9
The day they found Sienna and brought her back from Blackwater Ridge, news of my “death” was the number one trending topic.
[Hawthorne Matriarch and Daughters–in–Law Perish at Sea. Where Were Their Husbands?】
A horde of reporters and influencers camped outside the Hawthorne estate, covering every angle of the
story.
A journalist from The Daily Lotus was speaking on a live broadcast: “According to our latest investigation, the first victim was the Hawthorne family matriarch, Eleanor Hawthorne. The Coast Guard searched for three days and found no trace of her body. They have since called off the search and declared her deceas- ed. However, her two daughters–in–law refused to give up. They rented a speedboat and searched the waters day and night. Tragically, a storm hit last night, capsizing their boat. They, too, are now presumed dead. But the question remains: where were their husbands? Sources say their disappearance is linked to a young
73
3/11
Chapter 2
woman who deliberately staged her own vanishing act.”
When Howard and his sons emerged from their car with Sienna, the reporters swarmed them.
“Mr. Hawthorne,” one shouted, “why were you not involved in the search for your
wife?”
12.46
Another shoved a microphone in Adrian’s face. “Mr. Hawthorne Jr., we have reports that your mother called you for help just before her accident. Why didn’t you go to her? Is your old flame more important than your
own mother?”
Another turned on Jack. “Dr. Hawthorne, as a renowned surgeon, you’ve saved countless lives. Why didn’t you save your mother’s? How do you feel now that she’s gone?”
Even Sienna wasn’t spared. “Miss Crest, why did you fake your own disappearance? Are you aware that bec- ause they were rushing to save you, Mrs. Hawthorne lost her only chance of survival?”
The four of them were blindsided, their faces a mask of confusion.
After a moment, Howard started to laugh. “How much did my wife pay you to pull this stunt?” he asked a reporter. “I get it. She regrets the divorce and wants to make me sweat, right? She wants me to beg, to grov- el, to get on my knees and plead for her to come home. Fine. I’ll go to her hotel right now and get her. There’s no shame in wooing your own wife.”
Adrian chimed in, “Honestly, Mom is too much. An old woman, still playing these games. But she’s my moth- er. I’ll go with you and offer a formal apology.”
Jack quickly added, “Dad, Adrian, I’ll come, too. I was so worried about Sienna, I neglected Mom. I’ll go apologize right now.”
He called for the butler, telling him to take good care of Sienna. But when the butler appeared, his eyes were red and swollen. “Sir, young masters, where have you been? I couldn’t reach you! Something terrible has hap- pened. The mistress… and the young mistresses… they’re gone!”
“Nonsense!” Howard roared. “How could Eleanor be dead? She checked into a five–star hotel. She’s living it
up!”
It was only when the butler played the security footage of my accident on his phone that the reality hit them.
“Sir, you have to see this. The mistress… she’s really gone…”
Before the butler could finish, Adrian cried out, “Dad!”
Howard was watching the video, watching my car plunge into the sea. His eyes widened in horror. He stagg- ered back, nearly collapsing.
