Chapter 127 She Is the Child’s Mother

Chapter 127: Chapter 127: She Is the Child’s Mother

The spring breeze brushed past, finally bringing Sophie Winslow back to her senses. She hadn’t expected the news of Adrian Hawthorne’s return to the country. Holding the car door open, she exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Hawthorne? Are you in Seabourne right now?"

Airport announcements echoed in the background on Adrian’s end. He had likely just landed when he made the call. "I’m in Kingsford," he said.

Sophie was even more surprised. After all, the Hawthorne family’s main residence was in Seabourne. Shouldn’t he return to the headquarters first to handle deployment and arrangements after coming back from abroad? Before she could figure it out, his voice came through again.

"I have several public meetings and events to attend today. They’ll probably wrap up around seven this evening. Are you free today? I’d like to see Lydia. I have an urgent early flight to Veridia tomorrow morning."

Adrian’s voice was calm and rational, completely different from Julian Sterling’s careless indifference. Sophie checked the time, realizing that Adrian’s return also concerned Lydia. A faint warmth rose in her chest, and she suddenly felt a sense of hope. "Yes, I am. But Lydia is with Caldwell right now. If it’s convenient for you, how about heading to the Caldwell residence tonight?"

Adrian had no objections. "Alright, see you tonight."

They weren’t particularly close, but with Lydia as their bond, things were somehow different. Adrian was also quite familiar with Hector Caldwell. Lydia was the knot that tied many of them together. During the two years Adrian was away, Lydia had been taken care of by Hector Caldwell and his wife, so they all had each other’s contact information. Sophie had always been very grateful to Adrian. Even though she knew his willingness to be Lydia’s nominal father was just a way to reject an arranged marriage, they both got what they needed.

"What’s wrong?" Peter Preston asked, leaning over to look at Sophie when he noticed the shift in her expression.

Sophie was in a great mood, a smile lingering on her face. "Mr. Hawthorne is back. He’ll be at the Caldwell residence tonight. Do you want to come?"

Peter was surprised. "When did he get back?"

"He probably just landed," Sophie thought for a moment. "He’s still at the airport."

Peter suddenly gave her a subtle look. "He called you right after getting off the plane?"

Sophie lowered her head to send a WhatsApp message to Ivy Hawthorne, replying without looking up. "What about it?"

Peter suddenly chuckled. Gripping the steering wheel, he shook his head meaningfully. "Nothing. Just enjoy your time together."

Sophie had no time to pay attention to Peter’s expression. Ivy Hawthorne had already replied with a string of question marks, followed immediately by her shock: "My oldest brother is back? When? So soon?"

Sophie asked, "You didn’t know either?"

Ivy replied, "Does my brother seem like the type to report everything to me?"

Sophie thought about it. That was true. He only contacted her because they needed to handle Lydia’s matters. It was just that... she turned her head to look back at the venue. It only brought unnecessary frustration. The issue with the divorce certificate had been quite abrupt. Madam Sterling had shown no mercy, and Julian Sterling hadn’t managed to get it back yet. Even with Adrian back, Lydia’s household registration couldn’t be settled immediately. This made Sophie grit her teeth, inwardly cursing Julian for letting his love life delay her important matters.

—

Adrian was indeed very busy today. A mountain of affairs had piled up upon his return. The company had a new strategic deployment, and he had a business banquet to attend that evening. The driver sent to pick him up was new. Seeing Adrian on the phone, the driver smiled and asked, "Mr. Hawthorne, are you checking in with your girlfriend?"

Adrian unbuttoned his suit jacket and got into the car, his tone completely placid. "The mother of my child."

The driver was startled. He was married?

—

Stella Sutton was not in a good mood about the evaluation conference. Even though she knew Sophie had bought the honor, it was still officially finalized. With such a massive windfall landing on Sophie, Stella couldn’t help but feel resentful.

Finn Lockwood simply suggested, "True capability is the only thing that lasts. Julian and Evan are going to an investors’ banquet tonight. Since you’re planning to build a team to start your project, it wouldn’t hurt to go and network a bit."

Stella’s heart stirred. She looked at Julian Sterling with a soft gaze. "Julian, would it be convenient?"

Julian had just finished a work call. Hearing this, he looked up, not minding Stella using his connections to climb the ladder. "Yes, it’s convenient."

Evan York clearly saw Julian’s attitude. A man’s love for a woman wasn’t just sweet words, but providing money and resources. Adults didn’t survive on sweet nothings alone. Julian was certainly not stingy with Stella. Therefore, Evan frowned, thinking it would be for the best if Sophie gave up early on.

The banquet began at seven in the evening. Stella changed into an evening gown and arrived together with Julian and Evan. Quite a few guests had already arrived.

Evan, however, spotted a figure surrounded by people in the banquet hall almost at first glance. He was taken aback. "Adrian Hawthorne?"

Julian glanced over, spotting the man standing head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd. Having been immersed in this circle for a long time, Stella naturally knew of Adrian’s reputation, though she had never met him in person. She immediately asked, "Isn’t Mr. Hawthorne expanding the Hawthorne family’s overseas branch abroad?"

Evan also found it strange. "Logically speaking, Adrian shouldn’t be back until the end of the year." He had heard from his family that Adrian’s trip abroad involved some major moves.

Julian didn’t chime in. Instead, he slightly raised his gaze and nodded in greeting to the approaching man. "Mr. Hawthorne, long time no see."

Evan turned around, realizing Adrian had already walked over. The man looked exactly as he remembered, still carrying that unapproachable air. Adrian looked at Julian, pausing slightly. "Mr. Sterling." Only then did he greet Evan. "Mr. York, you’re in Kingsford as well."

Stella’s gaze swept over Adrian. She smiled and asked, "Are you guys close?"

Evan shook hands with Adrian before explaining, "Our two families have an arranged marriage agreement. We might become in-laws in the future." This was something they had known since childhood. If his sister hadn’t been missing for so many years, they might have already become one family. Adrian didn’t deny this point, though he clearly had no intention of elaborating either.

Stella smiled gently, clinging to Julian’s arm as she extended her hand toward Adrian. "Mr. Hawthorne, it’s our first time meeting. I’m Stella Sutton. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

Right then, Adrian’s phone rang. He pulled it out to check, his gaze sweeping down. He gave Stella a brief glance and a short nod. Stella’s outstretched hand curled slightly. She figured Adrian simply hadn’t noticed her hand; it wasn’t that he was being ungentlemanly or disliked her. He was probably just distracted by a message on his phone.

Adrian did indeed have a WhatsApp notification pop up. It was from Sophie. The woman seemed a bit embarrassed, asking, "What are you busy with right now, Mr. Hawthorne? Lydia knows you’re back and wants to pick you up in person. Would that be a bother?"

Sophie was indeed feeling a bit helpless. After finishing her work, she had gone straight to the kindergarten to pick up Lydia and take her back to Hector Caldwell’s home. She told Lydia that Adrian was back but would be leaving on a business trip to Veridia tomorrow. The little girl immediately said, "Then I should spend more time with him! Let’s start by picking him up and bringing him home."

The little girl really knew how to show her love, and she always insisted on a proper sense of occasion. Not wanting to spoil her mood, Sophie decided to ask Adrian if it was convenient.

As she was pondering, her WhatsApp chimed. Adrian had sent his real-time location.

Adrian replied, "Tell Lydia she is welcome to come anytime."