Chapter 61 Work Requirements
Lauren was at home nurturing her pregnancy while continuing to work on the collaborative project, determined not to let Patrick and the Robinson Conglomerate down.
After many days, she finally completed the project. She was thrilled, imagining in her mind what Quentin's expression would be when she handed him the proposal. Lost in her thoughts, she couldn't help but smile. She looked like a woman in love.
As expected, after work, Quentin went straight back to the villa. Coming home to see Lauren seemed to be the highlight of his day. Even if he didn't say anything upon seeing her, his heart felt at ease.
With a USB drive in hand, Lauren stood hesitating outside Quentin's study. She was afraid of disturbing Quentin by barging in suddenly, but she also wanted to hand over the proposal as soon as possible.
In fact, before Lauren returned to the villa, Quentin had installed monitors in every corner of the house. Of course, the purpose of installing the monitors was not to spy on Lauren but to ensure he could promptly detect any unexpected situations. So, everything in the house was visible through the monitors, both in his office at the company and in the study.
Seeing Lauren pacing outside the study, Quentin's eyes softened. His facial expressions were at their most expressive when no one else was around.
Quentin took a few steps to the study door and opened it without waiting for Lauren's reaction.
Feeling awkward, Lauren thought luck was not on her side. Every time she attempted something, Quentin seemed to catch her in the act.
"Um, I..." She nervously scratched the back of her head, momentarily forgetting her reason for being there.
Quentin smiled at Lauren, finding her embarrassment endearing.
"Just passing by?" Quentin asked.
"No, I actually came for a specific reason," Lauren said, her voice a bit louder as she tried to muster her courage.
Quentin raised an eyebrow and shifted slightly to the side. "Then come in and let's discuss it."
Taking a deep breath, Lauren walked past Quentin and into the study.
"This is the proposal I worked on earlier. Could you review it and point out any areas that need improvements?" Lauren handed the USB drive to Quentin.
Taking it, Quentin glanced at her a few times. He hadn't expected her to follow through. With so much happening recently, including her being hospitalized twice, he was surprised she still found the time and energy to complete the proposal. This hardworking girl truly impressed him.
Quentin walked to the desk, inserted the USB drive into the computer, and carefully examined the proposal.
Anxiously waiting for Quentin's response, Lauren stared intently at him as he focused on reviewing the proposal on the computer, her heart unknowingly beating faster.
‘Lauren, pull yourself together. Don't let this man's appearance deceive you every time, okay!’ Lauren scorned herself internally.
But then she reconsidered; everyone in the world appreciates beauty. She wasn't a deity; she had to deal with worldly matters, including this aspect of 'vulgarity.' After convincing herself successfully, she gazed directly at Quentin.
Noticing Lauren's gaze, Quentin looked up from reviewing the proposal. Their eyes met, and in that moment, everything else around them seemed to fade away.
"Um, Quentin, what do you think of my proposal?" Lauren spoke first.
Quentin turned the computer toward Lauren and said, "The overall content is fine, but the structure is somewhat naive. We need a sales strategy to improve performance, but your focus is on enhancing the company's image and taking a populist approach. I believe our company's image doesn't need enhancement, but the populist aspect is something I can consider."
As Quentin swiftly condensed the proposal from twenty pages to eight, Lauren felt a pang in her heart. All that effort she had put in—now being deleted just like that—how could she not feel disheartened?
However, she had to admit that Quentin was right. The image of the Robinson Conglomerate in City A was already established and not easy to change. But because Quentin positioned the company as aloof, serving only the wealthy, ordinary people were kept at bay.
Noticing a change in Lauren's expression, Quentin had not realized that his straightforward behavior had hurt her.
Although Lauren was hurt, she acknowledged Quentin's words. He was the CEO of the company and naturally understood the company better than she did, knowing which path was suitable. Besides, didn't Quentin also agree with her? To receive the approval of the esteemed CEO was indeed a remarkable achievement.
"I'll go back and make the changes. I'll keep the part about benefiting the public," Lauren said.
However, Quentin directly rejected it, "No need. I'll assign this task to someone else in the company. You don't have to worry about it."
Quentin intended to let Lauren rest, but despite his efforts, he couldn't find the right words to express his concern.
Lauren's eyebrows twitched. What did he mean by that? Was he removing her position in the company?
"How should I explain this to Patrick? I don't want others to know my true identity," Lauren spoke her mind.
"What, is Mrs. Robinson's identity so beneath you?" Quentin was somewhat angry. Becoming his wife was something many women would dream of. Yet here was Lauren, saying such things in front of him, even though she had schemed to marry him in the first place.
"I wouldn't dare. But you also want others to know that I'm your wife, right?" Lauren asked, leaving Quentin speechless.
Indeed, Quentin currently didn't want people to know that his wife was ‘the’ Amelia from the Patrick’s.
"You haven’t recovered, yet you’re worrying about the Patrick's matters. Less stress leads to a longer life," Quentin sarcastically remarked.
Shrugging, Lauren didn't mind. She was naturally optimistic. After enduring for two years, there was nothing she couldn't handle. Whether long or short life, these predetermined things were not worth her consideration.
"Quentin, I also want you to find something for me to do. After all, I'm receiving Patrick's salary. If Henry finds out I'm not working for you, he won't be pleased!" Lauren began to flatter Quentin like a dog.
"I am a person who is fair and impartial. Even if you don't say it, I know. Just wait, I'll arrange something for you," Quentin smiled mischievously.
Seeing Quentin smile like that for the first time, Lauren once again lost her focus. Whether man or woman, having a good appearance was indeed an advantage. Otherwise, with Quentin's cold and domineering personality, it would be strange if any woman liked him!
