Chapter 342 The Family I Should Have Had
So, Lucas… it hurts when you’re the one being wronged, doesn’t it?
Finished
While Lucas stood red–faced and teary, the woman in the cheongsam finally stepped forward. She knelt slightly to meet Lauren’s eyes, her voice soft and kind.
“Sweetheart, are you Lauren?”
Lauren looked up. She was close enough to smell the woman’s elegant perfume.
The whole family–mother, father, and son–were dressed immaculately. Everything on them was clearly custom–made, tailored by hand. One glance and anyone could tell: old money, true pedigree.
Lauren blinked innocently. “Pretty lady, do you know me?”
The compliment made the woman smile even brighter. She gently patted Lauren’s head. “You little genius. Not only do I know you–there probably isn’t a soul in all of Corwynale who doesn’t.”
Lauren’s eyes narrowed slightly.
She was still too young to browse the web or read the news freely, but it seemed her name had already: spread.
If the Bennetts find out I’m their daughter… they might come for me early,
The woman’s gaze was gentle. “Lauren, I’d like to adopt you. Would you be willing to come with us?”
In her past life, they had come at this same time, for the same purp
purpose.
Back then, she had turned them down because she didn’t want to leave Lucas.
Stupid. So, so stupid.
Not this time.
This time, she was going to seize the opportunity.
Lauren reached out her plump little hand and grasped the woman’s fingers.
“Ma’am, I-”
But before she could finish, Lucas cut in loudly. “You can’t adopt her! She’s a liar!”
“Lucas!” The director’s expression darkened in a flash.
This couple had promised a million–dollar donation to the orphanage. This was not a situation they could afford to mess up–especially not over this brat’s tantrum.
“I’m not lying!” Lucas shot back. “She framed me! I never told her not to study. She’s only five and already a liar. What happens when she grows up? She’ll probably start stealing, maybe even kill someone–end up in prison like a criminal!”
“Enough!” the director thundered.
Chapter 342 The Family I Should Have Had
Finished
Off to the side, where no one could see, Lauren pinched herself hard. Her eyes filled with tears, and fat drops began to fall.
“Killing and stealing is wrong,” she said, voice cracking. I’d never do that. I’m not a criminal. I’m not a
criminal.”
That word–criminal–was a stain from her past life.
This time, she wasn’t letting anyone throw it at her again.
She was five.
She was innocent.
That was her armor.
And everyone loves a good student–especially a genius.
Just as she predicted, the moment she cried, the director’s heart practically shattered.
Ever since Lauren had shown signs of brilliance at age one, the director had treated her like her own child. And Lauren had never let her down–graduating high school before turning five. The entire basked in her glow.
orphanage
Now, seeing her cry like this, the director snapped.
With a loud slap, she struck Lucas across the face.
“You dare say such filth? At your age? What will you grow into? Someone take him out of here and teach him some manners!”
Immediately, a caregiver came forward and dragged Lucas away.
Lauren listened to his miserable sobbing as he was pulled off.
Finally, she thought. Finally I got to punish you, Lucas.
Let’s see if you still manage to become a lawyer without me feeding you, protecting you.
The director turned to the couple, embarrassed. “Mr. Timely, Madam Shirley–I’m terribly sorry for the scene. But please believe me, Lauren is an extraordinary child. Bright, thoughtful, disciplined. She’s the pride of our entire orphanage. I have no doubt that with proper guidance, she’ll grow into a true asset to this country.”
Mr. Timely and Madam Shirley shared a smile. They were clearly delighted.
Madam Shirley crouched down again and looked Lauren in the eyes.
“Lauren, she said gently, “would you like to come with us?”
Lauren nodded hard. “I would.”
This is your new big brother, Victor.”
auren turned to the ten–year–old boy standing stifflyrarhy
21:53 Wed, Apr 16 G-
Chapter 342 The Family I Should Have Had
She blinked her big eyes and called out sweetly, “Hi, Victor.”
Finished
Victor’s face was blank and serious–like a little adult–but when she said his name, a faint blush crept up
his neck.
“Lauren.” he mumbled.
Lauren raised an eyebrow.
Aw. Shy.
She reached out and grabbed Victor’s hand. His ears turned bright red, though his face stayed stern and composed.
The contrast made Lauren like him instantly. Adorable
Once the adoption paperwork was completed. Lauren followed her new family to the waiting car.
and just like that. her new life began.
