Chapter 379 Can I Call Him Father?
"Our Hawthorne family now has an additional daughter, the young Mrs. Flynn of the Flynn family, Reese," Stephen solemnly announced.
Stephen's words were like a timed bomb at the banquet, causing a commotion throughout the room.
"What's going on? How could Mrs. Flynn from the Flynn family be Mr. Hawthorne's daughter? I've never heard of this before."
"How can they be father and daughter? Isn't Mrs. Flynn Kenneth's daughter? How did she become Mr. Hawthorne's daughter?"
"You didn't know? Reese is not Kenneth's biological daughter. She and her mother were taken in by Kenneth."
"Reese really lacks a conscience. Regardless, Kenneth adopted them before. Why is she always against them?"
"I don't understand. What's going on with these aristocratic families? We are not very clear about it."
Reese became the subject of discussion for a moment, but there was no hint of panic on her face, only a cold indifference.
Stephen saw Reese's icy face and sharp gaze, making him a bit nervous.
He had to take a gamble now. There was no other way. If Stephen hadn't pushed Reese like this, with her temperament, she would never have returned to the Hawthorne family.
However, he overlooked one thing. Reese's temperament was not as he understood it.
The more she was pressured, the more rebellious she became.
Malcolm stood by Reese's side, both exuding a strong aura. Malcolm's lips were tight, his eyes filled with a chilling intent, indicating that Stephen's actions had provoked him.
Especially daring to pressure Reese in this manner was something he absolutely could not tolerate.
Stephen didn't care, he was determined to make Reese submit to him.
Still smiling on stage, Stephen said. "Now, let's welcome my daughter Reese to the stage. Everyone, please welcome her."
Applause erupted in the audience, but everyone knew there were no blessings, only spectators.
The spotlight shone on Reese. Her face was calm and unruffled, and she exuded an extraordinary level of composure that left people puzzled.
"It seems that Mrs. Flynn of the Flynn family knew about this in advance. Otherwise, how could she be so calm, as if she knew everything that was going to happen today."
"They must have planned it in advance. Have you ever seen anyone from the Flynn family at a Hawthorne family banquet? These two families are usually worlds apart, so how could they be connected?"
"That's true."
Malcolm, seeing Reese's calm demeanor, understood that she was struggling internally. He couldn't bear it and reached out to hold her cold hand.
"Reese, if you don't want to stay, I'll have Alyssa take you back now, and I'll handle the rest."
Upon hearing Stephen's words, Alyssa was shocked and searched for Reese and Malcolm amidst the crowd before finally finding them.
"Malcolm, Reese, what's going on? Is this a special performance?"
Malcolm remained silent, his attention focused on Reese.
Seeing both of them silent, Alyssa began to doubt whether Stephen's words were true or not and couldn't help but ask. "Reese is really Mr. Hawthorne's daughter, and the boy at the door just now is really Reese's brother."
The information was overwhelming.
Malcolm, seeing Reese remain silent, gestured to Alyssa, who was still lost in her thoughts.
"Alyssa, take Reese back."
Alyssa was stunned but nodded in response.
"Okay."
As Alyssa approached Reese to suggest they leave together, Reese suddenly spoke up.
"I'm not going back."
Malcolm frowned. "Do you want to go along with him?"
A mocking smile played on Reese's lips as she glanced at Malcolm.
"Do you think I'm that kind of person?"
She was never one to be bullied, especially since Stephen had pushed her to her limit. If that's what he wanted, she might as well give him the game he so desperately wanted to play.
Malcolm understood Reese's words, and he thought that she had a plan.
He ruffled her hair, his eyes uncharacteristically gentle.
"I've said whatever you want to do, I'll support you. Even if you poke a hole in the sky, I'll clean up after you. Whatever you want to do, go ahead and do it."
Upon hearing Malcolm's words, Reese felt more confident. She wasn't alone. She had strong support behind her.
"Thank you, honey. I love you."
With that, Reese walked toward the stage, where all eyes and the spotlight were on her.
Standing tall, Reese walked to Stephen's side with confidence. Stephen thought Reese had given in, but little did he know, this was just the beginning.
As Reese approached, Stephen greeted her with a warm smile.
"Reese, my daughter. It's been so long since we have seen each other as father and daughter. I am overjoyed that within my lifespan, I can see you again."
With these words, he opened his arms, ready to hug her, but she stood still. Her cool face emanated aloofness, and when she cast her eyes upon Stephen, she filled with contempt.
Stephen's smile froze on his face. The audience began to speculate.
"What's going on? Didn't Mr. Hawthorne discuss this with Mrs. Flynn beforehand?"
"Why does Mrs. Flynn seem so reluctant?"
"Did you see Mrs. Flynn's eyes just now? They were as cold as ice, her gaze could freeze people to death."
"Could Mr. Hawthorne's attempt at reconciliation be failing? There are many reporters here."
Stephen's face stiffened, and Sebastian saw Reese's reluctance. He had seen it before when he and his men confronted her outside a lobster shop in Boston. She was clearly displeased.
It was Stephen's birthday banquet, and if Reese disrupted it, it would become a hot topic of discussion. Sebastian didn't want to be associated with that.
He quickly approached Reese. "Sister, don't just stand there. I know it's been difficult for you not seeing Dad all these years. But it's all fine now. Our family is reunited, and we can be together every day from now on."
Reese's cold gaze swept over Sebastian, and her words were devoid of emotion. "Do you think anyone would want to be with you every day? He wants to acknowledge me now, but why did he watch me and my mom get kicked out of the Hawthorne family without doing anything back then? He didn't even send anyone to find us. If it weren't for my luck, I might have died long ago. What kind of father is he? Can he even be called a father?"
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