Silas Everett narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing Yvonne York. "Anything? Miss York, you should think it through, this promise is no small matter." Yvonne York nodded firmly. "I’ve thought it through. As long as Mr. Everett can help the York Family through this crisis, I will not go back on my word." Silas Everett was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he revealed a sly smile. "Well, since The Eldest Miss York is so sincere, I can consider helping the York Family." Yvonne York felt a surge of joy in her heart, and quickly said, "Thank you, Mr. Everett. As long as you are willing to help, our family will not forget your kindness." Silas Everett waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "Don’t thank me too early, this is not going to be easy. Caden Hawthorne is not an easy opponent to deal with." Yvonne York nodded, "I understand." Today was the weekend, and Riley Hawthorne didn’t have to work. Lately, she had been keeping her distance from Zachary Sutton, having no interaction apart from work-related matters. Riley Hawthorne was in a low mood. She didn’t dare to drink at home, mainly because Vivian was pregnant, and secondly because she didn’t want everyone to worry about her. So, Riley Hawthorne invited her closest girlfriend to a bar to relax. The bar was flashing with lights, and the music was deafening. Riley Hawthorne and her friend Lucy Ford sat in a corner, ordering a few drinks and chatting aimlessly. "Riley, you’ve been back in the country for so long, how come you’re only asking me out for drinks now?" Riley Hawthorne sighed, "Ah! You wouldn’t know, but with a pregnant sister-in-law at home, even my brother has stopped drinking, so I quit too." When Vivian Lynch and Caden Hawthorne were mentioned, Lucy Ford looked envious, "Riley, I’ve heard about your brother, your sister-in-law is really lucky. Not only did she marry into a wealthy family, but she’s also pregnant with twins. She’s basically living the dream life!" Riley Hawthorne smiled, but there was a hint of complex emotion in her eyes. "Yeah, my sister-in-law is truly fortunate. But they’ve gone through a lot of hardships to get to where they are today." Seeing Riley Hawthorne’s expression, Lucy Ford asked curiously, "What’s the matter? You seem troubled. Are you jealous of your brother and sister-in-law’s happiness?" Riley Hawthorne rolled her eyes at her. "What are you thinking? I’m just not in a great mood lately." Lucy Ford leaned closer to Riley Hawthorne and asked mischievously, "Did you break up? Is that why you’re in a bad mood? Come on, tell me, which young master has caught your eye?" Riley Hawthorne’s face flushed slightly, she quickly denied, "Don’t talk nonsense, I’m not broken up. It’s just some trouble at work." Lucy Ford clearly didn’t believe her and teased, "Could work be what’s making you so upset? It must be a love issue. Quickly tell me, who has our Eldest Miss Hawthorne so preoccupied?" Riley Hawthorne sighed helplessly, "There’s really nothing, stop guessing." But Lucy Ford was relentless, "If you don’t tell me, I’ll keep guessing. Is it Zachary Sutton? I heard you mention him before. He’s like a brother to your brother, and you grew up together, childhood sweethearts?" Riley Hawthorne’s heart skipped a beat, but she firmly said, "How could it be him? I’m not his sweetheart, he only sees me as a sister." Lucy Ford watched Riley Hawthorne’s reaction, more convinced of her guess. "Look at you, getting nervous just mentioning him. Still saying you’re just a sister, I think you’ve fallen for him." Feeling flustered, Riley Hawthorne took a sip of her drink to hide her emotions. "Stop making things up, I’m not into him!" "Are you sure?" Lucy Ford raised an eyebrow and pointed to a nearby booth, "The person you’re longing for is surrounded by women now. Aren’t you angry? Jealous?" Hearing this, Riley Hawthorne was taken aback, instinctively following Lucy Ford’s gaze toward the luxurious booth not far away. She saw Zachary Sutton sitting there, indeed surrounded by several women dressed to impress, seemingly talking to the man across. Riley Hawthorne’s face instantly turned sullen, and an inexplicable anger surged in her heart. She stared intently at Zachary Sutton, filled with disappointment and anger. Knowing full well that Zachary Sutton was a playboy, seeing him surrounded by women still made her feel uncontrollably upset. Lucy Ford sighed lightly at Riley Hawthorne’s reaction. "Riley, stop being stubborn. You obviously like him, and seeing him with other women makes you uncomfortable." Riley Hawthorne bit her lip, trying hard to suppress her emotions, taking a deep breath and said, "He can be with whoever he wants, it has nothing to do with me." Yet, her eyes couldn’t move away from Zachary Sutton. Her heart was filled with contradictions and pain, not knowing how to face her feelings for him. Just then, Zachary Sutton seemed to sense Riley Hawthorne’s gaze. He turned his head and met her eyes. He showed a hint of surprise, then looked a bit awkward. Riley Hawthorne quickly looked away, not wanting Zachary Sutton to see her vulnerability. She stood up and said to Lucy Ford, "Let’s go, it’s too noisy here." Lucy Ford, with a face full of helplessness, could only follow Riley Hawthorne, preparing to leave. At this moment, a drunken man blocked their way. "Hey, ladies, where are you going? Want to have a drink with me, hic..." Saying this, the man belched, reaching out his hand with ill intent towards Riley Hawthorne. Riley Hawthorne looked disgusted, quickly covered her mouth and nose, and stepped back. Lucy Ford, looking discontented, said, "Who are you? Get out of the way." But the drunken man was relentless, getting even more arrogant. "Oh wow, a little hot pepper, I like it spicy." Fresh chapters posted on NoveI-Fire.ɴet Saying this, he moved closer to them. Riley Hawthorne, both angry and scared, picked up her bag and heavily smashed it onto the man’s head. The drunk cried out in pain, becoming furious, "Damn girl, you dare hit me? Do you know who I am?" Riley Hawthorne replied angrily, "I don’t care who you are!" The drunk’s eyes widened in fury, raising his hand to hit Riley. Just at this critical moment, Zachary Sutton rushed forward and grabbed the drunk’s wrist. "Try touching her," Zachary Sutton’s gaze was icy, filled with a warning tone. The drunk was intimidated by Zachary Sutton’s demeanor, stammering, "W-who are you? Mind your own business." Zachary Sutton gave a cold snort, "She’s someone I want to protect, you’d better leave now, or face the consequences." The drunk, unwilling but seeing Zachary Sutton’s formidable presence, could only resign and leave. Riley Hawthorne looked at Zachary Sutton, a complicated emotion rising in her heart. Beside her, Lucy Ford was also surprised, did she hear it right? Zachary Sutton actually said Riley Hawthorne is someone he wants to protect. It seems, there’s something going on between these two!