âSince you got into trouble, Iâve been helping you and caring for you. What has Lauren done for you besides living with Landon and spending time with him every day?
âThey say after you get married, you forget your mother, but Lauren is better. She hasnât even married into the Harper family yet, and she has completely forgotten about you, the one who raised her.â
Sophia stood there like sheâd been struck by lightning, unable to speak for a while.
Leaving aside whether Lauren marrying Landon was genuinely beneficial for her, she couldnât even step out the door now. She was on the brink of a personal crisis. How could she still have the energy to care about Laurenâs marriage?
Though Lauren was her biological daughter, she was ultimately a person on her own.
Only by becoming strong and living well could Sophia take care of herself. That was the most crucial thing now.
âFine⦠I agree.â
With a pair of dark eye circles, Sophia ground her teeth together audibly. âAs long as you help me get rid of Jeffrey, I guarantee the Harper family will never accept Lauren.â
Bettyâs eyes shot out a sinister and excited gleam at those words.
So what if Landon only wanted to marry Lauren?
If Lauren couldnât enter the Harper family, she would never have a legitimate status. She would forever be a mistress kept outside.
In the study, the atmosphere was unusually warm and harmonious.
Javier and Landon exchanged pleasantries. As an elder, Javier asked him about his business matters.
Landon had already expected those questions, so he answered fluently.
Although he had been hanging out with Jasper since childhood and appeared more frequently at Seaview Manor than at his own home, his identity had changed. Facing his future father-in-law made him a little nervous.
âMr. Landon, please have some tea. Ms. Lauren, this is the orange juice you like.â Rory walked over with a tray.
âThank you, Mr. Rory.â Lauren picked up the glass, smiling innocently.
Her bright smile was just the same as when she was a child.
Rory couldnât help but smile, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart.
Although they were both Javierâs daughters, Bettyâs and Laurenâs personalities were totally different.
In more blunt terms, Rory couldnât see any trace of aristocratic grac and manners in Betty. Sophia, at least, knew how to carry herself as a lady, behaving gracefully.
Betty, on the other hand, didnât even bother to pretend. She acted just like a wild girl brought in from who knew where.
Back then, Rory used to worry about Laurenâs future. He feared that, due to her autism, she would live a lonely life, unable to experience love, marriage, and motherhood like a normal girl.
Now, it seemed that his concerns were unnecessary.
With Landon doting on her and loving her, Laurenâs future would be mony new, une Lauren happily took a sip of orange juice, wetting her lips.
Landon chuckled and pulled out a neatly folded handkerchief from his pocket. He leaned in and patiently wiped away the liquid stains from the corners of her mouth.
His proficiency in this action indicated that he was quite used to doing it.
âAhem, ahem⦠Landon.â Seeing them flaunting affection before him, Javier cleared his throat solemnly.
âAfter so many things, I can see that you genuinely care for Lauren. Iâve watched you grow up, too.
Since you want to date her, I wonât stop you.
âHowever, Lauren is still young, and she has been well-protected by us. since childhood. Sheâs naïve and inexperienced in worldly matters. This is her first time dating.
âItâs also the first time she has stayed away from home for severa days in a row. You should know, Landon, that Lauren has never gone out at night before. Youâve broken our familyâs rules.â
âIâm sorry, Dad. But when Lauren stays with me, I wonât let her go out at night. There are so many bad people out there, and Lauren is so beautiful. What if she attracts the attention of some men? Iâll be worried.â Landon tried to change the topic with a smile.
Javier shook his head. âIâm not talking about going out or not. What I mean is that although you two are dating, you havenât gotten married yet. So youâre not legally husband and wife.
âLiving together like this wouldnât be an issue for you, Landon. But Lauren is an innocent girl. This could affect her reputation.â