Chapter 197 The Truth About Accepting Lauren as a Student
Lauren watched as Ethan and Matthew sneaked into the house, feeling angry and helpless. With Ethan around, Matthew became bolder and ignored her more.
She shook her head but couldn't help feeling happy. So, she followed them cheerfully.
When Kimberly saw Ethan, she lit up. "Ethan, you're here! Matthew's been talking about you nonstop. Matthew, aren't you happy Ethan's here?"
"Happy!" Matthew chirped.
Ethan ruffled Matthew's hair. "Matthew's the best, but you gotta listen to Lauren. If she gets mad, I'm in trouble too."
Matthew just stared at Ethan, confused. When Kimberly brought out the food, he dashed to the table, eyes wide.
"Grandma," Matthew said, staring at Kimberly with his best puppy-dog eyes.
Kimberly sighed. "No, Matthew, these are for the guests!"
Matthew pouted. He just wanted to eat!
Unable to resist, Kimberly sneaked him a drumstick. Matthew grabbed it and ran off to eat.
Lauren walked in just in time to see this.
"Mom, you're spoiling him again. He'll be a handful when he grows up," Lauren said.
"Relax, Mr. Borgia isn't here yet. It's just family. Who cares?" Kimberly shrugged. As long as Matthew was happy, she didn't mind.
Lauren sighed. "That's not the point. He's at a tricky age. If you give him everything, he'll grow up selfish. It's not good for him."
"You're overreacting. He's just a kid. You were the same at his age, and you turned out fine. Stop stressing about it!" Kimberly said proudly.
Lauren felt frustrated. Every time she tried to discipline Matthew, Kimberly would undermine her, making it hard to set boundaries. But Matthew was still a good kid—loving and straightforward.
Seeing Lauren's frustration, Ethan came over. "Don't be too hard on him. Kids should be happy!"
Lauren gave in. "You two make me feel like I'm not his real mom."
Kimberly laughed. "Don't say that. Matthew knows you're his mom. He won't sleep without you, no matter how late you get home. He's a good kid. Be grateful!"
"It's my fault. I'm too demanding," Lauren admitted, giving in to Kimberly and Ethan.
As they were talking about Matthew, they heard footsteps in the yard.
Lauren guessed it was Joseph. She quickly opened the door and saw him standing there.
"Mr. Borgia, you're here!" Lauren said, beaming.
Joseph walked in with a smile, hugged Lauren, and said, "Lauren, you didn't disappoint me. I heard about the International Architecture Design Competition. You won two awards. Well done!"
Lauren blushed. "It's all thanks to your teaching, Mr. Borgia. I wouldn't have gained everyone's recognition without you."
"It's your hard work. I'm just your teacher. Your success is all you," Joseph praised, clearly proud.
"Mr. Borgia, come in and sit. Kimberly's prepared a feast. Let's celebrate tonight," Ethan said warmly.
Joseph noticed Ethan and nodded. "So, Lauren's knight is here too. Great, let's celebrate properly."
At the dinner table, Lauren poured Joseph a glass of red wine. "Mr. Borgia, thank you for your guidance over the past three years. I wouldn't be here without you."
Tears welled up in Lauren's eyes. The past three years had been tough, but she was grateful to be Joseph's student. She worked twice as hard to uphold his reputation.
Joseph nodded. "Lauren, to be honest, I didn't think much of you at first. But your dedication over the past three years moved me. I have thousands of students, but you're one of the few I genuinely like."
"Mr. Borgia, why did you take me as a student in the first place?" Lauren asked, puzzled.
Joseph had just said he didn't think much of her initially, so why take on a student he didn't believe in?
Joseph laughed and looked at Ethan, who made a pleading gesture, which Lauren noticed.
"Ethan, Mr. Borgia, what's going on?" Lauren asked, even more confused.
Ethan had told her that her work was excellent and had passed Joseph's assessment. Now, it seemed suspicious.
Seeing Lauren's serious desire to know the truth, Joseph said, "Ethan, don't hide it from her anymore."
Lauren turned to Ethan, who reluctantly revealed the truth.
"You were upset and wanted to leave City A. I approached Mr. Borgia and showed him your plans to prevent you from giving up. After considerable debate, he gave you a chance," Ethan said with a smile.
Ethan had always believed that Lauren would eventually impress Joseph and become his true student. Now, it was proven that Lauren not only became his student but also one of his best.
Lauren's eyes sparkled, and she choked up. "Ethan, thank you."
Heaven must have pitied her, sending an angel to support and affirm her when she was most helpless. Because of this, Lauren's gratitude towards Ethan deepened.
