Chapter 234 Selfless Care
Lauren felt more ashamed than ever before. She knew she shouldn't have used that matter to trouble Jessica. However, life was full of helpless situations. Both she and Jessica experienced this.
Jessica looked at the agitated Lauren, who was denying her words. She smiled more calmly and said, "Lauren, you don't have to avoid this topic so deliberately. I think about death several times a day. Saying I'm not afraid of death would be a lie. Who isn't afraid of it?"
"Grandma, you will be fine," Lauren said, tears welling up in her eyes.
Jessica smiled and nodded. The atmosphere suddenly became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
After a long silence, Jessica forced a smile and finally spoke about the main topic.
"Lauren, I've thought about what you asked me to consider a few days ago," Jessica said, her gaze distant as if she had made a significant decision in her heart.
Lauren held her breath, hanging onto Jessica's every word. She knew this decision was incredibly difficult for Jessica, and no matter what Jessica decided, someone was bound to get hurt.
"I've given it a lot of thought, and I believe you're right. From every perspective, it's best for Matthew to live with you. So I agree with you. I've already prepared the statement of severance; it's in the second drawer from the right. Get it and see if there's anything inappropriate," Jessica said with a smile, though the tears in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
Lauren was shocked. Although she had hoped for Jessica's agreement, she felt panicked now that the moment had arrived.
Quentin was Jessica's biological grandson. They had depended on each other for so many years, so it was clear how much Quentin meant to Jessica. And yet, here she was, forcing Jessica to make this decision. Jessica must hate her.
"Grandma, I'm sorry!" Lauren dropped to her knees with a thud.
Jessica closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. She comforted, "Lauren, you don't have to do this. I'm doing this not just for you but also to ease my heart and atone for my sins. I dragged you into this mess, so it's only right that I help you out of it. So don't feel guilty or sad; this is all fate."
Lauren wiped her tears and held Jessica's hand. "Grandma, everything that happened before was my own choice. It has nothing to do with you. You really don't need to be tormented by those old matters."
"Good Lauren. After you get the statement, could you not make it public right away? If Quentin really tries to take Matthew away, then use it. However, if you do, Matthew will lose everything from the Robinson Family, including the inheritance of the Robinson Conglomerate. Are you sure you don't want that?" Jessica asked, staring seriously at Lauren.
Lauren returned Jessica's gaze with determination. She replied firmly, "Grandma, you should know me. I don't care about money or power. I believe that when Matthew grows up, he will understand and support my decision."
Jessica nodded, "Alright, I believe in you and Matthew. Now, get it and check it carefully. Lauren, this is all I can do for you."
Jessica was very sad. This might be the last thing she could do for Lauren. She sincerely hoped that the statement of severance would never have to be used so it wouldn't hurt Quentin.
Lauren followed Jessica's instructions and found the statement that Jessica had signed in advance. The document contained Jessica's deep love, and Lauren felt heavy. She was afraid she would let her down.
"Grandma, I've read it. It's fine," Lauren said with a faint smile.
Jessica nodded and said, "Lauren, can you promise me one last request?"
Lauren nodded. No matter what the request was, she would agree.
"Lauren, after I die, I hope you can let Matthew spend some time with Quentin. Quentin appears cold and strong on the outside, but he's very fragile inside. I'm afraid my death will be a huge blow to him, and he might never recover. He's my lifelong concern, and I don't want to see him like that. So please, bear with it and help me fulfill this last wish, okay?" Jessica said, her tears soaking the pillow.
Lauren cried along with Jessica and nodded without hesitation. She had no reason to refuse this request, whether for Jessica or Matthew. Since Quentin was Matthew's biological father, that fact could never be changed.
Seeing Lauren agree, Jessica was very happy. She held Lauren's hand tightly, too moved to speak.
Lauren and Matthew had lunch with Jessica at the Robinson Estate before returning to Ethan's villa.
Back at the villa, Lauren remained immersed in sorrow. When Kimberly spoke to her, she seemed dazed. Kimberly couldn't help but worry. After asking Matthew, she learned that Lauren had gone to the Robinson Estate.
However, Matthew didn't know what had happened to Lauren and couldn't explain it clearly.
Kimberly was really worried that something had happened to Lauren, so she quietly called Ethan and asked him to come back quickly so they could discuss a plan together.
Ethan received Kimberly's call and didn't hesitate. He returned as quickly as possible. Seeing Lauren in a daze in the living room, he walked over gently.
"Lauren, do you have something on your mind?" Ethan asked softly, his voice like a spring breeze.
Lauren looked up, revealing her swollen eyes. "Ethan, do you think I'm heartless and ungrateful?"
Ethan asked, "How could that be? Lauren, why are you suddenly saying this? Did something happen?"
Lauren lowered her head and took out the statement Jessica had given her from her bag, handing it to Ethan.
She said, "This is..."
Lauren sighed, signaling Ethan to read it. Ethan opened the document with curiosity, and after reading it, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
"Is this a statement severing all ties between the Robinson Family and Matthew? Lauren, what's going on?" Ethan asked in shock.
Lauren felt even more downcast. "Quentin wants to take custody of Matthew. I had no other choice but to ask Jessica to write this statement, hoping to restrain Quentin."
Ethan looked at Lauren with bright eyes, secretly pleased with her actions. This clearly showed Lauren's determination to cut ties with Quentin, further proving that she would have no more entanglements with him.
Lauren was oblivious to Ethan's joy, still immersed in her guilt towards Jessica. She realized she owed more and more to others, one being Ethan and the other Jessica.
