The next day, Elara Don called Rhun Quinn, feigning illness and needing rest.
She was hesitating about whether there was still any need to stay at Hawke Corporation.
After all, having a perverted boss above her, she felt uncomfortable no matter what.
The phone rang, and Elara glanced at the caller ID, her hand slightly tightening.
She wasn't unfamiliar with the number; it was from her adoptive father, Troy Don!
Four years, and he actually called her!
Elara took a deep breath and answered the call.
"Who is this?"
"Elly, have you forgotten your dad's number?"
A heavy male voice came through the line, tinged with a bit of dissatisfaction.
Elara pressed her lips together and said indifferently, "Mr. Don, what do you want?"
He had already kicked her out of the family. Didn't she have nothing to do with the Don Family anymore?
"Elly, you won't even call me dad? Seems like you're blaming me? Blaming me for kicking you out years ago? But you have to consider, back then, my company was on the rise, and your misconduct would inevitably affect..."
"Mr. Don, what exactly do you want? If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up," Elara interrupted him, speaking calmly.
There was no need for him to remind her repeatedly of what happened back then.
Because from him, she learned the word heartless.
"I've booked a table at Yipinzhai tonight. Since you're still alive, let's have a meal together."
The man's tone was more displeased, and Elara gripped her phone tightly, wanting to refuse.
However, recalling the events of four years ago, her intended refusal turned into agreement.
Four years ago, the other child she gave birth to was taken away.
Could it have been the Don Family who did it?
She wanted to ask in person!
...
Washington Manor.
Rhun Quinn handed a document to the man on the sofa, watching as the man's face still bore the marks of acne, he tried hard to keep his mouth from twitching.
He never expected that their own CEO would one day be treated as a lustful wolf by a woman.
Charlotte Soo was truly fierce!
"Anything else?"
Damon Hawke took the document with a cold face, signed it, and handed it back to Rhun.
Rhun quickly took it and said, "Nothing major. We've pushed all the meetings we could today. Also, Miss Soo has taken leave as well, citing illness."
That woman would be ill?
Probably just doesn't want to face him at the company!
Damon Hawke's face darkened further, and with a thought, he parted his thin lips, "Rhun, go check the details on the Don Family's adopted daughter, Elara Don. Victoria Don said that Elara Don is actually Charlotte Soo. I need to know why she changed her name!"
Great!
That woman has successfully caught his attention!
"Yes."
Rhun was surprised by Damon's words, but wisely didn't ask more questions.
As he turned to leave, a little baby ran past his feet.
"Young master, be careful."
Rhun hurriedly supported Harry Soo, who was holding a bottle, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Why did it feel like the young master from the Hawke Family seemed more energetic?
Harry Soo looked up, grinned at Rhun, then glanced at Damon Hawke, his big eyes rolling intelligently.
He thought he just heard his mommy's name.
Is this cheap dad investigating mommy?
Why!
"Young master, oh dear, quickly throw away the bug in your hand, it's really dirty."
The butler rushed in, panting, and said helplessly to Harry Soo.
"No! Grandpa Butler, you don't understand! Bugs aren't dirty!"
Harry Soo hid the bottle behind him and was about to run upstairs.
"Stop."
Damon Hawke, sitting on the sofa, looked at the little guy covered in grime, his temple veins throbbing.
"Dominic Hawke, did you use bugs to scare the teacher yesterday?"
Is this still his son?
Why does he seem like a different person?
Several tutored teachers had repeatedly complained, saying the little guy was a bit odd.
Not only was he inattentive in class, but he also used bugs to scare them!
This had never happened before!
"Those tattletales!"
Harry Soo muttered, his big eyes swiveling as he shouted at Damon Hawke, "Dad, I'm a child, children need a happy childhood! It's cold and lifeless here, you won't let me go out, and you make me take so many boring classes, I'm going to get sick!"
No wonder that Dominic Hawke always looked so glum.
In this house, despite the delicious food and fun things, it's too boring!
This tyrant always has a poker face, clearly hard to communicate with.
That mommy acts all fake, clearly not truly good to Dominic Hawke.
Unlike him, although he doesn't have a dad, his mommy is incredibly gentle and understanding!
Boohoo!
He really misses mommy!
When can he escape from this place!
"Dominic Hawke, I think you need discipline! Don't forget, you're a member of the Hawke family. From birth, you bear a greater responsibility than others!"
Damon Hawke's eyes were heavy, "Aubin, take the young master to the room to write a 1000-word reflection. He's not allowed to come down to eat until he's finished!"
The little rascal hasn't learned much else but has learned how to slack off!
Needs a good guiding hand.
"Ahh! Mean tyrant! Are you blind? I said I'm not your son! Let me go! Mmph..."
Asking him to write a 1000-word reflection?
He's only four!
This cold-blooded tyrant!
Harry Soo was so angry he stomped his feet, caught in Aubin's swift embrace, with a big hand covering his little mouth.
Young master!
Can't you go back to your old quiet self?
His old heart can't take it anymore!
Damon Hawke's face was terrifyingly dark, watching the little guy being carried upstairs, angry to the point of having a headache.
Such a troublesome little thing!
He actually claimed he wasn't his son!
Should he take him to see a psychiatrist?
...
The night was gradually falling.
Elara Don glanced at the brightly lit upscale restaurant, pressed her lips together, and went inside.
Following the waiter to a private room, she knocked on the door and pushed it open.
Inside the private room, several people were talking and laughing.
In addition to the three members of the Don Family, there was another man.
He appeared to be in his forties, with a bald head, beer belly, and the necklace around his neck gave off a golden hue under the light.
"Elly is here! Come, let dad introduce a guest," Troy Don waved her over upon seeing Elara.
Elara's eyebrows furrowed slightly, she glanced at the man, caught the gleam in his eyes, and slightly lowered her gaze.
Looks like tonight's dinner wasn't a reunion but more of a drinking party!
"Sis, what are you standing there for? Come on over!"
Victoria Don pulled Elara to the man, cooing, "Mr. Hayes, isn't my sister beautiful?"
"Beautiful, truly beautiful."
Riveras Hayes stood up, looking at Elara unreservedly, pulling her hand, "Elly, let me introduce myself, I'm Riveras Hayes from Peak Architecture, a widower, with a son, and plenty of houses waiting for the right person to become the lady of the Hayes household."
The man's greasy hand was rough, and his spit was mixed with a strong smell of bad breath.
Elara was utterly disgusted inside.
She forcefully broke free, her gaze sweeping over the Don Family trio, "Are you trying to match me up? Fine! Just tell me, where is the child I gave birth to four years ago, and I'll date Mr. Hayes."