Chapter 17

Lauren couldn't stand it anymore, so she shifted slightly to avoid Charlie. Seeing her move, Charlie was momentarily upset, but quickly composed himself. He released Lauren and stepped back.

Lauren relaxed slightly. "Maybe I have a common face, so you think I'm familiar," she said, picking up Leo. Holding Leo gave her a sense of comfort.

She looked at Charlie and found him quite different from the rumors. He was said to favor black, but today he wore a pink shirt. Lauren had always been drawn to pink, especially on men. She'd thought the pink would soften his usually stern demeanor, but it only seemed to amplify his power.

"Common face?" Charlie sneered, touching his pink diamond cufflinks. "I'd say outstanding." Is he praising me? Lauren wondered. She smiled. "Thank you," she replied.

"I think I should thank you," Charlie said, hands in pockets, squinting at her. "Miss Bennett, I appreciate you accepting Leo's invitation, even if you dislike children."

When did I say I disliked children? Lauren thought, sensing something strange about Charlie. He seemed to enjoy needling her. She wasn't easily provoked, but she cared about Leo's feelings; Charlie was pushing it. "What are you saying? I love children," she said sharply.

"Really?" Charlie chuckled, his eyes sharp. "Do people who abandon their husbands and children like children?"

What the hell? Lauren lost her temper. "I have no idea what you're talking about. You can't just be angry with me for no reason. I was invited by Leo, and if you dislike me, I'll leave now."

Charlie studied Lauren's expression, frowning. He was perplexed by her apparent lack of recognition.

Leo wrapped his arms around Lauren's neck, confused by his father and Lauren's argument. He loved both of them, unsure who to side with. He buried his face in her neck.

Lauren felt a dampness on her neck—Leo was crying. She felt a pang of sympathy, holding him tighter. Ignoring Charlie, she walked into the room.

Charlie remained where he was, staring at her back, lost in thought.

Daphne, unaware of the altercation, greeted Lauren when she saw her holding Leo. Leo lifted his head, revealing a tear-streaked face. Daphne gasped.

Lauren sat on the sofa, holding Leo while Daphne offered him a tissue.

Leo turned to Lauren. "I want Lauren to wipe my tears."

Lauren gently wiped his nose and tears. Leo obediently held still.

Daphne watched, astonished. She couldn't believe Leo's attachment to this woman. Mr. Frank's mother had brought countless women hoping to find a suitable wife and caregiver for Leo—gentle women, cute women, intelligent women—but Leo had shown no interest. Yet this woman, after only their second meeting, had completely captivated him.

Lauren, wiping his face, felt regret over her argument with Charlie. She needed to control her emotions. She'd only met Leo twice, and already felt such affection for him.

Leo's face was soft and smooth, and Lauren continued to caress it.

Leo looked up. "Do you want to see my paintings?"