Chapter 286 Solution
Ethan noticed the worry in Kimberly's eyes and a sneaky idea popped into his head. Maybe he could use Kimberly to teach Quentin a lesson.
So, he spilled the beans about the plagiarism mess and all his theories.
Kimberly was livid. "I knew Quentin was bad news, but I didn't think he'd be this nasty and sneaky. What a hypocrite!"
Ethan acted all comforting, but he kept stirring the pot. "It's my fault for not protecting Lauren better. She's been stressing over my problems. I really feel for her."
"How is this your fault? Integrity matters in business and life. Quentin's a real piece of work, using such dirty tricks against you and Lauren. He's clearly targeting her!" Kimberly fumed.
Ethan got Kimberly to sit down. "Don't worry, no matter what, I'll do everything to protect Lauren. Quentin's a snake, but he can't do much to me right now."
Tears welled up in Kimberly's eyes as she thought about Lauren's tough luck. Maybe Quentin was just there to make her life miserable.
Noticing Kimberly lost in contemplation, Ethan decided not to press further. He hoped she would confront Quentin promptly. With a pretext of business at the company, Ethan departed the villa, leaving Kimberly to her thoughts.
The more Kimberly thought about it, the more restless she got. Finally, she stormed out, heading straight for Robinson Conglomerate.
Quentin was shocked to see Kimberly. He was planning to talk about Ethan's plagiarism issue with Noah, but here was Kimberly instead.
Seeing Quentin's stern face, Kimberly's initial anger cooled a bit. But she was here now, no turning back.
Quentin stayed silent, while Kimberly stood there nervously. Finally, she couldn't hold it in. "Mr. Robinson, please, let Lauren, Matthew, and Ethan go, okay?"
Quentin's face got even colder, and Kimberly shivered. "Let them go? What do you mean?"
Quentin didn't want to embarrass Kimberly. She was once like family.
Kimberly clenched her hands, gathering her courage. "Let's cut to the chase. I know what you're doing to Ethan's company. You and Lauren are divorced, so no need for pretense. Just tell me what you want. If you let them go, I'll give you anything, even my life!"
Quentin's eyes flickered. Seeing Kimberly's love for Lauren, he felt a pang of envy. Lauren was lucky to have such a devoted mom.
Quentin's attitude softened a bit. Even though Kimberly's visit wasn't pleasant, he wouldn't make it hard for her because of Lauren. "Kimberly, I'm not a monster."
Wait, why should he care about Lauren's feelings? Kimberly was here because of her, right?
Quentin silently mocked his own wishful thinking. His gaze turned icy again. "Fine, think whatever you want. No matter what I say, you won't believe me anyway. Do you really think it's worth talking to someone like me?"
He didn't care. In Kimberly's eyes, he was already the bad guy, and he was done trying to change that.
Kimberly glared at Quentin, but before she could say anything, he cut her off, "I have a meeting. Felix, show her out!"
Kimberly didn't want to leave, but she couldn't make a scene here, so she had no choice but to go.
Quentin was so proud and heartless. Why would he listen to her just because she used to be his family? Forget it, she had tried her best. She never wanted to come here again!
In the office of Robinson Conglomerate, Noah, tall and slender in his suit, walked in with a grin.
Quentin's sharp eyes locked onto him. "Got something to say to me?"
"What's with the attitude? I saw Lauren's mom was here. Did she come to give you a hard time?" Noah said, smirking as he shrugged.
Quentin angrily grabbed a file and threw it at Noah. Noah looked confused, wondering what he'd done to tick Quentin off this time.
Back at Ethan's villa.
Lauren lay in bed, tossing and turning. She wasn't trying to sleep; she just didn't want to face Ethan, so she pretended to be drunk to avoid his worried looks.
Finally, she got up, hesitated for a long time, and dialed a familiar number.
The call was quickly answered, and a voice came through.
"Lauren? Is that you?" Joseph asked, sounding delighted.
Hearing Joseph's voice, Lauren felt a lump in her throat. She spoke softly into the phone, "Yes, Mr. Borgia, I'm sorry, I..." Lauren choked up, unable to continue.
Joseph sounded worried. "What's wrong? Lauren, why are you apologizing? Did something happen?"
Lauren cleared her throat, trying to steady her voice. "Mr. Borgia, I need a favor."
"Alright, take your time. What's going on?" Joseph replied.
Lauren had no other options. Joseph was a world-renowned architect with a stellar reputation. If he intervened, Dylan might be willing to help out of respect for him.
As long as Dylan agreed to hear her out, she'd be satisfied. She couldn't be sure Dylan would believe their side, but she had to try.
Giving up wasn't in Lauren's nature. Even though she didn't want to trouble Joseph, who was far away in Pariz, his help was crucial.
After hearing Lauren's story, Joseph laughed heartily. "I thought it was something serious, but it's just a small matter. No problem. I know Dylan; we met at a party. If I talk to him, he should agree."
"That's great, Mr. Borgia! I'm really sorry to trouble you, but I had no other choice," Lauren said gratefully.
Joseph chuckled, "I'm your teacher, and I steered you towards architecture. It's my responsibility to help you. Don't feel guilty; I'm glad to help."
Hearing this, Lauren felt a warmth in her heart. She was deeply grateful for the many people who had selflessly helped her throughout her life.
