Caden Hawthorne and Vivian Lynch sat down at the dining table, and Caden thoughtfully served Vivian a bowl of beef porridge. The aroma of the porridge made Vivian smile with happiness.
"Mom, this porridge smells so good." Vivian said.
Mrs. Hawthorne nodded with a smile, "Eat more if you like it, you’re eating for three now."
Upon hearing this, Vivian instinctively touched her rounded belly and smiled slightly.
Caden also picked up his spoon, tasted the porridge, and then said to Mrs. Hawthorne, "Mom, your culinary skills are getting better and better."
Mrs. Hawthorne felt very happy being praised by her son and daughter-in-law. "I’m glad you both like it. Once Vivian gives birth, I’ll make delicious food for you every day."
Seeing that Riley Hawthorne wasn’t present, Vivian couldn’t help but glance around and asked, "Mom, why isn’t Riley having breakfast with us?"
"Oh her! She came back late last night, probably sleeping in!" Mrs. Hawthorne said gleefully.
Caden nodded slightly, "Well, it’s rare for a holiday, let her sleep a bit longer!"
Vivian frowned, "But she shouldn’t be sleeping hungry!"
Caden knew she was concerned about Riley’s health and said, "Vivian. Don’t worry, I’ll have the servants bring breakfast to her room in a bit."
Vivian finally felt relieved and nodded.
Beside them, Mrs. Hawthorne seemed eager to say something but stopped, "Have you noticed that Riley has been acting a bit strange recently?"
Caden continued drinking his porridge, casually responding, "What’s strange about her?"
"Could she be secretly dating someone?" Mrs. Hawthorne recalled what she saw last night and couldn’t help speculating.
Upon hearing this, Caden and Vivian exchanged a knowing glance; the two were already aware.
Vivian chuckled, "Mom, maybe Riley really has someone she likes. She’ll tell us when she’s ready."
Mrs. Hawthorne nodded, "You’re right, she’s grown up and has her own thoughts now. But, if she really is dating, she should bring him home for us to see."
Caden frowned slightly, "Mom, don’t worry unnecessarily. Riley’s still young."
Mrs. Hawthorne rolled her eyes at him, "Young? She’s started working and should think about dating."
Caden shook his head helplessly and stopped talking.
Vivian watched their interaction, showing a slight smile.
After breakfast, Caden drove Vivian out for a stroll.
The winter sun bathed the earth with a warm and comfortable feeling.
Caden drove while Vivian sat in the passenger seat, her face brimming with happiness.
They arrived at a park, where the trees were covered in snow, looking like a fairytale world.
Caden carefully helped Vivian out of the car, and they strolled hand in hand along the park paths.
"Caden, this place is beautiful." Vivian admired the scenery around them.
Caden gazed at her lovingly, "As long as you like it, we can come here often."
They walked and chatted, enjoying the rare peaceful time.
Not far away, some children played in the snow, while several adults watched them, laughter echoing in the air.
Vivian looked at the children with anticipation, instinctively touching her belly.
"Caden, when our baby is born, will they be as cute?" Vivian asked.
Caden nodded with a smile, "Of course, our baby is sure to be the cutest."
They strolled a bit more, then found a bench to sit on.
Caden held Vivian’s hand, feeling her cold hands, and acted as her personal heater.
"Still cold?" Caden looked at her gently.
Vivian shook her head with a smile, "With you warming my hands, I’m not cold anymore."
Caden looked at Vivian’s gentle smile, filled with love.
He gently placed Vivian’s hand on his cheek, feeling her warmth.
At that moment, a familiar voice reached their ears.
"Saw you from afar, President Hawthorne and Miss Lynch really are affectionate!"
Silas Everett appeared before them in sportswear, a towel around his neck, clearly out for a run in the park.
Seeing Silas appear, Caden’s eyes were filled with hostility, "Is Mr. Everett starting retirement early?"
Silas was not troubled by Caden’s hostility; instead, he smiled slightly, "President Hawthorne jokes. It’s never too late to start exercising. But President Hawthorne, your wife is about to have a baby, aren’t you worried about any accidents taking her out?"
Caden’s expression darkened, "Mr. Everett, worry about your own affairs. I’ll take care of my wife and child."
Silas shrugged, "No need for such hostility, President Hawthorne. I was just concerned, since we’re all friends!"
"Friends?" Caden sneered, "Mr. Everett, you supported the York family against my Hawthorne Family. What kind of friend is that?"
Silas narrowed his eyes slightly, "President Hawthorne, business competition is inevitable, but that doesn’t prevent us from being friends in other aspects."
Caden held Vivian tightly, "Not everyone can be a friend of mine, Caden Hawthorne."
Hearing this, Silas’s fists clenched, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes.
Vivian tried to ease the tension, "Mr. Everett, my husband only acted against the York Family because of me, don’t take it to heart."
Silas shook his head with a faint smile, "Miss Lynch, there’s no need to apologize. I understand Mr. Hawthorne’s feelings; if my wife were hurt, I would do the same." This content belongs to NoveI-Fire.ɴet
Vivian felt his words were strange but couldn’t pinpoint exactly why, so she only smiled awkwardly.
Caden’s eyes were filled with caution as he looked at Silas, "Anything else, Mr. Everett?"
Silas nodded slightly, "Since you’re enjoying your time, I won’t disturb you."
With that, Silas tactfully turned and left.
Caden watched his retreating figure, frowning.
Vivian gently squeezed his hand, "Caden, don’t be so tense, maybe Mr. Everett really didn’t mean any harm."
Caden sighed, "Vivian, you’re too kind. Silas Everett isn’t simple; we need to be wary."
Vivian leaned on Caden’s shoulder, "Okay, I understand."
Caden gently stroked Vivian’s hair, "Vivian, I just don’t want anyone to hurt you."
Vivian nodded lightly, "Okay, I understand. But don’t be too angry, maybe he really just happened to run into us."
Caden frowned, "Whether accidental or not, I don’t want him near you. He’s too ambitious, who knows when he might do something harmful."