The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 974

Darin set his phone aside and quickly looked up the next available flight from Cloudville back to the Capital. By noon, he still had not received a call back, so he tried dialing the number again. This time, the call connected. "Are you back in the Capital?" Darin asked directly.

Max offered a curt hum of confirmation.

"Want to grab lunch together?"

"Let's talk tonight," Max replied gruffly.

Darin did not push the issue. "Alright."

An hour later, a sleek Rolls-Royce pulled smoothly into the sprawling grounds of Hawthorne Manor. A bodyguard hurried forward to open the door, and Max stepped out. As he strode purposefully into the grand living room, his entire being radiated an incredibly dark, oppressive energy. The butler hurried over to greet him but felt a sudden jolt of alarm. In his eyes, Max had always been the epitome of cold, unshakeable aristocratic grace. He had never seen the man look so completely unhinged. "Mr. Hawthorne, you're back. Everyone is waiting for you in the dining room," the butler reported nervously.

Max headed toward the dining room with heavy, measured steps. The entire Hawthorne family was gathered today, nearly filling the massive table that could comfortably seat fifteen people. The moment Max crossed the threshold, the low murmur of conversation instantly died out. Every single pair of eyes locked onto him. Randy and Paul opened their mouths, ready to enthusiastically call out to their Uncle Max, but one look at his terrifyingly dark expression sent a wave of fear through them, rendering the young boys completely speechless.

Miranda sat regally at the head of the table. She looked steadily at her grandson. "You are finally back."

Tatiana, on the other hand, was deeply startled by her son's haggard appearance. She immediately stood up and rushed over to smooth out the rumpled collar of his shirt. "Have you not been resting well lately? Why didn't you freshen up a bit?"

Max completely ignored his mother's fussing, walking straight past her toward his usual seat. A maid hastily pulled out his chair for him. Once he was seated, another servant quickly handed him a warm towel to wipe his hands. Max took the towel and methodically wiped his skin. Watching her son's rigid posture, Tatiana felt a surge of maternal worry twisted with an indescribable, gnawing anxiety. She stepped forward and cautiously took the seat right beside him.

Even though the table was packed with relatives for a family gathering ostensibly meant to celebrate Max surviving his grueling ordeal, the atmosphere held absolutely no warmth or joy. Instead, the room was suffocated by a pin-drop silence. Miranda looked closely at Max and let out a very faint sigh. Turning to the rest of the family, she announced, "Dig in."

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