-law of the Hawthorne family. In the future, when you have a child, another ten percent of the shares will be transferred into that child’s name."

Such favoritism was unprecedented in the Hawthorne family. Not even Jared Hawthorne himself had received such treatment upon his birth.

"Grandpa..."

"Just take it and sign. There’s no need to refuse."

Vesper Grayson stopped refusing. ’In any case,’ she thought, ’everything I have will go to my child one day.’

After she finished signing her name, Zachary Hawthorne spoke slowly.

"Do you know why I was so insistent on arranging a formal introduction for Liam Hawthorne?"

Vesper Grayson’s heart sank a little, and she shook her head gently.

"Back then, you ran away from your own wedding to Ashmore, and you dated him for a time?"

"Yes," she answered frankly.

’Ever since the patriarch mentioned Liam Hawthorne had founded a tech company, her past relationship with him was no longer a secret.’

"He’s still not over you. His feelings haven’t faded. You must be aware of that."

"I’m aware. But I made things clear to him a long time ago and drew a line. He understands my position now."

"I won’t dig into the past. I just hope that going forward, you maintain the proper boundaries with him and keep your distance."

’Vesper Grayson instantly understood the patriarch’s worries. He was afraid she still had lingering feelings for Liam Hawthorne. The old man knew full well that when they were together, she had poured her heart and soul into the relationship and given him her all.’

"Don’t worry, Grandpa. That Chapter of my life is completely closed. From the moment I decided to marry Elias, I knew I would never be half-hearted."

Seeing the clear, unwavering determination in her eyes, Zachary Hawthorne’s expression gradually softened.

"Then do you know why I arranged your marriage to Jared in the first place?"

Vesper Grayson looked up in confusion. "Wasn’t it because I saved your life, Grandpa?"

"You think I would force my own grandson into an unwanted marriage just because you saved my life?" Zachary Hawthorne’s tone was deep and deliberate. "This marriage, from start to finish... was because Jared himself chose you."

Vesper Grayson was utterly stunned, her heart in turmoil.

’She had always believed that the patriarch, out of gratitude for her saving his life, had forced them together.’

’It turned out she’d been flattering herself. The patriarch hadn’t thought much of her at all in the beginning.’

’After all, the Grayson and Hawthorne families were worlds apart in status. Besides a little medical knowledge and a pretty face, she really had nothing else to offer.’

"Aren’t you curious why, for Jared, it had to be you and no one else?"

Vesper Grayson shook her head gently. "I don’t know, Grandpa. I hope you can tell me."

Zachary Hawthorne stroked his beard, deliberately keeping her in suspense. "If you want to know, go ask him yourself."

Vesper Grayson, "..."