Chapter 200 The Only Way
Lauren always knew Ulysses didn't care about her. Despite his coldness, she still hoped he'd come around someday.
"Dad, how have you been?" Lauren asked, trying to sound concerned.
Ulysses, clearly annoyed, was living his best life and didn't want Lauren messing it up.
"What do you want?" he replied, his tone icy.
"Nothing, really. Just checking in since it's been a while," Lauren said, forcing a smile.
Every call was the same—Ulysses' coldness never changed. She should be used to it, but it still hurt.
"I'm fine. Just don't cause any trouble or ask for money, and I'll be grateful," Ulysses snapped.
At that moment, Ulysses was relaxing in a hot spring with a beautiful woman, feeling content.
Lauren stood there, speechless, unsure what to say next.
After a pause, she remembered why she called. "Dad, are you in City A? Ethan's been back for a few days. I asked him to check on you. Has he visited?"
"Ethan?" Ulysses sneered. "He's probably too busy. Didn't he tell you his company is getting crushed by Quentin? It's almost out of business."
Lauren's heart sank. "What?"
"I told you to stay with Quentin. Too late now! How does Ethan compare? Quentin could crush him with a flick of his finger. You made a bad choice, Lauren," Ulysses said angrily.
He thought to himself, 'I've got what I wanted. I don't care what happens to Lauren.'
"Dad! How can you say that?" Lauren couldn't hold back. "Ethan always respected you. Now he's in trouble, and you're gloating? You've really disappointed me!"
"Don't bother me again!" Ulysses hung up, not wanting to deal with her.
Lauren felt both angry and helpless. She had no way to get through to Ulysses.
After the call, she grew more anxious. Ulysses had no reason to lie, so Ethan's company must really be in trouble because of Quentin.
Lauren knew Quentin's ruthless tactics. She had to help Ethan, no matter what.
Determined to find out the truth, she called Ethan.
The phone rang for a while before he picked up. She tried to stay calm. "Ethan, are you busy?"
Ethan's warm laughter came through. "Yeah, just finished a meeting. Shouldn't you be resting? Why aren't you asleep?"
Ethan, exhausted, rubbed his forehead as he sank into the couch. He'd scoured every market in City A but hadn't found a single suitable candidate.
"Ethan, I'm coming to see you," Lauren said, her voice steady.
Ethan was so surprised he didn't react at first.
"Lauren," he finally managed.
"I know what's going on. I want to be there for you during this tough time," Lauren said firmly.
Ethan was thrilled but hesitant. "It's okay, Lauren. I can handle this. Just give me a week. Trust me, I can do it," he insisted.
To Lauren, it sounded like he was just putting on a brave face. She knew Quentin was a formidable opponent, and she feared Ethan would struggle.
"Ethan, I've already decided. I want to face these challenges with you. Trust me—I don't need your protection anymore. Just like you protected me, I can protect you. If Quentin tries to hurt you, I won't stand by," Lauren said seriously.
Ethan was deeply moved. After a long pause, he asked, "Aren't you afraid Quentin will take Matthew away?"
Lauren was momentarily stunned, then she smiled. "Take him away? Matthew isn't a toy. I'm not the same woman who couldn't take care of her child. If Quentin tries to take Matthew, I'll fight him to the end."
"Lauren, I don't want you and Matthew to be in danger," Ethan said.
Lauren quickly interrupted, "Avoiding it isn't a long-term solution. If Quentin really wants to take Matthew, he'll find us no matter where we go. We can't live in fear."
Ethan lowered his head in defeat. Hearing Lauren's steady breath through the phone, he felt a sense of calm.
"Alright, I'll listen to you this time. Actually, you might be able to help me," Ethan said.
Lauren beamed. "Really? That's great."
Ethan explained the situation at his company. Lauren listened carefully, racking her brains for solutions. When she heard the biggest issue was a lack of designers, her eyes lit up. "Ethan!"
Ethan chuckled. "I guess you're thinking what I'm thinking."
Lauren nodded. "You need designers, and I happen to be one. Why not let me help?"
Ethan sighed. "Yes, that's our best option now. But the design department only has Richard left, so the workload will be heavy."
"I've faced tougher challenges. A heavy workload is nothing. But I'm worried I might not have enough experience to save your company," Lauren said.
"Lauren, I believe in you," Ethan said firmly.
