Chapter 15 Dont Die in My Car , Its 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 couldnt accept how fast she had changed .
I had gone against Kenneth for her .
Kenneth was Willows 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 .
Ill terminate Marilyns employment Laurens 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 didnt care , then maybe Marilyn would be safe .
Just as she was thinking this , Elliot let out a cold chuckle .
Is that so ? Then I wont just fire Marilyn : Ill have her daughter expelled from school Marilyns 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 Laurens 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 hadnt 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 .
Hed always seen Lauren as weak , easy to control .
But now , she was fighting back , claws out , Guess its true push someone too far , and theyll bite back .
Compared to her previous meekness , this version of Lauren piqued his interest .
Jeffrey smirked , enjoying the show .
Elliot , does it hurt ? Elliots face darkened , Lauren was frail , she hadnt eaten or drunk anything in over a day , so her slap had barely stung .
Its not about whether his face hurts or not ; Elliots heart aches .
My sister shouldnt 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 ; youre 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 Dont Die in My Car , Its Bad Luck Jeffrey scoffed .
If shes 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 .
Alices hand froze midair , a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face before she quickly composed herself .
She put on an affectionate expression and said , Laurie , youre too stubborn .
Your father was just angry : dont take his words to heart .
Do you know how worried I was ? Willow quickly chimed in , clutching Alices 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 Elliots fury .
He barked , Lauren , stop right there ! Cant 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 .
Alices eyes darted away , unable to meet Laurens gaze .
Elliot stiffened , his mouth opening as if to refute her words , but there was no excuse .
Lauren had long since seen through this familys 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 wasnt 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 couldnt bring himself to knock .
Yet he also couldnt 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 .
Davids patience snapped .
Are you mute ? Alice quickly stepped in .
Lets eat first ; we can talk after breakfast .
Breakfast was Western style .
The maids carefully placed plates before David , Alice , Elliot , and Willow .
But Laurens seat was empty