Chapter 26 Quentin's Change
<Chapter> Chapter 26 Quentin's Change</Chapter>
Looking at Lauren with compassion, Hannah's decision to bring her into their lives wasn't just to repay the debt of being rescued, but also because she was moved by the girl's genuine love for Quentin.
In a society rife with materialism, sincerity is a rare gem. Once she learned of Lauren's pure affection for Quentin, she didn't want to waste the innocent girl's heartfelt feelings.
Hannah believed she understood Quentin well, and she thought they shared the same taste in people. She was convinced that a girl she appreciated would surely win Quentin's heart too. But now it seemed she had been gravely mistaken, and her presumptions had hurt them both...
"Lauren, I don't know what to say," Hannah said, feeling helpless.
Lauren hung her head, at a loss for words. Hannah looked between her and Quentin and finally said to him with deep feeling, "Quentin, could it be that this time I've really been too meddlesome? Do you remember your promise to me? No matter what, you agreed to take care of Lauren. Are you going to break your word?"
Quentin had given this serious thought. Lately, he'd become increasingly aware of the attention he was paying to Lauren. His stubbornness kept him from openly acknowledging it, but his recent out-of-character behaviors were all because of Lauren.
"I haven't forgotten. If she wants to work at the company, I'll make arrangements," Quentin said coolly, after a pause. In truth, his concession was a willing one.
Hearing Quentin's response, Hannah's heart leaped with joy. It was rare for the young man to yield, especially in front of Lauren—a good sign indeed.
Lauren, thinking that Quentin was reluctant, quickly interjected, "Madam, I didn't look for work because I felt aggrieved. I just wanted to see the world outside. Remaining indoors constantly, I worry about losing connection with reality.Staying at home all the time, I fear losing touch with the world. If one day I'm forced to enter society, I might not adjust well. I want to challenge myself and improve in every way."
"My dear, what are you talking about 'having to enter society'? As long as I'm here, I'll make sure you're well taken care of."
"I know, but I'm just saying, what if?" Lauren said with a laugh. However, her eyes dropped, unable to share her true thoughts with Hannah.
Quentin noticed Lauren's hollow expression and the way she forced a smile but chose not to reveal her pain.
Hannah patted Lauren's hand, not wanting to miss an opportunity to ‘"exploit’" Quentin.
"Lauren, you heard Quentin agree to you working at the company. If you really want to, I won't stop you. But in comparison to other companies, the Robinson Conglomerate is a bit safer, so come work with us," she suggested.
Lauren was conflicted, her brows furrowed, unsure of how to reject Hannah's kind offer.
"Dowager...sorry, I'm doing well at this company. I just want to learn more, not flaunt my status as Laurena Robinson. Please indulge me this one last time, let me make my own decision, okay?"
Hannah nodded, she didn't like to force others anyway, especially not Lauren whom she just couldn't be harsh with.
Quentin's gaze was intense, and he held back from looking at Lauren, feeling a depth of emotion about her stubbornness, a stubbornness that almost made him angry.
He didn't know why he was angry. Although Lauren refused to join the company, the fact was she was already there. Was it because he valued substance over form? Or because he felt upset by Lauren's rejection?
Lauren shivered, feeling the chill coming from Quentin. If she had a choice, she wouldn't want to be Patrick's Henry's representative sent to learn at the Robinson Conglomerate!
Finally, Hannah left The Robinson Family vVilla with joy. She had detected a positive change in Quentin's attitude towardstoward Lauren, a good beginning. She hoped things would develop as she wished, and if they went smoothly, she might become a great-grandmother sooner.
After Hannah left, Quentin had his dDriver take him away too. Unsure of how to face Lauren, he practically fled from the villa.
Lauren massaged her temples, exhausted from the day's events. She felt guilty towardstoward Hannah, knowing how much Hannah wanted her to have a child with Quentin, yet she continued to hide her pregnancy.
Even though Hannah cared for her, Lauren knew she would care more for Quentin. She didn't want to think so heartlessly, but the truth was that they were the blood relatives, and no matter how hard she tried, she would always be an outsider.
Lauren let out a sigh, summing up her sour mood. She quickly brushed her teeth and climbed into bed, determined not to think about anything. Soon enough, sleep took over.
Quentin returned to his hotel and took a cold shower to finally calm his nerves.
Damn it! To lose his composure in front of that woman, he must have been too lonely, which made him go soft on Lauren.
He took out his phone, and scrolled through the contacts, intending to call Noah to join him for drinks. His finger hovered over the call button but he never pressed it.
Forget it. That kid would just mock him. He didn't need further troubles.
Quentin spent the night wide awake, not understanding when his thoughts had started to be consumed by that woman.
The next day, Lauren went to work at the Robinson Conglomerate like usual. Upon arriving at the office, she was greeted by Linda who approached with a hint of intrigue.
"Amelia, good morning!" Linda cheerfully said.
Lauren smiled back, "Good morning, Linda."
"Hehe, Amelia, it's been three days since you joined the company and Mr. Martin has mentioned organizing a welcome ceremony for you. It's Friday, and we won't be working this weekend, so how about going for a group dinner tonight? It will just be our department and Mr. Martin," Linda shared the exciting news.
For the working crowd, weekend anticipation was the norm, and there was nothing more pleasurable than loosening up at a group dinner on a Friday. Hence, everyone in sales department four was naturally all for Mr. Martin's plan.
However, Lauren felt a headache coming on. Another group dinner? Being pregnant, she wasn't up for it, but as the new member, she had no grounds to refuse.
"Mr. Martin is too kind, it's really unnecessary," Lauren half-heartedly protested, knowing it wouldn't make any difference.
Linda gripped Lauren's shoulder and encouraged, "Don't be so modest. It's rare for Mr. Martin to treat us, so consider it doing us a favor, okay? Just agree to it, it's settled then."
Feeling helpless, and for Noah's sake, Lauren couldn't refuse.
"Okay, but I won't be drinking. I don't want to be a party pooper," Lauren preemptively declared, aiming to avoid being pressured to drink.
Linda was surprised, "Really, Amelia? You were in Sales at Chongxin Sales CompanyPatrick too, right? You don't drink, how did you ever close deals with clients?"
Lauren smiled awkwardly and replied, "There are ways to land a deal without drinking. I'll tell you about them sometime."
Linda nodded in admiration, her anticipation for tonight's party growing even more.
