Chapter 3

Lauren, having worked out regularly, knew how to control her strength. Sally's face instantly swelled. It happened too quickly for anyone to react. People saw Lauren standing aside, checking her wrist. Mrs. Bennett was the first to comfort Sally, checking her cheeks and then ordering the maid to fetch ice.

Mr. Bennett frowned and coldly asked Lauren, "Why did you do this?"

Mr. Bennett Sr. exploded, shouting, "Sally did a terrible thing to Lauren! How dare you question her?!" He slammed his crutch several times in his fury. "Tonight, I'm holding a banquet for Lauren, announcing her as a member of our family. Since she's back, I'll give her shares in the company."

Mr. Bennett asked, "What about Sally?"

Mr. Bennett Sr. glanced at him and said, "Sally is not my biological granddaughter."

Mr. Bennett Jr. remained silent.

Mrs. Bennett was relieved. She felt guilty about her lost daughter, and the company shares would partially compensate Lauren. Being from the wealthy Betty family, Mrs. Bennett had substantial shares in her family's company, which she could give to Sally later.

Lauren, wanting no further involvement, went upstairs to unpack. Afterward, she went to her research institute.

Before the banquet, Mrs. Bennett's assistant arrived to collect Lauren. After Lauren dressed, the assistant took her for hair and makeup. Lauren fell asleep en route.

"You smell so good," a man murmured, burying his head in Lauren's neck and sniffing lightly. "You are mine. You always will be mine." She struggled to open her eyes and see his face, but a fog seemed to obscure her vision.

She awoke from the dream, sighing and patting her forehead. She couldn't understand the dream. Could she be yearning for a romantic relationship? As she opened her eyes, the car stopped.

"Lauren, we've had a minor accident," her assistant, Wendy, said apologetically. "Could you take the subway? I'll handle this."

Lauren studied Wendy, finding her interesting. "Are you staying here?" she asked.

Wendy nodded. "I need to deal with the accident—wait for the insurance and police."

The explanation seemed plausible. Lauren simply raised her eyebrows. Her gaze made Wendy uncomfortable. "Is that alright with you, Lauren?" Wendy asked nervously.

"Do you have spare clothes?" Lauren asked.

Taking the subway would certainly wrinkle her dress. How could she attend the banquet looking like that? Lauren always brought a spare outfit for such events.

"Huh?" Wendy was surprised. She'd assumed Lauren was unfamiliar with these types of banquets. She quickly recovered, explaining, "Your clothes are all custom-made in Paris; only this one was brought."

"Only this one?" Lauren almost laughed. "Are you a qualified assistant?" She got out of the car.

Meanwhile, in a nearby luxury car, Charlie Frank reviewed documents while his son, Leo, fidgeted in his car seat, asking the driver to play music.

Charlie lowered his documents and glanced at Leo.

Leo, sensing his father's disapproval, immediately understood.

"Dad's a little busy," Charlie said, holding up his documents.

"But I want music!" Leo protested loudly, his lip trembling. He was unhappy. Charlie had promised to spend time with him, but had worked all day, unable even to take him to the amusement park. Leo disliked this.

Four-year-old Leo noticed that unlike him, every child in his kindergarten had both parents. He only had his father, who was rarely present. Even at four, he understood loneliness.

Charlie sighed, gazing out the window. A familiar figure caught his eye. He muttered something and ordered the driver to stop.