Chapter 211 The Game Has Begun
As far as Lauren could tell, Matthew was thrilled and adored Quentin. Was it because of the sense connection from their blood ties? Matthew had no clue about Quentin's true identity. Lauren felt uneasy seeing Matthew's excitement.
"Thanks for coming to see me. I'm really happy," Jessica said with a smile, nodding at Lauren and Kimberly.
Lauren forced a smile. She suggested, "Jessica, no need to be so formal with me."
Jessica's eyes were sharp. "I'm serious. You're more caring than Quentin. Just thinking about him makes me mad. I raised him, and now he doesn't listen to me at all," she said, looking heartbroken.
Lauren didn't know what to say, feeling awkward.
"Don't be upset. Let's not talk about unhappy things. You should spend more time with Matthew and enjoy the family's happiness," Kimberly said gently, patting Jessica's back.
Jessica shook her head helplessly. She was angry at Quentin but had no outlet for it. Seeing Lauren again made her happy, so she didn't want to dwell on negative thoughts.
"You're right. I should focus on happy things to live longer," Jessica joked.
But to Lauren and Kimberly, her words had a deeper meaning. Jessica's optimism and open-mindedness made them feel a pang of sadness.
The room fell silent, creating an awkward atmosphere. Lauren glanced at the door when it creaked open and saw a pretty woman she recognized immediately.
Sophia, Quentin's ex-girlfriend and current rumored girlfriend, walked in with a smile, followed by Quentin. She was surprised to see Lauren but quickly masked it.
"Miss Walker, you're here too! Quentin, why didn't you tell me? I wasn't prepared at all. What a surprise!" Sophia said, pulling Quentin along.
Lauren's gaze was distant. She greeted indifferently, "Hello, Miss Hall."
Her eyes drifted to Sophia's hand on Quentin's arm. Their closeness suggested they were back together.
Lauren smiled bitterly to herself, thinking, 'Whether they're back together or not is none of my business! I don't care at all!'
Jessica remained indifferent. Sophia had visited her frequently over the past three years. Despite her betrayal, Jessica, being elderly and ailing, felt some things should be let go. She didn't want to hate Sophia forever.
So, Jessica had somewhat forgiven Sophia. At least now, when Sophia visited, she wouldn't kick her out like before. Jessica wouldn't interfere with Sophia and Quentin's relationship. It wasn't her concern.
Though calm, Lauren's eyes showed a hint of nervousness. She tightened her grip on Matthew's sweaty hand.
Without a word, Matthew felt Lauren's increased grip and looked at her in surprise.
Sophia's sharp eyes noticed Matthew, and she enthusiastically rushed over, exclaiming, "Is this Matthew? He's so adorable, just like Quentin when he was young!"
Sophia reached out to touch Matthew's cheek, but he dodged skillfully. Matthew had a thing for beautiful people, regardless of gender, but for some reason, he didn't want to get close to Sophia.
Seeing Sophia's frustration, Lauren silently praised Matthew's cleverness.
"Matthew's just being playful, Miss Hall. Don't mind him!" Lauren said with a smile.
"How could I? Matthew is so cute. I like him very much," Sophia replied gently.
Sophia's ambition was clear. Quentin's icy gaze swept over Lauren, trying to gauge her reaction to Sophia's words.
But Lauren's expression remained unchanged, leaving him both disappointed and furious. He thought, 'This woman, Lauren! So exasperating!'
Kimberly, sensing the tension, suggested they leave to avoid more trouble. "It's getting late. Maybe we should go. Rest well, and we'll come to see you another day," she said.
Jessica looked disappointed. "Lauren, Kimberly, don't rush off! I've already arranged for lunch. Stay and eat before you go," she pleaded, her eyes fixed on Matthew.
Hearing there was food, Matthew touched his almost empty stomach and looked at Lauren pitifully. He mentioned, "Mommy, I'm hungry."
Lauren, though annoyed, patiently persuaded him, "Matthew, can you hold on a little longer?"
Matthew nodded in agreement, looking disappointed. Just then, Quentin's magnetic voice came from behind. "What's the harm in having a meal? It's not dangerous," he said coldly, not looking at Lauren.
Lauren glared at Quentin, refusing to fall for his provocation. "Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Robinson," she said with a forced smile.
Sophia laughed exaggeratedly. She remarked, "No need to thank us. We're all friends." She reached out to grab Lauren's hand as she spoke.
Lauren smiled and pulled her hand away. Sorry, but in her memory, they weren't that close.
Matthew was thrilled when Lauren agreed, jumping up and down like a little monkey. He ran to Quentin, and said excitedly, "Quentin, play with me!"
Quentin's eyes were filled with affection and warmth, as if Matthew had already melted his heart. He was a bit helpless. Matthew probably forgot he needed to remember their agreement from yesterday.
Seeing Matthew's reaction, Kimberly became even more anxious, worried that Quentin might take Matthew away. She walked over to Lauren, her eyes asking what was going on.
Lauren was puzzled too. She didn't know what had happened between Matthew and Quentin. She didn't believe their current situation was entirely due to the sense connection from their blood ties.
Quentin noticed Lauren's worried and fearful expression and felt a bit smug. This was the result he wanted.
Lauren and Quentin didn't want Matthew to have a stepmother or stepfather. No one else qualified to be Matthew's mother or father. There were no winners or losers in this game. Quentin just wanted to make Matthew happy.
