Chapter 166 The Person Who Shouldn't Have Come
Sophia felt a bit awkward. Jessica seemed pretty upset. Rebuilding their relationship seemed tough.
"Mrs. Robinson, get some rest. I'll visit you next time," Sophia said gently.
Jessica turned away without looking at Sophia. "No, thanks."
Quentin glanced at Lauren, trying to gauge her reaction. But she stayed indifferent, making it hard to read her.
Sophia walked ahead. Seeing Quentin lost in thought, she asked, "Can we talk for a moment?"
"Maybe later. I need to take care of Jessica now," Quentin replied without even looking at her.
"Alright, we'll arrange it another time," Sophia said, leaving the Robinson Estate.
Lauren pretended not to care and kept chatting with Jessica. But Jessica was worried. Did Lauren's indifference mean she was giving up on Quentin?
Only Lauren knew her inner turmoil. Sophia showed up after Quentin swore they hadn't rekindled their romance.
At Matthew's celebration, Quentin had actually invited Sophia. It seemed he didn't see her as an outsider. Would Sophia soon become the much-envied Mrs. Robinson?
Lauren smiled bitterly, thinking, 'Why should I care? It doesn't matter.'
She forced herself to stop thinking about it, hoping it would all just go away. Only she knew how exhausting it was to pretend.
In the evening, Ethan arrived at the Robinson Estate to pick up Lauren. Seeing Quentin's sour expression, Ethan made a triumphant gesture at him.
Even though Ethan gave Quentin a chance to approach Lauren, her heart was closed for good.
"How was your day?" Ethan asked casually.
Exhausted, Lauren leaned back in her seat. "It was alright. Quentin and I cleared everything up. My life will be completely peaceful now."
As she said this, she felt a strange emptiness. She had lied so much that she didn't even feel guilty anymore.
"That's great. Your wish will come true. Congrats. Want to hear more good news?" Ethan said happily.
It had been a while since she heard any good news.
"Don't tease me. Just tell me," Lauren said.
Ethan looked at her affectionately. "I mentioned you as a design assistant. After seeing your house designs, he agreed to let you work from home based on your talent, not my influence."
Lauren was genuinely happy. "Really? That's wonderful. This designer is so kind. I'll definitely thank him in person when I get the chance."
"When are you going to thank me?" Ethan said with a smile, seeking credit.
Lauren patted his head. "I'll treat you to a meal when I get my paycheck."
"Just one meal? Lauren, you're too stingy," Ethan complained, shaking off her hand.
Lauren smiled at him. "If you don't appreciate it, you might not even get that meal."
Ethan, both helpless and amused, said, "I didn't expect you to be so ungrateful after all I've done for you."
Lauren ignored his complaints, happily holding Matthew, eager to start her new job.
"By the way, my friends won't arrive until seven. We'll have a good celebration. If you and Matthew need a break, just let me know, and I'll ask them to leave," Ethan said considerately.
Lauren smiled. "No need. Matthew slept a lot at Jessica's room today, so he should be fine. Don't worry about us."
Ethan nodded, secretly wanting to show off Lauren to his friends and prove how much he cared for her.
The car slowly pulled into Ethan's villa. As usual, Ethan got out first and opened the door for Lauren.
Just then, they heard a man's laughter behind them. "Ethan, I can't believe a playboy like you would be so considerate to a lady!"
Ethan turned to see his good friend Mark Martinez with a teasing grin. He rolled his eyes.
"Why are you here so early?"
Mark walked over. "Is this your girlfriend? She's really beautiful!"
Lauren smiled awkwardly. "Hello, you misunderstood. I'm Lauren, Ethan's friend."
Ethan gave Mark a light punch. "Don't say anything inappropriate today. Lauren is my most precious friend. Don't scare her."
Mark rubbed his chest where Ethan had punched him. "Got it! Just kidding, Lauren, don't mind!"
Lauren smiled. "It's okay. It means a lot to us that you came to the celebration.."
Mark, now understanding, knew Ethan well. Ethan seemed carefree and flirtatious, but he always had a soft spot for one girl. That girl was probably Lauren now.
It was just a pity that Lauren was already married with a child, but Ethan still wouldn't give up.
"You're too polite! Let's go inside. Everyone's waiting for you," Mark teased.
Ethan gave Lauren a loving smile, and they walked into the villa together.
Entering the living room, they saw many people sitting on the sofa, all waiting for Ethan and Lauren.
As soon as Lauren appeared, she became the center of attention.
"Ethan, you've kept this well hidden. Is today's baby your illegitimate child?" someone joked.
Lauren's expression changed immediately. She hadn't expected this.
Ethan hadn't expected it either. The woman who spoke hadn't been invited. Her words deeply hurt Lauren, and Ethan regretted it immensely, but it was too late to take it back.
