Chapter 824

Hawthorne's gaze turned icy. "Don't try to threaten me. It won't work even if you say the child was mine. I've told my wife everything. She knows my involvement with you was just a ploy to set a trap for James. I regret it, Patti, but you need to wake up. It's impossible between us because I have never liked you, not even in the past. It was just helping a friend. You kept me company when I was at my lowest, but even then, you were just using me as a stepping stone. Don't talk about feelings in a relationship of convenience. I've repaid any debt I owed you. Take this five million and do whatever you want with it."

With that, Hawthorne turned and left without a backward glance, not even bothering to leave Hans behind this time.

Patti finally understood what true despair felt like. All she had now was a five-million- dollar check and a cold, empty VIP hospital room. Her arrogant and domineering personality had left her with no female friends. As for men, her terrible reputation meant that no man from high society would dare touch her. She was a social pariah.

Patti clutched the check, her knuckles white, wishing she could tear it to shreds. But she was homeless now; Hawthorne would certainly not let her stay in his apartment anymore. Her credit cards and personal belongings were still there.

Then she noticed a small suitcase in the corner of the room. At some point, Hawthorne must have had someone pack up her things and drop them off. It meant that beyond this five million, he was washing his hands of her completely. Patti was used to a lavish lifestyle; five million dollars wouldn't even last her a few days of fun. Hatred filled her eyes. She wouldn't let Hawthorne or James get away with this. Nor would she forgive the other men who had used and abandoned her. As for Mrs. Mercer, with five million dollars in hand, she could certainly stir up some trouble. After all, Mrs. Mercer was the one who had ordered the attack that caused her miscarriage. That was another score she had to settle.

Hawthorne left Patti's room and went straight to Gwyneth's. He stood at the doorway, watching her laughing and talking with Leonie, and decided not to interrupt. Leonie was a real character in front of Gwyneth, chattering about all sorts of interesting things, and Gwyneth was listening with genuine enjoyment.

At home these days, whenever Butler Parham prepared food for Gwyneth, she would insist he or another servant taste it first. But she had drunk the soup Leonie brought without a second thought, down to the last drop. She trusted Leonie completely but remained guarded with him.

The realization pained Hawthorne, but he knew it was his own fault. He stood quietly at the door for nearly half an hour before Leonie finally noticed him.

Gwyneth saw him too, and her expression immediately soured. Her reaction was not lost on Hawthorne.

"I just came to check on you. Please, continue your chat." Knowing his presence made her uncomfortable,

Hawthorne placed the fruit he'd

bought for her on the bed he'd gi

He was treading so carefully around her, but Gwyneth didn't seem to notice. Leonie, not wanting to be a third wheel, gathered her things to leave, but Gwyneth grabbed her wrist.

Hawthorne caught the subtle movement instantly. Though reluctant, he said, “Why don't you stay and keep your aunt company? I have to go back to the office for

something. I just wanted to drop off some fruit for you both."

He left after putting the fruit down. Gwyneth finally let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. For some reason, Hawthorne's presence made her tense a farcry from the easy comfort they once shared. Leonie glanced at her aunt, noticing her indifference toward Hawthorne, and thought with a sinking heart, *It's over. My aunt really doesn't want to be with my uncle anymore.*

Just as Leonie was about to speak, Gwyneth cut her off. "I want to buy some baby

supplies online. Help me pick some things out. I trust your taste.”

The words instantly extinguished

Pnets

any thought Leonie had of defending Hawthorne. She smartly took the hint that Gwyneth didn't want to discuss him and quietly started browsing for baby items with her. Leonie stayed at the hospital with Gwyneth for the next few days. During that time Connor Kaufman called her a few times, and she couldn't help but tell him that

Gwyneth was in the hospital.