Chapter 343: Chapter 343

"President Sterling, those stocks you mentioned last time were spot on. But I’ve been saving up for a while; maybe it’s time to get into some real industry and have a plan in mind."

"You want to start a business?" Conrad Sterling asked him.

"Yeah!" Recently, Conrad Sterling had given Ethan Hawthorne a few pointers, and Ethan had already considered himself part of his camp, no longer holding back, "Previously, I dabbled in the entertainment industry because I had nothing better to do and was bored. But recently, it’s strange, Old Master Hawthorne talked to me a few times, and I sensed he wants me to get involved in some assets."

Ethan Hawthorne, in the Hawthorne Family, initially belonged to a distant branch with no status, a sideliner who had no say in family matters.

But after he made some money in stocks thanks to tips from Conrad Sterling, Old Master Hawthorne actually approached him for a conversation.

Ethan was both surprised and flattered, realizing then that the old man had been paying attention to him all along.

However, Conrad Sterling’s prerequisite for helping Ethan was that he should not reveal Conrad’s involvement.

Of course, Ethan was happy to comply. When Old Master Hawthorne interrogated him, he claimed he was just playing around with stocks, building an image of a carefree business prodigy.

"President Sterling, I’m not hiding anything from you, I’ve made quite a bit following the path you laid out. I’m grateful for the benefits you’ve given me, so if you ever need my assistance, just say the word."

Conrad Sterling didn’t have much need for Ethan Hawthorne’s help; Ethan was still far from being helpful.

Ethan seemed to realize this too, and sighed lightly, "Ah, if only I were more capable. To hang out with President Sterling, at least it should be someone who has a say in the Hawthorne Family, right?"

On the surface, Ethan’s words seemed self-deprecating, but they actually hinted strongly at his ambition.

Although he lacked neither fame nor fortune after entering the entertainment circle, within the larger family context, the hierarchy was conspicuous, with the direct line always held in high regard and others treated differently. How could he not have ideas?

Harboring ambition, coupled with his connection with Conrad Sterling, made him more inflated than ever.

Conrad Sterling certainly caught on and asked Ethan, "Do you want to be the Family Head of the Hawthorne Family?"

"Well... everyone in the Hawthorne Family knows that the old man has already chosen his heir, it’s from the third branch! Now, the Third Master is gradually taking over the industry, it’s a done deal. How could it be my turn?"

Ethan’s eyes clearly showed his strong desire, yet he pretended self-deprecation, a pretense that made Conrad Sterling speechless.

But President Sterling’s temper had improved recently, he rarely granted him a word of encouragement, "If it’s set in stone, can’t it be changed?"

The third branch of the Hawthorne Family is none other than the husband of Tanya Ford whom Conrad met in kindergarten, Mason Hawthorne.

With the future position of Family Head from the Hawthorne Family, no wonder Tanya Ford carries herself so confidently.

Ethan thought for a moment and his eyes suddenly lit up, "President Sterling, you must be aware that the Hawthorne Family has quite a reputation among the four major families, but in terms of strength and influence, we’ve already been squeezed to the bottom. I just feel the third branch isn’t capable."

Old Master Hawthorne, Harrison Hawthorne, has three sons in total.

To be fair, none of them are suitable for the great responsibilities.

Originally, the old man intended to follow the traditional Chinese rule to let the eldest son, Marvin Hawthorne, inherit the family business. Marvin was once a talent, but suffered a severe illness over twenty years ago and since became a chronically ill person dependent on medicine. It’s rumored that the Hawthorne Family has a specialized medical team to keep him alive, but it’s uncertain when he might die.

As for the second branch of the Hawthorne Family, it’s even more ridiculous. It’s said he’s obsessed with immortal cultivation, a mystical eccentric.

As a result, the inheritance had to fall on the third branch because only his third son, Mason Hawthorne, is considered normal.

Actually, Mason is also mediocre, he’s not invested in the family business, his greatest hobby is playing with women. Old Master Hawthorne originally didn’t feel comfortable leaving the family business to him, but it was only because Mason Hawthorne managed to have a son that Old Master Hawthorne decisively made a will.

Ultimately, it’s not because he values Mason, it’s because of the hard-won grandson in the Hawthorne Family.

After all, the Hawthorne Family has few descendants, especially in the grandson’s generation. Besides, the eldest branch has a daughter, the second branch is almost immortal, naturally childless, and the third branch, married for over a decade, finally had a late-in-life son, the talent was scarce indeed. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel★fire.net

But if you must say it, the Grant Family has even fewer people!

Everything is on Finn Grant’s shoulders; didn’t Finn single-handedly prop up the family?

Old Master Hawthorne is immensely envious of Elder Grant, having such a capable grandson. The mediocrity of his own descendants has always been his regret. Precisely because of this, Old Master Hawthorne is eager for talents, and Ethan Hawthorne merely struck it rich with a few stocks, and he immediately noticed him.

Since Ethan Hawthorne harbors ambition, he certainly won’t be too stupid.

With a slight hint from Conrad Sterling, he already understands.

Anyway, in the main line of the Hawthorne Family, only the third branch has the ability to inherit.

If for some external reason, the third branch is kicked out, the choice of inheritance will naturally fall to other branches.

Ethan will have a chance!

"Actually, I’ve noticed many flaws in Mason Hawthorne over years in the Hawthorne Family. For example, he’s lecherous, fond of gambling, does little serious work, but more of the frivolous kind. His position in the company greatly relies on the connections through Tanya Ford and The Azure Society. Tanya is busy helping him establish his network and position, while Mason is busy playing with women. He loves to spend money investing in TV dramas, using it as an opportunity to hook up with starlets. Rumor has it he’s recently invested in a script and extended invitations to big female stars for auditions, allowing him to choose whoever pleases him for the role."

Conrad Sterling had lost track of how many times he refreshed his social media; Anna didn’t post a selfie today, annoying!

Ethan Hawthorne was still babbling by his ear, even more annoying!

"That’s your Hawthorne Family’s internal affairs, no need to tell me!"

Conrad Sterling got up.

After he left, everyone else in the private room dared to act up.

They called over a dozen bikini beauties to serve drinks, and the scene quickly degenerated into a debauchery.

Ethan Hawthorne also held a beauty in his arms, but she noticed he seemed quite off today.

A fair arm wrapped around his neck, the beauty took the initiative and asked, "Young Master Hawthorne, why so absent-minded today? What are you thinking about?"

"I’m thinking about how to make a lecherous man mess up."

"That’s easy, set him up with a beauty, then notify his wife."

"Then make him cross paths with a woman he can’t afford to provoke!"

Upon hearing this, Ethan Hawthorne gained inspiration and interest.

Like a tiger pouncing on prey, he flipped the beauty in his arms onto the sofa, "Sweetheart, how are you so smart? I must reward you well!"

"Ah, you’re terrible~"