Chapter 534: Chapter 534: Gossiping
But if the younger generation retaliates, it’s considered uneducated and disrespectful.
Do they ever consider if there’s anything about themselves, besides their age, that deserves respect from the younger generation?
They’re simply as arrogant as can be.
With Harold Hawthorne backing her up, Joy Pierce’s previously faltering confidence surged back, full of contempt: "We almost forgot, you’re not even the Vaughn Family’s biological daughter, just an orphan with unknown parents. What manners or upbringing do you have?"
Ann Vaughn couldn’t help but clench her delicate fingers, feeling like a needle lightly pricked her heart.
At first, it might not seem painful, but the more it went on, the more unbearable it became.
Blocked by Henry Hawthorne’s gaze, Old Master Hawthorne, who had remained silent, finally furrowed his brow and was about to speak, when a deep, icy voice suddenly came from the doorway of the dining room: "When did it become your turn to judge my wife’s character?"
Everyone turned to look, and saw a figure stepping into the dining room, as if emerging from an ink painting, exuding an aura of aloofness and nobility.
He held a little dumpling in his left hand, completely wrapped in a snow-white cotton coat, looking chubby, which accentuated his soft and adorable little face, with eyes as sparkling as stars, melting the hearts of onlookers.
The father and son standing together were like a refined version and a miniature version of each other, generating a strong visual impact.
Upon seeing Cyrus Hawthorne appear, both Harold Hawthorne and Joy Pierce fell silent, their heads lowered quite a bit.
"Oh my dear Kenny, my little darling." At the sight of Kenny, Old Master Hawthorne’s face bloomed into a smile, "Quick, come to great-grandfather!"
Kenny immediately let go of Cyrus Hawthorne’s hand, trotting his little legs towards Old Master Hawthorne, his childish voice full of affection, "Great-grandfather, Kenny missed you so much!"
"Sweetheart, great-grandfather misses you too!" Old Master Hawthorne scooped up the little dumpling, tested his weight, "Oh my dear, why are you so thin? Is it because the food at home isn’t tasty?"
"Nope, Kenny has been good and listens to great-grandfather, eating meals on time!"
"Make sure to eat more later, alright? Tell great-grandfather what you like to eat, and he’ll have the chef make it for you!"
Kenny naturally agreed, his adorable demeanor immensely likable.
Off to the side, Henry Hawthorne coughed several times but was ignored by Old Master Hawthorne, eyeing the little one being held with envy, he said, "Let me hold him too, I’m Kenny’s Third Master!"
Previously, when Old Master Hawthorne mentioned Kenny to Henry Hawthorne, he didn’t have much expectation.
After all, when Cyrus Hawthorne was young, he was like a block of ice to everyone, except for the little girl he set his eyes on wanting to take home, no one else ever got a smile from him, his taciturn nature made him hard to approach.
Who would’ve thought his son not only looked adorable but was so sweet-tongued!
This certainly couldn’t be thanks to Cyrus Hawthorne, so perhaps it takes after the mother?
Ann Vaughn, sipping her juice, suddenly noticed Henry Hawthorne’s gaze on her, inexplicably and unexpectedly gentle, leaving her with question marks.
Did she do something??
The family has always been strict with its rules, whoever holds the Family Head position must hold the high seat, regardless of age.
However, Cyrus Hawthorne was a special case; whenever Old Master Hawthorne was present, he always sat at the head seat, while Cyrus would sit next to Ann Vaughn.
Harold Hawthorne and Joy Pierce refrained from continuing their previous topic, hoping Cyrus Hawthorne would ignore them and let the matter slide.
But things didn’t go as they wished.
"My uncle and aunt must be quite full already, so I won’t see you out, please take your leave." Cyrus Hawthorne cast a sharp glance at the squirming Harold Hawthorne and Joy Pierce, speaking coldly.
Harold Hawthorne’s face changed dramatically; was he throwing them out?!
"The food hasn’t even been served yet, we’ve been starving for so long, how are we full?" Joy Pierce forced a smile, lacking the confidence she had earlier, speaking hesitantly.
"Oh?" Cyrus Hawthorne raised an eyebrow, his expression indifferent as water, "Have you not had your fill after so long of gossiping?"
Hehe.
Ann Vaughn nearly couldn’t hold back her laughter.
His sharp-tongued power was something she envied.
With just a few words, Harold Hawthorne and Joy Pierce’s faces resembled a palette, a mix of emotions, incredibly colorful.
Being explicitly humiliated by Cyrus Hawthorne, Harold Hawthorne and Joy Pierce’s expressions changed repeatedly, initially banking on Old Master Hawthorne and Henry Hawthorne to speak up for them.
But both elders were too busy playing with Kenny, not even sparing a glance for them.
They thought they had offended just a mere Ann Vaughn, but never imagined she held such a high place in Cyrus Hawthorne and Old Master Hawthorne’s hearts.
Even a few verbal reprimands... couldn’t be directed at her!
After Harold Hawthorne and Joy Pierce left, the dining table returned to its initial harmonious and peaceful atmosphere.
The servants quickly served the dishes, a feast of delicacies filled the long table, fragrant wine aromas mingling in the air, intoxicating those present.
Ann Vaughn subtly sniffed the wine aroma, feeling slightly tempted, taking advantage of Cyrus Hawthorne’s momentary distraction, her small hand quietly reached for the wine bottle on his side.
However, like he had eyes at the back of his head, he caught her hand before it touched the bottle, pulling it under the table, squeezing with just the right amount of pressure.
"No drinking."
The deep, alluring voice brushed past her ear, causing Ann Vaughn’s skin to tingle, she feigned indifference and turned her head away.
At this moment, Henry Hawthorne suddenly put down his chopsticks, speaking earnestly to Cyrus Hawthorne, "Cian, it’s rare for us to have a family reunion like this, at such an auspicious occasion, how could we be without your mother, don’t you think?"
Ann Vaughn, holding the milk Cyrus Hawthorne had handed her, paused, her lips tightening slightly.
"No matter what grievances or conflicts there have been, sitting down and discussing it, there’s no misunderstanding that can’t be resolved, after all, you’re always family." As he said this, Henry Hawthorne cast a meaningful glance at Ann Vaughn.
The "you" he referred to also included Ann Vaughn.
Though Ann Vaughn felt somewhat conflicted, faced with the elder’s weary and frail visage, considering his illness, she said nothing.
She lowered her gaze, suddenly feeling her left hand being gently held, the warm, clean palm surrounding her small hand, as if endlessly transmitting strength.
Ann Vaughn’s slightly restless heart settled down.
Cyrus Hawthorne’s thin lips slightly parted, smiling subtly at Henry Hawthorne, "Family rules are strict, those who err should be treated equally, regardless of who they are. But Ann is always compassionate, and can’t bear to see my mother punished, so she voluntarily stepped back."