Chapter 198 Unforgettable Feelings
Lauren gazed at Ethan with love. She knew he was too pure-hearted. For years, he'd quietly given so much without asking for anything in return. She couldn't be selfish, so she stuck to her three-year-old promise.
Three years ago, Lauren had promised Ethan that if he hadn't found someone he liked and wasn't married by then, she'd be with him. Ethan had stayed by her side all that time, never meeting other girls. His dedication showed his love for her, so she didn't hesitate.
Joseph smiled at them and said, "Lauren, it's been three years since you started learning from me. You've made a name for yourself in international competitions and developed your own design style. You're ready to go out on your own now. So, what are your plans?"
Lauren snapped back to reality and thought seriously. "Mr. Borgia, I need to learn more. Can I keep learning from you?"
Joseph chuckled. "Lauren, I've taught you everything I can. The world outside is huge, and you're still young. Why waste your time sticking with me?"
"Mr. Borgia," Lauren called out.
"I have many friends in architectural design. With these two awards, you can easily get into any company. Do you want to stay in Pariz, or go back to the States with Ethan?" Joseph continued.
Lauren's mind went blank. Where would she go? The only place she knew well was City A. Over the past three years, she often dreamed of that place, which held so much of her joy and pain. Now, being asked to go back, she felt both excited and anxious.
"I haven't thought about it yet," Lauren said quietly, her throat suddenly feeling itchy, making it hard to speak.
Ethan squeezed her hand, feeling the sweat in her palm. He knew what she was worried about but didn't push her. He'd support any decision she made, even if it meant never going back.
Joseph's expression turned serious. "Alright, then start thinking about it now. If you want to stay here, that would be great."
Matthew nodded and snuggled into Lauren's arms, saying softly, "Mommy, I like it here. Can we stay?"
Lauren hugged him. "Why do you like it here, Matthew?"
"Because Joseph is here. I like his big beard, the wine is sweet, and the girls are pretty," Matthew said innocently, making everyone laugh.
Lauren looked at him lovingly. "Who taught you all this?"
Matthew pointed at Ethan. "Uncle Ethan did."
Ethan was flustered. "Nonsense, when did I teach you that?"
He was truly innocent. Every time he came over, he only brought treats for Matthew and never taught him such things.
Ethan's reaction made Lauren laugh. "I know, you actually took Matthew's words seriously."
Seeing Lauren's amused expression, Ethan pouted. "I'm just afraid you'll get mad."
Since having Matthew, Lauren finally felt what a home was like. And because of Ethan's presence, they lived a carefree life, no longer having to live in fear as they did before.
After the gathering, Lauren saw Ethan and Joseph off. Once Matthew was tucked in bed, she seriously pondered her future. Staying here seemed like a good choice—a perfect chance to let go of the past and live a normal life. The local customs were great, and she didn't have to worry about gossip.
But being in a foreign country, she often dreamed of home. Even though the most important people were with her, she still felt a strong urge to go back to the States.
Lauren sighed, feeling frustrated with herself. Memories of Quentin flashed in her mind, reminding her of the past.
She shook her head and thought to herself, 'I can still clearly remember those events from three years ago. Every fantasy of the past tortured me, showing me how valuable my current happiness is.'
She sighed deeply. She shouldn't dwell on these things. Ethan had been so good to her and had given so much. She couldn't be selfish anymore. She had to forget Quentin; she couldn't let down Ethan's deep affection.
Meanwhile, Quentin grimaced as he looked at the worldwide architecture design competition webpage in his office. He didn't expect to see that familiar face again.
Lauren's radiant smile was so ironic to him. He didn't expect that after leaving him, Lauren had become an internationally renowned architectural designer. She was doing quite well.
What caught his attention was that Lauren eventually got into a mysterious car. He knew it must be Ethan.
After Lauren left three years ago, Ethan soon went to Pariz to be with her. Ethan's devotion was even more ironic to Quentin. Anger and unwillingness would surface whenever he considered that Lauren could perceive Ethan's affection but consistently disregarded his own.
Quentin furiously smashed his laptop, but it wasn't enough to vent his anger.
At some point, Quentin calmed down. He smiled and then called Noah over.
Noah, unaware of Quentin's situation, swaggered into his office. Seeing Quentin's sad face, his intuition told him something was up. Quentin only showed this expression when it involved Lauren.
"Quentin, what's wrong? Did someone cook you?" Noah joked.
Quentin ignored Noah and got straight to the point. "I'm planning to acquire Ryan White's architectural design company. What do you think?"
"Ryan White? You mean the architectural design company that used to belong to Ethan?" Noah was shocked.
"Yes, is there a problem?" Quentin said coldly.
Noah was stunned. "It's not a problem, but Robinson Conglomerate has never designed architecture. Suddenly acquiring an architectural design company seems inappropriate."
"Due to our inexperience, we should expand. I researched that architectural design firm. Its commercial capabilities are good, and its design director is exceptional. Robinson Conglomerate will succeed more following the acquisition."
Quentin laid out his acquisition plan. Although he said it was a plan and discussed it with Noah, he had already made up his mind.
