Chapter 50 Planning the Birthday Banquet
Hannah noticed the sadness in Lauren's eyes and patted her hand, saying, "Lauren, I'm not making excuses for Quentin, but I saw the morning news too, and the situation is definitely not like the gossip suggests. You two have just begun to mend your relationship, and I hope you don't let this drive a wedge between you."
"I've made it through these past years, but I don't know why, my heart's been out of control lately. I have this inexplicable anger, this urge to lash out..."
"Hey, pregnant women tend to become irritable. I was the same back in my day. Don't overthink things, just focus on nurturing your pregnancy. Also, remember, no matter how big the problem is, don't try to face it alone. Think of yourself more. Take the car accident, for example, it still frightens me when I think about it. You need to learn how to protect yourself and your child, okay?" Hannah's voice was gentle, like a grandmother advising her bewildered granddaughter.
Lauren felt a warm reassurance in her heart, grateful to have a family member like Hannah who truly cared for her.
Soon after, Quentin finished the discharge process and drove Lauren and Hannah back to Robinson Estate.
From that moment, Lauren and Quentin's life of living together officially began.
Life at the Robinson Estate was indeed luxurious. In addition to regular meals, Lauren was provided with extra nourishment daily, which left her feeling even more indulged and satisfied.
Hannah was pleased to see Lauren's complexion grow rosier day by day.
Meanwhile, Quentin seldom returned home. Lauren was unsure whether he was genuinely busy or intentionally avoiding seeing her.
Hannah would often call and urge Quentin to come home, but it was to no avail. She didn't think too much of it; after all, Quentin and Lauren had a child on the way, and she believed that once the baby arrived, things would surely get better.
Hannah was filled with hope for the future, thinking that her wishes were about to come true.
Two weeks flew by, and Hannah accompanied Lauren to the hospital to have her bandages removed. After the doctor took off the bandages, a three-centimeter scar was revealed on Lauren's forehead, resembling a centipede. Luckily, the scar was at the top of her forehead, mostly hidden by her hair.
Looking at Lauren's wound, Hannah said with a pained expression, "You silly girl, now you've got a scar on that pretty face. It hurts me just to look at it."
Lauren, however, didn't seem to mind. Although girls often care about their looks, for Lauren, getting hurt was a small price to pay for Quentin's safety.
"Oh, Dowager, don't feel bad for me. Look, my wound is healing nicely. I think it's actually good in a way. Letting my bangs down a bit covers the scar and makes my face look smaller. Why not embrace it?" Lauren said with a giggle.
Hannah sighed. "I can't believe you can still laugh about it."
"Of course, I'm happy. I get to spend every day with Dowager, waiting for the baby to arrive safely. I feel very blessed," Lauren beamed.
Hannah was at a loss with Lauren, gently touching her forehead. "Such a sweet talker you are."
Lauren suddenly remembered something. "Oh, Dowager, your sixtieth birthday is just around the corner. What are your plans? How can I help you celebrate?"
"At my age, I hadn't planned on anything special. Maybe just a nice dinner with the family, have your dad and Mom join us. Just a happy time together. What do you think?" Hannah didn't want much; just to have her family healthy and joyful was enough.
Usually, Quentin would organize a lively birthday banquet, inviting business associates to celebrate. Hannah appreciated these gestures, but she felt restricted around strangers. She preferred a simple celebration at home, where she could relax and be comfortable.
"Just a family dinner? That seems a bit too quiet. I want you to have an unforgettable birthday, so Dowager, make any request, and I'll do my best to fulfill it," Lauren promised, patting her chest earnestly.
Her serious demeanor made Hannah laugh.
"You're so mischievous. Having you all by my side is all I could ever ask for!" Hannah said, holding Lauren's hand warmly, not wanting to let go.
"Alright, then I'll need to practice my cooking skills. I want to personally prepare a feast for Dowager's birthday so you can have a wonderful meal."
"Okay, but I'm hoping you'll use that day to really open up to Quentin. Tell him all the doubts in your heart. I believe he'll give you a reasonable explanation, and then you can be at peace," Hannah pondered.
Lauren didn't respond. She was unsure whether to take Hannah's advice and initiate the conversation with Quentin. Deep down, she knew she still cared for Quentin, and the car accident had only made her feelings clearer.
Considering they were married and expecting a child, Lauren decided it was time to take an active step forward for the sake of herself and her unborn baby.
"Lauren, what's on your mind? It's okay, whatever concerns you have, just tell me, and I'll help you figure it out," Hannah offered kindly.
"Dowager, I'll take your advice. When I see Quentin, I'll talk to him," she conceded.
Hannah nodded with relief, "Good, if you two can resolve your differences, that would be the best gift for me."
Quentin felt awkward. Ever since he learned Lauren was carrying his child, he'd been experiencing a strange mix of emotions. On the surface, he hadn't opposed or supported the news of Lauren's pregnancy, yet he couldn't stop thinking about it and sometimes even found himself looking forward to the child's birth.
Unable to explain these feelings, Quentin stubbornly refrained from returning to the home.
Work had been hectic as well. Robinson Conglomerate was bidding on a significant government contract, and Quentin was determined to win it.
To his surprise, Wendy approached him at this critical time, claiming to have a connection with the head of the project and promising to secure the contract for the Robinson Conglomerate.
Quentin, unimpressed by the idea of a woman's help, flatly refused her offer. However, Wendy managed to use her connections to bring the project head directly to Robinson Conglomerate.
Quentin's disdain for Wendy grew. Initially, he hadn't cared about rumors of an inappropriate relationship between them. But then he discovered Wendy's fan club had been fueling these rumors, which angered him, though he hadn't associated Wendy with this debacle.
But as things escalated, a few days ago, he was photographed with Wendy. That day coincided with Wendy insisting on a welcome party for herself.
Quentin knew he'd been used by Wendy—to make the hot trends online, to spark conversations—but he hadn't suspected her true motive was to usurp Lauren's spot.
