"It's Aunt Charlotte!"
Inside the car, Dominic Hawke's small hands clung to the window. Seeing Elara Don leading Harry Soo into the kindergarten, his big eyes lit up instantly. He also had to go to kindergarten today, but his school was another prestigious private one two streets away.
He didn't want to go at all.
He kinda wished he was in the same school as Harry Soo.
Damon Hawke's aura was somewhat cold, watching the four figures resembling a family of four, inexplicably glaring.
Did they take his words as mere wind by the ear?
Was she not willing to keep her distance from Evan Miles?
And Evan Miles, did he also completely ignore his warning?
His gaze fell on the bouncing young boy, Damon narrowed his eyes.
The fleeting profile of the little guy carried an inexplicable familiarity.
Just like…
"Dad, did you consider my proposal yesterday?"
His son's young voice tugged Damon back to reality, making him focus on his son's delicate face, his pupils shifting slightly.
The familiarity came from his own son.
Maybe all children's profiles are similar?
"What proposal?"
Damon returned his gaze to his tablet, casually responding.
"The one where I suggested you go after Aunt Charlotte."
The proposal from yesterday at the company; Dad hadn't given a clear answer but also hadn't rejected it outright.
Would Dad actually consider his suggestion?
"Focus on your studies; that's what you should be concerned with."
Damon replied indifferently while handling official business.
Dominic Hawke frowned, glancing at the car already outside the school, swallowing back his words.
Forget about Dad's issues for now, could he just not go to school?
...
Elara Don dropped her son off at kindergarten, then took Evan Miles's car to the Hawke Group.
"Evan, thanks for driving me to work."
Elara Don thanked Evan Miles as she got out of the car.
"No need to thank me. If you don't have time to pick up Bea in the evening, just let me know."
Evan Miles spoke gently.
Elara Don smiled, saying nothing more.
She waved to him and then turned to enter the company.
Here it is again!
That feeling of being watched!
Elara Don paused and glanced around.
It was the morning rush hour, and there were many people and cars around.
Elara Don pursed her lips and hurried into the company.
"Mr. Hawke has arrived."
"Good morning, Mr. Hawke."
Respectful greetings from the employees came from behind.
Waiting for the elevator, Elara Don tensed subconsciously.
Looking sideways, she saw Damon Hawke, standing tall and straight, expressionless, waiting for an elevator at the executive lobby.
The man's tall figure and perfect sideline features were impressive.
Fleeting images from last night flashed through her mind, and Elara Don quickly looked away, slipping into the elevator with the crowd.
This man was undeniably handsome.
But his temperament was unpredictable.
Better to keep a distance from him.
In the R&D department, Elara Don greeted the staff and quickly immersed herself in work.
With Elara Avery dismissed, Elara had taken over some of her responsibilities, including scent testing, which still wasn't satisfactory.
"Charlotte, how's the reagent coming along?"
In the afternoon, Ethan Lane entered the lab, asking.
Elara Don removed her mask and shook her head. "I'm not satisfied with the company's current batch of raw materials. I want to resample."
Hearing this, Ethan Lane frowned, "You want to resample? But there have been a few heavy rains recently, and raw materials might be scarce."
"Which supplier provides our materials? I want to visit them personally."
Elara Don left the lab, taking off her white coat.
She had just joined the Hawke Group and needed to make a strong first impression.
She couldn't let Damon Hawke look down on her.
So every step had to be perfect.
"There's a flower base in Vaeld. Do you want me to accompany you?"
Ethan Lane admired Elara Don's meticulous attitude and asked.
"No need, I can handle it myself."
"Then I'll contact Gib Lockwood for you."
"Alright."
Elara Don thanked Ethan Lane, gathered her belongings, and headed to the bus stop.
At the flower base, the responsible person was waiting at the gate.
After introductions, Elara Don toured the place, chatting with the representative.
The flower base was extensive, and Elara Don was thorough, asking questions about each variety until dusk, when she finally selected some new varieties.
"Gib, I'll have my colleague send over the contract once I return. Please make sure to maintain the flower varieties well for me."
Elara Don finalized her terms with the representative.
"Of course, of course," the person nodded repeatedly.
"I won't bother you any longer, farewell,"
Elara Don realized it was late and prepared to leave.
"Miss Charlotte, do you need a driver to take you back?"
"No, there's a direct bus back to the company from here."
Elara Don politely declined and, after bidding farewell, headed to the bus stop.
In the early fall, night arrived earlier each day.
Now, just before seven, the streetlights illuminated the road.
Standing at the bus stop, Elara Don took out her phone and realized she had several missed calls—she had set her phone to silent.
They were from Evan Miles!
Oh no, she forgot to pick up her son!
Elara Don quickly called back.
"Evan."
"Elly, are you still busy? Don't worry, I've picked up Bea."
Evan Miles's gentle voice resonated through the phone.
Elara Don felt warmed and guilty, "Evan, thank you so much."
"Don't mention it. Where are you now? Do you need me to come get you?"
"No, I'll be home soon."
Elara Don hung up, stuck her tongue out at her forgetfulness.
She put her phone back in her bag, catching sight of someone approaching her from the corner of her eye.
Looking up, she saw someone holding a bottle, rushing towards her with a ferocious look.
"Bitch, go to hell!"
A woman's shriek pierced the air, full of hatred.
Elara Don's eyes widened, swiftly sidestepping.
Hiss!
The sound of liquid hitting the bench.
It was corrosive!
Sulfuric acid!
Someone tried to throw sulfuric acid at her!
And that person was Elara Avery!
Shock filled Elara Don's face as she saw the twisted-faced woman, still holding the bottle, move to attack again. She quickly ran forward.
"Elara Avery, have you lost your mind? Stop it!"
No wonder she'd felt like she was being followed.
Was it Elara Avery?
"Charlotte, you vixen! Because of you, my life's ruined! I'm going to ruin you too!"
Elara Avery chased Elara Don madly, shouting angrily all the way.
Elara Don ran frantically, panic on her face.
This was the suburbs, and everything was unfamiliar.
In her haste, she ended up in a dead end.
Turning around, she saw Elara Avery panting, sneering at her.
"Charlotte, I'm going to ruin you, let's see how you seduce men with your looks!"
"No!"
Elara Don's heart skipped, instinctively closing her eyes, covering her face with her arms.
"Ah!"
A woman's scream echoed.
Heart racing, Elara Don opened her eyes and saw Elara Avery writhing in pain, clutching her face on the ground.
Beside her stood a tall man.
Dressed in black, exuding a chilling aura.