For six years 254

Chapter 254

Lauren’s lashes fluttered. “I picked things up from videos recently. It’s been so many years since we last saw each other. I was afraid that… we might not click anymore, and I’d disappoint you. What’s wrong, Carter? Did I make you uncomfortable?”

Carter shut his eyes.

Uncomfortable? Hardly.

But he couldn’t shake the thought that Lauren seemed to know too much.

Especially the way she whispered those explicit words during their intimate act. Thinking of them now still made his scalp tingle.

The next morning, Carter decided to head into the office later. He wanted to take Lauren shopping

for wine to serve to Elena.

In the car, Lauren leaned on his shoulder, idly tracing circles on his lower abdomen with her finger.

Carter frowned. “Lauren.”

She blinked up at him. “Yes?”

“Sit up straight.”

Glen was right there in the driver’s seat, and the way she draped herself over him wasn’t decent.

The more Carter looked, the more he felt that Lauren had changed. He wondered where that cheerful, innocent lady had gone.

Realizing that she had pushed it too far, Lauren quickly sat up straight. “I just really enjoy being with

you.”

Carter didn’t answer her. He was busy texting Marcus.

Marcus said that Dexter would be arriving in Draventh tomorrow and would be hosting a banquet for all the medical equipment companies the day after tomorrow.

Dexter…

Carter’s gaze moved toward Lauren.

After they finished buying the wines, he dropped her off at home and headed to the office.

On the way, he suddenly asked, “What would happen to a woman if she went through something

extremely traumatic?”

Glen stiffened. “Mr. Jamison, are you asking me?”

“Yeah.”

“By traumatic, you mean…” Glen was puzzled.

Carter’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Like experiencing severe beatings or abuse.”

Without missing a beat, Glen replied, “Well, it leaves trauma, of course. Some women need therapy afterward, and they can become very emotionally unstable. Did something happen, Mr. Jamison?”

“No.”

Carter recalled that Lauren had hardly shown any despair after she was assaulted by Dexter. She was emotional only on the day she told him, but ever since, it was as if she had forgotten all about it.

He couldn’t help but doubt her.

Had Lauren really been assaulted? Or was she just that resilient?

Whatever the truth, Carter had no desire to cross paths with Dexter, but Marcus insisted he attend the banquet with him.

At that moment, he couldn’t afford to miss any event that might secure a deal.

At Jamison Manor, Lauren hummed a tune while setting a lavish table.

As Devan passed by, he gave her a look of open disapproval.

He was still torn over whether to tell Carter what he had overheard that night. Even if he did, would

Carter believe him?

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Lauren hurried to answer it. “Sharon!”

After a brief hug, Sharon asked, “Is Elena here yet?”

“Not yet. Come on in.”

Lauren pulled her into the living room. “I want to befriend Elena. If she’s on our side, she could be a real help.”

Sharon still carried a grudge against Rhea, but given the latter’s status, she couldn’t act on it.

Now that Elena, someone who could actually go head–to–head with Rhea, had appeared, Sharon would naturally throw her support behind Lauren.

“Don’t worry. I’ll help you.”

By 11:30 am, Elena finally arrived.

“Elena, come on in,” Lauren greeted warmly.

“Hi, Ms. Austin. I’m Sharon Moss.”

Elena had no idea who she was, but she played along politely. “It’s been a while, Sharon.”

“Yes, it has.‘

11

The three women settled at the dining table. Elena glanced around. “Aren’t the kids here? I brought them gifts.”

“Oh, there’s no need to bring gifts for them,” Lauren said politely.

Just then, Devan appeared with a tray of fruit. “Ms. Austin, Ms. Arielle and Mr. Adrian don’t have class this afternoon. They’ll be back soon.”

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.