Chapter 20
Hadley glanced at Laurel, who was walking far ahead of them, asking in a lowered voice, “Sir, what if Ms. Lambert knows some top–notch hackers too, like her friend in the Anonymity crew? Maybe they helped her hide her info?*
Roderick stopped in his tracks. “That’s possible.” He paused for a moment before adding, “What about the investigation into the Lambert family? Any leads yet?”
Hadley looked a bit hesitant. “Sir, it’s hard to dig up stuff from over a decade ago.”
“How long will it take?”
“Around a month….
Roderick frowned. “Two weeks. Also, look into Laurel’s social circles. Focus on any links to Anonymity”
His gut told him that to uncover Laurel’s past with the Lambert family and her true identity, the Lambert family was the key–for instance, if Laurel wasn’t really the Lambert family’s daughter and how did she end up there as their daughter?
Only by following these leads could he get to the truth he was after.
Hadley took a deep breath, struggling to hold back his words of protest. “Yes, sir.”
He had said a month, figuring that was pushy already. Now, it was being cut in half. “Guess it’s a full–throttle overtime grind for me..he complained inwardly.
As Laurel crossed the courtyard and reached the main hall, a familiar voice rang out from inside.
“Mr. Lynch, the video from yesterday’s engagement party was just a misunderstanding Regina was being reckless, dragging George into her antics When Laurel saw the video, she misinterpreted their actions and, in a fit of anger, decided to display it in public.
“But she realized it was getting out of hand afterward, fearing it would damage both families‘ reputations, so she pushed Regina up to salvage the situation
No matter what, it’s my folly as a father that she turned the engagement party into chaos, and we take full responsibility for it
“Today, I’ve brought my whole family to apologize on behalf of my foolish daughter. In the name of the Lambert family, I swear that such a thing will never happen again!
“Please, Mr. and Mrs. Lynch, don’t let this small matter strain the harmony between our two families.” Bill’s speech was sincere and humble, so much so that Laurel almost wanted to clap in admiration.
First, he spun George’s premarital affair, his moral failings, into a petty misunderstanding between Laurel and Regina, trying to downplay the
whole mess.
Then he implied that the botched engagement and the sudden switch of the bride to Regina were all Laurel’s doing, something they had no prior knowledge of.
Finally, he took the blame on himself and offered apologies to the Lynch family on behalf of Laurel, making it seem like the Lambert family was entirely dragged down by her.
This narrative not only shifted all the blame onto Laurel but also downplayed the involvement of George and the Lambert family.
If it were before, Laurel might really have been fooled by his words and willingly taken on all the responsibility. But now that she knew their true colors, she wouldn’t be so foolish anymore.
These people could never make a scapegoat of her again.
When Roderick approached, he saw Laurel standing outside the door, her cold eyes radiating fierce determination as if she wanted to rush in and take down everyone inside.
‘Her murderous glare… What other secrets was she hiding? With this thought, he glanced at Bill, who was accusing Laurel inside, completely oblivious to the impending disaster, and a hint of interest flashed in his eyes.
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Chapter 20
He leaned close to Laurel’s ear, grinning like he was enjoying the show. “Wasn’t it you who wanted to invite me to watch a show? The actors position inside; as the directer, if you don’t go in, the show won’t start”
His warm breath on her car sent a thrilling sensation spreading like electric currents, snapping Laurel back to reality
are all in
She turned to look at the man standing beside her, and something crossed her mind, causing her to give a smile as radiant as a warm spring sun. Tve changed my mind,” she said.
“What?” Roderick was surprised
Laurel blinked her eyes, replying. “Switch out the lead”
“The leads!” Roderick raised an eyebrow, confused.
“Mr. Conner, could you grab this for me, please?” Laurel shoved the suitcase into Hadley’s arms and slipped her smooth, slender arm into Roderick’s Tve decided to play the female lead myself, and the male lead, Mr. Lynch, please!
‘Is she trying to rope me into acting with her? Roderick wondered. Just as he was about to decline, she seemed to anticipate it, subtly tightening her hold on his ann.
“Mr. Lynch, being in the show and with better immersion, you can better appreciate the spectacle of this performance. Don’t you think?” she asked.
Roderick was momentarily stumped, chuckling after a pause. “With Ms. Lambert’s eloquence, it’s a pity you’re not in diplomacy”
“With Mr. Lynch’s acting skills, it’s also a waste if you don’t join the entertainment industry,” Laurel quipped with a smile.
Inside the main hall, just as Bill finished speaking, a sharp female voice suddenly rang out. “Bill, you said you take the primary responsibility, bringing the whole family to apologize to us, but why is the mastermind. Laurel, missing? What? Is she too scared to show up?”
“Mr. Lynch time to make our appearance. Laurel said, a sneer playing on her lips.
Before Roderick could respond, she looped her arm through his and stepped across the threshold, announcing loudly. “Who said I was too scared to show up? Here I am!”
At the sound, everyone turned toward the doorway. There, Laurel elegantly walked in, arm–in–arm with Roderick.
She had exquisite features, and an otherworldly demeanor, dressed in a white, collared dress, her long hair casually cascading over her shoulders. Despite lacking any jewelry, she was dazzling, drawing all eyes.
Meanwhile, the man beside her sported chiseled features, a perfectly tailored black suit, his white shirt slack without a tie, the collar slightly open to reveal a patch of skin, exuding an edgy, untamed charm.
Balancing each other perfectly, one was radiant, the other dashing; they looked incredibly well–matched.
Seeing Laurel initially brought a wave of joy to George, but at the sight of Roderick beside her, his face darkened instantly,
He fixed his furious gaze on Laurel’s arm linked with Roderick’s, his clenched fists hanging stiffly at his sides.
Laurel had almost no male friends, and before, he was the only man who allowed intimate gestures with her.
Now, she was arm–in–arm with another man, and an arch–nemesis like Roderick of all people, the impact for George was devastating. He almost couldn’t resist the urge to rush forward and tear them apart!
But with the entire Lynch family watching, especially with Warwick present, he couldn’t act out.
Also restraining his anger due to Warwick’s presence was Bill Just yesterday, he had specifically instructed Laurel absolutely not to get entangled with Roderick, as it would ruin his big plan.
Little did he expect that just overnight, she not only appeared publicly with Roderick but also put on a bold show right in front of Warwick.
‘Did she spend the entire night with Roderick?” Bill dared not to think further, afraid it might give him a heart attack.
Yesterday, Laurel had clearly agreed to come and apologize to Warwick but instead went missing all night.
Worried that Warwick, angered, might annul the arranged marriage between the two families and oust the Lamberts from the Lynch family’s business circle, Bill, trembling with apprehension, brought his entire family to apologize to the Lynches.
Chapter 20
And here came the culprit, as cool as a cucumber, showing up only to trample his dignity underfoot.
