Chapter 528

Ishara didn't have the luxury of hesitation. Worried he might refuse to visit the Blanchet family, she smiled and accepted his requirement. "There's no problem. Leo once treated me, that's all. He's a doctor I'm quite familiar with. I'll invite him to take a look at you."

"Sure." Lawrence hung up.

Ishara gripped her phone, calling over Claire. "Is there any suspicious activity around Leo these days? Mr. Rodriguez is looking into Leo!"

"Miss, rest assured, our private investigator is also watching Leo. His routine is predictable, always at the public hospital without venturing into other departments. Mr. Rodriguez shouldn't suspect that Leo is one of your lab people. Besides, no one knows the location of your lab apart from yourself and Leo. There's no need to stress," Claire reassured her.

Ishara's gaze darkened, and she knew Claire was right. As long as she didn't confess or divulge anything, Lawrence and Winnie would never find Oscar. She calmed down, and she instructed, "Go and bring Leo here. I have some matters to discuss with him."

After ending the call with Ishara, Lawrence had Jeremy contact Winnie.

Jeremy raised an eyebrow. "Can't you call her yourself? Mr. Rodriguez, are you too proud to chase back your ex-wife? The chase after a wife is like reeling in a wary fish, you know? A good woman is easily scared, but Winnie might forgive you in the end if you're persistent!"

Lawrence's handsome face darkened. "How do you know I haven't swallowed my pride? I've tried calling. She won't answer. We fought over Rock a few days ago, and neither had the best attitude."

At a loss for words, Jeremy asked, "You two had a fight again?"

Lawrence remained silent.

Jeremy was impressed, though not positively. He shot Lawrence a contemptuous look. "She's pregnant, and you're making her angry? With your EQ and tactics, I worry you'll spend the latter half of your life lonely and childless."

"Shut up! Make the call," Lawrence snapped.

Jeremy grudgingly did as commanded. Winnie still respected his dignity enough to answer promptly. "Mr. Jeremy, what can I do for you?"

Lawrence stared at his phone intently, his voice deep and straightforward. "Winnie, it's me."

Silence fell abruptly on the other end, the air heavy.

Lawrence felt a headache coming on. This woman's coldness toward him was palpable. He clasped his hands together, taking the initiative to explain, "I wouldn't contact you without a good reason. I'm not here to waste your time."

"That's just nonsense," Winnie snapped with no effort at politeness.

Jeremy silently put down his phone and turned away.

Lawrence eyed his rising shoulders and the broad back that leaned against the chair. His brows furrowed. "Does Oscar have a chronic case of asthma?"

Winnie held her breath, her gaze narrowing. "Why do you ask that?"

"Send me all the details about Oscar's asthma, the symptoms, and the inhaler he uses. I need it."

"Is there progress on your end?" Winnie pressed, her concern for her son momentarily outweighing her resentment. If he had a lead, she would help without hesitation.

Her attempts to extract useful information from Ishara came up empty.

"I've made some progress. I promised to bring him back to you safe and sound. Just wait a bit, okay?" The man picked up his phone, his lips drawing close as though to bridge the distance between them. His voice was deep and heavy with unspoken emotions.

Winnie's heart pounded, a sudden mist forming in her eyes. She recalled Jeremy mentioning that Lawrence's engagement to Ishara was nothing more than a ploy to extract information about Oscar safely. The tightness in her mind eased slightly before she quickly firmed up again, keeping her tone calm. "I'll send it right away. What do you need Oscar's medical information for?"

"Just exploring options with a doctor," Lawrence said sparingly, unwilling to divulge more before being sure.

Winnie hung up.

Ten minutes later, a detailed file was sent to Lawrence's phone.

He grabbed his suit jacket, his tall figure striding out of the office.

The sky was dimming over Camellia Mount.

The Blanchet residence was lit up, festive, and bright.

Lawrence arrived alone, his long legs carrying him through the gate.

Paul and Patricia came out to greet him, "Mr. Rodriguez, you've arrived. I meant to discuss with your father whether our families should have an engagement party. Ishara mentioned you've been quite busy, so I thought, at the very least, we should have a small ceremony for you two. There's no big decoration. It's just a family dinner. Ishara's been cooking in the kitchen for you. She's always been a bit frail and quiet. Mr. Rodriguez, I hope you'll cherish my granddaughter."

Paul's speech was loaded with meaning.

He had recently heard the high society buzz about Ishara. Ivan was allegedly engaged, yet his affections for his granddaughter seemed to have cooled.

Paul was a man who knew the worth of connections. He was decisive in weighing pros and cons. Securing Lawrence as a grandson-in-law was an achievement he wouldn't let slip away.

Their marriage would cement the Blanchet family's domestic status, surpassing the Jenkins clan.

Lawrence gave a slight nod, his features composed and detached, offering no promises to Paul.

This set Patricia on edge. She immediately went into the kitchen. "Ishara, Mr. Rodriguez has arrived. Stop cooking. You'll roughen your hands. Let the maids handle it. It would be best if you were cultivating a relationship with Mr. Rodriguez so you can aim to marry him smoothly this year. Later, let him have some wine and try your best to have him stay the night."

Patricia was insinuating something.

Ishara narrowed her eyes slightly, and her face flushed with confusion. "What are you talking about!"

"You know how it is with young folks nowadays. Once you tie the knot, his heart will belong to you. There will be no chance of him being seduced away by some other woman!" Patricia snorted.

Ishara smiled inwardly. "Don't push too hard. Winnie's stories are nothing but wild gossip. I believe Mr. Rodriguez still holds me dear in his heart. Tonight... I'll give it a try."

Patricia chuckled and affectionately squeezed her cheek. "The Blanchet family's hopes are all pinned on you, my dear. You're the legitimate heiress. Winnie is a love child. She'll never be accepted in polite society!"

Ishara's expression stiffened. The words "legitimate heiress" made her feel unsettled.

"Patricia, what are you and Ishara whispering about? Have her serve the food. We shouldn't keep Mr. Rodriguez waiting," Paul called out.

Ishara hurried over, only to find Lawrence seated in the living room, facing the very sofa that Leo was sitting on.

His eyes were like those of a hawk, fixed on Leo.

Being a doctor, Leo had never encountered the Lawrence's formidable presence. The intense aura of the young man restrained Leo from initiating any conversation.

Just as he was about to succumb to suffocation, Lawrence stood up and glanced at Ishara. "Ishara, let's go to eat!"

"Sure thing. Lawrence, do you want me to hang up your coat?" Ishara smiled sweetly, stepping closer to take his suit jacket.

Lawrence didn't reject.