Chapter 290 Noah's Efforts
The dinner party was a total cringe-fest, with everyone making awkward small talk. Lauren had never been in such an uncomfortable setting before. She just gritted her teeth and waited for it to be over.
Ethan sat in the back of the car, looking all gloomy. Lauren knew he had a rough day. She had to admit, Ethan handled himself pretty well afterward. For the sake of the company, he didn't get into it with Quentin again.
"Ethan, you did great today. Let's head home, and I'll whip up a big meal for you as a reward," Lauren said, flashing a bright smile, trying to lift his spirits.
Ethan turned to her, holding her hand, and asked, "You heard what Quentin said today. Do you see what kind of person he really is now?"
Lauren really didn't want to go there. She frowned. "I had him figured out long before our divorce."
Ethan finally cracked a small smile. "So from now on, we need to team up against him."
"Ethan, why do you always want to go against Quentin? Can't we just live a simple life?" Lauren asked.
This constant drama wasn't what she wanted. Ethan used to get her, but why was he so different now?
Ethan replied, sulking, "It's not that I want to go against Quentin. I don't have big ambitions, but we're in a tough spot. We have to fight to survive."
Lauren kept a cold face and didn't say anything.
Ethan pressed on, "Or do you not want to be enemies with Quentin?"
Ethan's constant pushing was getting on Lauren's nerves. She shot him a cold, sharp look. "Ethan, after everything we've been through, do you still doubt me?"
Maybe her look was too intense, causing Ethan backed off. While Lauren's actions today appeared to be in his defense, he couldn't shake the feeling that she was getting too cozy with Quentin.
Ethan apologized, "It's not doubt; I've never doubted you. Alright, it's my fault. It's good that today's issue is resolved. Let's not talk about unhappy things anymore."
Lauren pulled her hand away and turned to look out the window, ignoring Ethan.
Sophia only found out three days later that Noah had been fired and was just hanging around at home lately.
Feeling guilty, she bought a bunch of gifts and went to Noah's place. Seeing Noah looking down, a flash of worry crossed Sophia's eyes.
Noah asked, "Why are you here? Come in, is it hot outside?"
Sophia shook her head and followed Noah inside. After sitting down awkwardly, she hesitated for a long time before saying, "Noah, why did you take the blame for the plagiarism? It was clearly my fault..."
"No, no need to go there. It's done, let's move on," Noah interrupted her, smiling, though he looked a bit pale.
Sophia lowered her head and suggested, "You should have told the truth. That way, you wouldn't have been fired. Quentin must be really mad this time, so he was harsh with you."
Noah replied, "It's okay, don't worry. Quentin and I have been friends for so many years; he won't stay mad at me. Sophia, don't bring this up again, or he might blame you too."
Sophia looked into Noah's clear eyes, feeling a bit lost. "Thanks, I get what you're trying to do. I just got back from Robinson Conglomerate and found out the plagiarism issue is sorted. Quentin explained it to Dylan. Not sure what he said, but both Ethan's company and ours are in the clear now."
"Really?" Noah smiled knowingly. Quentin had indeed made that choice.
Sophia said bitterly, "I really wasted my efforts. Someone as sneaky as Ethan managed to get through the crisis unscathed. Quentin is too soft-hearted. Despite all the harm Ethan has done to him, he still forgave him."
Noah quickly said, "Sophia, that's Quentin's business. We shouldn't interfere."
"Why? I don't want to be an outsider anymore. Noah, you have to help me. I'm really at a dead end," Sophia said, tears streaming down her face at just the right moment.
Noah felt heartbroken. "Sophia, don't cry. Just tell me what you need help with, and I'll do it. Don't be sad."
A look of triumph flashed in Sophia's eyes. Noah was the only one who was easy to deceive.
Lauren felt guilty towards Matthew because she missed the time to send him to school. She had been too busy dealing with company matters. It was Kimberly who took Matthew to school.
Matthew had indeed been sulking with her these past two days. He obediently ate and slept every day, but he wasn't as close to Lauren as he used to be.
Lauren got off work early today, planning to cook a delicious dinner to cheer Matthew up.
When Matthew saw Lauren at home, he was happy but still sulking, so he kept his head down watching TV and didn't take the initiative to talk to Lauren.
Lauren busied herself in the kitchen, and soon a table full of dishes was ready. She brought the delicious roast meat to Matthew, using the aroma to attract him.
This trick worked. Matthew's taste buds were successfully captivated by the aroma. He swallowed hard, looking at the roast meat pitifully.
Lauren saw Matthew's expression clearly. She deliberately teased him, saying, "Matthew, if you're not into roast meat, Grandma and I will gladly take care of it and whip up some veggies just for you, deal?"
Matthew immediately stood up, pouting, and replied, "I like it! I don't like vegetables; I want roast meat!"
"But you look so unhappy. I thought my cooking wasn't as good as the food at your school," Lauren responded.
Matthew shook his head. "No, Mommy's cooking is much better than the school's. The meat at preschool is always overcooked. Mommy's cooking is great; I love it."
Patting Matthew's head, Lauren said with a smile, "Then I'll prepare more meat for you. Don't be unhappy, okay?"
Hearing this, Matthew was so happy that he danced around, but he didn't forget that he was still sulking with Lauren.
"Mommy, other kids are picked up by their mommies after school, but you've never picked me up. I feel so lonely. Can you pick me up from school too?" Matthew asked disappointedly.
Lauren already felt very guilty. Hearing Matthew say this made her feel even more heartbroken. "Matthew, it was my fault. I promise that whenever I have time, I'll pick you up from school, just like your friends' mommies, okay?"
"Really? When will you have time?" Matthew asked persistently, not letting go of the question.
Lauren thought seriously and said, "How about I pick you up every Friday, okay?"
"Okay!" Matthew agreed readily. Having some time was better than none, and he was already content.
