Chapter 128 Midway Through the Banquet
Today, Quentin from the Robinson Conglomerate was set to announce two pieces of good news. Everyone in City A was curious about what they might be.
Thus, by seven o'clock, all the guests had arrived, eagerly awaiting the start of the banquet.
Lauren waited for Quentin in the room, her hand slightly sweaty as she held her phone. Though she had claimed she could handle any situation, she couldn't help but feel incredibly nervous now.
She wore the dress Quentin had personally taken her to get tailored the last time she agreed to be a spokesperson.
Fortunately, the dress had an adjustable waist, so she could still wear it even though she was nearly seven months pregnant. However, her belly was very prominent and impossible to conceal.
At that moment, there was a rapid knock on the door. Guessing it was Quentin, she opened the door to find him standing there in a black suit and tie, looking as serious as ever.
Today was supposed to be a good day, yet Quentin still wore his usual cold expression. Lauren couldn't help but feel a bit helpless.
Quentin looked Lauren up and down and said, "This dress is too tight. Don't wear it."
Lauren found this strange. It didn't feel tight to her.
Although her belly had grown, the dress was very elastic, so she didn't worry about discomfort.
"It's perfect. Remember? This was custom-made for me by the renowned designer, Miss Garce. It was suitable," Lauren said.
When Lauren looked at Quentin with a puzzled expression, Quentin swallowed unnaturally.
He was reluctant to admit that she looked so beautiful in it that he didn't want other men to admire her.
"No, change." Quentin handed her a black gift box, which contained a dress he had carefully selected.
Though unwilling, Lauren still listened to Quentin.
She opened the box and found a black gown inside, which covered her from head to toe, leaving no skin exposed.
Lauren felt helpless. She had hoped to present her most radiant self to the public, but Quentin had thwarted her plans.
"Mr. Robinson, I think I prefer this dress. Today is a grand occasion, and I want to look bright and cheerful. It'd look good for you too, don't you think?" Moreover, this was her first time attending the company's anniversary celebration as Mrs. Robinson, so she naturally took it seriously.
But Quentin wouldn't budge. He had specifically chosen this dress, which was both warm and modest.
"Do you not know your condition? It's so cold. You need to dress warmly," Quentin said coldly, giving her a look that left no room for debate.
Lauren sighed, picked up the dress, and prepared to change. She knew it wasn't about the cold. Everywhere they went, there was heating and air conditioning, so she wasn't worried about getting cold.
Since Quentin insisted she wear this black dress, she wouldn't be to blame if it turned out to be embarrassing.
After Lauren changed into the dress, it was almost time. She got into Quentin's car, and they headed straight to the hotel for the Robinson Conglomerate's anniversary celebration.
With her prominent belly, Lauren followed Quentin into the venue. As soon as they entered, they became the center of attention, with everyone looking their way.
Lauren smiled politely and gracefully, gently holding Quentin's arm, and walked confidently.
She could hear whispers around her, and she didn't know where she found the courage to face all the doubts and speculation head-on.
"Who is this woman? I've never seen her before. She's so close to Mr. Robinson. Could she be Mrs. Robinson?"
"No way, everyone in City A knows that the rumored Mrs. Robinson isn't liked by Mr. Robinson at all. How could she possibly come to a place like this?"
"Look, that woman seems to be pregnant. Could it be that she's here because she's carrying the Robinson Conglomerate's child?"
Lauren found these comments somewhat amusing. She admired their wild imagination; they really should be scriptwriters.
Quentin noticed Lauren's slight smile. He had thought she would be particularly nervous today, but she seemed quite at ease. It appeared he had underestimated her.
"I'll take you to Grandma. Don't come out until the banquet starts," Quentin murmured close to Lauren's ear.
Lauren thought, 'His voice is soft, only audible to the two of us, and his breath on my neck feels ticklish and somewhat intimate.'
Lauren snapped out of her thoughts. 'What am I fantasizing about at this moment?' she murmured inwardly. She quickly nodded and followed Quentin up to the second floor.
Entering the second-floor lounge, Lauren was surprised to find not only Grandma Robinson but also her parents, Ulysses and Kimberly.
"Mom, Dad, hello," Quentin greeted them proactively.
"Dad, Mom, what are you doing here?" Lauren asked.
Lauren stared wide-eyed at Quentin. He had never told her that her parents would also be here!
Quentin ignored Lauren's gaze and turned to Grandma Robinson, saying, "Grandma, I'll go downstairs to attend to the guests and come back to get you later."
"Mr. Robinson, go ahead. We'll take care of Lauren and Grandma Robinson," Ulysses said with a smile.
Quentin nodded and then left the lounge.
Lauren looked at Ulysses and Kimberly with mixed feelings.
Lauren knew that the Walker family had many issues and that they didn't have time to visit her. But now, standing face-to-face, she had so much to say but didn't know where to start.
"Lauren, come sit down and rest. It might be a while before we make our appearance," Grandma Robinson said proactively.
Lauren nodded and walked over, with Kimberly following.
"Lauren, how have you been?" Kimberly had heavy makeup on, but Lauren could still see her fatigue.
Lauren smiled, not wanting Kimberly to worry. "I'm fine, Mom. How have you been lately?"
Kimberly glanced at Ulysses. The past few months had been hell for her. The Walker family's relatives had been fighting over control of the Walker Corporation, almost coming to blows.
Naturally, Kimberly couldn't tell Lauren about this. They had come this time to seek Quentin's help in reclaiming all the rights to Walker Corporation.
Lauren noticed that Kimberly didn't want to talk about it, and she didn't want to worry about those matters either. After all, she was married now; those family matters were beyond her control.
"I'm fine. Seeing you happy and stable with Quentin puts my mind at ease." Kimberly held Lauren's hand. She felt useless. Lauren fought for her happiness herself, and Kimberly had done nothing to help.
