Chapter 885

She had learned how to interact with people and how to put her family first, rather than sinking into her own past trauma.

When a person's pain decreased, their joy multiplied, and thinking of others became second nature.

She hadn't thought that far ahead. Did she naturally assume they would live in Greenvale, or would they go back to Starfall City? She always felt tied to Starfall because her grandfather had bought them a house there. But if she moved back, it meant Hawthorne would have to abandon everything in Greenvale to follow her.

Thinking of this, Gwyneth couldn't help but freeze. Seeing her blank expression, Mrs. Everhart realized Gwyneth genuinely hadn't considered it and chuckled softly to herself.

These young kids were so caught up in being madly in love that they hadn't actually planned their future.

"Alright, alright, I'm just teasing you. Knowing Hawthorne, he's probably already got everything mapped out. You don't need to stress over it. Honestly, whether you go to the ends of the earth, that man is going to follow you."

Gwyneth blushed.

She hadn't asked Hawthorne if they were staying in Greenvale or heading back to Starfall City.

But she didn't want to talk about it right now because Hawthorne was about to leave for The High Sierras. Everything else could wait until he returned safely and they had their wedding.

The family gathering with Mr. and Mrs. Everhart and Gwyneth was filled with warmth

and joy.

Meanwhile, Leonie and the siblings were having a blast at the lounge. Unlike the hyper-commercialized clubs in Starfall City, Greenvale's lounges were different.

Many of the spots were laid-back, ambient spaces where people sat around, sipped drinks, and talked while a live singer performed jazz and country music on stage. The vibe was much more elegant and culturally rich than what they were used to. Leonie ordered a crisp cocktail and took slow, small sips.

Chris had been completely resistant to coming to a bar at first, but the atmosphere instantly changed his mind.

Especially with the lead singer's clear, soothing voice drifting through the room. It had an almost ethereal quality.

After two drinks, Leonie's cheeks were flushed. Celia was also completely absorbed in the vibe.

Not far from them, a group of guys occupied a VIP table.

Someone nudged Connor Kaufman's arm. "Connor, isn't that the Everhart heiress?"

Connor, sporting his edgy golden hair, leaned lazily against the leather sofa with a beer in hand. His apathetic gaze swept past Leonie, momentarily landing on Celia. Gwyneth?

Connor quickly dismissed the

thought. Gwyneth was pregnant and wouldn't be out drinking. Plus, under

the dim lighting, the girl who vaguely resembled her looked practically underage it was impossible.

"Connor, you should go say hi. She took care of you for a long time. You're at a lounge, she's at a lounge-maybe she came looking for you A girl like that you really shouldn't let her ship away

For the first time, Connor's buddies couldn't stand his attitude. Usually, they didn't care when he dumped his girlfriends.

Because those girls were just messing around too. But the Everhart heiress was different. Anyone with eyes could see she genuinely cared about him.

After years of Connor playing the field, it was rare for a woman to be so entirely devoted to him. It made his friends anxious just watching. him throw it away. Plus, she had zero attitude and trad always treated the crew well.

Connor pulled his gaze away and glared at the guys.

"I've told you before. If you like her, go after her yourself. Keep my name out of it.

I'm not interested. Got it?"