Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
In more blunt terms, Rory couldn’t see any trace of aristocratic grac and manners in Betty. Sophia, at least, knew how to carry herself as a lady, behaving gracefully.
Betty, on the other hand, didn’t even bother to pretend. She acted just like a wild girl brought in from who knew where.
Back then, Rory used to worry about Lauren’s future. He feared that, due to her autism, she would live a lonely life, unable to experience love, marriage, and motherhood like a normal girl.
Now, it seemed that his concerns were unnecessary.
With Landon doting on her and loving her, Lauren’s future would be mony new, une
Lauren happily took a sip of orange juice, wetting her lips.
Landon chuckled and pulled out a neatly folded handkerchief from his pocket. He leaned in and patiently wiped away the liquid stains from the corners of her mouth.
His proficiency in this action indicated that he was quite used to doing it.
“Ahem, ahem… Landon.” Seeing them flaunting affection before him, Javier cleared his throat solemnly.
“After so many things, I can see that you genuinely care for Lauren. I’ve watched you grow up, too. Since you want to date her, I won’t stop you.
“However, Lauren is still young, and she has been well-protected by us. since childhood. She’s na?ve and inexperienced in worldly matters. This is her first time dating.
“It’s also the first time she has stayed away from home for severa days in a row. You should know, Landon, that Lauren has never gone out at night before. You’ve broken our family’s rules.”
“I’m sorry, Dad. But when Lauren stays with me, I won’t let her go out at night. There are so many bad people out there, and Lauren is so beautiful. What if she attracts the attention of some men? I’ll be worried.” Landon tried to change the topic with a smile.
Javier shook his head. “I’m not talking about going out or not. What I mean is that although you two are dating, you haven’t gotten married yet. So you’re not legally husband and wife.
“Living together like this wouldn’t be an issue for you, Landon. But Lauren is an innocent girl. This could affect her reputation.”
Though Betty had called Lauren an idiot throughout her life, the latter wasn’t stupid.
Upon hearing the words “living together”, she slightly shivered. The lingering sweetness of orange juice suddenly became bitter..
Landon secretly squeezed her slightly cool hand, holding it tightly. ” Dad, I admit I used to have a less- than-exemplary private life. But won’t you give me a chance to turn over a new leaf and start anew?
“Besides, I might have been a playboy, but I’ve never brought any woman to my home before. Lauren is the first and the last.”
“Landon, what I mean is-
“To be honest, I can’t live without Lauren now.”
Landon’s chest was filled with a strong sense of love. He imprinta passionate kiss on the back of Lauren’s hand, and his eyes wer with affection. “If I don’t see her for a day, I’m afraid I’ll go crazy
His low and gentle voice flowed into Lauren’s ear like a gentle stre She felt her heart was being teased by a soft feather, tingling and ticklish.
She felt the same way. She didn’t want to leave Landon either.
Without seeing him, she couldn’t focus on anything. Without hugging. him, she couldn’t sleep.
At this moment, Javier blushed. As an experienced person, he had seen all kinds of people, but he had never seen someone so flirtatious.
Landon was so shameless in front of an elder.
“There’s another reason why I don’t want Lauren to stay at Seaview Manor.” Landon’s expression suddenly became serious.
Surprised, Javier asked, “What reason?”
“I’m afraid Lauren will be bullied.”
“What are you talking about?”
Javier frowned, growing more confused. “Lauren is the apple of my eye. Seaview Manor is her home. Who would dare to bully her?”
“Dad, you’re not often at home, and you might not understand the situation here. But you can’t assume Lauren is happy living in this. house.”
Landon didn’t explicitly accuse Betty of bullying Lauren. After all, Betty was Javier’s daughter, and openly reporting such matters would be like slapping the face of his future father-in-law.
Besides, he believed he was sufficient to protect Lauren.
Even if Javier knew everything, what could he do? He couldn’t even figure out what his malicious wife was up to. How could Landon expect him to handle Betty?
Standing on the side, Rory remained silent and cast a meaningful glance at Javier.
Throughout Seaview Manor, everyone knew that Betty had been. suppressing and bullying Lauren for many years.
Even Sophia knew that. The only one who didn’t know was Javier.
“Lauren, who’s bullying you in this house?” Javier stared at his timid daughter, suppressing his anger as he asked her.
Lauren’s forehead was covered in a thin layer of sweat. She parted her lips but couldn’t say a word.
When Landon felt the moisture in her hand, he quickly used a soothing voice to comfort her. “Lauren, don’t be afraid. I’m here, and your father is here too. You can tell us if you have any grievances. We’ll support you.”
Landon sincerely hoped that Lauren would speak out about Betty’s cruel actions. This way, she could seek justice for herself.
With that, the two men stared at her, their eyes burning with. expectation.
After a while, Lauren finally spoke in a trembling voice. “N-No one is bullying me.”
“Lauren …” Landon felt a sense of disappointment deep within.
When Landon touched Lauren’s slender back, he realized sweat had soaked through her clothes. His eyes contracted, and his heart seemed to sink, making it difficult to breathe.
He had forced her too much. He shouldn’t have let her dwell on the painful past, always thinking about revenge.
Landon didn’t want to let her beloved Lauren do anything. He decided to handle everything.
“Is… your sister bullying you?” Javier suddenly asked. His question pierced Lauren’s trembling heart like a sharp arrow.
She lowered her head and ruffled the folds of her skirt in silence.
“Is it true? Has Betty been bullying you all along? Tell me. I’ll stand up for you.”
“Dad, you know Lauren’s situation. She’s not like Ms. Betty, who can sweet-talk and please you. Sometimes, Lauren is too kind and doesn’t want to make things awkward with her family.
“So, she can only live cautiously, silently enduring all the humiliation.”
Landon couldn’t bear to watch any longer. With a cool gaze, he said, ” It has been so many years. Pursuing this matter is meaningless. Moreover, aren’t both parties important to you?”
In this speech, he didn’t say anything bad about Betty, but it was just the same as calling her out.
Javier’s face turned extremely dark, and he clenched the palm on his knee tightly.
Landon slowly helped Lauren up. His arm naturally slid down to her
“The past is in the past. I won’t pursue it for your sake.
“But from now on, it’s different. Since I’m dating Lauren, I’ll be in charge of everything for her. If anyone dares to touch her, no matter who they are, I’ll make them pay a bloody price.”
After Landon led Lauren away, the atmosphere in the study became extremely tense. Javier could feel the chilling atmosphere in the air, which was accompanied by an overwhelming sense of oppression.
“So… Landon also knows that Betty has been bullying Lauren?”
Javier looked at Rory in bewilderment, his heart tightening. He found it difficult to accept for a moment.
“I accidentally overheard the servants at home mention it. Everyone knows about it. Everyone except me? As their father, I didn’t know?”
Rory sighed. “Don’t blame yourself, Mr. Javier. You need to manage. such a large household and a big company. It’s understandable that you might overlook some things.”
This statement was basically an admission.
With his elbows on the desk, Javier painfully held his head in his hands. “I really feel ashamed before Lauren as her father. I had no idea she was so unhappy at home…”
“But everything has passed, Mr. Javier. Now, with Mr. Landon taking good care of Ms. Lauren, you can rest assured,” Rory said with at solemn tone.
“Ms. Lauren is also grown up. She’s not a child anymore. You can’t keep her confined at home, preventing her from socializing and interacting with society. This won’t benefit her condition.