Chapter 227 Hearts Growing Apart
George told Matthew many stories about Quentin's achievements, detailing how Quentin established the Robinson Conglomerate, gradually strengthened it, and maintained its success over the years.
Matthew's eyes sparkled as he listened to George, realizing that Quentin was no ordinary person. From that moment on, Quentin's image in Matthew's heart grew even more impressive.
However, after hearing everything, Matthew became even more puzzled. He thought, 'Why would my mom not want such an outstanding dad? I couldn't understand it.'
"George, can you tell me why my mom and dad separated? Did something happen between them?" Matthew asked, his face losing its brightness as he struggled with this question.
George looked troubled. Although he wanted to help Jessica, he knew he couldn't say much about this matter. "Matthew, you should ask Mr. Robinson and Ms. Walker about this. I'm not sure myself," he said.
Matthew was extremely disappointed. In his heart, both Quentin and Lauren were the best people, but why couldn't they be together?
Just as Matthew was deeply conflicted, the villa's door opened, and a woman walked in with an elegant stride. Matthew had seen her before and had a bad impression of her. It was Sophia.
Seeing Matthew standing not far away, Sophia walked over with a smile, "Matthew, you're here, too. Do you remember me?"
Matthew frowned and said coldly, "No, I don't."
Sophia didn't take offense. She quickly took a lollipop out of her bag and offered it to Matthew in a friendly manner.
"We met last time, but maybe you forgot. It's okay. Let's get to know each other again. I'm your dad's..." Sophia stopped mid-sentence because she wasn't sure if Matthew knew Quentin was his father.
Matthew stared at Sophia and said, "You're my dad's friend."
Sophia was surprised. She awkwardly smiled and handed the lollipop to Matthew, "Yes, you found your dad. That's great."
Matthew continued to frown and handed the lollipop back to Sophia. "Mom said not to take things from strangers, and I don't like candy."
Sophia was at a loss, "Matthew, I'm not a stranger. I'm your dad's friend."
However, the indifferent Matthew didn't give her any dignity and turned to leave.
Sophia stomped in frustration. The sound of her high heels hitting the floor was loud and piercing. Matthew turned back and glared at Sophia with a look full of hostility as if telling her he had seen through her pretense.
Matthew's gaze was so sharp that Sophia felt as if her thoughts had been exposed. At that moment, Lauren came downstairs.
Lauren said, "Matthew, it's time to go."
Seeing Lauren, Matthew immediately smiled, "Mommy!"
Matthew ran into Lauren's arms and then looked warily at Sophia.
Lauren then noticed Sophia standing not far away.
"Miss Walker, it's been a while." Sophia greeted Lauren, maintaining a facade of politeness.
Lauren was momentarily stunned but quickly responded in a cool voice, "Miss Hall, you are too kind. You're busy with company matters and still find time to visit Jessica. You must be very busy."
Sophia kept her elegant smile, "I can't compare to you, Miss Walker. You have to take care of Matthew and work at Ethan's company. You must be exhausted."
Lauren's eyes flickered. She knew that Sophia was always watching her, as was Quentin. However, she wasn't afraid of them finding her weaknesses, so she didn't care if someone was deliberately trying to track her movements.
Lauren found Sophia's behavior boring, and this pointless bickering was a waste of time. She pulled Matthew, intending to leave, but Sophia blocked her path with a smile.
"Miss Walker, I should congratulate you on coming to your senses so quickly. Matthew told me you already informed him that Quentin is his biological father." Sophia's words were filled with meaningful undertone, hinting at Lauren's previous refusal of her suggestion.
Lauren looked at Sophia expressionlessly, "So what? Do you have a problem with that?"
"You're joking. It's just that you remind me of a term, 'hypocrite'. Miss Walker, do you find it fun to act so contradictory and make things difficult for yourself?" Sophia's tone was gentle, and she smiled brightly, making it hard for others to realize she was being sarcastic.
Lauren laughed, "Does Miss Hall live by the sea? You seem to care about so many things every day. Isn't it tiring? I'll do as I please, and it's none of your business!"
Sophia's smile was laced with malice, "This matter concerns me greatly. Anything related to Quentin is my business. More importantly, your son, Matthew will eventually become my son," Sophia whispered arrogantly into Lauren's ear.
Lauren was furious. She glared at Sophia, "In your dreams!"
Ignoring Sophia's smug smile, Lauren quickly left the Robinson Estate with Matthew.
"Mom, what's wrong? Did Sophia bully you?" Matthew asked, looking at the silent Lauren with some fear.
Lauren patted Matthew's head. "No, I was just wondering if my actions were really that bad."
Matthew comforted her, "Mom, whatever you do is right. I'll support you no matter what."
"Good boy. Having you is enough for me. I shouldn't care about others' feelings. I was just overthinking," Lauren smiled bitterly, holding Matthew's hand tightly.
She silently vowed, 'I would never make Sophia become Matthew's stepmother. If necessary, I would give up everything and escape to another place where no one could find us.'
That night, Ethan knocked on Lauren's door with a troubled expression. Lauren was busy with her designs and opened the door with a pen in her hand.
Lauren asked, "What's wrong, Ethan? Why do you look like that?"
Ethan smiled bitterly, "Lauren, stop working for a moment. I have something important to tell you."
Seeing Ethan's serious expression, Lauren also became serious.
"Okay, let's go downstairs and talk." Lauren walked out, closed the door, and headed forward.
Ethan felt a pang of loss. Lauren was drifting further away from him. She didn't even want to let him into her room anymore.
Ethan didn't consider himself a petty person, but ever since Matthew started spending time with Quentin, he had become more suspicious. He constantly worried that Lauren might overlook the pain Quentin had caused her, all for Matthew's sake.
