Divorce To Marry a CEO

Chapter 8: A Step Towards Independence

The next day, in the lavish Hawthorne family estate, Evelyn and Lauren sat smugly in the parlor, sipping tea. They exchanged satisfied glances, confident that they had sent a clear message to Sophia. She thought she could walk away from Marcus without consequences? They had taught her otherwise.

“She won’t be able to recover from this,” Lauren said, her tone dripping with malice. “Stopping her mother’s treatment? That’ll show her who’s in control.”

Evelyn smiled wickedly. “It’s about time that girl learned her place. She had the audacity to walk out on Marcus like that, thinking she could just move on. This will bring her back down to earth.”

Just then, the door to the parlor swung open, and Mr. Hawthorne, Marcus’s father, stormed in, looking angrier than either woman had ever seen him. He held a tablet in his hand, furiously tapping at the screen.

“What the hell have you done?” he barked, glaring at both women.

Evelyn blinked, surprised by his tone. “What are you talking about?”

“I just received a notification from Humble Hospital and all its branches. We’re banned—every single member of this family is banned from receiving services at any of their facilities!” His face flushed with rage as he tossed the tablet onto the table in front of them. “And do you know why? Because of you two!”

Evelyn and Lauren exchanged stunned looks, their smug expressions quickly dissolving into fear. “Banned?” Lauren stammered. “But... how?”

Mr. Hawthorne’s eyes flashed with fury. “I just spoke with the hospital administration. They told me that you two went behind everyone’s back, bribing the director to stop treatment for Sophia’s mother! Do you have any idea who you were dealing with?”

“But we—” Evelyn began, but Mr. Hawthorne cut her off.

“You’ve jeopardized our standing, our reputation. And all because of some petty grudge against Sophia?” He paced angrily, his hand gripping the back of a chair. “And now, we’re not only banned from the best hospital in the country, but Alexander Evans—the Alexander Evans—is behind this. He owns a controlling share in the hospital, and you’ve made enemies with him.”

Both women froze. The realization hit them like a tidal wave. Alexander Evans was not a man to cross lightly. His wealth, power, and influence stretched far beyond what they had ever imagined. Lauren’s face paled.

“Alexander Evans?” Lauren whispered. “He... he’s the one helping Sophia?”

Mr. Hawthorne didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled out his phone. “I’ve had enough of your reckless actions. As of now, your credit cards are canceled. Both of you. I won’t let you drag this family any further into disgrace.”

Evelyn gasped. “But—”

“No buts!” Mr. Hawthorne snapped. “You’ve crossed the line. If you even think about going after Sophia again, there will be consequences far worse than losing access to your credit cards. Do you understand?”

Lauren and Evelyn remained silent, the full weight of their miscalculation sinking in. They had believed their influence and wealth made them untouchable. But they had underestimated the power of Alexander Steele—and now they were paying the price.

As Mr. Hawthorne stormed out of the room, Evelyn and Lauren sat in stunned silence. Their victory had turned to ash in their mouths. They had tried to destroy Sophia, but it was they who had been destroyed instead.

Back at Alexander’s mansion, Sophia sat quietly beside her bed, unaware of the chaos that had unfolded in the Hawthorne family. All she knew was that her mother was receiving the best care once again, and for now, that was all that mattered.