Chapter 5
Bill and Melinda weren’t the only ones sitting with dark expressions–George’s parents looked just as grim..
While the Lamberts had always known about George’s relationship with Regina and turned a blind eye, the Lynches had been completely clueless.
Now, with George and Regina’s intimate photos splashed before the crowd, continuing with the original engagement plan–George and Laurel- was nothing short of a FR disaster.
It would be an outright admission that George had been cheating with his fiancee’s sister. The Lynch family couldn’t afford that kind of scandal. and the Lamberts‘ reputation would take an equally devastating hit.
Whispers were already spreading among the guests, sharp and cutting. For now, the only option was damage control pushing through with an engagement ceremony for George and Regina.
It wouldn’t fix everything, but it might salvage what was left of both families dignity. Still, the blame was silently–and swiftly–shifting to Regina. The video itself was damming–clearly filmed by Regina. And who else stood to gain from sabotaging Laurel’s engagement Regina was the obvious culprit, orchestrating the whole thing to push Laurel out of the picture and claim George for herself.
But Regina, so drunk on the “victory” she’d snatched, was completely blind to the storm brewing in the aftermath of her triumph.
When the ceremony ended and the banquet began, Laurel quietly slipped out. Everyone else–George, Regina, the Lamberts, and the Lynches- was busy playing their roles as perfect hosts,
Tonight wasn’t her stage anymore,.
and if anyone noticed her absence, they’d chalk it up to heartbreak.
Her plan had gone off without a hitch. By leaking that video, she’d planted the perfect narrative: Regina had schemed to ruin her and steal Geo
George.
But Laurel knew both families weren’t fools. Once the emotions settled and the dust cleared, they’d start connecting the dots. And sooner or later. suspicion would land on her.
That was why she had to leave now, Let them remember her as the victim–the wronged fiancée who bowed out with grace. Sympathy was a powerful tool, and she needed it for the next steps of her plan.
But just as she reached the hotel entrance, George appeared, blocking her path.
He grabbed her wrist, his voice soft but firm. “Laurel, wait. Listen to me. It’s not what you think. Me and Regina–it’s not like that.
Laurel wrenched her arm free, glaring at him as she rubbed her wrist. Her voice was sharp and icy. “Don’t touch me. Don’t even try to bullshit me, George
“The evidence is right there for everyone to see. You’ve been screwing around with my sister behind my back, and you still have the nerve to deny it? You’re disgusting”
George’s jaw clenched, but he forced himself to stay calm. That video–it’s not what it looks like,” he said, his voice low and steady. “She’s your sister, Laurel. What was I supposed to do? Push her away? She wanted to take those pictures, and I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. That’s all”
He paused, as though gauging her reaction, before adding, “To me, she’s just a little sister. Nothing more.”
He clung to the excuse like a lifeline, hoping to spin the narrative in his favor. To him, those photos–hugs, affectionate gestures–were innocent
moments
He believed if he could just get Laurel to believe that, maybe he could still salvage this mess.
Laurel laughed—a short, bitter laugh that made his stomach twist. “Wow,” she said, shaking her head. “You really think I’m that stupid? Fine. Let’s cut the crap, George
She pulled out her phone, tapped the screen a few times, and held it up for him to see. “Take a good look at this. I should really thank you you’ve been so good to my sister. Hell, you deserve an award: World’s Best Brother–in–Law.”
The photo on the screen left George speechless. There he was, fast asleep in bed, with Regina curled up against him, her head resting on his chest.
She was smiling at the camera, and neither of them was wearing a stitch of clothing. There was no room for misinterpretation.
1/3
Chapter 5
George’s face drained of color. He hadn’t known Regina had taken such a picture, let alone that it had landed in Laurel’s hands.
Panic thickered in his eyes as he snatched her phone and hurriedly deleted the image.
But Laurel didn’t fight him. Justead, she crossed her arms and smirked. “Go ahead,” she said calmly. “Delete it. I’ve
got backups. Plenty of of
George fore, the phone still in his hand. Realization dawned, and his voice was filled with rage. “It was you. You leaked the video. You planned this?
