When Landon touched Laurenâs slender back, he realized sweat had soaked through her clothes. His eyes contracted, and his heart seemed to sink, making it difficult to breathe.
He had forced her too much. He shouldnât have let her dwell on the painful past, always thinking about revenge.
Landon didnât want to let her beloved Lauren do anything. He decided to handle everything.
âIs⦠your sister bullying you?â Javier suddenly asked. His question pierced Laurenâs trembling heart like a sharp arrow.
She lowered her head and ruffled the folds of her skirt in silence.
âIs it true? Has Betty been bullying you all along? Tell me. Iâll stand up for you.â
âDad, you know Laurenâs situation. Sheâs not like Ms. Betty, who can sweet-talk and please you.
Sometimes, Lauren is too kind and doesnât want to make things awkward with her family.
âSo, she can only live cautiously, silently enduring all the humiliation.â
Landon couldnât bear to watch any longer. With a cool gaze, he said, â It has been so many years.
Pursuing this matter is meaningless. Moreover, arenât both parties important to you?â
In this speech, he didnât say anything bad about Betty, but it was just the same as calling her out.
Javierâs face turned extremely dark, and he clenched the palm on his knee tightly.
Landon slowly helped Lauren up. His arm naturally slid down to her âThe past is in the past. I wonât pursue it for your sake.
âBut from now on, itâs different. Since Iâm dating Lauren, Iâll be in charge of everything for her. If anyone dares to touch her, no matter who they are, Iâll make them pay a bloody price.â
After Landon led Lauren away, the atmosphere in the study became extremely tense. Javier could feel the chilling atmosphere in the air, which was accompanied by an overwhelming sense of oppression.
âSo⦠Landon also knows that Betty has been bullying Lauren?â
Javier looked at Rory in bewilderment, his heart tightening. He found it difficult to accept for a moment.
âI accidentally overheard the servants at home mention it. Everyone knows about it. Everyone except me? As their father, I didnât know?â
Rory sighed. âDonât blame yourself, Mr. Javier. You need to manage. such a large household and a big company. Itâs understandable that you might overlook some things.â
This statement was basically an admission.
With his elbows on the desk, Javier painfully held his head in his hands. âI really feel ashamed before Lauren as her father. I had no idea she was so unhappy at homeâ¦â
âBut everything has passed, Mr. Javier. Now, with Mr. Landon taking good care of Ms. Lauren, you can rest assured,â Rory said with at solemn tone.
âMs. Lauren is also grown up. Sheâs not a child anymore. You canât keep her confined at home, preventing her from socializing and interacting with society. This wonât benefit her condition.
âAnd havenât you noticed? Ms. Lauren has been happier and more Javier nodded.
Even he didnât know how long it had been since he had seen Lauren smile so brightly. It was evident that Landon was truly good to her, and she genuinely felt happiness from the bottom of her heart.
âIâve spoiled Betty too much. Sheâs Laurenâs sister. How could she do this?â
Javier thought of the innocent and adorable Betty from childhood and felt heartbroken at the current situation.
âMr. Javier, you should understand the principle of âone who keeps company with the wolf will learn to howl,â Rory pointed out. Javierâs eyes turned deep, and his jawline tightened.