Chapter 6
Charlie still hadn't found Lauren. He had been searching for her in the subway but to no avail. His handsome face reflected his exhaustion and irritation. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, studied the wall patterns, and chuckled.
How could it be her? he wondered. She was smart; if she wanted to avoid him, she would succeed. The thought of her depressed him; his dark eyes filled with desolation.
Four years! Where on earth was she? Didn't she miss him at all? Even if she didn't miss him, surely she missed Leo, their son?
It was seven o'clock, and the Bennett family banquet was about to begin. Several media outlets were in attendance. Wealthy families rarely invited the media to their business-focused banquets, but this was different. The Bennetts intended to formally introduce Lauren, recently returned to the family, and needed the press to publicize the event.
A group of reporters milled about, but Lauren's absence prompted hushed conversations. "What do you think of Lauren Bennett? Will she surpass Sally Bennett?" one reporter asked.
"No comparison! Sally is one of the city's finest young ladies. She's actively involved in charity work. Lauren won't measure up," another replied.
"I agree. Even with her prestigious city college degree, Lauren has a humble background. Her insight and vision can't compare to Sally's," a third added.
"She's just a joke to the Bennetts! Ha ha!" The reporters eagerly anticipated Lauren's arrival.
The banquet was imminent, but Lauren still hadn't arrived. Mrs. Bennett's anxiety was palpable; her face flushed crimson. She repeatedly called Wendy, desperate to find Lauren before the crucial event. The banquet was scheduled to begin at eight o'clock, with Mr. Bennett Sr. escorting Lauren downstairs.
It was 7:45 p.m., and Lauren remained missing.
Meanwhile, Wendy stared at her phone, afraid to answer Mrs. Bennett's calls. She bit her lip, unsure how to explain Lauren's disappearance. If Mrs. Bennett learned that Wendy had instructed Lauren to take the subway, she'd be furious. It was a blatant lie, and a grave dereliction of duty on Wendy's part to send Lauren to the banquet via subway under any circumstances.
The persistent vibrations finally overwhelmed Wendy. She broke down, squatting on the floor and sobbing. Trembling, she answered the phone.
"Wendy, why didn't you answer?" Mrs. Bennett's voice, sharp with anger—an unprecedented tone—pierced through the phone.
"Madam," Wendy sobbed, wiping her tears, "I'm sorry. I can't find Lauren."
"What?!" Mrs. Bennett's shock was evident. While she wanted to immediately confront Wendy, the priority was finding Lauren. Suppressing her anger, she forced herself to remain calm. "Tell me everything."