Chapter 210 Another Encounter
Lauren wondered if she'd been too quick to let Ethan join her at the Robinson Estate. She started second-guessing her decision.
Watching Ethan and Matthew laugh and chat while loading the car, Lauren felt uneasy.
Kimberly, linking arms with Lauren, walked outside. She noticed Lauren seemed off about Ethan and wanted to help.
"Lauren, you need to see Ethan's good intentions. He's doing this to make the Robinsons think you're doing well, so you can keep your dignity," Kimberly said.
"Mom, you know I don't care about that. I don't need to put on a show for anyone. Ethan's actions really undermine me," Lauren replied coldly, feeling disgusted.
Kimberly patted Lauren's hand. She advised, "Why do you always pretend to be so strong? It's okay to be a little vulnerable and lean on Ethan sometimes."
Lauren fell silent, deep in thought, as she helped Matthew and Kimberly into the car.
Lauren had visited the Robinson Estate yesterday and hadn't seen Quentin's car, so she didn't expect him to be at the ancestral home.
But today, when Ethan drove them there, a black Ferrari was already parked there.
What a coincidence. The last thing Lauren wanted was happening. Was the universe trying to embarrass her?
Lauren clenched her fists, mentally preparing herself. Even if she saw Quentin, she'd ignore him, treat him like he was invisible.
She worried if Ethan could stay calm. After all, Quentin's actions had nearly sunk the Skyline Design Company recently.
Lauren glanced at Ethan with concern, but he seemed unaffected, so she looked away.
Ethan kept a calm expression as he parked next to Quentin's car, got out first, and opened the door for Lauren.
Kimberly got out holding Matthew, and George came out just then.
"Please follow me," George said.
Lauren nodded in agreement, holding Matthew's hand as they followed George.
She couldn't help but look ahead, knowing Quentin was there, but still searching for that tall figure.
As they reached the front of the living room, just as George was about to open the door, it suddenly swung open. Quentin strode out, looking at them with a half-smile, not avoiding them at all, and walked right up to them.
"What a rare guest," Quentin said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Lauren didn't know if Quentin was referring to her or Ethan.
Lauren stayed silent, while Ethan smiled and stepped forward.
"Mr. Robinson, you're here too. I didn't expect to run into such a busy man. Quite fortunate," Ethan said.
Quentin smiled. He remarked snidely, "Not busy. The new architectural design firm's issues are resolved. It's not like Mr. White, who has to care for his family and run the firm. Apparently, your organization employed some unskilled college students. Are they trustworthy? Can the firm continue?"
"Thanks for your concern, Mr. Robinson. My company's doing great, thanks to Lauren's brilliant ideas," Ethan said cheerfully.
Quentin and Ethan's conversation was sharp, their gazes clashing like swords.
Lauren ignored the two men, pulling Matthew along to go inside. But Quentin didn't seem to have any intention of moving.
Unaware of the adult drama, Matthew was thrilled to see Quentin again. Seeing that Lauren and Ethan seemed to know Quentin well, he was even happier.
"Quentin, will you play with me?" Matthew suddenly asked.
Lauren was surprised, wondering when Matthew had met Quentin and why they seemed so familiar.
Ethan was also taken aback, looking at Matthew. Seeing Matthew's happy smile, Ethan felt a pang of jealousy.
Quentin's gaze deepened as he looked down at Matthew, his voice cold, "I have things to handle."
Matthew's expectant look dimmed. He said with disappointment, "But I want to play."
Before Quentin could respond, Ethan quickly said, "Matthew, don't make a fuss. How about I take you to the amusement park tomorrow?"
Matthew blinked, thinking it was a good idea, and his disappointed face lit up again.
He replied, "Okay." Matthew was easy to appease, his mood changing quickly.
Seeing how easily Matthew was appeased, Quentin felt a surge of anger. Matthew needed better guidance.
Lauren didn't want to stay there any longer. She forcefully pulled Matthew, bumping Quentin aside, and walked inside.
Ethan was pleased to see Lauren's disdain for Quentin. He couldn't hide his joy and looked smugly at Quentin.
Quentin was angered by Lauren and Ethan's attitude. He blocked Ethan, who was trying to escape, and squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth.
"Mr. White, you really like seizing opportunities, don't you? You seem to enjoy pleasing others," Quentin mocked.
A flash of malice crossed Ethan's eyes. He shot back, "It's not about seeking approval. When I love someone, I love wholeheartedly, unlike you, who turns to revenge."
Ethan finished speaking and walked straight into the living room, ignoring Quentin's cold gaze.
As Ethan passed by Quentin, Quentin whispered, "Ethan, it must be exhausting pretending. You know better than I do whether Lauren is really with you."
Quentin's malicious smile made Ethan uncomfortable. He wanted to punch him but held back.
"Suit yourself. Whatever makes you happy," Ethan said indifferently, walking away with what he thought was a suave stride.
Lauren felt like she had a ticking time bomb inside her, anxious and full of doubts.
Lauren, along with Matthew and Kimberly, went to Jessica's room. She forced a smile and chatted with Jessica, feeling an urge to escape.
She didn't know why she felt this way.
Lauren was distracted, while Kimberly chatted with Jessica, telling her to take care of herself and get well soon.
Lauren was very agitated. She pinched her fingers hard, trying to focus, but it seemed challenging to control her thoughts. She kept thinking about Quentin's every move and word, making her even more frustrated.
