Chapter 99

Meeting a Love Rival I was anxious before asking Lauren to meet.

However, I was surprised when she readily agreed to meet me.

She was already waiting for me when I arrived at our agreed meeting place.

The impression she left on me shattered my previous perception of her.

She was astute but also forthright and bold.

Lauren initiated the conversation, “I didn’t expect you to want to meet me.

Regardless of your intentions, I feel I should apologize.” I smiled and responded, “Saying it’s okay would seem insincere, and blaming you would be overly dramatic.

Your straightforward approach shocked me.” She showed slight helplessness and guilt in her expression.

“Thank you for saying that.” Then, she glanced at me awkwardly and said, “I won’t make excuses for myself.

I had a soft spot for Matthew, and I won’t deny he’s dashing.

So, ultimately, I couldn’t resist that temptation.

Still, I never expected him to be such an asshole.

He could never take responsibility for his mistakes.” It was my first time hearing another woman’s evaluation of Matthew, or one could say, my love rival’s assessment of him.

Lauren continued emotionally, “He treated me like a doormat to protect his sister.

That day, he stood idly by and watched Melanie assault me.

Then he abandoned me at the hospital.” I couldn’t explain my emotions at that moment.

I wondered if it was sympathy or a sense of gloat.

“When Melanie burst into the hotel room that day, I thought it was you.

They can’t blame me for my lack of shame, but I feel I’ve lost all sense of that.

What’s the point?” After confessing her feelings, Lauren smiled awkwardly and continued, “All right, it’s your turn to state your intentions.

I’ll follow your lead since I owe you a favor.

If you want to criticize or beat me, it’s up to you.

I’ll accept anything that comes my way.” Her openness made me helpless, and I smiled back.

After all, I knew I was the one who caused her relationship with Matthew to reach that point.

“Here’s what I want to ask you…” I spoke frankly, using the word ‘ask‘ to maintain courtesy.

“Go ahead, she replied.

want to mortgage everything under my name.

Of course, the larger the amount, the better.” I said.

saw Lauren was bright, but I would look petty if I tried to brush things off +15 BONUS “What do you have?” she asked me.

I listed the fixed assets under my name for her, and she asked again, “How much are you looking to loan?” After some thought, I provided a figure that would leave Matthew astonished.

Lauren pondered for a while before finally saying she needed a few days to work on it.

Later that evening.

Ava’s teacher informed me that her grandmother had already picked Ava up.

I was surprised and quickly went to Grace and Henry’s place.

I guessed they were probably using Ava as leverage again.

When I arrived, I saw Henry and Grace’s solemn expressions.

When Ava saw me entering, she ran over with a frown and threw herself into my arms, crying, “Mommy, I want to go home!” I knew they had neglected Ava when I noticed her tears.

I realized she had just cried and asked, “Why are you crying?” Ava looked at her grandmother, then hugged my neck without a word.

I was about to pry when Melanie opened her bedroom door and walked out with a grin.

I suppressed my anger and glared at her, but she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall.

She smirked and said, “You came at the right time.

I have some good news to share with you.”