Chapter 52 The Crushing Wait
Quentin rushed to finish his work on hand, planning to head to the home by six. However, an unexpected situation arose.
Secretary Shaw knocked and stepped into Quentin's office. "Quentin, there's someone who claims to be Peyton and the actress Wendy here to see you."
Quentin frowned, knowing that Peyton was the head of that government project. Why would he and Wendy show up together at this time?
"Alright, let them in," Quentin said.
Since Peyton had taken the initiative to visit and Quentin was interested in the case, it wouldn't be polite to turn them away. However, it annoyed him that Wendy, who was always sticking her nose into others' business, had come along. Was she looking for more gossip to stir up?
Soon after, Wendy walked into the office with a middle-aged man.
The man was of average height, dressed to the nines, and had a commanding presence. He wore dark-rimmed glasses, which made him look even more sophisticated. There was a calculating look in his eyes as he glanced at Quentin.
"Quentin, hello, I'm Peyton, it's a pleasure to meet you," Peyton said, reaching out to shake Quentin's hand.
Quentin reciprocated with a handshake and said, "Mr. Peyton, please, have a seat over here."
At that moment, Wendy was playfully winking at Quentin, as if to take credit for bringing Peyton.
Quentin ignored her and sat down on the couch with Peyton.
"Quentin, although this is our first meeting, I've heard so much about you. Sisi often mentions you, and it’s impressive how much you've achieved at such a young age," Peyton commented with a smile.
"You're too kind, Mr. Peyton. I should've been the one to visit you. I didn't expect you to beat me to it."
"Ha, I hope you don't mind my sudden visit. I've been really busy these past few days, but Sisi has been urging me to meet you. I couldn't say no, so after finishing my work today, she insisted on bringing me over," Peyton said, giving Wendy an affectionate look.
Quentin, still thinking of his planned encounter with Hannah and Lauren and not wanting to break his word, replied, "Mr. Peyton, I understand you're busy. As for the project, our investment manager, Mr. Yang, has already been in touch with you. I'll call him over right now."
Peyton stopped Quentin, "Quentin, I came here today specifically to talk to you. How about we go somewhere else to eat and talk? I've already made a reservation at a hotel. If you're done with work, we can head there now?"
Quentin hesitated, not expecting the coincidence. He was known for being decisive and decided to be straightforward.
"I apologize, Mr. Peyton, but I have a personal matter at home and can only afford to spare two hours."
Upon hearing this, Wendy's face changed. A personal matter? What could it be? Could there be trouble with Quentin's wife?
There have been rumors about Quentin and his wife having a rocky relationship, which Wendy had never witnessed.
Though she had never got clear confirmation that Quentin's wife wasn't truly the apple of his eye, Wendy knew she needed to test where she stood in his heart.
"Quentin... I mean, Quentin, you know how much effort it took to get Peyton to come over. You can't just snub him like that. This is a rare opportunity—other folks are dying to have dinner with Peyton, you know," Wendy chided.
Peyton chimed in, "I'm truly interested in the Robinson Conglomerate and to keep it brief, I promise I won't take up much of your time."
Given Peyton's insistence, Quentin nodded in agreement. He remembered Hannah mentioning that the Birthday Banquet would start at eight in the evening; he should make it on time.
While everyone was anxiously waiting for Quentin, he went off to a hotel business meeting with Wendy and Peyton.
Lauren arranged the soups one by one on the dinner table, and the cake was brought back by Ezekiel. Now, the gathering was just waiting for Quentin's arrival.
Seeing the soups cooling and Lauren's eagerness fading, Hannah couldn't sit still.
What's gotten into Quentin today? Not only was it her milestone sixtieth birthday, but she had specifically asked him to return early to catch up with Lauren. Unexpectedly, he was two hours late.
"Lauren, don't worry. I'll give him a call and see where he's at," Hannah said, rising to grab the phone.
Lauren felt a tinge of disappointment, yet her anticipation grew for Quentin's return.
"Dowager, it's all right. Maybe he's swamped at work. Let's wait a little longer," Lauren suggested.
"Yeah, Quentin might be driving as we speak. It's not even eight yet. Let's hold out a bit longer," Kimberly added.
Reassured, Hannah sat back down to wait. Soon after, Ezekiel came running to announce that Quentin had returned.
Lauren's heart was about to burst. She had rehearsed her greeting to Quentin countless times in her mind, but now her lips quivered with nerves.
Everyone turned to look toward the doorway with smiles as Quentin walked in... accompanied by two others.
Lauren recognized one of them—it was the pure and beloved Wendy, Quentin's latest scandal.
Lauren's heart sank. Quentin had brought Wendy to such an occasion. What was he trying to say? Was this a sign that Wendy was the one he cared about?
Looking at the gift box on the chair, Lauren felt a stinging sense of irony. Had it all been wishful thinking from the start? He had found someone he fancied too, hadn't he?
The whole 'children are the blessing of love' spiel seemed like a farce now. It seemed that not even a child could secure Quentin's affection.
Hannah was acquainted with Wendy, who approached before Hannah could even open her mouth.
"Hannah, Quentin mentioned it's your 60th birthday tonight, so I took the liberty of dropping by to celebrate with you. Wishing you all the happiness of the boundless eastern seas, and a life as enduring as the evergreen pines," Wendy greeted cheerfully.
They say you don't slap a smiling face, and with Wendy's flattery, Hannah naturally couldn't be rude to her.
"Thank you, my dear," Hannah replied.
Quentin came over to introduce Wendy to the group, his gaze carefully avoiding Lauren the entire time.
Hannah looked sternly at Quentin and asked, "Where's the soup I asked you to buy?"
"I'm sorry, Dowager, I forgot to pick it up," Quentin replied apologetically.
At that moment, Peyton stepped in to defend Quentin, "I'm truly sorry, Mrs. Robinson. Quentin was preoccupied with keeping us company and neglected such an important task. Please allow me to apologize on his behalf, and I hope you won't hold it against him."
Hannah shot Quentin a look of deep disappointment and said, "My apologies for this embarrassment. Since you're here, please feel free to take a seat."
The atmosphere had turned decidedly awkward. Wendy, disregarding Lauren's presence, quickly took a seat next to Quentin. Hannah, however, insistently pulled Lauren to sit between Quentin and herself.
The more hope Lauren had held out for Quentin before, the greater her disappointment was now. With guests around, she couldn't speak her heart out to Quentin, nor did she want to present the carefully prepared gift any longer.
---
