Chapter 81 A Journey of Three
As evening fell, Lauren texted Ethan: "Ethan, do you have any plans for tomorrow? If not, shall we visit the orphanage you mentioned?"
After a while, Ethan replied: "Sure. What time do you plan to leave? I'll come pick you up."
Lauren responded: "Give me the address, and I'll go there myself. Also, Quentin will be joining us. I hope you two can get along, alright?"
Ethan hesitated for a moment, his fingers tapping on the phone screen, and replied: "Alright, the address is 133 Willow Street."
Lauren responded: "Then let's meet at the entrance at ten in the morning. See you there."
Early the next day, before Quentin could set out to find Lauren, she texted him: "Go directly to 133 Willow Street." Although Quentin was puzzled as to why he needed to go there, he complied.
When Quentin arrived at the destination, he saw Lauren beaming at him.
"Mr. Robinson, welcome to the orphanage charity event," Lauren said sweetly.
Quentin frowned, realizing that Lauren brought him here to finish what they had left undone the previous day.
"Well, we need to prepare some things first," Quentin said. Since it was a charity event, they naturally needed to bring some heartfelt gifts for the children at the orphanage.
"Don't rush. We are waiting for one more person," Lauren said with a knowing smile.
Quentin didn't need to guess to understand what Lauren meant. Ethan really is everywhere!
As they spoke, a familiar black Spyker approached. When the car came to a graceful stop in front of Lauren, Ethan stepped out, standing straight beside it.
"Ethan, you're here. Perfect timing, Quentin just arrived. Let's get going!" Lauren said cheerfully, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere.
Ethan smiled indulgently. As long as Lauren was happy, he didn't mind. So, today, he would make an effort to get along with Quentin.
Seeing Ethan no longer at odds with Quentin, Lauren felt a sense of relief.
Ethan walked to the trunk and pulled out several bags. "These are gifts for the children. Could Quentin come and help?" Ethan said.
Lauren nudged Quentin with a smile. "Mr. Robinson, go on! You can't expect a pregnant woman to carry all these things, can you?"
Quentin sighed but walked over to pick up a few bags, leading the way. Lauren followed him happily.
Seeing Quentin without any airs of a CEO, Ethan's aversion to him lessened slightly. But he would never be convinced to hand Lauren over to Quentin.
Ethan watched Lauren closely, following Quentin and chatting with him. Though he couldn't see Quentin's expression, if it were him, Ethan would be delighted and eager to respond.
Smiling bitterly, Ethan followed them to the orphanage with the remaining items.
Dean greeted Ethan with a wide smile. "Mr. White, it's so good to see you. The children have been asking about you these past few days."
Ethan grinned and said, "Dean, how have you been? Today, I brought my friends along, hoping you can take care of us."
"You are too kind. Every time you come, you play with the children and bring them so many things. It's always you taking care of us," Dean said, nodding amicably at Quentin and Lauren.
They all walked towards the room where the children were playing. When they opened the door, they saw about twenty children inside, who looked both surprised and delighted upon seeing Ethan.
Although Ethan and the children hadn't met in person for two years, he often video-chatted with them whenever he had time, so the children were not strangers to him.
"Uncle White, we didn't expect you to really come back! We're so happy!" a ten-year-old boy exclaimed excitedly as he ran over.
Ethan patted the boy's head. "Kim, you've grown a lot."
Kim blinked mischievously, saying, "Of course, it's been two years. I'm a big kid now."
Surrounded by the children, Ethan chatted and laughed, clearly enjoying himself.
Lauren watched the children with a motherly expression. She couldn't imagine how empty and scared these innocent children would feel without their parents' care. This made her even more hesitant about reconciling with Quentin.
But what would happen to Wendy's child if she did?
Lauren glanced at Quentin with a complicated expression, wondering what his solution was. Is Wendy really pregnant? Whom should she believe?
Lauren sighed deeply, reminding herself, "I came out today to spend time with the children and shouldn't dwell on those troubling thoughts." She tried to convince herself to focus on the present.
At that moment, the children's attention shifted to Quentin and Lauren.
Because of Quentin's naturally intimidating presence, the children didn't dare approach him and instead looked towards Lauren.
"Who is this woman? Is she Uncle White's girlfriend?" Kim asked, wide-eyed, as he walked towards Lauren.
Before Lauren could respond, Quentin stepped in front of her, blocking the approaching child.
Lauren thought Quentin was overreacting. Kim was just a child and wouldn't do anything inappropriate.
She smiled at Quentin and then patiently told Kim, "Kim, I'm not Uncle White's girlfriend!"
Kim, with his innocent eyes, looked a bit scared and wary of Quentin, "Then are you Mr. Quentin's girlfriend?"
Lauren couldn't help but laugh. Kim was quite amusing.
Quentin looked smug, commenting, "You're quite clever."
Praised by Quentin, Kim was also happy and bounced closer to Lauren, noticing her belly as if he had discovered something strange.
"Miss, you're so slim. Why is your belly so big?" Kim asked.
Ethan walked over as well. "Kim, don't be naughty. Lauren is carrying a baby in her belly. Don't disturb him. Let him sleep well, okay?"
Though Kim didn't fully understand, he nodded and ran off to the side.
"Alright, everyone, come and see if you like these gifts! Come on. Let's distribute them!" Ethan called out loudly, drawing all the children over.
Seeing the children so happy lifted Lauren's mood as well. She smiled and joined them, not wanting to miss out on the fun.
Quentin followed Lauren closely. Although visiting the orphanage was nice, he was worried that the children might accidentally hurt her, so he stayed by her side, protecting her every step of the way.
