Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 199

Ethan's voice was calm as he asked, "When's Dad getting here?"

"What a perfect couple ... Wait, I think his flight's tonight." Tara had been secretly shipping them in her head and was caught off guard by the sudden question. She coughed lightly and said, "Let's just do our own thing, no need to worry about him."

At the airport parking lot, Oliver pulled up to pick them up.

"Mrs. Jackson, Ms. Porter."

He greeted politely, then loaded the luggage into the trunk.

Dawn and Tara chatted softly in the back while Oliver reported recent updates to Ethan.

"The project's started, but the Osborne Group only sent a project manager. He doesn't have the authority to make decisions and says everything needs approval from above."

Which basically meant the project couldn't move forward this quarter.

Ethan's voice gave nothing away. "Above? Which above?"

"Maybe ... Mr. Osborne is holding it up."

Ethan let out a cold laugh but said nothing.

Austin had been staying in Northville lately, so how could he have time for Trifton's project?

After a pause, Ethan spoke casually. "Business is business. Even if we're close to Mr. Osborne in private, we can't just let him do things his way. If he's not here, then we'll go to the other shareholders in his company. If they can move it forward, great. If not, someone else will take over."

Oliver glanced instinctively at the rearview mirror. Dawn sat quietly in the back, showing no reaction.

He looked away and nodded. "Yes."

Dawn had heard everything, and she understood.

To be honest, she did not know why Austin would act this way.

In her memory, he was never someone who mixed personal matters with business.

When they arrived at the Jackson Estate, Oliver ordered food from a restaurant. After eating, Tara began digging through her suitcase, holding up outfit after outfit.

"Is this too casual? A proposal's a formal occasion, this won't do ... "

"Is this too stiff? Even if it's a proposal, it's still at home, so it should feel a little warm ... "

Seeing her so serious and flustered, Dawn could not help but smile.

"Mrs. Jackson, anything is fine. My foster parents are very easygoing."

Tara already knew the couple was easygoing. They had not had much contact before, but as neighbors, there were always some interactions.

She sighed, finally settling on a simple purple-and-white dress which was a safe choice.

"When should we go over?"

"Anytime."

Dawn felt a sudden sense of relief. "Alright, let's go."

Meanwhile, the Osbornes had already heard they were back. Sandra had the servants cleaning and preparing the whole day, just as nervous as Tara.

Jessica sat eating grapes, watching them scurry about. For once, she let out a gossipy remark to Sandra. "Tell me, what do you think Austin will do when he finds out?"

Sandra was stunned for a moment before letting out a laugh. "Jessica, what kind of reaction are you hoping for?"

Jessica chuckled, speared a slice of apple, chewed it slowly, and said, "What reaction? I hope to see him bawling his eyes out, regretting everything.

"I just don't get it. Do you think we're the kind of old-fashioned family that would object? He's not that much older than Dawn. Did he really think I couldn't see it?

"That girl Dawn—her eyes used to sparkle whenever she looked at him. She always did whatever he wanted. Why? Because she liked him, that's why.

"And him? Just because he had the title of Uncle, he really thought he had to play the part? Strutting around with that air of superiority—I was sick of it!

"Well, now, look at this. Dawn's married to someone else.

"Let's see if he loses his mind."

Sandra did not reply.

Hearing her mother-in-law go on and on, she didn't know what to say. Because, honestly, every word was true.

Anyone with eyes could see Dawn had feelings for Austin back then.