Chapter 576

"Actually, my threat would disappear once Winnie married Rock." Ishara's eyes were filled with grievance. "This despicable woman, since she gave up on Mr. Rodriguez, why does she keep hanging on to him? If she knew Oscar had been found, she wouldn't be under my control anymore."

Eleanor offered a comforting pat on Ishara's shoulder, contemplating the situation. "I doubt Lawrence will inform her, especially now that he can't even bear to look at Winnie. Did you forget that Winnie announced her relationship publicly? With the two of them seething with mutual hatred, communication is hardly possible.

"Stay calm. Besides, isn't Oscar a fool anyway? How could Mr. Rodriguez just hand him back to Winnie?"

Ishara also considered this and took a breath to calm herself. "I need to find a way to test Winnie."

Before further discussion could ensue, Claire, a harried figure, burst into the room clutching her tablet. "Ms. Blanchet, Winnie has discovered the individual behind the covert photographs and traced it back to you. She has exposed your actions in retaliation, mocking you on the news, suggesting you reflect on your inability to maintain a relationship instead of framing her."

The news struck Ishara like a cold gust of wind, her expression turning icy. Another wave of frustration crashed over her before the previous one could subside.

"That bitch," she cursed, demanding to see the damning evidence on the tablet.

At noontime, Lawrence stepped out of Stellar Mall after a series of meetings. The man, recognized for his meticulous approach to work, had faltered in two instances during the discussions, a clear sign of his distraction, evident on his face.

After conferring with Bryan, Jeremy lingered, anticipating Lawrence's emergence.

"Mr. Harrington, let's have lunch together."

Lawrence, devoid of appetite, pursed his thin lips in contemplation. "Bryan, procure for me a list of the most renowned psychologists internationally."

"Are you contemplating consulting a psychologist for Oscar?" Jeremy inquired.

"I cannot ascertain what ails him. I suspect he might have been hypnotized." Lawrence's eyes bore deep concern.

"Now that you mention it, his condition does seem peculiar. But I presume Leo must have identified the issue. We'll proceed cautiously; Leo wouldn't dare not to remedy him!"

"Every passing day without Oscar feels like I haven't truly regained my son. Jeremy, do you understand that feeling? How can I articulate it to Sidney? How do I respond to his expectant gaze, day and night?"

Jeremy remained silent.

The duo made their way to a restaurant on the mall's second floor. After the waiter took their order and Jeremy provided a brief explanation, a silence enveloped them once more.

Jeremy fixed his gaze on the solemn man, "This is precisely what I've been pondering. Mr. Harrington, now that you've found your child, do you intend to inform Winnie? Although Oscar's circumstances are unique, and despite his reluctance to return, Winnie has endured torment longing for her son. Doesn't she deserve to know?"

Lawrence's grip tightened around the cup, his hand growing rigid as Jeremy's question continued to echo in his mind. It had haunted him throughout the night, lingering like a shadow.

A prolonged silence followed, and the calm façade on Lawrence's face shattered, replaced by an icy chill. His voice, devoid of mercy, cut through the air, "Why should we tell her? She's moved on! If Oscar truly mattered to her, she wouldn't have hurried into another marriage! Has she even considered what's best for the child? No, she hasn't. And after callously ending her pregnancy, she doesn't deserve to know."

Jeremy received his answer. Mr. Harrington didn't intend to tell Winnie, his anger apparent. Yet, looking through his reddened eyes, Jeremy saw something else. Despite his attempts to hide it, Mr. Harrington's heart was still tender toward Winnie, even though it was cloaked in a facade of indifference.

If Lawrence truly possessed a heart of stone, he would have divulged everything to Winnie without hesitation. But he hadn't; he had vowed to keep her son safe and untouched.

He worried that if Winnie saw Oscar in his current state, she would fall apart. Accepting that her son had experienced such tremendous change would be difficult for her.

That was the genuine motive behind Lawrence's stern stance; he couldn't bring himself to tell Winnie, nor could he bear the thought of it.

The devastation she would endure was unimaginable. For now, in her mind, Oscar remained safe and healthy, just as he always had been.

