Chapter 8
Every word Bill spoke dripped with fatherly concern, his tone so earnest it could’ve fooled anyone into thinking he was a loving parent doing his best for his daughter.
If Laurel hadn’t already peeled back the layers of his carefully crafted facade, she might have believed it too.
Even his part in covering up Regina and George’s affair was now framed as a noble art of protection for her.
Bill deserved his reputation as the head of Lambert Group. His ability to twist the truth and spin a narrative was nothing short of masterful
Laurel’s gaze shifted briefly to Regina, who sat quietly to the side, her expression dark but unmistakably tense. With an air of calm indifference, Laurel said. “Dad, I used to think George cared about me.
“But now it’s clear his heart belongs to Regina. Forcing this marriage would only make all of us miserable. Maybe it’s time I let her have him.”
Regina’s eyes lit up with hope, her heart leaping at the thought that Laurel had finally admitted defeat. She turned eagerly toward Bill practically willing him to agree..
But when she saw his hesitation, her excitement gave way to frustration. She threw a desperate look at Melinda, silently urging her mother to intervene.
Melinda, always partial to her biological daughter, didn’t need much convincing. Regina was her own flesh and blood, and if Laurel was willing to step aside, she figured it was the best way out
Marrying Regina into the Lynch family was a dream come true. The Lynches were untouchable in their wealth and power, and this opportunity was too good to pass up
But just as Melinda opened her mouth to speak, Bill’s sharp voice cut through the air. His expression hardened as he turned to Laurel, “Are you saying you’ve set your sights elsewhere!
Laurel raised an eyebrow, her voice steady and unbothered. “What exactly are you getting at, Dad!”
“George told me you left the banquet hall and got into Roderick’s car. Care to explain?” Bill’s eyes narrowed, his tone loaded with suspicion.
Before Laurel could respond, Melinda gasped in shock. “What? You got into Roderick Lynch’s car! Since when are you involved with him?”
Regina’s surprise quickly shifted to glee. With a sly smile, she chimed in, “Sister, you actually got into that playboy’s car! Everyone knows what kind of man Roderick is
“He ruins every woman who gets near him. No one walks away with their reputation intact
She paused, her tone dripping with mock concern. “Even if George prefers me, I didn’t think you’d stoop so low. Isn’t it a bit reckless to yourself into such a dangerous situation?”
Bill’s face darkened, his usual composure cracking. Laurel had always been his carefully groomed chess piece–a brilliant, beautiful daughter destined for a strategic marriage alliance.
If she’d been sullied by Roderick, her value as a bargaining chip would be destroyed.
Rage boiled over as he jabbed a finger in her direction. “Shameless! Apologize!”
Laurel’s lips curved into a faint, amused smile. “I caught a ride, Dad. How does that make me shameless?”
“Caught a ride? At that hour? And you just conveniently show up late!” Hill’s voice was heavy with disbelief, his brows furrowed in suspicion.
Before anyone could respond, a servant walked in, carrying shopping bags. “Miss Laurel, shall I take these to your room?”
“Go ahead” Laurel said with a small nod. Turning back to her family, she added in a casual tone, “I wasn’t in the best mood, so I went shopping to clear my head.”
She’d parted ways with Roderick earlier in the day and spent the afternoon handling personal errands. To avoid unnecessary questioning, she’d picked up a few items at a nearby mall on her way back.
Melinda glanced at the shopping bags, her expression softening. She knew Laurel often indulged in retail therapy when she was upset, and the sight seemed to ease her suspicions.
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LIEPM &
Chapter 8
Moving closer, she took Laurel’s hand and said gently. “Laurel, your father was just worried about you. Don’t take his words to heart.
“But listen to Ir–Roderick might be the eldest grandson of the Lynch family, but he’s bad news. He spends his days running with other spoiled heirs, wasting his life away. Stay away from him, sweetheart. It’s for your own good.”
Though disgust churned in her stomach, Laurel kept her expression neutral, playing the obedient daughter. Now wasn’t the time to show her true colon. With a small, calm nod, she replied, “I understand, Mom.”
Satisfied with her response. Melinda let out a quiet sigh of relief.
The Lamberts had pinned all their hopes on George in the ongoing power struggle within the Lynch family. George was the most promising candidate to take control of the Lynch empire, and the Lamberts support for him was unwavering
Any hint of Laurel associating with Roderick would be enough to plant seeds of doubt in George’s mind, potentially derailing the entire marriage
alliance.
As for supporting Roderick That wasn’t even on the table. To the Lamberts, Roderick was nothing more than a reckless playboy who could never compare to George.
Bill’s tone softened slightly, though his words carried a warning. “Your mother’s right. If you see Roderick again, stay away from him. A girl needs to protect her reputation–don’t give anyone a reason to doubt you”
“That’s right, Laurel, Melinda chimed in, her tone as sweet as honey. “Everything your dad and I do is for your own good. You’re the eldest daughter of the Lambert family, our pride and joy. We just want to make sure you don’t make any mistakes.”
Laurel dropped her gaze slightly, hiding the cold mockery flashing in her eyes. With a soft, obedient voice, she replied, “I understand, Dad. Mom
Seeing her fall back into her usual well–behaved role, Bill finally relaxed, his tension easing “Mr. Warwick Lynch already heard about what happened today, and he’s furious. Tomorrow, you need to go to the Lynch estate and smooth things over.
“Be polite, say something nice to calm him down. He likes you–you know he does. It won’t take much to win him back.”
“And don’t you dare throw a tantrum in front of him,” he added sharply. “Tell him today’s engagement party doesn’t count. Make it clear that George’s fiancée is still you.”
Laurel chuckled to herself, a bitter, silent laugh that didn’t show on her face
Of course. They had no intention of letting her escape from this pawn’s role. And now they wanted her to face Warwick’s wrath all alone, while they stayed far out of harm’s way,
‘Fine, she thought. I have my own reasons to visit Warwick anyway!
“Alright. I’ll go to the estate tomorrow,” she said.
The matter settled, Laurel saw no reason to stick around. She was tired of the clurade. “Dad, Mom, if there’s nothing else. Ill head to my room.”
Bill, satisfied with her agreement, waved her off. “Go on.”
Once Laurel disappeared upstairs, Regina couldn’t hold it in any longer. Her face twisted with barely–contained fury as she hissed. “Dad, Mom. I’m already engaged to George! Everyone at the party saw it. How can you just brush it off like it didn’t happen?”
She knew the whole act earlier was for Laurel’s benefit, but they’d sold it so well it stung. It felt like Laurel was the real daughter here, while she–the actual biological child–was nothing but an afterthought.
Bill gave her a cold, sharp look. “I haven’t even gotten to you yet. How did that video end up in her hands? Running around scheming over a man. and you nearly ruined everything I’ve worked for. You’re lucky I haven’t thrown you out of this house. Reflect on what you’ve done.”
With that, he turned on his heel and stormed upstairs, slamming his study door behind him.
Regina stood there, stunned, her face pale with anger. “Mom, what does that mean? He thinks I gave Laurel the video on purpose? Why would I ruin my own engagement party!”
Melinda, exhausted from the endless string of jabs and mockery she’d endured at the party, and drained from placating Laurel all evening, had zero patience left
“Regina, just stop,” she said, her tone sharp but tired. “For the sake of the bigger picture, you need to stop being so impulsive.”
She softened slightly, lowering her voice. “How many times have I told you! Laurel is just a tool to help George secure control of the Lynch family. Once he’s in charge, the position of the Lynch family’s mistress will be yours. Always yours.
This is done now. No more mistakes. If you mess up again and ruin your dad’s plans, even I might not be able to save you?
