Chapter 232 Testing
Lauren once again felt the fear stemming from Quentin's pressure. The oppressive feeling was almost suffocating her, and she had no choice but to think about how to escape.
However, Matthew was't happy when he heard this. "Mommy, you're exaggerating. I won't play for long. Just an hour with Daddy, and then we still have to..."
Lauren refused, "No, not even an hour."
"Mommy!" Matthew was anxious, not understanding why Lauren was so strict today. "Then, can I play with Daddy for half an hour?"
Lauren became even more stern. "No, not even a minute!"
"No, Mommy, why are you being so bossy? I like playing with Daddy. Other kids' parents take them to the amusement park, but I'm always alone at home. Now that I've finally found my Daddy, you won't let me play with him..." Matthew said, starting to cry sadly.
Seeing Matthew crying aggrievedly, Lauren felt both heartache and helplessness. She pulled Matthew into her arms and gently comforted him. "I'm worried that you'll have so much fun playing that you'll forget you have other important things to do."
Matthew looked up at Lauren, his voice innocent, "Mommy, don't worry. I've already memorized the two poems you gave me. I've never forgotten the tasks you gave me."
Hearing this, Lauren felt very gratified. She hadn't expected that in just two months, Matthew had memorized those poems. He was indeed very smart and hardworking.
Lauren nodded in satisfaction, and Matthew immediately asked, "Mommy, does that mean I can play with Daddy now?"
Lauren's mood had been improving, but hearing Matthew's question made her furious. She couldn't believe that her three years of hard work and sincere care for Matthew couldn't compare to Quentin, who had suddenly entered his life. How could this not make her feel disheartened?
Lauren glared at Matthew, but when she saw his happy and innocent face, she calmed down. Matthew was just a child. He knew nothing It was only natural that he liked his father, Quentin. Lauren was just too worried about their current situation and doubted whether she could regain custody of Matthew from Quentin.
Lauren held Matthew in her arms and seriously asked, "Matthew, tell me. Do you prefer living with me or with your Daddy?"
Matthew looked up at Lauren, confused and asked, "Mommy, why are you asking this? Haven't I always lived with you?"
Lauren gave a bitter smile and replied, "It's nothing. I just want to know what you think."
Seeing Lauren's relaxed expression, Matthew smiled and said, "I like both. Daddy is so handsome and mysterious, and you are gentle and beautiful. I hope we can all live together. That would make me very happy."
Matthew's words touched Lauren deeply, and she felt like crying. She rubbed her eyes hard, trying to stay strong as she looked at the adorable Matthew.
"Matthew, tell me. Who do you like living with the most if you can only choose one person?" Lauren asked with a smile.
She really wanted to know if Matthew would choose her.
This question was difficult for Matthew, but Lauren needed him to make a choice. He struggled for a long time, his eyes and eyebrows furrowed together.
Finally, he said with a sad face, "If I can only choose one person, of course, I would choose you."
Lauren was overjoyed. Her three years of effort had not been in vain. She hugged and kissed Matthew, feeling as happy as if she had won the lottery.
With tears in her eyes and having calmed down, Lauren asked Matthew why he chose her.
Matthew wiped Lauren's kisses off his face, acting maturely like a little adult. He said, "Because you a girl, Daddy said that we men must protect girls. Daddy is a man and can protect himself, so I need to stay with you and not let anyone bully you."
"Good job, Matthew." Lauren's emotions were complex.
She didn't know if Matthew growing up so fast was a good thing for him.
'In a troubled family, Matthew had to mature faster! He was only three and a half years old, yet he was much more sensible than his peers.' Thinking about the reasons behind this, Lauren felt even sadder.
Matthew reached out his chubby hand and gently wiped Lauren's tears. He said, "Mommy, don't cry. I'll eat well, grow up quickly, and protect you. I won't let anyone bully you."
Lauren cried and laughed, her emotions so mixed that she didn't know what to say. She felt very content; having Matthew by her side made her the happiest.
Jessica thought it over and finally called Quentin to her. She had some questions she had to ask Quentin personally.
Quentin didn't dare delay. After receiving George's call, he rushed back to the Robinson Estate as quickly as possible. When he arrived at Jessica's room, he saw Jessica looking very serious.
He didn't know what had happened and could only ask in a low voice, "Grandma, is there something you need from me?"
Jessica turned her head sternly and asked Quentin seriously, "Tell me the truth. Have you done anything to wrong Matthew and Lauren?"
Quentin was very frustrated by this question. He looked at Jessica in pain and said, "Grandma, do you not believe me either?"
Jessica sighed and said, "It's not that I don't believe you. I just need to hear you say it, and then I'll believe you."
Quentin looked deeply at Jessica and remarked, "Grandma, I swear. I haven't."
"Okay, I believe you." Jessica, though bedridden, was not confused.
She had personally raised Quentin, so she knew exactly what kind of person he was. It wasn't that she didn't believe Lauren; she was just worried that there might be some misunderstanding between them.
Quentin felt greatly reassured, and his anger gradually subsided. At least someone believed in him, giving him the motivation to keep trying.
Quentin remarked, "Thank you, Grandma."
Jessica raised her hand, and Quentin quickly stepped forward to hold it.
Jessica sighed, "I don't know what happened between you and Lauren, but if there's a misunderstanding, clear it up as soon as possible. Otherwise, it won't just be you and Lauren who are in pain. Many people who care about you will also be worried."
In this hot weather, Jessica's hand was surprisingly cold. Quentin looked at the frail Jessica with heartache and didn't dare say anything that would go against her wishes.
