Chapter 201
The Crone family raised their glasses and took as ip their faces full of joy and satisfaction
As they did Jessica noticed Stanley sitting quietly nearby He hadn t participated in any of the Crone family s conversations and was keeping a remarkably low profile
Ever since Wendy left Stanley had been staring off into the distance as if his mind wasn t entirely here
Jessica couldn the lp but speak up Stanley what s wrong Do you have a problem with us investing in Dr C eyl an s medical team
Stanley slowly lifted his gaze and glanced at Dr C eyl an across the table There was something sharp in his eyes almost like he could see right through the man
For a moment Dr C eyl an felt a twinge of nervousness Stanley s gaze was calm but intense like it could pierce through him and the whole situation Wendy earlier Stanley now was making him uncomfortable
But Stanley only gave Dr C eyl an a brief almost dismissive glance then turned away
No You guys can decide what you want to do he said lightly standing up I ve got togo I have something to take care of
Stanley started to move toward the door but Edith quickly shot Jessica a look
Mr Hawk you re leaving But you haven t had dinner yet Edith said
Jessica knew Stanley was still upset over the photo incident but when he heard she was having heart issues he rushed over without hesitation didn the
Withoutmissingabeat,Jessicaplaced ahandonherchest.
Stanley my heart hurts she said softly her voice laced with a hint of vulnerability
Stanley paused in his tracks
With a gentle sigh Jessica allowed her body to lean against him her head resting on his chest Stanley will you carry me upstairs I need to rest
Edith,eagertoseethingsmovealong,chimedin.”Yes,Mr.Hawk.Pleasetake Jessicaupstairstorest.”
Stanley hesitatedforamoment,hisgazefallingonJessica’spaleface.Finally,hegavein,hisstrongarmsreachingtoscoopherupeffortlessly.
The two of them made their way upstairs leaving the rest of the family behind
Edithturnedherattentiontothesecondbranch.”NowthatTrishisdatingDr.Ceylanandthey’llbegettingmarriedsoon,IhopeJessica willbeinthepositionofMrs.Hawkbythetimetheydo.”
Harry and Lilian froze Lately things had been rocky between Stanley and Jessica
Edith continued her tone slightly pointed I ve always valued Jessica She needs to speed things up It s time for Mr Hawk and Wen ly to divorce
It was true Stanley and Wendy s marriage had dragged on forfar too long
Lilian quickly catching on to the hint said Don t worry Mom Tonight Jessica will make sure Mr Hawk stays
withher.”
Edith s face lit up in satisfaction Good Trish and Jessica are our two shining jewels It would be best if they
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could hold a wedding together It ll be the talk of Hove n dale a grand spectacle
Edith imagined the future filled with pride and excitement
Though the second and third branches had always been at odds the two families had remained united after Jerry s passing especially in their shared disdain for Wendy
With a joint wedding where the Crone daughters married Stanley and Dr C eyl an their family would be on top of the world
Edith raised her glass again To our bright future and the life ahead of us Let s drink to it
“Cheers!”
Meanwhile,Wendyhadn’tleftthefamilyestateimmediatelyandwenttothe backyard.
There used to be as wing back here one her father had built for her She would s it on it when she was little and he would push her higher than she could imagine
Fly high Wendy Jerry would say with a smile
Those were the happiest days of her childhood
But when she reached the backyard she found the swing was gone completely removed Edith must have ordered it taken down
Wendy stared at the bare empty backyard her heart tightening in pain as if an invisible hand was gripping it The last traces of her memories here had been erased
She stood still for a moment then decided to leave Just as she turned togo two maids walked into view carrying at ray of incense They were chatting to each other as they passed
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