Chapter 191 Fanning the Flames
Lauren was floored by Sophia's words. They echoed in her mind, with one thought standing out: she couldn't let anyone take Matthew away.
"What do you mean by that?" Lauren asked, her voice tinged with desperation.
Sophia smirked, clearly enjoying Lauren's distress.
"I came here out of kindness to tell you this. Shouldn't you invite me in for a cup of coffee and listen carefully?" Sophia said, gently pushing aside Lauren's hand that was blocking her way.
Lauren's hand dropped to her side, and she let Sophia in.
Kimberly clutched Matthew tightly, eyeing Sophia like she was a threat.
"Relax, I'm not a wild animal. I don't bite," Sophia said with a chuckle.
Lauren turned to Kimberly. "Mom, why not take Matthew to his room? I need to talk to Miss Hall."
Kimberly hesitated but left after Lauren gave her a reassuring nod.
Lauren took a deep breath. She knew she couldn't afford to lose her cool.
"Miss Hall, what did you mean by my child's custody?" Lauren asked.
"I'm here to tell you everything, Miss Walker. But first, could you get me a glass of water? It's freezing outside," Sophia said, trying to keep Lauren on edge.
Lauren played along, pouring a glass of water and placing it in front of Sophia.
"Can you talk now?" Lauren asked, her tone icy.
Sophia glanced at her. "Work on your manners. You're the one asking for my help, so watch your tone."
Lauren's patience snapped. "Miss Hall, don't think you can scare me with threats about Matthew's custody. Just get to the point. Talk or leave!"
"Alright. There's no need to get so worked up. I'll get straight to it," Sophia said, still smirking.
Sophia puzzled over Lauren. She thought, 'How could a hothead like her make Quentin so obsessed?
Lauren sat across from Sophia, ready to hear her out.
"Quentin is already talking to lawyers about Matthew's custody," Sophia began.
But Lauren didn't believe it. Quentin had promised her she would have custody of Matthew. Besides, if Quentin wanted more kids, he could have them.
"Don't you believe me?" Sophia asked, noticing Lauren's skeptical look.
Seeing Lauren's calm reaction, Sophia started to doubt herself. Maybe Lauren wasn't as easy to rattle as she thought.
"Yeah, Quentin once told me to take care of Matthew," Lauren said firmly.
If Sophia was trying to use this to scare her or had some hidden agenda, she wasn't going to fall for it.
"That was then. Quentin thinks Matthew looks like him and wants to groom him as the heir to Robinson Conglomerate. The lawyers and Quentin are already discussing it. You should agree, but I doubt you will, right, Miss Walker?" Sophia said, her tone serious.
Sophia had planned this all out. Rumor had it Lauren was leaving City A, but nothing had happened yet. Sophia found out Ethan had offered Lauren a unique job, which made her reconsider leaving.
Lauren stared at the glass in front of her for a long moment before speaking softly, "Why?"
"What do you mean?" Sophia asked, confused.
"Why did you come to tell me this? Sophia, I think you dislike me. If Matthew is taken by Quentin, I'd have nothing left. Wouldn't that make you happy? So why come secretly to warn me, giving me a chance to prepare and possibly stop Matthew from being taken? Wouldn't that ruin your plan?" Lauren asked, eyeing Sophia with suspicion.
Lauren knew Sophia had betrayed Quentin in the past and nearly caused Robinson Conglomerate to collapse. Sophia was definitely not a simple or kind person. Lauren didn't know why Sophia would help her, so she chose not to believe her.
Sophia laughed heartily at Lauren's words. She felt a pang of guilt but didn't let it show. She was fully prepared for this. Otherwise, how could she successfully drive Lauren away?
"Lauren, you amaze me! You're right. I have no reason to help you. This is for my own benefit. Quentin's first child, Matthew, might become Robinson Conglomerate's successor. What would he leave for my future children? I can't let Matthew return to the Robinsons or be his stepmother. It's better for him to stay with you!"
Lauren finally understood and believed Sophia's intentions. So, did this mean that Sophia and Quentin had reconciled?
"Are you and Quentin together now?" Lauren asked through gritted teeth.
Sophia looked at Lauren smugly, shrugged, and said, "Of course. You and Ethan are getting pretty close. Your good news might be coming soon, right? Let's see who gets married first, shall we?"
Sophia finished with a triumphant smile, looking radiant and beautiful.
Lauren smiled bitterly and said, "Fine, no problem. But we might beat you to it because Ethan and I are already together."
Sophia's triumphant smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a polite one.
"Really? Congratulations!" Sophia said.
"Thank you. But how can Quentin be so sure he can take Matthew away? Even with his money and power, this is a society governed by law. He can't just do whatever he wants!" Lauren said skeptically.
