CHAPTER 39: CHAPTER 39: NOT STRICT WITH HER

"This woman isn’t as pretty as my mom! Such poor taste."

Evan Quinn tossed the tablet onto the table in a huff, lying on the bed and staring at the dark ceiling. In the pitch-black room, where you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face, his eyes shone brightly. Despite his young age, his maturity allowed him to understand many things at an early age.

Landon Lawson sat on the chair, looking at the message Nolan Shaw delivered to him. His eyes gradually narrowed as the details of Sienna Quinn’s last five years were laid out clearly.

Five years ago, Landon wasn’t unaware; he just didn’t want to know. She inexplicably left a divorce agreement, that constant companion suddenly left so arrogantly, and someone as proud as Landon would never lower himself to ask for clarification. At first, he even wondered if this was one of her usual tricks, like drugging him on their wedding night, to make him give in? That was utterly impossible.

Yet she had been gone for five years. No trick would last that long unless she truly intended to leave.

But why?

After finally becoming his wife, why leave so easily? Without his permission, she shouldn’t be able to go anywhere.

Though he had heard a few things from friends abroad over the years, he avoided going into details due to pride and only knew a rough outline. He didn’t even know she ended up working for Axel Yates.

His wife, working for a competitor, directly opposing him.

The document in his hand written specifically about all the detailed information concerning Sienna’s relationships with men over the past five years was glaring.

Vera Yates sat on the hospital bed, her injured knee already treated, watching Landon Lawson sitting on the nearby sofa. Her heart flooded with excitement. Since her injury, Landon had stayed by her side. Though he spoke little, she was long accustomed to his silence. Landon had never been gentle with anyone, his character always withdrawn and reticent.

Every expression, the side profile of his handsome face, occasionally furrowed brows, captivated her.

If it hadn’t been for that woman, Landon would have been hers right from the start.

"Actually, it’s not entirely Sienna’s fault in this matter, Stephen, you’re really a bit harsh on her," Vera suddenly said.

Landon paused, showing no panic at the mention of Sienna: "Not harsh!"

"Sienna didn’t do it on purpose, and living abroad alone for so many years is tough. It’s understandable if her demeanor changed a bit."

Vera spoke softly, trying to discern Landon’s true feelings from his composed expression.

Thinking of the events earlier in the day, anger surged within Landon. He believed his eyes, seeing was believing, hearing wasn’t real. He had personally seen Sienna push Vera, and yet she was still so stubborn, just like on their wedding night five years ago.

This woman was always scheming, five years hadn’t changed her; she was hopeless.

Watching the darkening expression on his face, Vera’s heart was filled with a secret delight.

"Sienna might have misunderstood our relationship. After all, everyone knows I’m currently your girlfriend. She’s liked you for so many years, so even though she left suddenly, I think she still has feelings for you."

Vera mentioned the topic, shyly lowering her head.

Landon glanced at the bashful woman, slightly frowning: "It’s my fault. In that case, I’ll have someone announce publicly that we aren’t a couple, so it won’t inconvenience you."

"No!" Vera panicked suddenly, not expecting Landon to say that.

"But it has been causing issues in your life."

Vera bit her lip, her eyes misty, making her appear endearing: "Stephen, after all these years, don’t you..."

"I always considered you as a sister."

Landon interrupted Vera gently, his eyes clear, looking at her bowed head, his brow subtly furrowed as he walked out: "I’ll call the nurse to change your dressing."

Though outwardly they appeared as a couple, those close to Landon and Vera knew they weren’t really dating.

Growing up together, frequently seen at social gatherings, the media often captured them as a handsome duo, leading the public to assume they were involved romantically.

Initially, Landon was too lazy to clear the misunderstanding, and Vera was happy with the misinterpretation, becoming his woman was what she hoped for, right?

Each time Landon, considering the woman’s reputation, wanted to clarify, Vera would stop him.

Vera lifted her head, staring at the closed door with dissatisfaction in her eyes.

"If it weren’t for you coming back, why would Stephen suddenly treat me like this?" Vera’s expression distorted with rage.

Her gaze drifted to where Landon had been sitting, noticing a stack of documents. Gently rotating her eyes, taking advantage of his absence, she walked over to examine them.

Seeing that her knee injury was just a scrape, not serious, she had no problem walking. She only acted weak in front of Landon.

The information on the documents made Vera pause; she wasn’t expecting to see such things. Her mouth curled into a subtle, meaningful smile as she took her phone out, snapped pictures, and quickly returned everything before getting back on the bed.

Landon stood by, watching the nurse finish with Vera’s dressing, nodding in approval: "Since it’s not serious, I’ve also called your assistant to look after you. I’ll be leaving soon. I’ll have Nolan send the announcement tomorrow."

"Stephen!" Vera looked up, her eyes glowing gently as she spoke to Landon.

"I don’t think there’s a need for a special announcement. Our relationship has boosted my career over the years, and I’ve got an award ceremony coming up soon."

Landon looked back at Vera. Indeed, because of him, her resources had always been excellent, having shielded her from many rumors. With an upcoming award, a breakup now might create waves, potentially affecting the award.

"Alright!"

Landon nodded. At that moment, Vera’s assistant knocked and entered, nodding at Landon. Realizing the assistant was there, Landon left without saying anything.

"Miss Vance!"

"Who called you here? Can’t you see you’re not needed?" Vera snapped angrily, causing the assistant to tremble, nearly dropping the supper she was holding onto the floor.