Vincent Hawthorne put on a refined business suit, tied a tie in front of the mirror, and wore a watch worth millions. After tidying up, Vincent checked the time, preparing to pick up Cindy Lynn and head to The Veridia Project’s research base center together to sign a contract with Ethan Carter and Professor Carter. He had already arranged for the company to synchronize publicity on the collaboration with the government. Having lost the collaboration with Westgard Pharmaceuticals, he acquired an even bigger project. Naturally, he would be commended at next week’s shareholder meeting. Thinking of this, Vincent’s mood improved slightly. He stepped downstairs, opened the door, only to find Cindy Lynn’s figure standing outside. "Cindy?" Vincent was a bit surprised, "Didn’t I say I’d pick you up?" Cindy Lynn wore a blue long skirt reaching her calves today, accentuating her waist perfectly, with her long hair meticulously styled, each strand crafted beautifully. She held a box of pastries and a thermos container in her hand. "I woke up early today and couldn’t sleep, so I decided to get up and make some snacks that Joy loves, bringing them over for the kids to try. This is for you." Cindy handed the thermos to Vincent, smiling softly, "Last time, Aunt Tawny spilled the porridge I brought for you, this time you must try it." Just as they were speaking, the two kids came downstairs. Joy, always close to Cindy Lynn, sprinted towards her on her little legs. Originally, Cindy Lynn squatted down, arms open, ready to welcome Joy. But hearing this ’Aunt Cindy’ instead of the familiar ’Mommy Cindy,’ her smile stiffened slightly. But just for a moment, she regained her usual expression. She affectionately picked up Joy, walking towards the dining table. "Joy baby, Aunt brought some delicious snacks for you. Caden, come eat too." She said with a cheerful smile, putting Joy down beside the dining table, then walked towards the kitchen like a hostess. "You guys eat first, I’ll pour you some milk." Turning her face away, where the father and sons couldn’t see, Cindy Lynn’s smile instantly fell, a touch of anger flashing in her eyes. Last night, when Joy routinely called during video chat to say goodnight, Cindy already sensed something was off. Previously, Joy would always cling to her, chatter endlessly, and insist on hearing bedtime stories, particularly affectionate, but last night, after a few words, the little girl said she was going to sleep. Today she suddenly changed to calling her Aunt Cindy... You know, before, she wouldn’t change her address for anyone! Cindy Lynn frowned slightly. Feeling an ominous premonition in her heart, could it be that Tanya Sinclair, that bitch, was starting to be accepted by the kids? She must not let this happen!! She herself could no longer conceive. If she couldn’t make the two kids wholeheartedly recognize her as their mother, even if she marries Vincent in the future as desired, her status would not be stable. Especially Tanya Sinclair, that bitch, she likely would always linger using the identity of the kids’ biological mother! "Joy, are the snacks delicious?" Cindy Lynn carried two glasses of milk, smilingly walking out. Joy held one in each hand, eating joyfully, "Delicious, delicious! Aunt Cindy, you’re amazing, how do you make such delicious snacks?" She had always been the best at flattering. But this time, due to the ’Aunt Cindy’ address, Cindy Lynn’s smile seemed a bit forced. Caden could be let be, that brat was opinionated, prematurely mature, not too close to anyone, but she had invested a lot of effort in Joy! Constantly brainwashing her, that she was the closest and most beloved! She could only recognize her as mom! Vincent drank the porridge Cindy prepared, "Thank you for preparing so much. The breakfast tastes great." Cindy Lynn stroked Joy’s face, smiling, "I’m always making these, aren’t I?" Vincent was momentarily speechless. Indeed, over the years Cindy Lynn had devoted a lot of time and effort on the kids, including him. Besides, at work, she was also helping him with all her might, even bringing him this opportunity to collaborate with the government. Vincent grabbed a napkin to wipe his mouth, thinking he indeed should treat Cindy Lynn better... Vincent