Chapter 142
Chapter 142
Lauren had barely finished her sentence when she suddenly sensed that something was off.
But what exactly was it?
She puzzled over it for a good ten seconds before the realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. Eyes wide in alarm, Lauren looked from Edith to Justin and blurted out, “Wait a minute! Are you the Justin Hawksley? The eldest son of the Hawksley family?”
Justin paused, taken aback for a few seconds. “I suppose… I am?” he replied, almost uncertain.
After all, he was from Northcrest, his last name was Hawksley, and his full name was Justin Hawksley.
He added, “But I’m not entirely sure I’m the Hawksley heir you’re thinking of. Maybe it’s just someone with the same name.”
Lauren’s mind flashed back to what had just happened in the parking garage. She’d been so focused on warning Edith that she hadn’t paid any attention to the cars. Now, as she recalled the rows of vehicles in the garage–each one worth well into seven figures–reality started to sink in. She steadied herself and turned to Edith, lowering her voice in disbelief. “Edith, no one told me you married Justin Hawksley!”
Edith explained with a hint of apology, “My dad’s situation is a bit… sensitive, so we didn’t really announce it to the public.”
Lauren could understand that, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d been left out of the loop.
But this was Justin! Not just anyone–this was the very Mr. Justin Hawksley she’d heard about countless times while organizing exhibitions in Los Angeles. His name had come up in every conversation among the city’s bigshots.
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Chapter 142
His influence was so legendary that whenever Lauren introduced herself as being from Northcrest, people’s eyes would light up–just because Mr. Justin Hawksley hailed from the same town.
It took Lauren a while to catch her breath and compose herself. Then she stood up, solemnly extending her hand to Justin. “Mr. Hawksley, it’s an honor to finally meet you.”
Justin rose with easy politeness, shaking her hand with a warm smile. “Come on, cousin. There’s no need to be so formal.”
Formal? If anything, Lauren thought she was being far too casual. Just imagine–a photo of her shaking hands with Justin Hawksley! With that, she’d never have to worry about finding exhibition clients in Northcrest again.
Once they were all seated, Lauren leaned over to Edith and whispered, “Edith, about what I said earlier about introducing you to some influential people–I must’ve lost my mind. Forget it. I’m not introducing anyone.”
Edith stifled a laugh and replied in a low voice, “Oh, come on! Don’t joke like that. I’m counting on you. You know I’ve been out of the loop for too long–I barely have any connections left.”
Lauren darted a quick, wide–eyed glance at Justin. “Are you kidding me? Your husband is sitting right in front of you and if ‘connections‘ isn’t written all over his face, I don’t know what is!”
She nearly blurted out the word “connections” loud enough for everyone to hear, catching herself just in time. Realizing Justin was right there, Lauren straightened up in her chair, suddenly self–conscious, and sat prirnly.
Edith shot Lauren a sidelong look–was she for real? She looked like a schoolkid in class.
Justin noticed too, and flashed a generous smile. “Cousin, don’t worry. You and Edith haven’t seen each other in years. Of course you’ll have some catching up to do–there’s no need to stand on ceremony. Make yourself at home.”
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Chapter 142
Lauren immediately realized that when someone at Justin’s level showed you kindness, it reflected their character–and if she refused to relax, it’d be an insult to his hospitality.
“No, no, I’m totally relaxed!” she insisted, a little too brightly.
Edith reached for the serving spoon and began piling food onto Lauren’s
plate. “The kitchen’s beef stew is amazing, and you have to try the pineapple pizza.”
Soon, Lauren’s plate was piled high with food.
Across the table, Justin watched Lauren’s overflowing plate, unable to hide a flicker of envy in his eyes.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.