Chapter 179

"There's no inconvenience. Taking care of you is my responsibility." Lawrence spoke with restraint.

Darcy's face lit up with a gentle smile, radiating happiness as she expressed her gratitude. "Mr. Rodriguez, thank you!"

Lawrence opened the car door and gentlemanly helped her in.

Under the nightfall, the Bentley slowly drove towards the suburban villa estate.

Lawrence remained silent throughout the journey, indifferent and weary. With his tall and charming figure, Darcy sneakily glanced at the tautness underneath his shirt.

As Darcy's heart filled with joy and excitement, she clenched her fists tightly, thinking, "Winnie, this man will truly belong to me in the future!"

With a sense of pride, the Bentley came to a stop outside the villa.

In the darkness, the streetlights flickered with a milky-white glow, illuminating the luxurious yet understated carved gate.

Just as Darcy was assisted out of the car by Lawrence, she caught sight of Winnie standing beneath the carved gate.

She was wearing a thick cotton coat, and her belly was slightly swollen. A small suitcase lay by her feet.

Surprised, Darcy stared at the suitcase, her eyes locking into Winnie's.

Winnie's body trembled from standing too long in the cold, and she lowered her head.

Seeking warmth, Darcy quickly leaned into the embrace of the man beside her.

Lawrence moved forward and, noticing her actions, furrowed his brows asking, "Are you cold?"

"It's so cold, Mr. Rodriguez," Darcy weakly replied, shivering slightly.

Lawrence removed his suit jacket and carefully draped it over her shoulders while holding her wrist. "Since we didn't bring the wheelchair, so take it slow," he said.

"Thank you, Lawrence," Darcy replied with a soft smile.

The tenderness in her voice, caught Winnie's attention, causing her numb body to tense.

In the distance she saw the couple, walking towards them, almost inseparable with their arms around each other.

The man held the woman's hand in an intimate gesture, acting like a caring gentleman.

Darcy caught Winnie's shattered gaze, her eyes cunningly turning as she eagerly asked, "Lawrence, what you said to my parents, is it true? Did you say you will get engaged with me?"

Winnie heard it.

Lawrence... engaged to Darcy?

Her world seemed to shift, Winnie raised her head, her gaze fixed on that heartless man.

Focused on his response?

He answered, "Mm!"

A hollow smile tugged at the corners of Winnie's mouth. So, he was in a rush to sign the divorce papers just to get engaged to Darcy immediately!

Still, she had to endure it. Ever since the signature incident at Impression Cafe in Perugia City, she had made a decision.

"Lawrence!" Winnie called out.

Lawrence, only noticing her now from several meters away, grew still. His gaze turned cold as he looked at her.

He also noticed the suitcase by her feet.

"Why are you here?"

"This is my home. I'm moving back in," Winnie calmly replied, doing her best to maintain composure.

Lawrence raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused, his tone freezing, "There's a new woman living here now."

Winnie froze, her gaze becoming moist. Was he referring to a new person moving into the house or had his heart already found a new woman?

Upon hearing this, Darcy clung even tighter to the man's arm, her gaze provokingly directed at Winnie.

Losing his patience, the man turned around and opened the door, saying, "The divorce paper has been signed, don't even think of this as your property. I will have someone throw your things out."

"Sorry, we haven't divorced yet. I only signed 'Anderson' on the document, so the divorce isn't valid."

Winnie was resolute, and Lawrence turned abruptly.

Darcy's gaze was also gloomy as she disguised herself and insincerely said, "Miss Anderson, why are you playing with Mr. Rodriguez like this?"

Winnie paid no attention to her.

Fearlessly, she met the man's cold gaze and said, "If you don't believe me, you can look at the document."

Lawrence's eyes turned icy as he studied her. He had received the divorce agreement from the lawyer after it was signed that morning.

Now, as he opened it, there was indeed only a scribbled 'Anderson' on it, barely legible.

His emotions stirred; his brow furrowed with an air of hatred as he glared at her. "What game are you playing now?!"

"You got what you wanted, the Imperial Financial Group, $400 billion. I'm bankrupt, my mother is in a vegetative state that persists, aren't you satisfied?"

His sarcastic smile seemed like a sharp knife.

Winnie felt a recurring pain in her heart, but she endured it numbly, allowing his sarcasm.

As long as he felt a little better.

She remained fixated mother's final wish. Her mother may never wake up, but she would make sure to fulfill it.

Winnie persisted stubbornly, "Lawrence, allow me move in. Your neurological disorder isn't hasn't been filly treated, and I want to take care of you. After you're better, I will consider signing the divorce papers. Also, if you let Darcy move in, I will worry even more about my mother..."

"What right do you have to mention my mother? You staying here is the biggest threat to her! You deceitful woman, don't even think of getting near her and causing her harm!"

Lawrence's anger erupted, his tone chilling. "Get out. Security!"

Winnie knew that his mother was the one topic she couldn't bring up.

She persisted, "I made a promise to your mother to stay by your side, and I intend to keep that promise. I'm not leaving."

Lawrence furrowed his brow tightly. When did she make that promise to her mother? Or was it just another one of her schemes?

He had suffered from a severe neurological disorder all night long, yet she didn't come to the ward even to check on him. The dreams he held about her were all shattered illusions.

It was Darcy who saved him!

And now, here she comes, pretending once again?

Sensing his hesitation, Darcy quickly spoke up and silently mocked, "Lawrence, I understand why Miss Anderson doesn't want a divorce. After all, she might want to plead for mercy for her uncle, cousin, and Triton's economic sanctions, which is why she says she wants to stay and take care of you. But it does seem a bit hypocritical."

A faint flicker of doubt crossed Lawrence's heart, plunging into the icy abyss.

Yes, staying without getting a divorce was just a matter of impure intentions.

Disgusting and hypocritical.

She just wanted him to release the person, to spare that company.

Lawrence's gaze turned frigid, why does he still cling to any hope for this woman?

He increasingly hates himself and sneers, "None of your goals will be achieved, not getting a divorce, is that right?"

Winnie didn't have time to tear apart Darcy's insults and resolutely shook her head, "I have no ulterior motives, I just want to take care of you, Lawrence. I won't let go of you. Whether you see it as my redemption or something else, we'll discuss everything after you recover. If you decide to leave then, I will agree. But for now, don't drive me away!"

Lawrence looked at the stubborn woman, took a deep breath, and reached for his phone.

Dialing Bryan, his voice unyielding, "Escalate the economic sanctions on Triton, force it into bankruptcy as soon as possible!"

Winnie staggered.

His imposing figure loomed over her, his expression cold as he sneered "No ulterior motives, huh?"

He was testing her, trying to suppress her. Even if he were down and out, he probably still had the ability to manipulate Triton as he pleased.

Winnie could only endure. Once she pleaded with him, it would confirm that her intentions weren't pure, that she wasn't truly sincere to him.

Her heart was filled with a bitter and indescribable pain as she looked at his cold face and asked, "Can I go in now?"

"I don't need your care, leave my sight! Security, lock her outside."

Lawrence didn't even look back as he walked into the villa, his long strides emanating an icy chill.