Chapter 217 Not Intentionally Concealed
Lauren thought, 'Maybe I owed Quentin big time in a past life, and now he's here to collect. And maybe I was Ethan's guardian angel back then, which is why I'm giving him a hard time now.'
Ethan gently patted Lauren's head and said, "Don't blame yourself. It's on me. I've been so focused on work since the company restarted, pushing everyone too hard. I'll slow down."
Lauren looked at Ethan, touched. He was trying to make her feel better. How could someone be as kind-hearted as Ethan? She felt incredibly lucky to know him.
Seeing Lauren's tearful eyes, Ethan felt a pang in his heart. "Lauren, don't worry. I'll handle Matthew's schooling. You just focus on your design work."
"Thank you, Ethan," Lauren said.
Ethan grinned, a bit embarrassed. He said shyly, "No problem. Your thanks are making me blush."
Lauren smiled. Despite Ethan's usual carefree attitude, he got shy when things got serious.
The next few days were hectic. Lauren took Matthew to Robinson Estate in the mornings to spend time with Jessica and worked on her designs in the afternoons.
Meanwhile, Ethan was juggling company issues and Matthew's school enrollment. Since Matthew had been abroad for three years, the paperwork for enrolling him in City A was a hassle.
With Lauren and Matthew around, Jessica's spirits lifted, and her health improved a bit.
Every time Lauren saw Jessica smiling at her and Matthew, her heart ached.
She knew there was some truth to what Sophia had said, but she didn't want to face it.
"Lauren, what are you thinking about?" Jessica called her name several times, but Lauren was lost in thought.
Lauren snapped back to reality and looked apologetically at Jessica. She apologized, "Sorry, Grandma, I'm listening!"
Jessica sighed and looked at Matthew, who was playing with a phone. She inquired, "Matthew's over three now. With school starting in September, shouldn't he be going to preschool?"
"Yes, Grandma, I'm already working on his enrollment," Lauren replied.
Jessica looked at Lauren, hesitant to interfere.
Seeing Jessica's conflicted expression, Lauren wondered if their relationship had grown distant over the past three years. Why would Jessica tell Sophia she missed Matthew instead of talking to her directly?
Even though she wasn't thrilled about Matthew returning to the Robinson family, if Jessica asked her directly, she'd try to comply. She didn't want to see Jessica troubled, so she decided to address it head-on.
"Grandma, if you have something to say, just say it. I'm still the same person. Don't hide anything from me," Lauren said.
Jessica was stunned for a moment, then smiled with relief.
"Not much to say. I just think Matthew's education is important. If you're busy or have problems, come to me or talk to Quentin," Jessica said earnestly.
Lauren felt a bit lost. She understood the reasoning, but she never felt the urge to seek Quentin's help when facing difficulties. It wasn't her habit or inclination.
"Don't worry, Grandma. I can handle Matthew's education. With Ethan's help, I don't need to involve Quentin," Lauren said with a smile, effectively declining the suggestion.
Jessica nodded slightly. She knew that if Lauren was unwilling, nothing she said would make a difference. At this point, she just wanted everyone to be happy and healthy. As for whether Lauren and Quentin would remarry, she didn't insist.
"That's good. I've met Ethan a few times. He's a good guy. It's clear he cares about you a lot. Lauren, have you chosen him?" Jessica asked, still curious about Lauren's feelings and whether Quentin still had a chance.
Lauren blushed, feeling it was inappropriate to discuss such matters now.
At that moment, Matthew ran over and answered in his childish voice, "Mommy and Uncle Ethan are good friends, but Uncle Ethan can't be my dad because I don't agree!"
Lauren pulled Matthew close and tugged his ear, saying, "Kids shouldn't interrupt when adults are talking, understand?"
Jessica laughed. Curious, she asked, "Why doesn't Matthew agree?"
Matthew's eyes darted around as he thought seriously and said, "Because Mommy is the best person in the world, and no man is good enough for her."
Matthew's proud expression was adorable. Lauren felt embarrassed but touched by Matthew's praise, though mostly she felt awkward.
Jessica was amused by Matthew. "Matthew, you're our little joy. As long as Lauren is happy, you should support her, okay? Lauren has sacrificed a lot for you. She's been through so much."
Matthew nodded in agreement. He replied sincerely, "I know, Great-Grandma. When I grow up, I'll take good care of Mommy. Then I'll find the dad who abandoned us and give him a piece of my mind for leaving my mommy and me."
Matthew puffed his cheeks like an angry little squirrel.
Jessica looked at Lauren with a deep gaze, realizing Lauren hadn't told Matthew everything. It seemed Lauren was determined not to return.
Feeling depressed, Jessica started coughing violently. George immediately came in with water and medicine, urging Jessica to take her medication.
"Leave it there. I'll take it later. Lauren, I won't say much more. You make your own choices. But Matthew is part of the Robinson family, and not telling him about his father is unfair to both him and Quentin," Jessica said weakly.
Lauren felt deeply saddened. "Grandma, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do this. It's just that at the beginning, I..."
Jessica interrupted her, "Please don't explain, Lauren. I'm old and lack the energy to manage numerous things. So you manage it yourselves. I'm tired, I need to relax."
Jessica closed her eyes, looking visibly exhausted.
Lauren knew her actions had disappointed Jessica. She wanted to explain, but Jessica didn't give her the chance. Feeling dejected, she took Matthew and left Jessica's room.
