Chapter 76

Since then, Lauren hadn't returned to the Bennett family. Erica's suicide had nothing to do with Lauren, yet everyone blamed her. Kelly, angry and indignant, exclaimed, "How could they do this to you? They didn't even tell you Clara was going to publicly declare Erica as her daughter!"

Initially, Kelly was happy Lauren would reconcile with her family, but now she wished she hadn't. The Bennetts were planning a large banquet and hadn't mentioned it to Lauren. If she didn't attend, many would criticize her.

Kelly pleaded with Lauren for a long time, but Lauren, immersed in her research, didn't react. Recently, Lauren's papers had been published in several top scientific journals, and many prestigious universities had invited her to lecture. She barely registered the Bennett family's actions. She spent her days in the laboratory, only occasionally calling Leo.

Lauren rubbed her stiff neck, looked at Kelly, and asked, "What did you say?"

Kelly remained silent. Lauren hadn't heard a word of her complaint. Kelly repeated herself, explaining Clara's plan to publicly acknowledge Erica as her daughter.

Lauren nodded calmly.

Kelly leaned in and asked, "Don't you think Erica's suicide was intentional?"

Lauren turned to look at Kelly. Kelly's eyes widened, like a dog awaiting praise.

"To some extent, you're right," Lauren said.

Thrilled by the praise, Kelly continued, "How could your aunt not know?"

Lauren chuckled, offering no further comment. Kelly blinked, confused.

Lauren glanced at her and said, "Aunt Clara is a shrewd woman. I'm sure she knew Erica's suicide wasn't because of me."

Kelly became increasingly confused. If Clara knew, why announce Erica as her daughter?

Lauren gazed out the window. "People are biased," she said.

Kelly suddenly understood. While Lauren was innocent, Clara favored Erica. Even knowing Lauren's innocence, Clara wouldn't blame Erica.

Kelly's eyes welled up. She imagined Lauren's sadness at being misunderstood and slandered, nearly bursting into tears.