Chapter 154
Jensen was speaking to one of the restaurant staff. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored gray suit, the dark fabric a stark contrast to his silver hair. It was a simple, impeccable style that few men could pull off, but on him, it looked incredible.
From where Rebekah stood, she could only see his profile-sharp, defined lines, and a lock of silver hair falling artfully across his forehead. His eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, now held a sharp, focused intensity.
“You know him?” Patricia asked, following her gaze.
Just then, Jensen turned and saw them. Patricia felt a flicker of recognition; she was sure she had seen him somewhere before.
“I do,” Rebekah said, pulling Patricia along with her as she walked over to him.
“What a coincidence. Are you here for dinner p>
Jensen’s eyes dropped to where Patricia’s arm was linked with Rebekah’s, and his expression darkened.
“I’m here on business.” His gaze shifted past Rebekah’s shoulder, landing on Benjamin and Candice as they exited the restaurant. The coldness in his eyes intensified.
“Miss Fletcher, President Hawthorne has requested a meeting with you tomorrow. Are you available p>
Rebekah was momentarily thrown by him using her formal name, but she understood that “President Hawthorne” must be the head of the Hawthorne family.
After a moment’s thought, she nodded.
Hearing the name, Benjamin strode over. “President Hawthorne?” he said, looking at Rebekah. “I’ll go with you tomorrow p>
Before Rebekah could respond, Jensen let out a cold laugh. “President
Hawthorne didn’t ask to see you. If you want a meeting, you can schedule one yourself p>
He then turned back to Rebekah, his expression softening. “I have some things to take care of. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at ten p>
Rebekah nodded, and Jensen disappeared into the restaurant.
Benjamin’s expression was grim as he drew her aside. “Do you know what you’re going to say when you meet President Hawthorne tomorrow p>
Rebekah looked at him blankly. “What am I supposed to say p>
Benjamin fell silent for a beat, his eyes cold. “You may have been acknowledged by the Hawthorne family, but don’t forget who your real family is the one you’ll be spending the rest of your life with. The Forrester Group is facing a bit of a crisis right now and the Hawthorne Group has a project that would be perfect for us. Just… mention it. Casually. Don’t make it too obvious p>
Rebekah let out a small, bitter laugh. “Do you really think President Hawthorne believes I’m his long-lost daughter? A man with an empire that vast wouldn’t just take it on faith, would he? He’d investigate p>
“No matter how much he investigates, the fact is, you are a Hawthorne. That won’t change p>
“Is that so?” Rebekah tilted her head, studying his face. It was a face she had looked at for eight years, but now it seemed shrouded in a fog. unreal Benjamin knew perfectly well whether that DNA test was real not. What made him so certain the Hawthornes wouldn’t find out the truth?
“Come home tonight,” he said. “I’ll brief you on the Hawthorne family p>
Rebekah gave a noncommittal “Mmm,” then took Patricia’s arm and walked away.
Upstairs, Jensen settled into a seat by the window. Sylvia was already there, flipping through a magazine.
“What did you call me here for?” Jensen asked, glancing at the magazine. It wasn’t one of the restaurant’s; it was a jewelry catalog.
“You’re finally here.” Sylvia snapped the catalog shut and grabbed her purse, looking rushed. “I’ve arranged for Rosie to meet you. You two need to talk this out. Whatever happens, don’t let it ruin your relationship have to go meet my mentor-I’m going to be late p>