Chapter 15 Don’t Die in My Car, It’s Bad Luck
“I already have nothing left; what would I even be afraid of?”
Elliot stared at her intensely, but Lauren met his gaze without flinching. For the first time, Elliot saw disgust in her eyes.
She actually loathed met
His impression of Lauren had been obedient, always putting his feelings first. For three years, he had grown accustomed to her submission, to her unconditional admiration. He couldn’t accept how fast she had changed. I had gone against Kenneth for her. Kenneth was Willow’s fance, which meant I had hurt Willow too. I had done so much for her, and yet she was still dissatisfied?
“Lauren!” His voice darkened with fury. If you try to run away again. I’ll terminate Marilyn’s employment
Lauren’s heart clenched. Marilyn was the only person in the Bennett family who had ever been kind to her. If she lost her job because of her, Lauren would feel guilty for the rest of her life. Her fists clenched tightly as she forced herself to act indifferent “You firing your maid has nothing to do with me.”
If I didn’t care, then maybe Marilyn would be safe.
Just as she was thinking this, Elliot let out a cold chuckle. “Is that so? Then I won’t just fire Marilyn: I’ll have her daughter expelled from school”
Marilyn’s daughter is named Mia, and she is a sophomore in college this year.
Five years ago, when she was in junior high, she had ridden her bike in the pouring rain to deliver Lauren’s exam admission slip. The roads had been slippery, and she had broken her right hand in an accident, almost missing her high school entrance
EXILIS
By the time Lauren had finished her college entrance exams and returned home, Marilyn had told her that someone had thrown her admission slip into the trash. If Marilyn hadn’t found it in time, the sanitation workers would have taken it away, and she never would have been able to sit for her exam.
Lauren owed Marilyn and Mia too much. If they lost their jobs and education because of her, that would be worse than death. Her entire body tensed; her fury barely restrained.
Elliot mistook her silence for defiance. He let out a cold snort. “I heard Mia is a top student, always winning scholarships. If she were expelled.
“Smack!” A sharp slap interrupted his words, jerking his head to the side.
Jeffrey, watching everything unfold through the rearview mirror, widened his eyes in shock.
Lauren slapped Elliott
Not even in his worst nightmares had he imagined something this ridiculous. He’d always seen Lauren as weak, easy to control. But now, she was fighting back, claws out, Guess it’s true–push someone too far, and they’ll bite back.
Compared to her previous meekness, this version of Lauren piqued his interest.
Jeffrey smirked, enjoying the show. “Elliot, does it hurt?”
Elliot’s face darkened, Lauren was frail, she hadn’t eaten or drunk anything in over a day, so her slap had barely stung. It’s not about whether his face hurts or not; Elliot’s heart aches.
My sister shouldn’t be this disobedient
Blinding rage surged through Elliot. His eyes turned bloodshot as he grabbed Lauren by the throat, slamming her against the seat. A sharp pain shot through her neck; her breathing became labored. Her lungs felt like they were about to burst; every breath was agonizing. Slowly, her face turned purple.
Jeffrey spoke up, his tone casual but firm. “Elliot, let go; you’re going to kill her.
Elliot gritted his teeth. “It would be just as well if she died.” But despite his words, his grip loosened.
Chapter 15 Don’t Die in My Car, It’s Bad Luck
Jeffrey scoffed. “If she’s going to die, at least not in my car. I hate bad luck.”
Finished
Elliot flung Lauren aside. She collapsed like a discarded rag doll, gasping for air, coughing violently. Elliot glared at her and roared, “Listen carefully, this is the last time you disobey me. If you try this again, Marilyn and her daughter will suffer a fate far worse than you can imagine!*
His words echoed in the confined space of the car, heavy with warning. Lauren lowered her gaze, concealing the disgust in her eyes. The rest of the ride was spent in silence..
They arrived at the Bennett Residence an hour later. The moment Lauren stepped out of the car, Alice Pierce rushed toward her, grabbing her hand. Lauren immediately yanked her hand away, as if burned.
Alice’s hand froze midair, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face before she quickly composed herself. She put on an affectionate expression and said, Laurie, you’re too stubborn. Your father was just angry: don’t take his words to heart. Do you know how worried I was?
Willow quickly chimed in, clutching Alice’s arm. “Laurie, you really scared us
Lauren stood still, her expression cold. She waited until they had finished their performance before turning and walking Jstraight inside.
Her indifference reignited Elliot’s fury. He barked, “Lauren, stop right there! Can’t you see that Mom and Willow are worried about you?”
Lauren paused; she turned around and looked at Alice and Willow, both still in their bathrobes, their hair slightly damp. Her lips curled into a mocking smile. Tell me, were you worried about me while taking a bath, or while getting ready for bed?”
It was obvious, the moment she had left the house, these two had showered and prepared for sleep. here teas the worry in that!
The air went deathly silent. Alice’s eyes darted away, unable to meet Lauren’s gaze. Elliot stiffened, his mouth opening as if to refute her words, but there was no excuse. Lauren had long since seen through this family’s hypocrisy. This entire act was nothing surprising.
Without another word, she walked into the house, ignoring them all.
That night. Elliot tossed and turned in his massive, comfortable bed, unable to sleep. After a long internal struggle, he finally got up, went downstairs, and walked toward the storage room
It wasn’t a place fit for human living. To put it bluntly, even the family dog had a better space.
Standing in front of the door, he hesitated. For a long time, he couldn’t bring himself to knock. Yet he also couldn’t walk away.
He lingered outside for 30 minutes. Only when a dull ache spread through his stomach did he finally leave.
The next morning
Lauren had slept surprisingly well. Maybe it was exhaustion, or maybe it was the relief of being free from prison. In contrast, the entire Bennett family looked terrible. Elliot, with deep bags under his eyes, appeared completely unrested.
At breakfast, David Bennett spoke in a stern voice. “Laurie, a driver will take you to Hoverdale Skyline Medical Center today. As long as you show sincerity, I believe Kenneth will forgive you and resume our partnership with Gray Corporation,”
Lauren sat silently, her gaze cast downward, emotionless.
David’s patience snapped. “Are you mute?”
Alice quickly stepped in. “Let’s eat first; we can talk after breakfast.
Breakfast was Western–style. The maids carefully placed plates before David, Alice, Elliot, and Willow. But Lauren’s seat was empty
