From Ignored to Adored: The Heiress Melts the Self-Restrained Boss-Chapter 169: You Slept with Her

The next day.

Hartswell Manor.

"Riley, are you inside?" Vivian knocked on the door, accompanied by two maids, one carrying porridge and the other water and cold medicine.

After a moment, Riley Hawthorne opened the door.

"Sister-in-law, what’s up?"

"I noticed you’ve been in your room all day without eating much, so I made you some porridge." Vivian looked concerned, and gestured to the two maids behind her.

"Miss, please have the porridge and take the medicine."

Riley Hawthorne glanced at the porridge and medicine they were holding and frowned, "Sister-in-law, I don’t really have an appetite."

Seeing Riley’s swollen eyes and weary face, Vivian’s heart ached and she took Riley’s hand, leading her into the room.

"Be good, tell me what’s been going on?"

Riley looked down, silent. She didn’t know how to tell Vivian about her situation with Zachary Sutton – she felt so embarrassed and hurt.

Vivian, observing her demeanor, felt even more compassionate. "Riley, if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s okay. But you need to take care of yourself. You shouldn’t skip meals or medicine just because you’re upset. Otherwise, everyone will worry about you."

Riley nodded slightly, a trace of emotion in her eyes, "Sister-in-law, I understand. Thank you."

Vivian gently patted her hand. "Silly girl, there’s no need to be so polite with me. No matter what happens, we’re family, and we’ll support you."

Riley’s eyes grew a bit moist as she felt the warmth and love from her family. She decided she must be strong and not make everyone worry about her.

"Sister-in-law, I will drink the porridge and take the medicine. Don’t worry." Riley Hawthorne said.

Vivian smiled with relief. "That’s the spirit. Rest well, and call me if you need anything."

With that, Vivian left the room with the two maids.

Riley Hawthorne looked at the porridge and medicine on the table, her heart filled with warmth.

She knew she wasn’t alone; she had the support and love of her family.

She needed to move past this shadow quickly and start her life anew.

So, Riley Hawthorne picked up the bowl of porridge and began to eat it heartily.

"Breaking news: The York Group’s official website announced today that it has declared bankruptcy, facing a total collapse of all its subsidiaries..."

Caden Hawthorne watched this news, a slight smirk on his lips; finally, some satisfying news.

"Master Hawthorne, with the York Group bankrupt now, the Everett Group has already expressed intentions to acquire York, which might be disadvantageous to us." Assistant Bryan Coleman was on a video call with Caden Hawthorne.

Caden Hawthorne sat at his home desk, hands folded, with a cold gaze, "Silas Everett hasn’t opposed our Hawthorne Group for the first time – he’s indeed a formidable competitor. Let’s wait and see who laughs last!"

Bryan frowned slightly, voicing his concern, "Master Hawthorne, the Everett Group’s strength shouldn’t be underestimated. Shouldn’t we prepare in advance?"

Caden nodded slightly, a sharp gleam in his eyes, "You’re right; we can’t be complacent. Notify all department heads to convene an emergency meeting and discuss strategies."

Bryan complied and went to organize the meeting. Caden Hawthorne leaned back in his chair, lost in thought.

He knew Silas Everett was an ambitious person. The York Group’s bankruptcy was an opportunity for him.

But Caden wouldn’t let Silas succeed easily. He needed to protect the interests of the Hawthorne Group, not letting anyone threaten it.

In the afternoon, Riley Hawthorne finally came out of her room, having tidied up and put on light makeup, looking more spirited.

"Riley, you finally came downstairs. How are you feeling? Is your cold better?"

Mrs. Hawthorne looked worried.

Riley smiled, "Mom, don’t worry, I’m much better now. I have something to do, so I’ll be off."

With that, Riley left the villa with her little purse in a hurry.

"You child, remember to come back early," Mrs. Hawthorne said helplessly.

"Got it, Mom." Riley’s voice was heard, though she had already left the house.

Zachary Sutton, suspecting Rosalyn Quinn of lying, contacted friends who drank with him that day.

From them, he learned that on the night in question, a girl claiming to be his "friend" indeed took him home.

Zachary Sutton was about to verify at the bar who exactly sent him home that night, when Mrs. Sutton called.

"Hello, Mom..."

"Zachary, what on earth is going on between you and Rosalyn?"

"What do you mean?" Zachary was puzzled.

"How dare you ask me what I mean?" Mrs. Sutton was furious over the phone, "Rosalyn told us that she was with you that night. Son, you slept with her, why not admit it? Don’t you want to take responsibility?"

Hearing this, Zachary frowned and hurriedly explained, "Mom, it’s not that I don’t want to take responsibility; I just haven’t figured it all out yet. Therefore, I can’t rush to conclusions."

"You’ve been with her, what else is unclear? Aren’t you sure of your own actions?" Mrs. Sutton snapped, "You now, immediately, come home!"

Zachary sighed helplessly, knowing it was hard to explain over the phone. He decided to head home and discuss it further.

He hung up and started towards his home.

Back at home, Zachary found his parents sitting gravely in the living room, with Rosalyn Quinn at the side, her eyes red and full of grievance.

"Zachary, tell us honestly, what exactly have you done to Rosalyn?" Mr. Sutton asked sternly.

Zachary was silent for a moment and then said, "Dad, Mom, I really don’t know what happened that night. When I woke up, Rosalyn was at my place, claiming we were together. But I’m not sure it was her, so I want to find out the truth."

"Investigate? What is there to investigate?" Mrs. Sutton couldn’t contain her anger, "Rosalyn is already like this, and you still don’t believe her? Do you want to drive us mad?"

Zachary frowned and said, "Mom, it’s not that I don’t believe her, but something feels off about this situation. I need to discover the truth before making a decision."

"Truth? What truth?" Mr. Sutton said, "You’ve been with the girl, that’s the truth. You have to take responsibility, or where does the family’s dignity go?"

Rosalyn wiped her tears, looking pitiful as she said, "Uncles, Aunt, please don’t pressure Zachary. I don’t blame him, I’m just..."

She paused and then continued, "I just love him too much. Even if he doesn’t admit it, it’s fine with me. I just won’t marry anyone else in the future."