Chapter 167 Rumors
Lauren wanted to leave, but she was afraid it would embarrass Ethan even more. So she tried to calm down, intending to explain.
Before she could speak, Ethan cut her off. "Sarah, even jokes have limits. Not everything is funny."
Ethan said that with a stern face, trying to pass it off as a joke. But Sarah immediately shot back.
Sarah chuckled. "Ethan, I'm not joking! I just went to the bathroom and saw a bunch of women's and kids' clothes hanging on the balcony. Doesn't that prove you're already living together?"
Hearing that, everyone's expressions changed.
Everyone knew Sarah liked Ethan, but Ethan didn't like her. This made people start speculating about Ethan and Lauren's relationship.
Lauren couldn't take it anymore. "Miss, please speak with respect. If you keep spreading rumors, I'll take legal action against you."
Ethan held Lauren back, trying to calm her down. "Sarah, if you have any issues, take them up with me. Don't make things difficult for my friend. Also, you came uninvited and snooped through other people's things. Is your character really that poor?"
Sarah wasn't intimidated. Since she couldn't have Ethan, she had nothing to fear.
"Yes, my character is that poor. And you can't explain your relationship with this woman," Sarah said.
Everyone looked at Lauren and Ethan, their questioning expressions hurting Lauren deeply.
"I just got divorced and brought my ex-husband's child. I'm homeless, and Ethan kindly took us in. I don't know why you have to attack me. You don't care about your reputation, but I do." Lauren glared at Sarah.
"Would you lie again? Have you forgotten how you once framed Quentin? Everyone in Robinson Conglomerate knows how much he despises you. Now that you can't stay there, you're trying to take Ethan from me. Lauren, you have no shame!" Sarah spat out venomous words, trampling on Lauren's last bit of dignity.
Lauren didn't want to explain, planning to leave with her child.
"Lauren!" Ethan immediately chased after her, realizing that tonight's arrangement had been a mistake.
Lauren walked out of the villa with her child, while Ethan ran after her.
"Lauren, don't listen to Sarah. She's crazy and targeting you because I ignore her. She's just trying to get attention. I'll kick her out right now. Please come back with me, okay?" Ethan pleaded, grabbing her arm to stop her from leaving.
Lauren's face was pale. "Ethan, Sarah is right. My reputation is too bad to stay in your villa. So, let me go."
"Where do you plan to go this late? You might be fine, but how can Matthew handle the cold? Please come back with me. We can talk about this tomorrow, okay?" Ethan was anxious, hating himself for organizing this celebration.
Lauren took a deep breath. "No, Ethan. I was naive to come to your villa. I can ignore people's opinions, but Matthew can't. Besides, I can't stay in your villa forever. I have to leave eventually."
"Are you mad at me? I didn't expect Sarah to come uninvited. She's always been foolish, so don't listen to her. Please trust me," Ethan pleaded.
Ethan was unwilling to let go of Lauren. Sarah had ruined the perfect celebration, making him angry and heartbroken for Lauren, who always seemed to get hurt.
Lauren smiled bitterly. "Let me go. It's not about Sarah. What she said is right. To get Matthew, I framed Quentin. Since I did those things, I should face the criticism. Now that I've calmed down, I understand their views."
"Come back with me. We can discuss everything tomorrow," Ethan begged.
"No, some things need to end quickly. I can't go back. If I shamelessly drag you into this, I'll never have peace. Ethan, please let me go. Respect me one last time, okay?" Lauren looked at Ethan with sorrowful, red, and swollen eyes.
Ethan reluctantly let go of Lauren. "Where will you go this late? Back to Robinson Estate?"
Lauren shook her head gently, looking at the distant lights. "I plan to stay at a hotel for the night and think about everything tomorrow."
Ethan was in great pain, realizing he had driven Lauren away himself.
"Fine, wherever you go, I'll take you," Ethan said.
Lauren accepted. She followed Ethan to his car and went to a hotel. After Ethan helped her check in, she asked him to leave. She really needed some quiet time to think.
Ethan returned to his villa, feeling dejected. His friends were still waiting, along with the troublemaker Sarah.
Sarah was pleased with her handiwork, driving away all the women around Ethan so that she could have a chance.
Ethan walked towards Sarah with a dark expression. "You're really something."
Sarah smiled at Ethan. "I just told the truth. She couldn't handle it!"
"Get out," Ethan said calmly but with a dangerous edge.
Sarah sneered and left the villa triumphantly. She didn't care about today. There was always time.
Ignoring his friends, Ethan grabbed a bottle of wine and drank recklessly. The celebration ended before it even began.
Mark watched Ethan in pain, deep in thought. He joined him in drinking.
Lauren contemplated the events in her hotel room. She laughed at everything. The joke was on her. Thiking of Sophia's fake blessing at Robinson Estate and Sarah's mockery, she felt she was unwelcome anywhere!
