Chapter 268: It’s Indeed Very Sweet

Chapter 268: Chapter 268: It’s Indeed Very Sweet

The day of their departure for Veridia was clear and sunny, the wind gentle and the sun bright.

Renee Rhodes held Vesper Grayson’s hand tightly, not letting go for a single moment since they set off.

On the plane, Jenson Whitman, Chadwick Whitman, and Jared Hawthorne sat side by side.

"Tell us about your past with Vesper," Chadwick said.

Although they had sent people to investigate Vesper Grayson’s life over the years, the details of her day-to-day experiences were still lacking.

When Vesper Grayson was mentioned, a tender affection filled Jared Hawthorne’s eyes. The usually reticent and reserved man dropped his distant facade and began to recount their past.

After listening, Chadwick Whitman sighed. "Thank goodness she’s had a good life these past years and hasn’t suffered much. It’s her good fortune to have met you."

"Quite the opposite." Jared Hawthorne slowly shook his head, his gaze firm. "It was my greatest fortune to have met her."

Back then, he had been hunted and was on the verge of life and death. If not for Henry Grayson and a young Vesper Grayson extending a helping hand, he might never have made it back to the Hawthorne Family.

The time they spent together day and night on Mount Corvath, every little moment, was deeply etched into his heart, never to be forgotten.

Back then, that gentle and bright little girl had become a radiant, brilliant light that warmed him.

Chadwick Whitman’s lips curved slightly, a hint of melancholy in his eyes. "When Mother was first pregnant with her, I hoped for a little sister. I never thought my wish would actually come true. It’s just a shame I couldn’t be there as she grew up. Our relationship as siblings isn’t very close."

The bond of blood is innate, but without the companionship of growing up together, their affection was inevitably a bit thin.

"Feelings can be nurtured over time. The bond of blood is deep-rooted; it can’t be broken," Jared Hawthorne comforted him.

"You’re right." Chadwick Whitman chuckled. ’The most important thing is that my sister is back.’

Gazing at the magnificent, towering Gothic villa, Vesper Grayson’s state of mind was completely different from her last visit.

Last time, she had been forced to seek refuge from disaster and had no choice but to come with Ms. Rhodes. This time, however, she was truly coming home. If not for that accident all those years ago, she would have grown up right here, spending all her years in this place.

"Vesper, welcome home."

Renee Rhodes’s eyes reddened, her heart churning with lingering guilt. She had lost her memories back then and completely forgotten she had a daughter, causing Vesper Grayson to drift alone for so many years before they were finally reunited. Every time she thought of it, she was filled with self-reproach and remorse.

’If Lance hadn’t persisted in looking for me, I might have married another man and become Milton Grayson’s wife!’

’I can’t imagine how devastated Lance would have been.’

"Mom, my sister’s return is a happy occasion. On such a joyous day, you mustn’t cry!" Chadwick Whitman stepped forward and reminded her in a low voice.

Renee Rhodes quickly blinked away the moisture welling in her eyes, suppressing the bittersweet feeling in her heart. She took Vesper Grayson’s wrist, her expression gentle.

"Come, Mom will take you to see your bedroom."

Before they left for Veridia, she had already instructed the staff to completely redecorate the master bedroom on the second floor—the one that got the best light.

The two of them went up the stairs, their figures gradually disappearing around the corner.

Jenson Whitman gestured for Jared Hawthorne to take a seat, hosting him with great enthusiasm.

’I never imagined that this trip, originally just a family visit, would unexpectedly lead to finding my biological daughter and gaining an outstandingly steady son-in-law.’

The two men chatted about the business climate and discussed industry prospects. Jared Hawthorne’s unique business acumen, calm and proper demeanor, and extraordinary long-term strategies made Jenson Whitman appreciate him more and more.

Beside them, Chadwick Whitman also looked at him with newfound respect. ’This brother-in-law of mine has an extraordinary vision and scope. He’s clearly destined for greatness and is truly someone to be admired.’

...

"Do you like this room?" Renee Rhodes asked, turning to Vesper Grayson.

The entire room was decorated in a relaxed, languid, American vintage style, creating a comfortable and warm atmosphere that perfectly matched Vesper Grayson’s preferences.

"I love it." Vesper Grayson looked around the room, warmth blooming in her eyes.

"It was Jared who told me what you like," Renee Rhodes said with a smile. During their first dinner together back in Northolme, she had secretly asked Jared about Vesper’s preferences and rushed to have the room renovated before their return.

All the building materials were top-of-the-line and eco-friendly, and the room had passed maternal-infant grade safety inspections to ensure no harm would come to the baby in her womb.

She had gone to great lengths to make sure Vesper would be comfortable and well-cared for.

Vesper Grayson was stunned; she had no idea about any of this.

"Thank you, Mom." She took a step forward, reached out her arms, and gently hugged Renee Rhodes.

"This is all what I should be doing." Renee Rhodes patted her on the back, then took her hand and led her toward the walk-in closet. "Come, let’s go see the wardrobe and jewelry cabinet."

The huge wardrobe was filled with all kinds of ready-to-wear clothing. The jewelry cabinet shimmered with pearls and gems. On one side, display cases were neatly lined with limited-edition bags from major luxury brands—a dazzling and utterly extravagant collection.

It took Vesper Grayson a long moment to come back to her senses.

"Mom, did you move an entire luxury department store into the house? Isn’t this a little too much?"

’How long will it take me to wear all these clothes?’

"This is nothing." Renee Rhodes took out an unlimited black card and placed it in her hand. "Take it. Spend whatever you want. Don’t you dare try to save money!"

"..." Vesper Grayson was speechless.

"In a few days, I’ll transfer a few villas and street-front shops to your name, and I’ll have Chadwick transfer thirty percent of the company’s shares to you."