As Jeremy pondered, a commotion erupted from the mall below-someone shouted: "I won't stand for it! I refuse to support a brand founded by a mistress.

"To knowingly interfere in someone else's relationship and flaunt it; wearing your jewelry makes me sick, and it won't bring any joy!

"I demand a refund. These jade earrings brought me nothing but embarrassment when I wore them yesterday, accused of emulating a mistress!

"You owe me compensation for the emotional distress caused, to the tune of $1,000.

"Or else, I'll expose your deceit to the media for selling me faulty goods!"

The shrill voice of the irate socialite captured the attention of the customers gathered around the counter.

Winnie had just arrived at Stellar Mall when a sudden grip seized her wrist. Startled, she glanced up to find herself face to face with a customer, the same one who had made a substantial jewelry purchase totaling $179,000 from her the day prior.

Without resistance, Winnie composed herself and attempted to address the situation calmly. "Ma'am," she began, her voice steady, "the jewelry you bought is genuine, its value attested by reputable authorities. I assure you, its artistic merit exceeds its commercial worth."

"This means it isn't flawed, and your purchase isn't a loss," she continued, striving to maintain her composure. "As for my personal affairs, do you have the right to insult and accuse me?"

Winnie added, her tone measured, "Perhaps you've only heard half of yesterday's news. I've clarified to the media that I have no association with Mr. Rodriguez. I have a boyfriend and value my commitments. Eternity Jewelry Co. Ltd, as well as myself, upholds a spotless reputation.

"It doesn't automatically become the truth if someone deliberately tries to tarnish my name. Someone like you, ma'am, with such bright eyes, surely you are not incapable of judgment, right?" Her words appeared polite and gentle, but in reality, she left no room for argument.

The socialite's complexion paled, feeling as though she'd been struck. "You... Yesterday, you managed to deceive me into purchasing a defective product for $179,000 with your smooth talk!" she retorted, her voice edged with frustration.

"What mistress would openly admit to such a status?" she continued, her tone accusatory. "Just because you claim innocence, are we all expected to take your side?"

"Expressing dissatisfaction as a customer doesn't warrant such treatment," she added sharply. "Return the product and compensate me!"

Observing the escalating confrontation, Rock intervened swiftly, his hand moving to protect Winnie from the aggressive lady's advances. "Ma'am, if you're intentionally seeking trouble, I'll have to involve mall security," he warned sternly. "Ms. Anderson has assured the quality of the jewelry. As for her personal integrity, it's neither questionable nor any of your concern. It's best you leave and cease disrupting our event."

"You dare to lay hands on me? You're the man from yesterday, aren't you?" the socialite retorted, her tone laced with disdain. "Claiming to be boyfriend and girlfriend- who would believe such a farce? It's Winnie who's truly disgraceful, using you to sell her jewelry!"

"She meddled in someone else's relationship and then conveniently latched onto you, claiming marriage plans," she continued, her accusations relentless. "Go ahead, get married! You're both deceiving us!"

As soon as the lady finished speaking, many bystanders were stirred up. "Yeah, if I wanted to shake off rumors of being a mistress, I'd also grab a man and claim that he is my boyfriend. Isn't it the usual way celebrities clear their names?"

"These business owners think they can dupe us, pocketing our money while leading scandalous lives," another added, fueling the growing dissent.

Feeling the tension rise, Winnie's fists clenched involuntarily.

Rock stood resolute by her side, his gaze assessing the situation with a hint of concern. "Winnie, what's our next move? Our relationship is still under scrutiny..."

Meanwhile, in the mall's elevator, Lawrence emerged, his presence commanding attention. His eyes narrowed as they fell upon the unfolding scene near the counter, a sense of foreboding creeping over him.

Confidently, Winnie took Rock's hand and declared, "I'll reiterate what I said yesterday, Mr. Harrington and I are a genuine couple. Our relationship isn't a publicity stunt or a response to rumors. We've already set a wedding date for next month."

Lawrence froze in his tracks, a chill settling over him as he regarded her with a mixture of disbelief and apprehension.