Chapter 361: Chapter 361

“What did I tell you, Mom? I told you Lauren was plotting to ruin my plans!” exclaimed Betty.

Betty was outraged seeing Lauren there, her wine-red gown catching everyone’s attention, even though her sister hadn’t the least bit of makeup on.

Jealousy burned in her like a flame that refused to die. What was worse was that Lauren’s gown matched Landon’s, making them look like a couple!

At this moment, they even bore a resemblance to a bride and groom attending their own wedding!

Betty felt like her purple gown was a slap in her face right now.

“I know Lauren better than anyone else, Betty!” Sophia gritted out. “She might be 22, but her mental state and behavior are no older than a child of 10 to 12 years old!

“She’s still a child with no concept of romance, nor would she be smart enough to think about stealing Landon away from you!”

Betty calmed down somewhat after that, though her teeth remained clenched.

“Things have become more complicated for you. Since Newton’s birthday dinner, Landon’s attitude toward you has shifted from cold indifference to open disdain.

“He may be getting close to Lauren deliberately to provoke you to the point where you give up on him.”

“W-What?” Betty gasped. “Then… Then what can I do? Mom, does that mean I have no chance of marrying Landon now?”

“Don’t get so worked up. You need to get Lauren to help you get closer to Landon. And you must control your temper.

“If Landon is kind to Lauren, you need to be just as kind, if not more, to change his perspective of you.

He needs to see your caring, loving side. Do you understand?” Sophia instructed.

“Okay,” Betty muttered.

Lauren anxiously scanned the room for Ada, her wide, doe-like eyes filled with hope. But when she saw Zoe playing the piano onstage, all the color drained from her face.

She started to tremble uncontrollably, flooded by painful memories from her childhood that rushed back like a torrential wave, overwhelming her completely.

“What were you thinking? Who would want to be friends with an idiot like you?! Hahahah!”

“Toss her into the trash where she belongs!”

“Cut her hair off! I hate seeing girls with prettier hair than me in school!”

“No wonder Mr. Javier and Mrs. Beckett don’t like you! Your sister hates you, too! How could an idiot like you be their daughter? You’re an embarrassment to them!”

Embarrassment-that was what she was.

Zoe didn’t notice the hatred and fear-filled gaze directed at her from the crowd.

Lauren slowly took a step backward, cold sweat breaking out on her skin.

Landon gently held her by the shoulders. “What is it, Laurie? Don’t be shy. We still need to get you Ada Kingsley’s signature. Come on, I’ll take you to her.”

But Lauren’shook him off and fled from the hall.

“Laurie!” Landon yelled, “Where are you going?”

He ran after her, worried she might get into trouble outside.

2-717 4 Betty was privy to all this but could only stay where she was and grind her teeth into dust. Sophia was just as irritated seeing her good-for-nothing daughter slowly foil her plans.

H Lauren ran out of the hotel and into the street, fear nearly paralyzing her.

She really wanted to meet Ada Kingsley in person. She had spent her days alone in the house in the company of her movies.

Ada was always so powerful and masterful in her films, especially when playing the role of a righteous cop. That filled Lauren with immense respect and awe.

It was as if Ada was bringing to life a lifelong dream of Lauren’s.

Yet the moment she saw Zoe, all she wanted to do was run as far away as she could.

Lauren’s mind was inundated with hurtful memories, which taunted her relentlessly for being a useless, good-for-nothing burden to those she loved.

Lauren sprinted as fast as her legs could carry her, as if being chased by relentless demons from hell.

Yet, no matter how hard she ran, those painful memories continued to haunt her.