"No, I can’t accept that," Vesper Grayson quickly refused. She had never intended to fight with her brother for the family inheritance. Besides, she had never contributed to the corporation or achieved anything for it.

’I can’t accept a reward I haven’t earned!’

"A share of the family assets is rightfully yours. You don’t need to refuse. Chadwick won’t have any objections, either." Renee Rhodes held her hand, her tone gentle. "You are a daughter of the Whitman Family, a part of this family. Mom just hopes you can feel like you belong here, without feeling any burden."

’My daughter deserves the very best of everything in this world!’

A wave of warmth washed over Vesper Grayson. Her nose tingled, and for the first time, she truly felt what it was like to be doted on by her mother.

Before coming to Veridia, Jared Hawthorne had meticulously planned an itinerary and travel routes. The very next day, he drove her around to play tourist and experience the sights of Veridia.

Perhaps because the trip was so relaxed and her mood was at ease, her recent morning sickness had lessened considerably. Her appetite returned, and she started eating much more at every meal than before.

Renee Rhodes spared no expense, hiring several star private chefs who created a rotating menu of new dishes for her three meals a day. Vesper had worried she might have trouble acclimating to the new environment, but she never expected that after returning to Veridia, her life would become even more comfortable and relaxed.

In the blink of an eye, she had been living with the Whitman family for half a month.

One afternoon, as she was curled up on the bedroom sofa looking at her tablet, a piece of social news suddenly caught her eye.

Former Starlight artist and well-known actress, Roya Winters, had committed a vicious murder.

#MotherLloydStabbed17TimesAndKilledInHerSleep#

#TerrenceLloydPoisonedDiesDuringRescueAttempt#

#LloydMotherAndSonBothDead#

The news footage showed Roya Winters being arrested by the police. She was gaunt and haggard, her hair a mess, and her eyes were empty and dull. She didn’t flinch from the camera, and a few strange, soft chuckles escaped her lips.

’She seems a little mentally unstable!’

Jared Hawthorne came in through the door, carrying a fruit platter.

"I’ve told you before, remember to wear the anti-radiation suit when you use electronic devices."

They had been out and about a lot recently, so she rarely touched any electronic devices during the day. Only at night when she was resting would she scroll through short videos or watch movies to relax. Whenever she did, Jared Hawthorne would insist on watching her put on the anti-radiation suit before he’d let it go.

"It’s just this once, it won’t make a difference. Look at this news." Vesper Grayson handed him the tablet and forked a piece of apple into her mouth.

Jared Hawthorne glanced down at the news, his expression calm and unsurprised.

Maxim Chandler had called him that morning to tell him about it. He hadn’t planned on telling her such bloody and negative news, but he didn’t expect her to come across it herself.

Vesper Grayson was surprised to see his calm expression.

"You already knew?"

"Mhm," Jared Hawthorne replied coolly. "Human greed is a bottomless pit. She brought this end upon herself. But I suppose she did one good thing—getting rid of a menace like Terrence Lloyd."

He had previously instructed Maxim Chandler to gather evidence of Terrence Lloyd’s illegal and criminal activities over the years. Before the collection was complete, Roya Winters committed the murders.

’Terrence Lloyd did so many wicked, conscienceless things. To die before facing legal justice... he got off easy!’

"Terrence Lloyd was devoted to her, so much so that he divorced his wife to marry her. Why would she turn around and kill him?" Vesper Grayson frowned, unable to understand. "By killing someone, she’s completely destroyed her own future."

"From beginning to end, Roya Winters was just using Terrence Lloyd. Even if he gave her everything, it wasn’t what she wanted," Jared Hawthorne said, his face devoid of expression. "Terrence Lloyd forced her to register their marriage, tricked her into getting pregnant, and shattered her dream of marrying into a rich family and building a deep career in showbiz. Being held captive and constantly monitored, the layers of oppression wore down her sanity until she had a mental breakdown and did something extreme."

"But in the end, that was the path she chose for herself." Vesper Grayson snorted. "I don’t feel sorry for her at all. She’s the one who walked that path."

’If she had just behaved herself and not caused trouble, Starlight definitely wouldn’t have treated her poorly, and her career would have been bright.’

Jared Hawthorne chuckled softly and pulled her into his arms.

"Is the apple sweet?"

"Very sweet." Vesper Grayson held the remaining half to his lips. "You try it."

Jared Hawthorne’s deep, dark eyes locked onto her full, glistening red lips. He leaned down and covered them with his own. His tongue pried past her teeth, teasing and lingering as their breaths mingled. In no time, Vesper Grayson was left breathless from his kiss, her cheeks flushed.

A moment later, he pulled back slightly, his chest rising and falling. His deep, husky voice sounded right next to her ear.

"It really is sweet."

Vesper Grayson’s eyes were watery as she shot him a playful glare.

"President Hawthorne, how could you bully a pregnant woman!!"

A deep smile bloomed in Jared Hawthorne’s eyes, and his lips curled into a lazy, roguish grin.

"A little kiss is bullying? Just wait until you’re past the high-risk period of your pregnancy. Then I’ll show you what real ’bullying’ is."

"..." Vesper Grayson was speechless.

She was over three months pregnant. For the baby’s safety, aside from the one time she had helped him find relief, he had dealt with his urges on other difficult nights by taking cold showers in the bathroom by himself.

’Although I feel bad for him and want to help, I’m not very good at it and just end up making his desire even stronger.’

’So after a few tries, I gave up!!’

Just then, a knock sounded, and Renee Rhodes’s gentle voice came from behind the door.

"Vesper, the custom-made formal gowns have arrived. Do you have time to try them on now?"