Chapter 72

Sandy was surprised by Lauren’s reaction, but he pressed on, arguing with her.

“Since you overheard our conversation, I’ll be blunt,” Sandy said, his voice suddenly cold. “Don’t be greedy. For years, Sally has cared for Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. Don’t you feel ashamed to claim a share of the Bennett company without lifting a finger?”

Lauren was silent for a moment. She actually agreed with Sandy to some extent. Nodding, she said, “Well, I shouldn’t take the shares.”

Sandy was dumbfounded. He thought, Why is she so calm?

He’d expected Lauren to argue, giving him the chance to refute her. Now he had to change tack. “Our families have arranged this marriage, but you should know that I love Sally.”

Lauren said nothing, merely glancing at Sandy. He felt embarrassed under her gaze, as if he were insignificant in her eyes. He frowned; he disliked this treatment.

Lauren was usually calm, rarely excited or angry. However, this didn’t mean endless tolerance. She was tired of Sandy and Sally’s persistent provocation.

She’d made her decision. If they wouldn’t compromise, she wouldn’t tolerate them any longer. No need to be kind, she thought.

“Who is supposed to marry whom, according to our families?” Sally asked, her expressionless face radiating power.

Sandy felt suppressed by Lauren. “They wanted us to marry, but…” He was interrupted.

Lauren, impatient, said, “Then this will be easy.”

Sally’s heart leaped. She thought Lauren would marry Sandy. But Lauren continued, “Since we don’t like each other, let’s call off the engagement.”

Sandy and Sally were shocked. Sally exclaimed, “What are you talking about? This was decided by both families! You can’t just call it off!” Sandy, mockingly, added, “Who do you think you are? You have no right!”

Lauren chuckled, raising her head proudly. “We’ll see.”

A bad feeling washed over Sally. She immediately apologized. “Lauren, please don’t be angry. It’s my fault. You haven’t taken anything from me. It’s all yours.”

“Sally!” Sandy pulled her behind him, sneering. “She has no right to call off the engagement.”

“You can say I have no right,” Lauren retorted, “but I’m sure your family wouldn’t allow you to marry an illegitimate child of the Bennett family.”

Sally gasped, staring at Lauren with red eyes. “How does she know?”