noticed the bag on the shelf, originally intended for Tanya Sinclair. Since Tanya Sinclair was determined to divorce, why give her such an expensive bag? She probably doesn’t even recognize the brand, only carrying some low-brow canvas bags. Claiming they were durable and good for holding documents. The more Vincent thought about it, the worse he felt. He silently stood up and walked over, handing the unopened bag to Cindy Lynn. "Cindy, this is a gift for you. You helped facilitate things this time, allowing our group to participate in The Veridia Project, thank you for your effort. I specially prepared this token of appreciation for you." Cindy Lynn happily accepted, opening the lid, even happier. "I really like it! Vincent, you know me so well, I will definitely carry it well, thank you!" She happily hugged Vincent’s neck. Vincent lifted his hand, but did not push Cindy away, just lightly patted her back. Aunt Tawny, just coming out of the room, saw this scene, was immediately disgusted and returned to her room. Such a spooky sight early in the morning, what bad luck! But with the last experience, Aunt Tawny had learned to wise up, she played safe, taking her phone to secretly snap a few photos, sending them to Old Lady Hawthorne. "Madam! Look at that bitch, she really needs to be dealt with!" She cursed Cindy Lynn, almost cursing Mr. Hawthorne too, but Old Lady Hawthorne, after all, was Mr. Hawthorne’s own grandmother, no matter how much she criticized him, she considered him precious. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝖓𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖑~𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖾~𝖓𝖊𝖙 Aunt Tawny held back her words. Flies don’t land on seamless eggs, she thought Mr. Hawthorne was exactly that rotten egg! Over in the dining area. "Vincent, your tie doesn’t seem quite suitable," Cindy Lynn thoughtfully said, "Let me get you another." "Okay," Vincent nodded. Cindy Lynn had been matching his clothing for more than a day or two, many of his suits and ties were selected by her, she had good taste. Cindy went upstairs, but she didn’t go to the master bedroom to find a tie for Vincent right away, instead she went to the children’s bedroom first. Soon, she found Joy’s phone beside her pillow. Cindy knew the password, unlocked it, the screensaver was a photo of her and Joy. She clicked on Joy’s contacts, finding herself still pinned at the top, only the note had changed from ’Beloved Mommy Cindy’ to ’Beloved Aunt Cindy.’ And right beneath, in the conversation box, was Tanya Sinclair! Joy had noted Tanya Sinclair as — Mom. Cindy’s pupils constricted fiercely, seething with anger. Jealousy surged as she clicked, seeing the chat history between Tanya Sinclair and Joy, this morning Tanya had sent Joy a "Good morning, sweetheart!" Joy even sent her a little sun! Cindy Lynn continued scrolling, discovering that they only started chatting intensely since last night. After reading, Cindy Lynn calmly put the phone back in its place. Her gaze turned cold. Thankfully, it’s only been a day, how can that compare to her five years with Joy? She had her ways to bring Joy back! Cindy Lynn took the tie downstairs, and before leaving, she personally helped Vincent Hawthorne put it on, with Vincent lowering his head in cooperation. He silently got up and poured himself another glass of milk. "Joy, Caden, Aunt Cindy and Dad are leaving now." Cindy Lynn waved goodbye to them with a smile. Joy blew both her and her dad a kiss. She turned back to see her brother standing by the window, watching Dad and Aunt Cindy get in the car and leave, frowning before taking another large gulp of milk. "Brother, what’s wrong? Didn’t you eat enough?" Joy’s round little head leaned over. He glanced at his sister, a bit speechless. She really is a little foodie. "Joy, Dad and Mom are getting divorced soon." Joy was suddenly stunned. She should have been happy; she always hoped Aunt Cindy could become her mom. Joy couldn’t really say how she felt. She originally wanted to eat some fruit, but suddenly lost her appetite. She suddenly turned around and ran upstairs, flopped onto the bed, and picked up her little phone... At this time, Tanya Sinclair was sitting in