Chapter 216 Trouble Entangled
Lauren limped up to Quentin's car, hiding her anger behind a forced smile. Her legs were numb from sitting by the roadside too long, and her knees hurt like hell.
Quentin felt uneasy watching her struggle. Lauren was always so tough, never taking care of herself.
She didn't notice the concern in his eyes. Instead, she rushed up and snapped, "You guys are so boring, taking turns to pressure me. Think I'll give in?"
Quentin's frown deepened. "What are you talking about? You look like crap. Are you sick or something?"
Quentin had a knack for making concern sound as something harsh.
Already furious, Lauren missed the worry in his words.
"Sorry to disappoint, but I'm not sick or disabled. I won't get sick or die. You can't take Matthew! I'll visit Jessica daily, no matter what you think. I won't back down," Lauren shot back.
She was done pretending to be civil. Their past relationship was in shambles, thanks to Sophia.
"You're nuts!" Quentin snapped. Lauren was treating his concern like trash. He decided to stay out of it.
He hit the gas and drove off. He'd wanted to talk about Matthew, but now it felt pointless. He thought Lauren's temper would cool after three years, but it hadn't.
Lauren's anger surged. She cursed at Quentin's car and stormed back to Ethan's villa.
Kimberly saw her return and asked, "Weren't you going to work? Why are you back?"
Lauren realized she'd been so upset by Sophia and Quentin that she forgot about work.
She laughed awkwardly. She made up an excuse, saying, "I forgot a document. I'll grab it and go."
Kimberly nodded, though she found Lauren's behavior odd. She watched as Lauren hurried upstairs, then rushed back down a few minutes later, shouting, "I'm off to work!"
Lauren left the villa in a hurry, leaving Kimberly puzzled.
Matthew, watching cartoons in the living room, shook his head. He remarked, "Mommy must've left her brain at home again today!"
Kimberly sighed. She reminded him, "Matthew, if your mommy hears that, she'll lecture you."
Matthew grinned. He said sweetly, "I only said it 'cause she's gone. You won't tell, right?"
Kimberly smiled. She could never be as harsh on Matthew as Lauren was.
Lauren rushed to the office, only to find the design department empty. Everyone was in a meeting. Feeling embarrassed, she quietly opened the door and slipped into the conference room.
Ethan saw her and smiled warmly. Feeling awkward, Lauren nodded to everyone and took a seat.
"Alright, let's get back to it. The Fortis Dominion Group project isn't up to their standards yet. This project is crucial for us. Richard, you're in charge. If you need help, just ask. Also, guide the new hires," Ethan said.
Richard looked stressed. He complained, "Mr. White, I'm already handling the school dormitory project, which is urgent. I don't have the time!"
Ethan paused. He said, "I overlooked that. The Fortis Dominion Group's exposition center is tougher than I thought."
Most of the design team were recent grads, struggling with high-demand projects. They looked down, feeling helpless.
Lauren grabbed the design plans from a nearby student and skimmed through them. She proposed, "Mr. White, my current tasks aren't urgent. How about I take on the Fortis Dominion Group project?"
Everyone turned to Lauren. Richard looked relieved. He said with concern, "Yes, Miss Walker can handle it. But can you manage three projects at once?"
"No problem," Lauren said with a confident smile.
But Ethan frowned. He protested, "No, you have to juggle your child, design projects, and Matthew's school issues. You'll burn out."
Everyone knew about Ethan and Lauren's relationship, but they didn't know when she'd officially become his wife. They exchanged knowing glances. Lauren felt a bit embarrassed. She'd told Ethan not to bring up personal matters at work.
"It's fine. These three projects are small. I'll finish the urgent Fortis Dominion Group project first, then tackle the others. Matthew's school issues can wait," Lauren said seriously.
Ethan looked at her with concern. The Fortis Dominion Group project could only be trusted to her.
"Can you delegate your other two projects? There are two promising new hires. They should manage, right?" Ethan suggested, trying to lighten her load.
Lauren shook her head. Ethan didn't understand design work. Once a designer started a project, it was hard to hand it off. The ideas wouldn't connect, and the design would suffer. Switching designers mid-project wasn't an option.
Richard explained Lauren's thoughts to Ethan, who sighed.
"Alright, then. Thanks for your hard work," he finally agreed.
Lauren smiled. She replied sincerely, "Mr. White, it's my job."
After the meeting, Ethan pulled Lauren aside.
"Lauren, I'm really sorry. I didn't expect things to get so messy," Ethan apologized.
"Don't say that, Ethan. You took on the Fortis Dominion Group project for me. I caused this backlog by being preoccupied with Jessica's issues and not finishing other jobs. I should apologize for putting you in this tough spot," Lauren said.
She felt guilty. Because of her, Ethan had to keep adjusting his plans. She felt truly remorseful.
