Chapter 700 Lawrence Comes to Pick Up Sidney
"Elliott, chill out. Don't go blaming Winnie. The Blanchet family just got their act together, so of course, she's swamped. I'll handle the kids at home. As long as Oscar and Sidney are cool with me, I'm good," Rock said, all humble and laid-back.
Winnie watched him quietly, sighed to herself, and decided she was really gonna make this work with him.
Rock glanced at Mia in Winnie's arms, his eyes darkening a bit, and asked casually, "Why's Mia here? Ms. Smith not around?"
"She texted me saying she had to hit up the factory to check on Jeremy. But she didn't mention it this afternoon," Winnie replied.
Rock's eyes flickered, trying to hide his concern. "What did Ms. Smith say this afternoon?"
"Not much," Winnie said, keeping it vague since it was a private matter.
Rock studied her usual expression, figuring Olivia didn't have time to explain. He sighed lightly and said, "Let her do her thing. We can handle Mia."
Winnie frowned, looking worried. "She took off suddenly, and I'm kinda worried. I tried calling, but the signal's out. Rock, I don't know where that factory is. Can you help me find it?"
'No way I can let Winnie find that factory now!' Rock thought, squinting his eyes and smiling helplessly. "Winnie, you're overthinking it. Ms. Smith's a grown-up. Are you really that worried about her going out? It's not necessary! Finding Mr. DeRoss is important. Don't hold her up. She texted you, so just wait a bit. She'll probably come back once she finds him. Look, Mia's hungry. Get her some food!"
While Winnie hesitated, Rock picked up Mia and nudged her towards the dining table. "I'll call her again tomorrow. Mia, you can crash with me tonight," Winnie said.
After dinner, she played with the kids for a while. Around nine, Winnie got Mia and her sons ready for bed.
In the kids' room, Sidney yawned and suddenly sat up. "Mommy, I gotta talk to you."
"What's up, Sidney?"
"Well, I saw bad daddy the other day, and he said Leah's health is bad. I called Leah today, and she really wants to see me and Oscar, to see if we look alike. I felt bad. I've decided to stay with Leah for a few days. She might not have much time left."
Winnie frowned, wondering if Leah's health was really that bad. She remembered Leah being kind-hearted and helping her a few times before.
Winnie turned to Oscar. "Oscar, you cool with staying at the Rodriguez family with Sidney for a few days?"
Oscar looked up from his computer, thought for a moment, and shook his head. "One of us is enough. I don't know Leah, and it's not right to just accept her like that. It'd be too easy for the Rodriguez family. I don't want Mommy to feel weird. So, Sidney, you go. I'm kinda busy lately."
Winnie's heart warmed. Oscar always thought about her feelings first, not wanting her to feel off-balance.
She smiled, about to speak, but Sidney pouted. "You're not busy; you're very busy," Sidney pouted. "Is the computer more important than me?"
Oscar felt helpless. He had to keep an eye on Ishara, who was pregnant with his sibling.
Oscar was at a loss, but he knew he couldn't spill the beans to Winnie right now. She'd lose it, and besides, Sidney had mentioned that Winnie didn't want this kid back then. Plus, she had a new marriage to think about.
Oscar didn't want to give up on the baby. He just wanted Ishara to have a safe delivery.
"Oscar, what are you busy with?" Winnie asked, curious but respecting his privacy, not peeking at his computer.
Oscar quickly closed his laptop and said, "I've been learning some advanced hacking from Olivia and doing some research. Plus, I still need treatment, so I'm often at Leo's place. My schedule's all over the place. Hope you understand, Mom."
"Just stay safe," Winnie nodded, not suspecting anything, then turned to Sidney. "I agree with you. But how are you getting there tomorrow?"
"Bad daddy said he'd pick me up," Sidney said eagerly.
Winnie was surprised but eventually nodded.
She closed the kids' room door and walked out, finding Rock standing on the stairs.
Rock walked over gently and suddenly held her hands. "Winnie, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, just passing by. But since Sidney's staying with the Rodriguez family for a while, and Oscar's often not home, you should officially move to my new villa. I want us to have our private space."
Winnie was taken aback. But since she realized Rock had no issues and it was all in her head, this step had to be taken sooner or later. Dragging it out wasn't fair to him.
She nodded, "Okay, I'll move over soon."
The next day.
At 7:30 in the morning, the sun hadn't fully risen when the security guard ran over to tell Winnie that Lawrence was at the gate.
Winnie packed some clothes for Sidney and walked out with him.
Lawrence's tall figure stood by the ornate gate. He wore a white shirt and black trousers, as usual. Maybe because autumn was coming, he had a black vest over his white shirt, making him look as stern and dignified as ever, like some noble superior.
No matter how down and out he was, his innate excellence couldn't be washed away. Even though he held a cigarette between his long fingers and his deep-set face looked much thinner, his eyes seemed desolate and unruly.
Winnie was momentarily dazed, her gaze meeting his fixed brown eyes. He kept looking at her, his gaze like a vortex, repressed and stubborn, gradually turning red at the corners. It was unclear if it was from looking at her or the smoke.
Winnie stopped in her tracks, unsure of what to do until Lawrence's hoarse voice came, "Sidney, I'm here to pick you up."
Winnie took a deep breath and led Sidney out.
Sidney wrinkled his nose and said, "Lawrence, can you stop smoking? You're taking medicine."
Sidney smartly hinted.
Winnie felt awkward. The medicine was prepared by her. She nudged Sidney and said, "Sidney, get in the car."
"Okay, I won't smoke." Lawrence stubbed out the cigarette, opened the car door with his long arm, and let Sidney in.
Winnie put his small luggage in the car. Lawrence's strong arm pressed against the car door, blocking her way. His deep eyes, with a hint of tobacco, wafted over.
Winnie coldly stepped aside and said, "Sidney, remember to call me if you need anything."
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