Chapter 203 Harmony Shattered


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    The warm atmospherested all the way to the dining table. Just as everyone was about to pick up their utensils, Jessica suddenly coughed a little awkwardly.


    All eyes turned to her.


    Sandra quickly poured her a ss of water, asking with concern, “Jessica, are you feeling unwell?”


    “What could be wrong with me? I’m fine.” Jessica forced a smile. “I just don’t feel that hungry yet.”


    “We can take our time eating, no rush anyway.”


    She was in a rush!


    Jessica instinctively stole a nce at Dawn, who was deeply engaged in conversation with Ethan, looking so absorbed it made her even more restless.


    How could this child not react at all?


    Just as she was about to secretly send a message, a sound came from the doorway.


    Dawn turned around, meeting the man’s dark, brooding gaze head–on, ck as ink.


    Silence.


    For a moment, time itself seemed to freeze.


    The air in the dining room grew so tense it made even breathing feel heavy.


    Sandra’s eyes swept across the table, and she was the first to speak. “Austin, why didn’t you say anything beforeing back?”


    Austin ignored her, his bloodshot eyes fixed unwaveringly on the girl in front of him.


    Dawn dug her nails deep into her palm, forcing herself to stay calm.


    “Uncle Austin.”


    Austin gave a cold curl of his lips, but still did not reply. His expression was one of someone ready to devour.


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    Chapter 203 Harmony Shattered <ul><li>5 free Going </li></ul>


    Ethan, unruffled, took Dawn’s hand under the tablecloth. Except for Austin, who was standing. no one noticed.


    Austin narrowed his eyes, his jawline even more taut.


    Ethan raised a brow. “I thought Mr. Osborne was busy in Northville. Why the sudden return?”


    “Why did I suddenlye back? Shouldn’t you be the one who knows best, Mr. Jackson?” Austin’s lips twisted into a cold sneer, his voice low and heavy. “Thanks to Mr. Jackson’s blessing, of course.”


    Everyone at the table nced at each other in confusion.


    Even Jessica, usually sharp, could not figure out the situation.


    She had only wanted to give her son and Dawn another chance to talk things through. That was why she had secretly told him about their return yesterday.


    But now… could it be that Ethan was also involved?


    Harry immediately understood this dinner would not end quietly.


    He smiled to smooth things over. “Whatever it is, you young people can talkter. Let’s eat first. Austin, sit down.”


    Thatst line carried the weight of an older brother.


    Austin pressed his lips tightly together, saying nothing.


    Ethan also kept silent.


    Between men, one look could be a sh of des.


    After a few seconds, Austin let out a mockingugh, pulled his gaze back, and sat down on the other side of Dawn.


    Dawn sat ramrod straight, feeling the crushing pressure on her shoulders, almost suffocating.


    Why had Austin returned?


    She had no idea.


    However, his arrival had dragged the harmonious mood down to freezing point.


    They began eating. Only the sound of utensils clinking silverware broke the silence. Jessica


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    Chapter 203 Harmony Shattered


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    gave Sandra a look, and Sandra tried to liven things up by introducing the dishes now and then.


    Just some simple home–style meals, nothing much to talk about.


    After a few sentences, silence fell again.


    Suddenly, two sets of utensilsnded in Dawn’s te at the same time–one holding barbecue ribs, the other shrimp.


    Dawn froze, not moving. <fnffc0> Follow current nov?ls on FindN()vel</fnffc0>


    Austin’s eyes stayed locked on the man across the table, but his words were directed at her.


    “You like barbecue ribs. Have some more.”


    Ethan let out a soft chuckle, withdrawing his hand.


    “She can eat whatever she wants. Just because she likes something doesn’t mean she has to eat it nonstop. For example, Dawn already had too much yesterday. Didn’t you notice she hasn’t touched meat today?”


    Austin’s lips moved, but he could not find a rebuttal.


    Dawn lowered her head, picked up the shrimp, and put it in her mouth. Then she said, “I’m full. You all take your time.”


    Ethan’s lips curved briefly, his voice slow andzy. “I’m full too.”


    Jessica saw all of this and sighed silently. It seemed her second son really was not destined for such fortune.


    However, it was his own fault–he had not cherished her when he should have.


    He deserved this.


    She set down her utensils and decided to wash her hands of it.


    “I’m tired. I’ll rest now. Whatever you need to discuss, keep it down. Don’t disturb my nap.”


    Before heading upstairs, she gave Austin a sharp look, then huffed and left.


    Harry and Sandra exchanged a nce, both helpless. In this situation, they could only leave it to the younger ones to resolve.


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    Tara, though she did not know the full story, had seen enough in these tense minutes to imagine an entire drama.


    Yet, in the end, she had no standing to interfere.


    The meal ended awkwardly. Tara found an excuse to leave early.


    Before going, she pulled Ethan aside and whispered, “He’s still Dawn’s uncle. At least give him some face, alright?”