Just then, Ben called.


    Jasper promptly answered, "What''s the matter, Mr. Gorham?"Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "Mr. Jasper, is it a good time to speak?” Ben said.


    "Go ahead, Mr. Gorham. What is it?"


    "Mr. Javier arrived this morning and took Ms. Lauren back to Seaview Manor.”


    A shadow crossed Jasper''s face. "I thought Grandpa wanted Lauren''spany a little while more. Why was her time with him cut short?"


    "Mr. Javier went to the study room with Mr. Newton. I''m not sure what they talked about, but they ended up fighting.”


    Ben sounded worried. "Ms. Lauren heard everything. She had always been the most obedient in the family, so she agreed to follow Mr. Javier back.


    "As a secretary, I can''t intervene, but I hope you''ll give Ms. Lauren some extra attention when you return tonight.”


    Jasper sensed Ben''s implication. "Did you catch what Dad and Grandpa were arguing about?”


    "I... I think it was about Ms. Lauren''s wedding. Mr. Newton and Mr. Javier shed over it, leading to the confrontation. But I don’t know the details.”


    Jasper rose from his chair, his expression serious. "I got it. Don''t you and Grandpa worry. I will protect Lauren."


    Lauren returned to Seaview Manor, finding herself surrounded by emptiness. Her mother was gone, and she learned from the maids that Betty was also ted to be sent overseas. Jasper seemed to spend all his time with Alyssa, leaving the mansion feeling like avish yet deste prison Clutching her teddy bear, Lauren sank onto the couch in the living room, exhaustion weighing heavily on her. The brief happiness she had experienced with Landon now felt like a distant dream, and she knew she should return to her designated ce within the family.


    Being alone wasn''t unbearable, but every time she thought of Landon—his name, his captivating eyes, the warmth of his kiss—tears threatened to spill.


    Suddenly, the sound of stumbling footsteps broke the silence.


    Lauren opened her eyes to see Betty, disheveled and carrying a heavy suitcase. It was a sight she''d never witnessed before; Betty was d in a set of sports attire that she would rather be dead than be caught wearing them. Her hair was unkempt; she had never looked this haggard.


    As the eldest daughter, Betty had enjoyed more love and attention from their parents and grandfather. The love she''d received was far more than what Lauren had received.


    However, the tables had turned.


    Betty was being exiled from the Beckett family, and she didn''t even have someone to help her with her luggage. It was a pitiable sight.


    Lauren knew the truth about Betty''s actions, thanks to Jasper and Alyssa. She couldn''t find it in herself to forgive her sister, nor did she want anything to do with her. Closing her eyes, she hugged her teddy bear, pretending not to see her.


    "Stop right there!" Betty''s sudden shout sliced through the air, her voice strained and piercing, echoing with intensity.


    Lauren stopped in her tracks. However, this time, Lauren refused to cower. Confronting the sister who had tormented her for years, she held her ground.


    "Pfft... Do you think you can ignore me just because I''m deaf?" Betty''s words spat out like venom, her anger palpable as she gasped for breath. "Idiot! Bitch!


    "You''re the reason Grandpa and Dad turned their backs on me! I''ve been kicked out of the house.. Jasper had destroyed my ears. It''s all thanks to you, bitch! I hate you!"