hapter 104 Clash of Egos
Jeffrey really felt like he owed Lauren.
Finished
Jeffrey wasn’t afraid of Lauren’s cold words, but seeing her looking so pitiful, like he’d bullied her, made him uncomfortable.
Though his tone remained sharp, he reached out to grab the bouquet of red roses from Lauren’s arms, intending to toss them in the trash.
Just as his hand was about to touch the flowers, someone appeared at the door.
“Seems like I came at a bad time.”
Jeffrey froze mid–action, his hand hovering just above the bouquet. He turned toward the doorway.
Standing there was a tall man with a lean, upright posture. His tailored designer suit fit him perfectly. exuding an air of sophistication and elegance.
The man’s sharp features were chiselled and defined; his deep–set eyes framed by sleek gold–rimmed glasses. His gaze, cold and penetrating, swept over the room’s occupants. The powerful aura he carried made the air feel heavy, commanding attention without a word.
“Who are you?” Jeffrey asked, frowning,
Felix didn’t answer right away. His gaze shifted from Jeffrey to Lauren.
When he noticed Lauren clutching a large bouquet of red roses, her eyes glistening with tears, his eyes. narrowed slightly.
All this emotion… just for a bunch of flowers?
Felix stepped into the room, walking straight up to Lauren. Gently, he took the roses from her arms and set them aside on the nearby table.
“You must be hungry,” he said, placing a thermos on the table. “Grandma made this herself, give it a try.”
Jeffrey, who had been thoroughly ignored, felt a wave of irritation.
Who does this guy think he is?
Acting all high and mighty!
Jeffrey sized up Felix from head to toe, secretly impressed by the man’s commanding presence.
But as a rich kid, Jeffrey refused to back down. He squared his shoulders, lifted his chin, and did his best to project his own aura of dominance.
Felix paid him no mind. Calmly, he unpacked the thermos, setting out each dish neatly on the table before. taking a seat by the window.
Lauren was indeed hungry, but with Jeffrey still in the room, she felt too on edge to eat.
Her face was pale, and her eyes betrayed her unease as she asked, “Jeffrey, what are you doing here?”
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Originally, Jeffrey had expected her to be grateful, moved to tears, even, when he showed up with flowers
to visit her.
Instead, not only was she ungrateful, but she looked at him as if he were a ghost. Judging by her tone, it seemed she had no desire to see him at all.
Jeffrey felt his pride take a hit, and his irritation flared. His tone turned sharp.
“Can’t I just stop by to check on you?”
Lauren lowered her eyes. If there was really nothing going on, she doubted she’d even be worth Jeffrey’s
attention.
Besides, every time they’d crossed paths before, it always ended with him mocking her in some way.
How could she possibly look forward to a visit from him?
What’s worse, his close ties with the Bennett family meant that if he’d managed to find her, it wouldn’t be long before the Bennett family knew where she was, too.
Those lunatics from the Bennett family… In their quest to secure a foothold in the Eastgate project, they were even willing to force her into a marriage alliance with the so–called Mr. Brooker in Balewood
For Marilyn and Mia’s sake, she had once considered giving in
Ever since she learned last night that her embroidery could fetch a sky–high price, Lauren had no intention of compromising herself anymore.
But that depended on one thing, not letting the Bennett family find her. Otherwise, they’d drag her back once again.
All she needed was enough time. Time to earn money through Swish embroidery. Once she had enough to send Marilyn and Mia away safely, she’d no longer have a weakness.
When that time came, even if she had to go head–to–head with the Bennett family, she wouldn’t be afraid.
Lost in her thoughts, Lauren absentmindedly scooped up a spoonful of the truffle soup in front of her. Yet no matter how rich the flavor should have been, all she asted was bland nothingness.
Jeffrey frowned deeply at her cold attitude.
He’d grown up accustomed to flattery and admiration, never before had he been met with such obvious
disdain.
Feeling incredibly frustrated, Jeffrey pulled out a cigarette.
Before he could even light it, a deep voice interrupted him.
Don’t smoke.
The voice belonged to Felix, his tone low yet authoritative, the kind that brooked no argument.
For some reason, Jeffrey felt a bit guilty, but his pride wouldn’t let him back down. “Why do you care if I smoke or not?”
Felix
I get angry. Instead, he calmly renlied. This is a ward.”
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Jeffrey clenched his teeth and shoved the cigarette and lighter back into his pocket. “Lauren didn’t say
anything, why are you acting like her guardian?”
As he spoke, his eyes kept darting toward Lauren.
Lauren paused her motion with the spoon. “I… I’m not used to the smell of smoke…”
Jeffrey’s expression soured immediately.
“Wait a minute, Lauren, who is this guy that you’re so protective of him?” His voice rose, frustration seeping into every word. “I’ve known you for over eight years, and I’ve never heard of this guy!”
Lauren didn’t know what to say. She hadn’t even said much, yet Jeffrey was acting like a firecracker set off by the tiniest spark.
Seeing her silent response, Jeffrey’s temper flared even more.
He had come all this way to see her out of concern and not only was she unwelcoming, but she was also siding with some guy he didn’t even know.
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