Chapter 49 Moving to the Home
Lauren and Kimberly, mother and daughter, talked for a long while, and it was nine o’clock, yet Quentin had not returned.
Ulysses was growing impatient. He had wanted to use the news of Lauren's pregnancy as a pretext to bring up the next steps in cooperation between the Robinson Conglomerate and the Walker Corporation with Quentin. But his son-in-law had not shown his face even at such a late hour.
"Lauren, what's the deal with Quentin? Is he coming back or not?" Ulysses complained.
Lauren hadn't been in contact with Quentin; she didn't want to disturb him, so she remained silent, looking down.
Ulysses was furious to see Lauren being treated like a doormat, and he couldn't help but say, "Lauren, you've landed yourself such a good husband, you really should work on tempering that stubborn streak of yours. There are so many attractive women out there, and you might lose your place with just one slip-up. Not to mention, if you're on bad terms with the Robinson family, it's going to be tough on us too."
Since Ulysses had arrived in the room, all he talked about was Quentin, without a single word of concern for Lauren, which greatly displeased Kimberly.
"Enough, what does it matter to you whether Quentin comes or not? How they handle their relationship is not for you to control. Why don't you spend this time caring about what Lauren will eat later?" Kimberly snapped at Ulysses.
Ulysses, who also had a quick temper, retorted, "I am concerned for Lauren."
"I have never seen a father who 'cares' for his child in such a way," remarked Kimberly.
"Oh, so you’re the one who knows how to care for a child, the model parent. Seems to me like it’s your menopause kicking in early!" Ulysses snapped back at Kimberly.
Lauren didn't want her parents to argue over her, so she intervened, "I'm alright, I can take care of myself. Don’t worry about me. It's getting late; maybe it's time for you both to head home and rest?"
Kimberly shook her head, "You haven't even had dinner yet, how can I leave you like this? Tell you what, I'll step out and grab you some light soup. After you eat, we can head out."
Lauren glanced between Kimberly and Ulysses and finally agreed.
After buying the soup and watching Lauren finish it, Kimberly left the hospital room feeling reassured.
Left alone in the hospital room, Lauren tossed and turned, her mind replaying Ulysses's words. She couldn't help but wonder if Quentin would come to keep her company tonight.
It was late before Lauren finally succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep.
The next day, the first thing Lauren did upon waking was check her phone, and she was immediately captivated by a headline that flashed across the screen.
"Robinson Conglomerate CEO Quentin suspected of infidelity, 'girl next door' icon Wendy willingly plays the other woman?"
Lauren held her breath. She knew all too well about Quentin's tabloid scandals – they had become routine for her. But of all times, just when she had rekindled her hope in him, he seemed to be back among the throngs of admirers.
Lauren gave a bitter smile, thinking she had deluded herself into believing Quentin had accepted her and the child. Maybe it was just her wishful thinking...
It wasn't mere curiosity driving her; she wanted to know who this woman was, causing scandals with Quentin.
Wendy... the famous actress she had seen on television and the news a few times. Lauren hadn't expected such an idolized figure to fall for Quentin.
But then again, it made sense. Quentin, with his vast fortune and handsome looks, was the epitome of a Prince Charming to many.
Was she, Lauren, really that invisible?
In the photo, Wendy's hand was casually hooked through Quentin's arm, her radiant smile beaming as she seemed to be happily chatting with him. Quentin's expression was indiscernible in the picture, but Lauren guessed that if he hadn't removed Wendy's hand, he must be enjoying the attention.
Annoyed, Lauren tossed her phone aside, chiding herself for entertaining such gossip. If she didn't like it, she shouldn't read it and pretend to be oblivious.
She thought she could remain indifferent to Quentin's romantic rumors as she had in the past, and continue to play her part as the Ninja Turtle. But she overestimated her tolerance and underestimated a woman's jealousy.
In the following three days, Quentin, preoccupied with work, rarely visited the hospital. Even when he did drop by to see Lauren, their conversation was minimal before he left again.
Lauren refused to initiate conversation with Quentin, or even to cast him a concerned glance. Thankfully, Hannah was there daily, chatting with her and keeping her company for all her checkups. Soon, Lauren was cleared to be discharged.
"Lauren, the doctor says you're good to go. Why don't you come to stay at the home? Staying alone in that big villa without someone to look after you has me worried," Hannah suggested affectionately.
Lauren's heart skipped a beat. She appreciated Hannah's kindness and wanted to agree. But the thought of seeing Quentin more if she moved into the home made her hesitate.
Quentin unexpectedly returned to the hospital room. It turned out Hannah had called him to handle Lauren's discharge procedures.
With an indifferent expression, Quentin walked in and said, "Your health isn't great right now; you should take the Dowager's offer. I've delegated your work to others. You can now focus on resting and recuperating at the home."
Lauren was dissatisfied with Quentin's high-handed decision.
"I'm just injured, not immobile. Why can't I go to work? Are you trying to cage me up like a little bird?" Lauren protested, her voice tinged with defiance.
After she spoke, Lauren realized her tone was somewhat petulant.
Quentin frowned, taken aback by her ingratitude; he had only her well-being in mind.
Sensing the tension, Hannah stepped in to mediate.
"Quentin, Lauren's nearly recovered. Keeping her cooped up at home with nothing to do is equally dull. Letting her continue her work could be a good distraction. Let's respect Lauren's wishes, shall we?"
Then, with a bright smile, Hannah turned to Lauren, "Quentin isn't trying to imprison you. As long as you're up for it, you may work. Just don't push yourself too hard, okay?"
Lauren calmed down, regretting her earlier impulsiveness.
"Dowager, my project is almost at its final stages, and I'd really like to personally finish it."
"This Dowager knows; alright, Quentin, that settles it. Later, gather all the materials Lauren needs and take them back to the home. She can complete her work there," Hannah told Quentin.
Quentin stared intensely at Lauren, aware of her stubbornness, but disliking her tone nonetheless.
Without speaking, he tacitly agreed. Then he collected Lauren's medical records and proceeded to handle her hospital discharge.
Lauren watched Quentin's retreating figure with a heavy heart.
