Hawthorne Everhart was a legend in the business world.


    As a teenager, he had single-handedly dragged the failing Everhart family back from the brink, transforming it into an industry leader and restoring its former glory.


    In every circle, his name was spoken with a mixture of awe and reverence.


    To encounter him under such awkward circumstances, with Gwh standing by his side, was a stunning revtion.


    The woman they thought was Connor''s girlfriend was actually Mrs. Everhart.


    "I just came to see Connor," Gwh said quietly, her voice trembling slightly. "I wanted to know if he''s out of danger. I''m so sorry for what happened yesterday."


    "You know damn well..." a man lunged forward, but his friends immediately grabbed him, pping a hand over his mouth before he could finish.


    Dear God, it wasn''t that they didn''t want to stand up for Connor, but no one in Greenvale dared to cross Hawthorne Everhart.


    "Let me go! What are you doing?" the man struggled, but his friends held him fast.


    "Connor has a few broken ribs, but he''s out of danger now," one of the friends said, mustering his courage to speak to her. "He''ll be okay. Thanks foring."


    Hawthorne nced at them, his expression unreadable.


    Hearing that Connor was stable, Gwh finally felt a sliver of relief.


    But the hostile res from his friends made her feel deeply ufortable.


    "So, you''re a married woman," another man sneered. "Since you have a husband, you should stick with him instead of running around ruining other people''s lives. Connor might be a yer, but at least he sticks to single women. He doesn''t get involved with taken women. I think you should just stay away."


    The usation stung, sending Gwh''s thoughts into a tailspin.


    Her rtionship with Connor was purely tonic, a remnant of a shared past.


    But she also knew that Connor''s feelings for her were more than just brotherly affection.


    "My wife and Connor are just friends," Hawthorne stated, his eyes turning icy cold. "You will not imply otherwise. If you continue to spread lies, you will hear front mywyers."


    His severe expression silenced them.


    No matter how much they resented the situation, no one dared to utter another word


    in Hawthorne''s presence.


    Provoking this titan could mean the ruin of their entire families overnight.


    As they


    the


    Hawthorne cast one


    look at Connor lyinget


    a look so cold it sent a


    shiver down everyone''s spine.


    The ride back to the vi was silent.


    Gwh was lost in her self-reproach, and Hawthorne didn''t disturb her.


    He had already inquired with the hospital.


    Connor''s injuries were severe, particrly to his left leg and ribs.


    While he was out of immediate danger, it was uncertain if he would ever fully


    recover.


    It was a career-ending possibility for a race car driver.


    Of course, Hawthorne kept this from Gwh.


    He didn''t want to add to her worries, and more selfishly, he couldn''t stand the thought of her caring for another man. It made him jealous. >


    Back at the vi, Hawthorne''s private jet was already waiting on thewn.


    A team of bodyguards in ck suits stood at attention.


    Gwh quickly packed a small bag, and soon, they were on their way back to Starfall City.