Chapter 93 Intrigues Abound
Ethan had been preoccupied with matters abroad these past few days, for he was supposed to return. Yet, his desire to stay and accompany Lauren led him to postpone his departure continually.
“Lauren, what brings you here today?” Ethan beamed, his smile as infectious as ever.
“Since we parted ways at the orphanage, you haven't contacted me. What have you been busy with lately? Are you planning to study abroad again?” Lauren inquired with concern.
After all, being childhood friends, Lauren could easily see through Ethan's thoughts. However, he had no intention of admitting the truth, for he was reluctant to leave and worried about Lauren.
“No, I've already graduated. I'm currently preparing to take over my father's business, so I've been a bit busy,” Ethan casually fabricated an excuse.
Lauren was delighted to hear this, “That's wonderful! It's good that you don't have to go abroad. We can meet up more often in the future.”
Ethan gazed at Lauren with affection, though his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Quentin. Having interacted with Quentin a few times at the orphanage, Ethan realized that Quentin was not as unworthy as he had initially thought. He could see Quentin's attentiveness towards Lauren and believed that Quentin genuinely cared for her.
Yet, Ethan felt a pang of unwillingness. After all, his love for Lauren had been the one thing he had steadfastly held onto for so many years. He did not want to give up, nor could he afford to.
Ethan wanted to bring Lauren happiness. If that wasn't possible, he needed to ensure she found happiness elsewhere.
“So, what have you been busy with lately? You seem to have lost weight again,” Ethan asked.
Lauren smiled gently at Ethan, “Ethan, I have some news for you. It's good news. Quentin plans to introduce me to everyone tomorrow as Mrs. Robinson!”
Seeing Lauren's excited expression, Ethan felt a mix of heartache and joy. “That's great. It shows that he truly cares for you.”
“Really? I think so. Honestly, I don't care about being Mrs. Robinson. I want a simple life with adorable children and a loving husband. That's all I need,” Lauren said with a serene smile.
Ethan felt his heart breaking. Lauren has found happiness, but it is with another man. I should be happy for her.
"Congratulations!" Ethan said.
“Thank you, Ethan. I hope you find your happiness soon,” Lauren said earnestly to Ethan.
Ethan mustered his strength. “I'm not in a hurry. I can wait a couple more years. I'm happy for you. Time flies. In the blink of an eye, you've become someone else's beloved.”
Ethan felt a twinge of melancholy. If he had been braver back then, would the outcome have been different?
“Yes, time flies so quickly. When we were kids, we couldn't wait to grow up. But now that we've grown, we have more worries and troubles. I really don't know what we were thinking back then,” Lauren said with a helpless smile.
In Ethan's mind, he recalled why he had said those words. I wanted to grow up quickly so I could marry Lauren. Now I had grown up, but Lauren had already become Quentin's wife.
“Because you were foolish as a child, and you're still not very smart now,” Ethan said, though he left the latter part of his thoughts unspoken.
“Lauren, you're so foolish, foolish enough not to realize my true feelings for you all these years,” he continued.
Lauren retorted, “How am I foolish? I'm just a bit slow to react, that's all.”
Ethan did not argue back. It had been a long time since he had a private conversation with Lauren. He feared such opportunities would become even rarer in the future, as Quentin, like him, had a strong desire for control.
Lauren and Ethan chatted for a long time, but a hidden camera captured their laughter and conversation.
Wendy smiled with satisfaction upon seeing the photos. Lauren was indeed something else, managing to attract two men. Wendy planned to present this 'evidence' to Quentin and see how Lauren would handle it.
When Wendy arrived at the Robinson Conglomerate again, her treatment was markedly different from before.
Wendy could not go directly to the president's office and could not enter without an appointment.
The receptionist called Cecilia, who informed Quentin. Quentin frowned but agreed to see Wendy.
Wendy entered the president's office, tears streaming down her face even before she stepped through the door.
“Quentin, you finally agreed to see me. Do you know how I've been living in torment? I know I am wrong. Can you please stop treating me like this?” Wendy sobbed.
In the past, Quentin might have felt a twinge of pity for Wendy's tears, but after understanding her true nature, he felt nothing but disgust.
Wendy was indeed a hypocritical woman, an actress skilled in her craft.
“Can't survive without the partnership with the Robinson Conglomerate? I gave you a chance, but you didn't take it,” Quentin said coldly, looking at Wendy.
Wendy cried even harder, “Quentin, I know I am wrong. But I do it because I love you. I truly love you. The reason I didn't do as you said is that I know Lauren better than you do. She's a fickle woman, and I was worried she'd deceive you.”
Hearing Wendy speak of Lauren in such a manner nearly drove Quentin to rage.
“Shut up and get out!” Quentin suppressed his anger. Protecting Lauren was his foremost habit.
Wendy had not yet achieved her goal and was not about to leave easily.
She quickly pulled out the photos from her pocket. “Quentin, look, Lauren is meeting with another man behind your back, and they seem very close. Haven't you realized her true nature yet?”
Quentin glanced at the photos. In them, Lauren's every smile and expression were captivating.
Her smile was so genuine, so beautiful, but it was directed at Ethan.
Quentin felt a surge of irritation, not because he believed Wendy's words.
Quentin smiled at Wendy, but it was a smile that instilled fear.
Sensing the danger, Wendy stepped back in fear, eventually being cornered by Quentin.
“I warn you one more time: stay away from Lauren. I will handle my wife myself, so you needn't worry. If you have the energy, go charm some other company boss who might appreciate you,” Quentin said coldly, his eyes filled with menace.
“Quentin, I'm trying to help you see Lauren's true nature. Why are you so heartless to me? Have you really forgotten the good times we shared?” Wendy said, unwilling to give up. She couldn't believe Quentin would ignore her pitiful and fragile state.
Wendy had deliberately worn a low-cut dress today, her chest heaving as she cried. But Quentin had no interest in her display. It only increased his hatred.
“From now on, you are not to follow Lauren. Otherwise, you'll regret it,” Quentin warned her.
