Chapter 216 A Fleeting Warmth
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Lauren’s gaze slowly swept over everyone present, seeing the sincerity and care in their eyes. At that moment, a warm surge filled her heart, and she suddenly felt that fate might not be so cruel to her after all.
Despite her thin connection with her biological parents and the numerous hardships she had faced, there were still people in this world who truly cared for her. This warmth was enough to fend off the coldest winds.
She flashed a radiant, genuinely heartfelt smile. At that moment, sunlight streamed through the spacious, bright windows, casting a warm golden halo around her, making her look exceptionally healthy and untroubled.
Kate looked at her and said softly, “Laurie, you must be hungry by now; I’ll go make some breakfast with Anna and Marilyn.”
With that, Kate didn’t wait for Lauren to refuse; she stood up and enthusiastically invited Mia to sit and chat with Lauren.
In the living room, only Lauren, Mia, and Felix remained. Mia was bursting with things to say to Lauren, eager to confide in her.
But Felix sat quietly on the sofa, radiating a commanding presence unique to those in power, like an invisible mountain, pressing down on Mia and making her feel the pressure. The words she wanted to say choked back down her throat.
Her eyes darted, and she said, “Laurie, when I came in, I saw many beautiful flowers outside the villa. Would you like to go see them with me?”
Without any suspicion, Lauren happily stood up from the sofa, took Mia by the hand, and headed outside, all the while mentioning, “The flowers outside were specially selected and planted by Mr. Brooker.”
As she spoke, Lauren’s tone unconsciously lifted, not openly praising, but the joy was evident between the lines.
Mia glanced at her stealthily, noting the sweet expression on her face, and a tightness seized her heart. Could Laurie actually be falling for that man?
Despite Felix’s seemingly exceptional exterior, Mia’s intuition screamed that he was unfathomable and very dangerous.
She tilted her head slightly, stealthily glancing at Felix from the corner of her eye, only to see Felix watching them quietly, eyes narrowed.
Mia’s heart tightened suddenly, feeling like she was caught between a rock and a hard place, a chill running through her.
It wasn’t until they stepped out of the villa that the oppressive feeling of being watched slowly faded. Mia breathed a sigh of relief, muttering to herself, “What a terrifying man. It’s better to stay as far away from him as possible. Once entangled, it might be impossible to escape.”
Lost in thought, Mia found herself already in the vibrantly blooming garden, led by Lauren.
They were instantly enveloped by a sea of blooming flowers, the air thick with their rich and enchanting scent, naturally lifting their spirits.
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Chapter 216 A Fleeting Warmth
“Laurie,” Mia suddenly stopped, looking earnestly at Lauren.
It was rare for Lauren to see Mia look so serious, and curiosity welled up inside her. She asked softly, “What’s up?”
“Do you want to leave this place?” Mia’s eyes shone with determination and hope.
Hearing this, Lauren fell silent, unsure how to respond.
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Seeing her hesitation, Mia grew more anxious and quickly added, “Remember how you asked me in the hospital if I wanted to study abroad? I really do want to. And I want to take you and my mom with me. If we go abroad, the Bennetts, the Gray family, and Lucas, that scumbag, won’t be able to bother you anymore. Laurie, come with me. Hoverdale just isn’t the right place for you to stay any longer.”
“And…” Mia glanced around cautiously, ensuring no one was nearby, before continuing with a grave tone, “I know you’ve been treated well by the Brook family, but such wealthy households always have their rules. It’s not that the Brook family aren’t good people, it’s just… Mr. Brooker, he’s a very dangerous man, Laurie. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Lauren had been watching Mia’s lips intently, understanding every word, and her mind was clear on Mia’s intentions.
She knew Mia meant well. In fact, she often felt that she shouldn’t keep staying with the Brook family.
After all, the Brook family owed her nothing, and although she appreciated Kate’s efforts to match her with Mr. Brooker, upon reflection, she didn’t truly want to be with Felix.
In her eyes, Felix was so outstanding and deserved a better life, not to be held back by someone like her, who had nothing to offer but a trail of injuries.
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