Chapter 101 Approaching Danger
In the end, no secret remains hidden from the relentless passage of time. Noah had heard whispers about Wendy's sudden retirement being linked to Quentin. Without hesitation, he hurried back and stormed into Quentin's office.
"Blocking Wendy from performing is a pretty significant move, don’t you think? Couldn't you at least give me a heads-up?" Noah quipped, perching on the edge of Quentin's desk.
Quentin arched an eyebrow. "Significant? I wouldn’t call it that."
Noah chuckled, though his tone held a hint of reproach. "In Quentin's world, the only thing significant is Lauren."
Quentin's expression darkened instantly. "Don't mention her again," he snapped, his tone brooking no argument despite their friendship.
Unfazed, Noah continued, "Oh come on, Quentin. Are you telling me you’re not thinking about her? If you love her, just admit it. All this drama—what's the point?"
Quentin's eyes flashed with irritation. "Can’t a man just vent his anger?"
Noah sighed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Sure, keep telling yourself that. Blacklisting Wendy for Lauren’s sake and then refusing to admit it? It’s pretty clear what's going on here. You’ve got a golden opportunity to win Lauren back. Don’t waste it, or else all this will be for nothing."
Quentin’s silence spoke volumes, and Noah knew better than to push further. Quentin, engrossed in his documents, shifted the conversation abruptly. "You seem too idle at work, Noah. I'll find you more tasks."
"No need for that, I'm leaving now," Noah said with a grin, patting his chest. Quentin's workaholic phase had already doubled Noah’s workload, and teasing Quentin was a rare reprieve. But, duty called.
Once Noah left, Quentin walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the cityscape. He hoped all his efforts would truly keep Lauren safe, sparing her from any further turmoil connected to him.
Meanwhile, Wendy was livid. She stormed into James's house, her face a mask of fury and desperation.
"James, what’s going on? I still have two years left on my contract, and now it’s suddenly terminated without any warning?"
James looked at her with helplessness. Wendy’s termination had brought him a torrent of criticism. He was being blamed for not managing her better, thus angering the Robinson Conglomerate.
"Wendy, you need to reflect on your actions. Instead of begging Quentin for leniency, you come here making a scene. Let me tell you, no agency will touch you now. You're truly finished."
Wendy’s eyes filled with tears. "James, you’re lying! Why would no one work with me? I didn’t do anything wrong."
James sighed, his expression pained. "You don’t understand? You offended Quentin. He wants you blacklisted. No one will risk angering him for your sake. The company will cover the contract breach, but you're on your own now."
Wendy felt as though she’d been struck by lightning. She hadn’t expected Quentin’s retaliation to be so severe. Collapsing to the floor, she thought, 'It's over. Quentin must know everything I did to Lauren.'
Yet, despite her predicament, Wendy felt no regret—only a burning hatred for Lauren. 'If it weren’t for Lauren, I would have already won Quentin’s heart. If she had never appeared, I’d still be a star.'
Determination hardened her features as she stood up. 'If I'm going down, I’ll drag Lauren with me.'
As time passed, Lauren was now six months pregnant. She had a doctor's appointment today, an ultrasound to check the baby’s growth and perhaps catch a glimpse of the baby’s face. The anticipation filled her with joy.
"Ethan, something came up at work. I can't make it to the appointment," Ethan said apologetically over the phone.
Lauren smiled, reassuring him. "It’s okay. I can handle it. This is just a routine check-up. Focus on your work, and we’ll talk later."
Ethan was still uneasy. "Lauren, can you reschedule? I promise I’ll be there next time."
Lauren chuckled. "Ethan, don’t worry. I’ve been going to these check-ups alone before. The appointment is set, and I don’t want to inconvenience the doctor. I’ll keep you updated."
Reluctantly, Ethan agreed, listing a litany of precautions that made Lauren’s head spin. "I’m not a child. I’ll be fine. I’m heading to the hospital now."
Even after hanging up, Ethan couldn’t shake a sense of foreboding. He sensed something might go wrong.
Lauren, however, was in high spirits. She followed Ethan’s advice, taking a cab to the hospital. Upon arriving at the obstetrics department, she found the waiting room filled with other expectant mothers, all there for the same reason. The mix of excitement and nervousness was palpable.
As she waited outside the ultrasound room, Lauren thought back to an earlier time when she saw a pregnant woman struggling up the hospital stairs. She whispered to her belly, "Be good for the doctor, okay? Let’s make this easy."
A nearby pregnant woman overheard and laughed, sharing in the joyful anticipation that filled the room.
