Chapter 295 Not Letting Him Back Down
Sophia felt totally humiliated in front of Lauren. Inside, she was boiling with frustration but kept a smile plastered on her face, cursing Lauren a thousand times in her head.
She glanced over at Noah, who was grinning like an idiot, which only made her angrier. What really got to her was Noah's reluctance to speak up, leaving her to deal with Lauren. "Ms. Walker, don't say that. We've had quite a few interactions, and I genuinely care about you. Please don't think I'm meddling."
Sophia's words were meant to corner Lauren, but Lauren's icy attitude left her with little to say in front of Noah.
Lauren didn't respond, instead busying herself with the luggage scattered on the floor.
Seeing this, Noah didn't want to make things worse. He took advantage of Lauren's distraction to signal Sophia to leave.
But Sophia ignored Noah's gesture and kept pushing. "Noah, didn't you have something to say to Ms. Walker? I see she is quite busy, so you should say it quickly so we can leave sooner."
Noah's face turned red with embarrassment. Lauren looked up, waiting for Noah to speak.
"What is it?" Lauren asked, puzzled.
Noah chuckled awkwardly. Sophia's pressure left him no choice. He closed his eyes, knowing he couldn't dodge it forever.
"Um, Lauren, I do have something to say. You know, Ms. Robinson's death was a big blow to Quentin. He's finally starting to recover, so maybe you should stop seeing him," Noah spoke cautiously, watching Lauren's reaction.
As expected, Lauren's face soured, clearly upset by his words.
Noah quickly added, "No, no, I mean, since everyone is moving on with their lives, and I know you've met Ethan's parents, you should marry him soon and find your own happiness! I know I'm an outsider and shouldn't meddle in your personal affairs, but..."
"But since Quentin and I are getting married, and you're Matthew's mother, we have to consider your feelings," Sophia cut in.
Lauren was momentarily stunned, then smiled. "Miss Hall, you're too concerned about my affairs. Go ahead and get married; it has nothing to do with me! Matthew is fully under my care, it's none of your business. You don't need to seek my insignificant feelings."
Lauren's tone was icy, distancing herself from Quentin, though her inexplicable anger betrayed her facade.
Sophia's smugness flashed briefly. She continued to feign innocence, glancing at Noah, who realized that by helping Sophia, he had lost any chance of being friends with Lauren.
Sophia and Noah, one pleased and the other conflicted, remained silent, each planning their next move.
Lauren looked at them with a stern face. "You've had your say, so feel free to go. As you can see, I have to pack, so I can't entertain you."
Noah pulled Sophia towards the door, saying to Lauren, "Lauren, you go ahead. We have things to do. Goodbye!"
Before Lauren could respond, Noah dragged Sophia out. He didn't catch Sophia's triumphant smile aimed at Lauren; she had done it on purpose to provoke her.
Downstairs, Noah walked ahead with a cold face, not saying a word. Sophia didn't bother with him; to her, Noah was just a tool for her to become Mrs. Robinson.
In the car, Noah didn't start the engine, and Sophia wasn't in a hurry. She opened her phone and idly browsed the news.
Finally, Noah couldn't hold back. "Sophia, don't you have anything to explain to me?"
Sophia widened her charming eyes and smiled at Noah. "No, why?"
Noah frowned. "Why did you lie to Lauren about marrying Quentin?"
Sophia burst into laughter, "Isn't it bound to happen? You promised me you'd help make Lauren disappear from Quentin's life. I'm trying my best. Saying Quentin and I are getting married helps Lauren see reality and marry Ethan sooner. Isn't that a good thing?"
"I know how you feel about Quentin, but you shouldn't lie to Lauren! It's despicable!" Noah responded seriously.
Sophia's smile faded, and she looked at Noah sternly. "Despicable? Noah, don't forget, you were helping me with these despicable things! If I'm a sinner, you're no saint!"
Noah smiled bitterly. "Yes, I promised to help you today, so I'm a sinner too."
Sophia was even angrier hearing this. She grabbed her things, quickly got out of the car, slammed the door, and walked away.
Noah watched Sophia's angry figure, feeling miserable. Why did he bother? Sophia would never understand his efforts!
Inside the house, Lauren kept busy, but her mind was restless despite sending Noah and Sophia away.
"We're getting married."
"Getting married."
Sophia's words echoed in Lauren's mind, making her agitated. This feeling was like an compulsion she couldn't shake.
Lauren threw down her clothes, angrily sat on the floor, and held her head. She was mad at herself for being weak and having these emotions.
She tried to convince herself that life without a man would be more carefree. Quentin, Ethan, they could all go away. She wouldn't let them disturb her calm heart anymore.
Thinking this, Lauren regained her spirits. She smiled perfectly, hummed a song, and continued packing, though the bitterness in her heart remained.
Meanwhile, Sophia, who had left in anger, was also in a bad mood. She knew marrying Quentin was just her wishful thinking. She had been by Quentin's side for three years since returning to City A, but he remained indifferent and had no intention of marrying her.
However, she hadn't given up. The plagiarism incident and today's declaration to Lauren were all Ruby's ideas.