Chapter 740

Winnie felt a wave of disgust wash over her, even though she knew she might be overreacting a bit.

After all, every businessperson does a bit of brown-nosing, right? She just didn't usually play that game herself.

But then it hit her-last night, Rock had offered to go with her to the banquet.

He'd said it was because he was worried about Lawrence.

Yet, during the whole event, Rock barely paid any attention to Lawrence. Instead, he was busy cozying up to political bigwigs like Samuel.

Winnie couldn't shake the feeling that she was being used.

"Is this the great husband you always defend? Seems like he's pretty good at kissing up to people," Lawrence's cold voice came from right behind her.

Winnie spun around quickly.

Seeing the cold sarcasm in his eyes, she felt a pang in her heart and snapped back, "Why are you being so snarky? At least he's doing well. You wouldn't even know how to suck up to someone if you tried."

"Yeah, I want to please you, but you don't give me a chance," Lawrence replied with a faint smile.

Surprisingly, Lawrence wasn't mad at all. His deep eyes, instead of being icy, were unusually gentle.

Winnie was at a loss for words.

Before she could react, Lawrence grabbed her small hand and led her to the wall next to the study.

"Lawrence, what are you doing?" Winnie whispered, trying to shake him off. Her eyes darted nervously to Rock, afraid he'd notice.

"Don't worry, his mind is all about impressing Samuel and the others right now. He doesn't have time to care about where you are," Lawrence said, raising an eyebrow nonchalantly. He closed the door with his long legs and pinned her against the wall with one arm.

They were in the tea room next to the study, and the space was really tight.

Winnie was suddenly overwhelmed by his scent; his body hovered over hers, driving her nearly insane. She softly pushed him away, murmuring, "Move aside, I need to leave. Don't cause any trouble."

"Don't you want to know why Rock is so eager to meet Samuel?" Lawrence whispered, seeing Winnie's reaction.

Winnie was stunned for a moment, then heard his mocking tone, "Samuel is a hot candidate for vice president next year. Rumor has it, it's a done deal. Samuel is the main reason Rock came to the banquet tonight!"

With Lawrence's words, Winnie was completely floored.

She thought Rock just wanted to butter up some powerful elites to help his business.

She had no idea Samuel was actually the vice president for the upcoming year.

"There's one more thing you probably didn't notice: Samuel and Adam are very close. And Adam holds more real power than Samuel. If Rock builds a good relationship with Samuel, he'll naturally get close to Adam too."

Lawrence narrowed his eyes and asked, "But do you even know why Samuel is paying attention to Rock?"

Winnie was confused by his question and instinctively responded, "Don't talk nonsense. Maybe Rock already knew Samuel."

"Knew him already? With his status?" Lawrence sneered, holding her soft hand gently, his eyes still very tender, "Winnie, you've been used by him. You forgot that you went to find Bentley as soon as you arrived tonight. Bentley is Samuel's nephew. I think Rock heard this news, so he was extra attentive. And Samuel mistakenly thought you were all friends of Bentley, so he let his guard down. Plus, Rock's flattery worked."

Winnie was taken aback, staring into Lawrence's deep and sharp eyes. She suddenly recalled that when Bentley introduced Samuel earlier, Rock had mentioned inviting Bentley over for a meal at his home.

Maybe it was that comment that made Samuel think Bentley and Rock were tight.

Winnie wasn't sure if Lawrence's theory was spot on.

Thinking back to Rock's brown-nosing earlier, and what Lawrence just said, Winnie started to feel like Rock had a hidden agenda, coming here to buddy up with the future Vice President, Samuel.

Winnie frowned deeply. After mulling it over, she looked at Lawrence's handsome face and shook her head, saying, "Even if you're right, and he came here to meet political big shots, I still think he's doing it for the company. Everyone in business wants to get ahead. Rock wants to climb the ladder, so he needs to know Samuel. And you, didn't you come tonight to seal a deal and butter up Adam?"

"Not exactly," Lawrence said, looking deeply at Winnie. "Getting the deal is something the Rodriguez Family wants. But I came here because I knew you'd be invited. I just wanted to see you. I'm not here to kiss up to anyone."

Lawrence's intense gaze was almost too much for Winnie.

She silently cursed him for his shamelessness, questioning the absurdity of his words. Despite herself, her cheeks grew warm and her whole face flushed with anger. With a furious glare, she exclaimed, "Do you think I'm an idiot? Don't mess with me!"

"My word is my bond," Lawrence said, leaning in closer.

He looked down at her angry eyes and suddenly curled his sexy lips, "Winnie, thanks for asking Bentley to save me earlier. It shows I'm not the only one who likes you."

Winnie blushed, denying, "When did I ask Bentley to save you? I wish you'd been kicked out by those people for being framed!"

"Well, you know I was framed, yet you still argue?" Lawrence's voice became even gentler, with a hint of teasing, "Winnie, is it so hard to admit that you care about me?"

"Stop it," Winnie said, unable to stand his teasing gaze. "Get away, I need to go."

She shoved him with all her might, but Lawrence was as unyielding as a fortress, his body rigid and domineering, just as she remembered. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't budge him.

"Lawrence, what do you want?" Winnie was furious, her eyes blazing with anger. "Please, look at your reputation now. I don't want to be seen with you. I don't want people to think we're a couple. And Rock is right there!"

Lawrence lowered his gaze, observing her delicate eyelashes, which seemed about to flare up in agitation.

It was as if Lawrence was truly an unfortunate person, being avoided by Winnie.

Lawrence silently pressed his lips together, his handsome face outlined by the moonlight outside, deep and dim, yet his high nose and delicate jaw were charming and dangerous.

Lawrence was already in his thirties, but at this moment, his disheartened and restrained look was like a little wolfdog being scolded by her, pitiful and silent.

Winnie inexplicably thought of Bentley's words.

Now anyone could mock Lawrence, but he didn't care, as if he was born proud.

But every time Winnie mocked Lawrence, he seemed very hurt.

After all, Winnie truly had loved Lawrence; she couldn't bring herself to be as indifferent as an ordinary person.

Just like now, seeing his aggrieved and bullied expression, she couldn't help but soften her heart towards him.

Winnie sighed, she couldn't be soft-hearted anymore, or she would be driven crazy by his shameless weakness.

Winnie hardened her face and quickly slipped out from under his arm, "Stop bothering me."