He gripped her phone tightly, his knuckles white as his anger boiled over. “Do you really have to take it this far? Can’t you just let it go? Do you really want to destroy everything?”
“You’re impossible,” George yelled, his composure cracking. “The Lambert family and I have been nothing but good to you. What more do you
“Tve given you everything. I even agreed to this engagement I promised to make you my wife!
“Once I become the Lynch family heir, you’ll have it all–the money, the power, the status, What the hell else do you want from mer
For a moment. Laurel just stared at him. And then, she laughed–a cold, bising soul that sent chills down his spine,
He actually thinks he’s the victim here, she thought, shaking her head in disbelief.
Just as Laurel was about to fire back at George, she caught sight of Roderick approaching from the elevator, Her eyes lit up with an idea
Without hesitation, she snatched her phone back from George’s grip and strode straight toward Roderick. “Mr. Lynch,” she said, her tone light yet pointed, “mind giving me a ride?”
Roderick had only just stepped out of the elevator when he spotted the scene unfolding at the hotel entrance, George and Laurel, locked in a tense confrontation, were impossible to miss.
Normally, he’d steer clear of drams like this, but when Laurel pulled him into the fray, he couldn’t resist.
He glanced at George, who looked seconds away from exploding, and a smirk played on his lips. Maybe stirring the pot wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all.
Without hesitation, Roderick slid an arm around Laurel’s waist, pulling her firmly against him. His hand rested low on her back–intimate enough to make his intentions crystal clear
“Miss Lambert,” he drawled, his tone teasing, ‘you sure you know what it means to get into a man’s car! It’s not exactly… innocent,”
The unexpected move made Laurel stumble slightly, her cheek brushing against his chest. The faint scent of sundalwood lingered on him, calm and clean, yet somehow intoxicating
She blinked, caught off guard for a moment, before her lips curved into a sly smile. Rising
g onto her toes, she leaned in close to his car and murmured, “Whatever you’re offering, Mr. Lynch, I’ll take it. No questions asked.”
George’s fury boiled over. His face turned crimson as he shouted, “Laurel Lambert! You shameless woman! Are you seriously throwing yourself a him right in front of me?!”
Laurel turned her head, her expression cool and indifferent as she met his furious gaze. Her lips curled into a smirk, sharp and mocking. “Why don’t you worry about my sister, George?” she said, her tone cutting. “My life isn’t any of your business”
The words hit George like a slap. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, his face dark with rage, but for a moment, he couldn’t even form a response.
Laurel didn’t wait for him to recover. She gently pushed Roderick’s arm off her waist and walked straight to his car, sliding into the passenger seat without a second glance at George.
George turned his fury onto Roderick, his voice shaking with anger. “Roderick Lynch You’ve got some fucking nerve going after my better watch your back–I’m not letting this slider
woman! You’d
ievebrow. “Last I checked, your fiancée’s name is Regina
Roderick let out a low laugh, amused by the outburst. “Your woman” he said, arching an eyebrow. Lambert, Ordid you forget?”
He paused for effect, his smirk growing sharper. “As for Laurel–she’s single, I’m single. If we decide to enjoy each other’s company, it’s got nothing to do with you.”
“You-“George started, but Roderick cut him off smoothly, his tone turning ley.
And George,” he said, stepping closer, ‘Grandfather couldn’t make it tonight because of his health. Now, imagine what he’d think if he found out about everything that happened here. How do you think he’d react?”
The mention of Warwick made George stiffen. His anger wavered, replaced by a flicker of fear. He knew exactly what kind of man Warwick was sharp, unyielding and impossible to fool
Worse, Warwick had always been fond of Laurel. If he found out about today’s fasco, George would be the one paying the price.
George’s mind raced. He needed a plan, a way to smooth things over before word reached Warwick.
While George stood there, torn between fury and panic, Roderick had already climbed into his steek luxury car. He glanced at George one last time, his smirk oozing disdain.
“See you around, cousin,” he said mockingly, before driving off, leaving George standing there, furious and powerless.
George clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he stared after the car. With no other options, he swallowed his rage and stormed back into the banquet hall
