Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 994

"Didn't Clayton make sure someone was looking after Mrs. Hawkins?"

The elder replied, "Of course, he did. But no matter how tight the security, there's always a loophole. Plus, given Mrs. Hawkins' condition, it just made it easier for those with ill intentions."

Tarquin frowned, "Why not check her into a sanatorium?"

"She can't be admitted. Mrs. Hawkins harms herself in those places. She almost caused a fatal incident once."

Tarquin's brow furrowed deeper, pausing before asking,

"Are Clayton and Mrs. Hawkins on good terms?"

"Oh, yes. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins married for love. Their bond has always been strong.

Now, with Mr. Hawkins in a position of power, it seems like Mrs. Hawkins isn't quite his match anymore. But his feelings towards her haven't changed a bit; he's as devoted as ever.

Mrs. Hawkins has been unwell for years now, and despite Mr. Hawkins' busy life, he's never been involved in any scandals. His heart is with his wife and daughter, and of course, Hawkins Navigation.

Mr. Hawkins has tried more than once to take Mrs. Hawkins with him on trips to look for their daughter!

But Mrs. Hawkins has her obsessions and refuses to leave Oceanopolis.

She spends her days either at the dock where their daughter went missing or in her daughter's old room, singing lullabies to an empty bed..."

Tarquin listened intently, his expression growing grimmer.

He knew the taste of longing all too well – the torment of wanting and not having, of missing without seeing.

After a moment of silence, Tarquin asked, "What about their family tragedy?"

The elder sighed, "Their daughter disappeared, his wife lost her mind, and now Mr. Hawkins, the only pillar of the family, is caught in a whirlpool too deep to escape from."

Tarquin, puzzled, asked,

"Has something big happened to Clayton recently? I haven't seen anything online."

"Hawkins Navigation was built from the ground up by the Hawkins family. Clayton's not one to be easily bullied. How do they plan to corner him?"

The elder explained, "Currently, Mr. Hawkins holds only 40% of the shares, while the Hawkins family and various small shareholders together hold 45%. Even with Mr. Hawkins' strong background, he could lose control of Hawkins Navigation in a dispute."

"That doesn't add up. How does Clayton only have 40%? He founded Hawkins Navigation; he should own more than 50%. And what about the other 15%?"

"Share distribution is quite private; I'm not entirely sure. I only know the current predicament."

After a brief silence, Tarquin asked,

"Do you know who holds the remaining 15%?"

"No idea. It's not with Mr. Hawkins, nor with any other Hawkins family members."

Tarquin's frown deepened. If that's the case, Clayton's situation was indeed perilous.

Following legal procedures wouldn't favor him, even if the nation wanted to help, unless the holder of that 15% came forward to support him.