Chapter 324 Persuasion Fails
Lauren always knew what kind of person Ulysses was, but he was still her dad. Despite his numerous bad habits, she couldn't bring herself to completely cut him off.
Now, Kimberly had secretly taken Ulysses in and left her out of the loop, which really hurt Lauren. They were family. So, why would they keep secrets from each other?
She felt she had never wronged her relatives. Even when Ulysses borrowed a ton of money from Quentin using her name, she let it slide.
She had thought that Kimberly and Ulysses would value her efforts, but now she realized that Kimberly didn't truly trust her.
Kimberly felt guilty towards Lauren. She knew she shouldn't have kept it a secret that she had taken Ulysses in. She had tried several times to find the right moment to tell her, but she could never bring herself to do it, so she kept putting it off.
Hearing Ulysses say such harsh words to Lauren, Kimberly walked up to him with a cold face and snapped, "You're something else, taking all the benefits and still blaming others. If you really didn't expect Lauren to help, you might have been dead long ago. Don't expect any help from me or Lauren in the future. Now get out!"
Ulysses felt really embarrassed by Kimberly's scolding. Strangely enough, he quieted down, neither arguing nor causing a scene.
Lauren sighed helplessly. Seeing that Kimberly and Ulysses had calmed down, she slowly spoke, "Mom, Dad, I'm afraid you might get hurt again. It's not that I'm making trouble out of nothing, but the issues with the Obsidian Gang haven't been resolved yet."
Ulysses was indifferent to this. "Lauren, are you trying to scare us? What do you mean it's not resolved? I've already told you that Obsidian Gang's lookouts have left."
Kimberly's eyes also showed a hint of doubt. Ulysses had been at her shop for some time, and no one from the mafia had come to cause trouble, not even any suspicious people. So, Kimberly unconsciously sided with Ulysses regarding Lauren's statement.
Lauren realized that she had to make things clear today. After all, this was a matter of life and death, and she couldn't let Kimberly and Ulysses remain in the dark.
So, Lauren told them everything about her and Matthew being kidnapped without holding anything back.
Kimberly was heartbroken when she heard this. She squatted down and looked at Matthew carefully, speaking with remorse, "Matthew, you've suffered. Lauren, why are you only telling me this now? I'm really sorry to hear that."
She had put all her energy into this beauty salon and hadn't even noticed the safety of Lauren and Matthew.
Lauren gently patted Kimberly's shoulder, comforting her, "Quentin said he would handle this matter. We all need to be extra careful during this time."
Kimberly nodded. "Of course, don't worry. From today on, I'll come home earlier to be with you."
Lauren's eyes filled with tears. At that moment, she truly craved the comfort of her family, but she was accustomed to being the strong one. Acknowledging her own vulnerability had become a challenge.
"Mom, Dad, I just want you both to be safe. I've thought it over, and I think we should all head back to Pariz. Brent's criminal organization isn't going to disappear overnight, and we can't keep living in fear," Lauren said, finally revealing why she had come.
She had initially thought Ulysses had already left City A and that Brent's people couldn't find him. But finding out he was staying with Kimberly made things even more complicated.
When Ulysses heard about going to Pariz, he immediately stood up, looking agitated.
"No way, I'm not going to Pariz. I want to stay here. Why should I go abroad? If you want to go, go ahead. Don't drag me into it!" Ulysses snapped, clearly not on board.
Lauren was troubled but still tried to reason with him, "Dad, Matthew and I were kidnapped as an act of revenge by Brent. If the Obsidian Gang finds out about you, can you guarantee you'll escape their pursuit?"
Ulysses sneered, "You don't need to scare me like that! Your kidnapping by Brent has nothing to do with me. Everyone knows Quentin and Brent have a huge grudge. Maybe Brent kidnapped you and your son to threaten him because you're his ex-wife."
Ulysses' words made Lauren pause. Could this really be the truth? Was she actually a burden to Quentin? It seemed possible.
After all, Quentin had risked his life to save her and Matthew, directly confronting Brent. Although he had outsmarted Brent in the end, she knew how dangerous the situation had been.
Lauren looked at Kimberly, hoping to hear her thoughts.
Kimberly was torn. She tentatively spoke to Lauren, "Lauren, you just said that Quentin would handle this matter, which means our safety will be guaranteed by him. We've finally returned to City A, our hometown, and I've finally established my own business. I really don't want to leave."
Lauren had anticipated this. She had grown up, gotten married, and had a child. She and her parents were no longer as dependent on each other.
She could make any decision without any further concerns, but she really didn't want to owe Quentin any more favors. "Mom, Dad, I hope you can reconsider."
"No need to reconsider. Just live your own life and don't worry about us!" Ulysses lit a cigarette and started smoking.
Lauren and Matthew both frowned. Since the conversation couldn't continue, Lauren knew it was useless to say more. So, she gave Kimberly a few instructions and left the beauty salon.
On the way home, Matthew saw Lauren's sad expression and was too scared to say a word. They remained silent until they reached their residential community.
Lauren held Matthew, looking around to check the surroundings. After confirming there was nothing unusual, she took the elevator to her apartment floor.
As the elevator door opened, Lauren stepped out. Turning the corner, she saw a man leaning against her apartment door.
Lauren was startled by the man's appearance. Upon recognizing him, her anxious heart finally calmed down. "Ethan, what are you doing here?"
Lauren's cold voice came from the side. Ethan straightened up from the wall. His chin was shadowed by stubble, his countenance worn and weary, while the pungent scent of alcohol clung to him. His swollen eyes revealed his current miserable state.
He looked at Lauren hesitantly, apologizing in a sorrowful voice, "Lauren, I'm sorry."
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