Refusing to Remarry: Mr. Hawthorne, You Are Out-Chapter 77: What Is There for Her to Be Afraid Of?
Good thing she was mentally prepared!
"Don’t panic." Raine took a deep breath, her mind spinning fast as she looked around.
The raised platform covered with a red carpet had one broken leg, and the tilt was even more twisted than Candace Ford’s worldview.
"Let’s find something to prop it up first." She calmly gave instructions, not feeling this was any big deal.
Mason Sullivan said instead, "Ms. Sinclair, I just checked that leg—the break is clean, clearly sabotaged."
"Really." Raine pulled at her lips. Things are starting this quickly?
Looks like Jonas Hawthorne and Finn Wyatt weren’t lying to her after all.
"I’m worried today might..." Mason frowned tightly, an undercurrent of frustration flickering in his tone.
Raine knew what he wanted to say, so she said right away, "If trouble comes, we handle it. If we’re scared now, we’re playing right into their hands. Hurry and get someone to stabilize the platform, and later, anyone too heavy stays off so it doesn’t collapse."
"Got it." Mason nodded, turning to give orders.
But just as he turned, he seemed to remember something, came back and smiled at Raine, "Go get ’em, Raine!"
"Go on, then." Raine smiled, feeling more confident inside.
So many people are here to help her—she had every reason to give it all she had!
After Mason left, Easton Yancy came over, handing her a stack of lists.
"Ms. Sinclair, here’s everyone attending today. It’s twelve more than we expected."
Raine glanced at it, "Why twelve extra?"
"All signed up last minute," Easton replied.
"Last minute? Where were they earlier? Have they all been screened?" Raine asked.
"They’re from the neighboring province, all well-known brands."
Raine’s interest was piqued, and she carefully checked the new companies.
Looking at these names, they all seemed oddly familiar...
She was just about to speak her thought when Leon Grant arrived.
"You’re here so early?" His tone had a hint of surprise.
He thought he’d come early, but Raine was already here.
Raine’s thoughts were interrupted. She turned and saw Leon Grant behind her in a deep blue suit.
He’d clearly put some extra effort in—even his hair was styled differently. He looked absolutely refreshed.
Raine teased, "Mr. Grant, you’re glowing today!"
"Ms. Sinclair, you’re radiant yourself!" Leon mirrored her tone.
She was dressed in a beige business suit today, her long hair tied up in a high ponytail—crisp, minimal, with all the sharpness and confidence of a professional woman.
Totally different from the sweet, innocent girl he’d seen at the beach villa.
Raine nearly burst out laughing right there!
"Well, it’s such an important occasion, gotta take it seriously!"
Leon caught the hint, replying meaningfully, "Making jokes—looks like Ms. Sinclair has this bidding event well under control."
Raine glanced at him for a moment, catching an emotion in his eyes similar to what Jonas Hawthorne had shown her—it didn’t take long to realize what he meant.
She curled her lips into a smile, saying offhandedly, "Mostly it’s seeing you here, Mr. Grant, that lets me finally relax!"
Easton Yancy listened to their polite banter, thinking it was just mutual flattery—but the next second, Raine said, "Later it’s all up to you, Mr. Grant! I’ve got so little experience, so I’m counting on you!"
With a few words, she put Leon Grant right on the spot.
He just gave a light smile, "You’re too modest, Ms. Sinclair."
At that moment, Raine’s phone buzzed suddenly.
She wasn’t planning to check it—she was busy enough already—but worried she’d miss some important update, she pulled it out.
It was a message from an unknown number.
It was a trending headline.
[Hawthorne Group CEO to Marry Divorced Wife! Wedding Set for Next Month, Day Three!]
Seeing this, Raine froze for a moment.
Leon Grant noticed the pale look on her face and lowered his voice, "What happened?"
Raine didn’t answer, just said lightly, "Nothing, just a bunch of bored idiots."
Who else would send her something like this besides Candace?
Trying to distract her and make her mess up the bidding? Ha, she’s determined to do even better!
After hustling for over an hour, at nine a.m., the bidding event officially began.
First to speak on stage was Raine.
She took a deep breath, her hand holding the microphone trembling with nerves at first.
Sinclair Group had gone all out with promotion, so lots of people showed up today.
She glanced down at the dense crowd before her—not quite a packed house, but close.
Journalists and media from everywhere, financial magazines, all kinds of industries, live-stream platforms—all were here.
Countless cameras and microphones aimed at Raine, plus the stares of who knows how many pairs of eyes...
Ugh, suffocating.
But she quickly got her mindset right, keeping in mind what her father had taught her.
The more rattled you feel inside, the steadier you have to appear outside!
She took a deep breath, "Honored guests and representatives, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend Sinclair Group’s bidding conference!"
As she reached this part, the vibe team below started applause, getting everyone else to join in.
Raine instinctively looked at the vibe team leader, Mason Sullivan, who was holding the rehearsal script for today’s event—marks showing exactly where Raine’s words needed applause. He wore an invisible earpiece and mic, ready to adjust and coordinate at any time.
Mason caught her gaze and flashed a discreet thumbs up!
The meaning was crystal clear: Raine, you’re awesome!
Raine got it, returning the look with a knowing smile!
Yeah, with so many people backing her, what was there to be afraid of?
That thought made her expression relax instantly.
Even her grip on the microphone grew steadier.
"As the saying goes, March brings fresh blooms and revives all things—a total spring vibe. Sinclair has been around for over a century now.
All these years, it’s been the hard work of our ancestors and elders.
As you know, to give our customers the best shopping and living experience, when it comes to architecture and engineering, we always strive for excellence.
The pros should handle professional matters.
So, I hope all participating companies today follow open and transparent practices. Sinclair Group will also show our utmost sincerity.
Last but not least, I wish today’s bidding and results launch go smoothly!"
As she finished, Mason started the applause again.
But halfway through the applause, someone in the crowd grew restless.
"Anyone can spout fancy words! Sinclair’s making this bidding just to make more money, aren’t they? Never seen someone so shameless and self-important!"
The room instantly fell dead silent.
