Chapter 254: Chapter 254: I Won’t Marry That Ugly Freak from the Sterling Family
Everyone in Orchid Court was packing up to prepare for the departure to City of Aethelgard. In truth, there wasn’t much to take along since Aethelgard was full of luxury and had everything. However, having lived here for seven years, there were many sentimental things that needed to be packed and taken away.
Hayden Crawford dealt with some urgent documents and then returned to his bedroom.
For some reason, he felt an emptiness inside, as if something very important was lost.
When it was time to leave, he surprisingly felt a lot of reluctance: reluctance to leave Bayside, reluctance to leave Orchid Court, and even more so, reluctance to leave this bedroom.
He was not someone who would easily grow attached to a place, yet something seemed to mysteriously attract him here, making him deeply reluctant and nostalgic.
However, he couldn’t figure out what that thing was.
Meow~
Meow Meow~
Just then, he heard two soft cat meows in his ears.
Looking down, Hayden Crawford saw the snow-white Ronda already by his feet, gazing up at him with big, bright eyes.
Hayden’s heart suddenly softened, as if a feather lightly brushed over the lake of his heart, causing ripples to spread wave after wave. Bending down, he picked Ronda up into his arms.
He remembered buying this kitten while on a business trip. He found it strange; he wasn’t someone who would typically buy such a soft little creature.
Meow~
Meow Meow~
Ronda nuzzled into the crook of his arm, curling up quietly, looking quite unhappy.
Hayden petted Ronda’s head and whispered, "What’s wrong? Why do you seem so sad? I feel like Grandma, Butler Felix, Beryl... all of you seem so sad..."
Of course, Ronda couldn’t answer him, and it seemed he was talking to himself.
...
Three months later.
City of Aethelgard.
The City of Aethelgard was lively today because it was Anabelle Rathborne’s birthday.
The Rathborne family was wealthy beyond measure, and the current head of the family, Julian Rathborne, was the richest man in the world. Anabelle Rathborne was the only daughter of the Rathborne family, the daughter of the wealthiest man, a true noblewoman who grew up surrounded by flowers, applause, and everyone’s adoration since birth.
Today, instead of a grand celebration, a small birthday party was held for Anabelle, inviting her friends—socialites and young aristocrats of Aethelgard—to celebrate extravagantly with the young, honoring this true little princess for her birthday.
At the luxurious party, James Sawyer presented his birthday gift to Anabelle Rathborne, who was surrounded by a crowd, "Happy Birthday, Cousin Anabelle."
Anabelle Rathborne wore a light azure gauze gown today. Her skin was as fair as snow, and she was stunningly beautiful. Her petite oval face was exquisite, and her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders with an enchanting allure.
Thirty years ago, the most beautiful woman in Aethelgard was Zelda Willow, or rather, Isabelle Willow. Now, the number one beauty in Aethelgard was Anabelle Rathborne.
Anabelle happily accepted the gift, "Thank you, Cousin."
There were familial ties between the Rathborne and Sawyer families. James Sawyer was a wealthy playboy from the Sawyer family, changing women as often as changing clothes. Currently, he was holding Eva, a rising young model from the entertainment industry, in his arms.
Anabelle glanced at Eva, "Cousin, why do you keep changing girlfriends? Aren’t you afraid your fiancée will get jealous?"
Everyone quickly chimed in,
Indeed, Young Master Sawyer, the Sawyer and Sterling families have an engagement. The Sterling family had a little daughter who went missing when she was young, giving you freedom all these years. But recently, the Sterling family found the lost daughter, who is also your fiancée. You are already betrothed, and you can’t fool around anymore.
Young Master Sawyer, have you met your fiancée? How is the Sterling family’s little daughter? Is she as fierce as the rest of the Sterlings? She couldn’t possibly resemble a flower too, could she? Hahaha.
Everyone laughed at James Sawyer, bursting into uproarious laughter.
Talking about this topic, James Sawyer felt like swearing. The Sawyer and Sterling families had an engagement, with the Sterling’s little daughter as his fiancée.
City of Aethelgard had four major aristocratic families: the Rathbornes, Crawfords, Loehms, and Arken. Although the Sterlings weren’t among them, the city also had the "Three Wonders," and the Sterlings were one of those wonders.
The Sterling family was mixed up in the underworld, ruling over thirty-six gangs, and every pier followed their commands. The Sterlings were the big brothers of the underworld, feared by everyone. The entire Sterling family was skilled in martial arts, exceptional fighters, and the current head of the family was extremely irritable and fiercely protective. No one dared to marry a Sterling daughter.
In the past, the head of the Sterling family had saved Grandpa Sawyer, so Grandpa Sawyer arranged the marriage.
James pointed his finger at those mocking him, angrily saying, "I will not marry that freak from the Sterling family. Just wait; I will call off this engagement!"
Everyone laughed heartily,
Young Master Sawyer, if you dare to break off the engagement, be careful that the head of the Sterling family doesn’t twist your head off and use it as a football!
Not only that, but they might dismember your body!
James was so mad he was about to explode. He hadn’t seen the little Sterling daughter, but surely, from such a family of brutes, they couldn’t possibly produce a tender beauty. That freak might indeed resemble a flower, and he certainly didn’t want to marry and have nightmares every night.
"Let’s stop talking about me," James Sawyer said, looking gossipy at Anabelle Rathborne, "Cousin Anabelle, I heard that Young Master Crawford is coming to the party to celebrate your birthday?"
This question successfully drew everyone’s attention. This luxurious party gathered almost the entire elite class of City of Aethelgard. Hayden Crawford never mingled with them; when they were still studying in the courtyard, Hayden had already entered the business world at a young age. To them, this business prodigy was terrifyingly abnormal.
Later, Hayden Crawford encountered some troubles, and the Crawford family sealed all the information. The outside world knew very little. In general, they both respected and feared Hayden; he was a legendary figure.
Now, three months ago, Hayden Crawford returned and officially took over the Crawford Group from Jude Crawford. In these three months, he had decisively restructured various departments, making people afraid to even approach him.
Yet, such a cold and authoritative man was destined to be the center of attention, like a magnet, inducing both fear and irresistible awe in people.
Several close friends clung to Anabelle,
Anabelle, are you really with Young Master Crawford? Aren’t you afraid of him?
Anabelle, is the Crawford-Rathborne marriage alliance true? I heard you’re about to get engaged to Young Master Crawford.
Anabelle’s pretty face turned rosy. Hayden had been in Bayside for seven whole years, and she had waited for seven years. Now, her efforts were finally paying off.
Anabelle nodded vigorously, "Yes, I’m with Brother Hayden."
Just then, someone shouted excitedly, "Look, everyone, Young Master Crawford is here!"
Everyone looked up, only to see the doors pushed open, and the cold wind from outside quickly swept in. A tall and handsome figure leapt into everyone’s sight.
Hayden Crawford had arrived.