Chapter 243 Matthew as the Matchmaker
Lauren struggled to control her temper, reminding herself that Matthew was her child and she had to take full responsibility for him.
"Alright, Ethan, have a good rest today," Lauren said, following Ethan's suggestion, feeling very grateful for his thoughtfulness.
Matthew watched as Lauren and Ethan chatted non-stop. He tugged Lauren forcefully to the bathroom, asking her to help him wash his hands.
Despite feeling helpless, Lauren continued to dotingly accompany Matthew.
After breakfast, Matthew was eager to leave the house and urged Lauren to get going.
On the way, Matthew was overjoyed. He sang and laughed all the way, not minding that they were taking the bus, which he usually disliked.
"Mommy, why did you decide to take me to the Water Park today?" Matthew asked, shaking his head happily.
"What? Do I need a reason to spend more time with you?" Lauren replied with a smile.
Matthew, delighted, held Lauren's hand and said, "Mommy, you're the best. Are you trying to make up for not playing with me recently?"
Lauren lovingly pinched Matthew's chubby cheeks and replied, "You know too much. Alright, today is my way of making it up to you. So, whatever you want to do today, I'll agree."
Matthew's eye sparkled with excitement. He asked, "Mommy, do you really mean it? Can I ask for a gift?"
Without thinking, Lauren agreed. She had come out today to make Matthew happy, so as long as his requests weren't excessive, she would fulfill them.
Lauren asked, "Alright, what do you want?"
Matthew grinned and held out his hand in front of Lauren. He answered, "I want to use your phone."
Lauren was puzzled but still handed her phone to Matthew.
Matthew was a bright boy. Last night, he had already asked Quentin for his phone number at the Robinson Conglomerate office and memorized it. He pressed the numbers and called Quentin.
Lauren didn't have Quentin's cell number, so she didn't think much of it when she saw the unfamiliar number.
Lauren asked, "Matthew, who are you calling?"
Matthew made a shushing gesture. When the call connected, he excitedly said, "Daddy, we're going to the Water Park. Meet us at the entrance!"
Lauren's smile vanished instantly. She never expected Matthew to call Quentin.
Judging by Matthew's happy expression, Quentin must have agreed. Lauren's face darkened, and she looked sharply at Matthew, genuinely angry this time.
Lauren said, "Matthew, how could you be so inconsiderate? If you want Quentin to join you, then I'll go home! You choose!"
Lauren's tone was stern. She realized she had spoiled Matthew too much. Now, he acted without considering others' feelings, leaving her both regretful and angry.
To her surprise, the usually proud Matthew blinked, his expression turning hurt as tears began to fall.
Matthew replied, "Mommy, you promised to fulfill my request. Why are you angry now? I don't want to play any games; I want Daddy and Mommy to take me to the amusement park together. Other kids have their parents with them, and I want that too. They can be pampered in their parents' arms, and I want that too."
Matthew cried heart-wrenchingly, making Lauren's heartache. Ultimately, it was her fault. Since Matthew was born, she hadn't given him happiness. She often felt guilty about it.
Lauren hugged Matthew, softly comforting him, "Matthew, it's my fault. However, your daddy always disliks me, and I don't want to face him. It would be awkward for us to meet now. Do you understand?"
Matthew pouted, tears still streaming. He comforted, "Mommy, don't worry. I won't make him bully you. If he tries, I'll help you fight him. If you don't want to talk, ignore him and focus on me, okay?"
Lauren still frowned. She felt ashamed after what happened last night. If she sought out Quentin now, wouldn't it seem too pretentious?
Seeing Lauren's furrowed brow and her silence, Matthew continued to use his charm, shaking Lauren's hand and persuading her with his childlike voice.
Matthew begged, "Mommy, please grant me this one wish. I promise I won't do this again."
Matthew cried pitifully, drawing the attention of nearby passengers. Their complex expressions seemed to condemn Lauren for being so heartless to a child.
In the end, Lauren gave in. She couldn't handle Quentin, and now she couldn't handle Matthew either. They were indeed her nemesis.
Lauren smiled apologetically at the passengers, then said to Matthew, "However, you must listen to me and do nothing to make things difficult for me, or I'll take you home."
Having gotten the answer he wanted, Matthew nodded vigorously, his tears already gone. Lauren even suspected that Matthew had deliberately squeezed those tears out to deal with her.
After getting off the bus, Lauren walked with Matthew for a few minutes to the entrance of the Water Park to wait for Quentin.
Lauren awkwardly focused her gaze on the promotional board at the entrance, not wanting Quentin to realize that she was waiting for him, though that was the truth.
Quentin knew he shouldn't agree to go to the Water Park. However, when he was about to refuse, his mouth betrayed him, and he agreed.
Once he promised Matthew, Quentin wouldn't go back on his word. So, Quentin drove to the Water Park with a reluctant look.
From a distance, he saw Lauren standing there, looking cool and aloof. Although she wasn't particularly striking, she was the first person he noticed.
Quentin slowed down and parked the car. He rolled down the window and coldly said to Matthew, "Get in."
Seeing Quentin, Matthew was overjoyed. "Daddy, you're finally here! Mommy and I have been waiting for you for a long time! Aren't we going in? Why get in the car?"
Quentin glanced at Lauren and said somewhat proudly, "The Robinson Conglomerate owns this Water Park."
Quentin's words caught Lauren's attention. Indeed, the Robinson Conglomerate's assets were everywhere. So, what was he trying to convey? Lauren rolled her eyes at him, not wanting to engage.
"Get in the car," Quentin repeated.
Lauren had promised Matthew to play with him that day, so she suppressed her anger and got into the back seat with Matthew.
Having money indeed had its perks. As Quentin's car approached the entrance, someone immediately came over to open the gate. Thus, they drove in without any hindrance.