Belinda’s car. They were heading to The Veridia Project research base together. Belinda was uncharacteristically excited and couldn’t help but confirm once more with Tanya Sinclair, "You mean the Nobel laureate himself, Professor Carter, will meet with us?" Her voice was even shaking a bit. Tanya Sinclair smiled and confirmed again, "Yes." "How do you know Professor Carter?" Belinda was very curious, "He’s my idol! When he came to Stanford for a lecture, I couldn’t even get in!" Tanya Sinclair was a few years younger than her, with only a bachelor’s degree. Her personal data didn’t indicate any overseas academic experience, only that she graduated from Northwood, worked at Zenith Group, and then nothing else. No matter how it was looked at, Tanya Sinclair didn’t seem like someone who would know Professor Carter. Tanya Sinclair could naturally read Belinda’s look. Though Belinda was older, she spent her early years living and working abroad and only returned to the country in recent years, so it was natural she didn’t know. Tanya Sinclair didn’t want to elaborate on her past, merely saying vaguely, "Perhaps just lucky." At that moment, her phone rang with a new message, bringing a smile to her face. Belinda hadn’t seen Tanya Sinclair so giddy before and teased, "A message from your boyfriend?" "No, from my daughter." This statement almost made Belinda hit the wrong pedal. "You have a daughter? How old are you!" She was very surprised, as Tanya Sinclair exuded an academic aura, looking very young. Tanya Sinclair typed a reply to her daughter while answering Belinda, "I have a pair of twins, five years old. I’m filing for divorce now and it should be finalized by next week at the latest." Another bombshell, Belinda didn’t know how to respond, but seeing Tanya Sinclair’s calm demeanor, as a fellow woman, Belinda could kind of guess. "Your husband... well, ex-husband must have really broken your heart, right?" Belinda said softly, "It’s best to leave early! Don’t waste your time on someone who’s not worth it." "Yes." Tanya Sinclair nodded lightly, the sunlight pouring in from outside, filling the dawn with no end. She squinted her eyes contentedly. Every day away from Vincent Hawthorne felt like good weather to her. Her daughter’s message came again. Tanya Sinclair glanced down, and her smile slightly froze. Joy: [Brother said you and Dad are getting a divorce, is that true?] Tanya Sinclair took a slight breath and replied. [Yes, Dad and Mom have already separated.] It couldn’t be hidden, nor did she plan to hide it. "What about the custody of those two kids?" Belinda also asked. Tanya Sinclair’s tone was calm yet resolute, "I’ll find a way to get it." Belinda seemed like she wanted to say more, but in the end, she refrained. The car had reached the research center base. The gate checkpoints were guarded by armed soldiers, and even invited visitors had to undergo a full-body scan and surrender all electronic devices, including watches to be removed. As soon as Tanya Sinclair and Belinda passed the security check, Sam Sawyer came out to greet them. "Ms. Sinclair!" His gaze fell on Belinda, "And this is?" Tanya Sinclair introduced them, "This is Belinda, our R&D center’s manager. And this is Sam Sawyer, Professor Carter’s student." They politely shook hands. Sam Sawyer said, "Let’s go, Ms. Sinclair, Professor Carter has been waiting for you for a long time. He planned to come meet you personally but was held up by an important call." Belinda was even more surprised. It turns out it’s not Tanya Sinclair knowing Professor Carter, but that Professor Carter treats Tanya Sinclair as an esteemed guest! She increasingly realized Tanya Sinclair was anything but simple. The two followed Sam Sawyer inside, and Sam introduced them to a large semi-circular dome-shaped building in the distance, with a surface made of an exceptionally hard composite metal. "That’s the center of the entire research base, the top tier Level One lab." And Professor Carter was in an office building on the other side. Sam Sawyer had just brought Tanya Sinclair to the third floor when he received another call. He glanced at the caller ID—[Unimportant Connection]. Sam Sawyer smacked his forehead, "Oh no, I almost forgot about this guy!"