Aside from their public charades, this was the first time he had actually asked her


    out to dinner in a long time. Patti was certain it was because he felt guilty about her getting hit. Honestly, Gwh''s father wasn''t much of a strategist. Otherwise, why would he resort to such a brutal, low-ss move? Using violence when you can''tpete-Hawthorne must secretly look down on him.


    All the wives of rich men really need is money; why would they demand love as well? The woman was utterly clueless. Patti even felt a sense of contempt for Gwh. The worldview of a sheltered, naive heiress was just so narrow. No wonder so many of her actions were so graceless.


    Getting into the car, Patti felt a surge of triumph. As was her habit, she sent a message to Gwh. She didn''t care if Gwh received it or not; every time she went out with Hawthorne, she made sure to inform his wife. Day after day, what wife could tolerate her husband constantly going on dates with his mistress? She refused to believe Gwh was that magnanimous. She would push and push until Gwh broke off the engagement or divorced him.


    There was one thing Patti couldn''t figure out. She knew Gwh and Hawthorne hadn''t known each other long before their sh marriage. Moreover, the Langford family had no need for the Everhart family''s power or connections. For Gwh, what was the difference between a son-inw like Hawthorne and a man marrying up for status? If anything, the Everhart family stood to gain more from the alliance, acquiring resources through the Langford family''s influence.


    In the beginning, James''s attacks on Hawthorne had been tant and aggressive. But after the marriage alliance between the Langford and Everhart families, even James started treating Hawthorne with a noticeable, if superficial, courtesy. Although they were still fighting tooth and nail behind the scenes, they maintained an appearance of harmony, which surprised many onlookers.


    Hawthorne''s decisiveness was a trait forged from a young age, shouldering the responsibility of the Everhart family. James was different. He was arrogant and reckless, throwing his weight around Greenvale thanks to his father''s favor. After he got married, his business acumen helped his father secure several profitable projects, which made him even more valued. His father was happy to be his backup, turning a blind eye to his minor indiscretions.


    If she were Gwh, Patti thought, she would have dumped Hawthorne long ago. With her status, she could have anypdog she wanted. Why endure this humiliation? After sending the video and photos to Gwh, she contentedly linked her arm with Hawthorne''s as they entered the restaurant.


    "Hawthorne, is this The Crystal Room? It''s enormous! And so luxurious. This is my first time here, too." Patti was thrilled that Hawthorne had brought her to this particr suite. She was excited, but also felt it was a bit extravagant for just the two of them Her eyes


    scanned the room, taking in the two dozen waitresses in striking red uniforms. Such a grand disy-he must truly value her. She knew it. Hawthorne''s heart would ultimately belong in her gentle embrace.


    “Mr. Everhart..." The waitstaff in the room bowed in unison, their voices respectful


    as they greeted him. Patti stood a little straighter, waiting for them to address her as


    "Miss Yale" or even "Mrs. Everhart." But they said nothing more.


    The restaurant manager then approached, respectfully presenting a menu to Hawthorne. "Mr. Everhart, here is the menu for this evening. Please take a look." Patti couldn''t resist sneaking a peek. King crab, Australian lobster, caviar, imported oysters, ck truffles... all the most expensive ingredients.


    Her earlier flicker of annoyance vanished. Good heavens, what avish spread! But could the two of them possibly finish it all? She was more certain than ever that choosing Hawthorne was the right decision. Even if her father was imprisoned for good she would live a life of luxury with Hawthorne. Her status would simply change from a socialite to Mrs. Everhart, but her quality of life would remain the same.


    Lost in thought, Patti''s chin lifted unconsciously as she nced at the respectfully standing waitresses. They were the same age, yet her life was one of privilege. Her eyes held a trace of disdain. It was a shame she hadn''t known Hawthorne was. nning such a grand affair today. Otherwise, she would have prepared some small tips for the staff to show off her generosity as the


    future Mrs. Everhart.


    Pulling her thoughts back, she looked at Hawthorne with a demure smile. “Isn''t this


    a bit too much food for just the two of us? It seems so wasteful."