Chapter 276 Going Together to the Robinson Family Villa
Matthew was kinda clueless and didn't get that leaving Quentin this time might mean he wouldn't see him again for a while. He bolted downstairs, a million things racing through his mind that he wanted to tell Lauren, like begging her to let him stay a bit longer.
"Mommy!" Matthew yelled as he dashed down the stairs.
Lauren's bad mood melted away when she saw Matthew. She was ready to give him a big hug, but then she noticed his face turn sour.
"Why's Uncle Ethan here too?" Matthew grumbled, looking annoyed.
Ethan caught Matthew's reaction and said, "Well, I missed you, buddy! I came with your mom to pick you up. What, you don't wanna see me?"
Matthew snuggled into Lauren's arms, staying quiet. He usually didn't mind Ethan that much, but with Quentin around, he didn't want Ethan there. Every time Ethan showed up, things got weird between his parents.
Ethan felt a bit ticked off by Matthew's cold shoulder. His look towards Matthew turned a bit icy. If only Lauren had married him without the child, everything would be perfect.
Just then, Quentin came down the stairs. He looked all cool and proud. He was looking way better than when he was in the hospital, but his sharp features made him look even more mature and handsome.
Lauren pinched herself, trying not to get lost in silly thoughts.
As she was figuring out what to say, Ethan jumped in, "Mr. Robinson, long time no see!"
Quentin shot a disdainful look at Lauren and Ethan. 'Are they really together?' he thought.
His sarcastic gaze cut through Lauren. Ethan, still smiling, walked towards Quentin.
"I'm glad to see you're doing well, Mr. Robinson," Ethan said.
Quentin replied, "Thanks for your concern, Mr. White. I'm doing great and will be back at work soon. I'll deal with those who caused trouble while I was away."
The snarky back-and-forth between Ethan and Quentin was torture for Lauren.
With a bitter taste in her mouth, Lauren held Matthew's hand and said to Quentin, "I have to take Matthew back today."
Quentin's face stayed icy. He knew Matthew would be taken away eventually, but he couldn't stand Ethan and Lauren showing up together. Were they trying to rub it in his face?
Ethan's grin widened; his visit had yet to serve its purpose, leaving him unwilling to settle for such an anticlimactic conclusion.
He then extended, "Here is the thing, Mr. Robinson. Tomorrow, Lauren and I are heading back to the White Villa to visit my parents and discuss the wedding. Matthew's family to us, and I can't be at ease without him."
Lauren felt torn. She knew Ethan had ulterior motives. But she chose to be with him, so she had to deal with the fallout. She felt lost and wanted to break free from the silent power struggle between Quentin and Ethan.
Unexpectedly, Quentin smiled. "Well, congrats on becoming Matthew's stepdad and on finding your next husband," he said to Lauren and Ethan with a smirk.
Lauren tugged on Matthew's hand, trying to leave, but the kid didn't get her awkwardness and resisted. "Mommy, can I stay with Daddy a few more days?" he pleaded.
Lauren shot him a cold look but softened her tone. "You start school in three days, bud. We gotta go home and get ready."
"But, Mommy, we already got everything we need. What else is there to prepare?" Matthew asked, stubbornly standing his ground.
"Matthew!" Lauren snapped, trying to shut him up.
Matthew, still reluctant, stared at Quentin with sad eyes but followed Lauren out anyway.
Once they were gone, Quentin turned to head back upstairs, not wanting to waste any more time on Ethan.
"Mr. Robinson!" Ethan called out with an exaggerated laugh. "How about the honor of having you at our wedding?"
Quentin's back stiffened. He slowly turned around and said, "Sure, if you're stepping into Lauren's life, it's like taking over my mess. I gotta come to give you my blessings. Don't forget to send me an invite. I'll bring a generous gift."
Ethan laughed heartily. "Mr. Robinson, you're too generous."
Quentin gave a faint smile, watching Ethan walk towards the door.
Back at Ethan's place, Lauren didn't say much and took Matthew straight to his room.
Ethan kept needling Quentin, ditching his usual modesty for a sense of superiority. Lauren felt let down by his behavior but tried to rationalize it, thinking, 'Maybe it's because I'm Quentin's ex-wife and he's got some pent-up frustration. Once he vents, he'll chill out.'
The more Lauren tried to stay positive, the more life seemed to slap her in the face.
Matthew lay on the bed, sulking and ignoring Lauren. She walked over, gently patted his back, and said, "Matthew, we're going to visit Uncle Ethan's house tomorrow, okay?"
Matthew covered his head with the blanket. "You already made up your mind, so why bother asking me? I'm just a kid. What I think doesn't count."
Lauren smiled. "Of course, your opinion matters. Whatever I choose to do, I always consider your suggestions because you're a brave, big boy and my rock."
Hearing this, Matthew felt a bit better but then remembered what Ethan said at the Robinson Villa and frowned again.
He sat up, looking at Lauren with a drooping head. "Mommy, are you really gonna marry Uncle Ethan? Will he really become my dad?"
Lauren lovingly touched his ear, looking at him with affection. "Matthew, didn't you say you were okay with it? Uncle Ethan promised to care for you like a father. Having one more person who loves you can only be a good thing."
"But Quentin is my daddy and I love him!" Matthew said stubbornly.
Lauren knew Quentin had a huge influence on Matthew. It was already tough for him to accept her marrying Ethan. She understood his feelings and didn't push him to accept Ethan as his stepdad right away.
