CHAPTER 153: CHAPTER 153: BETTER OFF DIVORCED!

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, the discussion group in the studio was already buzzing early in the morning.

Shannon Quinn, feeling bored, scrolled through the messages, and her emotions became even more complicated.

At the last LW meeting, Lynn Kendall had sabotaged her, and it could be said their relationship was thoroughly severed.

Shannon didn’t confront Lynn, and Lynn didn’t act as she had in the past, playing the fool with a smile, pretending to be innocent, and had even deleted Shannon from WeChat.

Today, the group was discussing how yesterday at the LW exhibition, Shannon’s work received high praise. The anonymity added a layer of mystery, attracting even more attention and curiosity, causing quite a stir in the circle.

One of Shannon’s pieces won first prize, but the award was anonymous, which sparked even more discussion.

Unexpectedly, Lynn Kendall claimed that all the anonymous works were hers. She said the anonymity was so that her reputation wouldn’t affect others’ direct perception of the work, wanting to see the most genuine feedback, which is why she chose to remain anonymous in the competition.

It seemed the LW officials weren’t aware of this and did not publicly respond. Lynn only talked about this within the circle, leading people unfamiliar with domestic designers to believe her story, and she received all the praise.

In fact, the work she got shortlisted for didn’t rank higher than Sheila Yardley’s, and probably not many noticed it at the venue.

Shannon couldn’t believe that Lynn could be so shameless. Even if Shannon was broad-minded, the thought of her work being credited to someone else was infuriating.

Although Lynn wouldn’t get the prize money, this incident could still bring her plenty of clients, which are far more valuable than the prize money.

Watching the group’s heated discussion, most expressed sympathy for Shannon.

Before she finished reading, some new WeChat notifications appeared.

Surprisingly, it was Aidan Lockwood who set up a discussion group and added everyone from the company.

He wrote a message, essentially encouraging everyone to focus more on their work and be honest, stating there are no shortcuts on this path.

Though he didn’t name names, everyone knew he was referring to Lynn posing as Shannon.

They thought Lynn might remain silent, but unexpectedly, she was the first to respond with a voice message.

However, she didn’t address Aidan’s message. She said, "Mr. Lockwood, I wanted to tell you that I probably won’t return to work after the New Year. A friend of mine has opened a studio and asked me to help out. Thank you for your support during this time."

Right after her message, Yara Hughes and others tagged her and cursed her, but the next second, Lynn exited the group.

Yara and the others discussed for a long time, but Shannon just closed WeChat and set her phone aside.

She calmed herself down, trying to maintain a level mindset and not fuss over such people.

In her current situation, it was unsuitable for her to engage in disputes publicly. As the storm had just subsided, if she were to confront Lynn, many might have a biased view of her, believing that if she could betray her husband, she could also do such a thing.

Moreover, since Lynn was good at playing the victim, she could turn the tables against Shannon, potentially making Shannon appear as the one who was unreasonable and unscrupulous.

Lynn probably banked on Shannon not daring to come forward and clarify, which is why she dared to act so boldly.

Shannon took a deep breath, comforting herself internally, thinking that even if Lynn was taking credit now, her own skills wouldn’t hold up for long. Once those clients worked with her once, they wouldn’t likely return.

She wouldn’t stay complacent for long, but Shannon still felt aggrieved.

If it weren’t for Vincent Rhodes’ situation, she might not need to be this restrained, unable to even put her own name on her work.

Biting her tongue and swallowing the pain, Shannon didn’t know what else she could do besides adjust her mindset and accept it.

"Buzz—buzz—"

Shannon picked up the phone, "Big brother?"

"Do you have time tonight? We want you to come home for a meal."

"Tonight..." Shannon was still somewhat reluctant to go.

But as she hesitated, Simon Rhodes said, "It’s mainly because Grandpa wants to see you."

Shannon paused, then nodded and said, "Alright, I’ll come tonight."

"I’ll send a driver to pick you up, it’s not safe to drive with the snow. Let’s say four-thirty, get ready in advance."

"Okay, thanks, big brother."

In the afternoon at the Rhodes Family’s house, her grandfather immediately called her into the study.

Shannon was already prepared for a grilling session, but upon entering, she found her grandfather looking somewhat apologetically at her. His tone was much calmer than before, "How many months along are you? Should be due soon, right?"

"Six months."

The old man glanced at her, paused, and said, "You’ve been going out to work during this time, but why don’t you move into the Rhodes Family’s house and rest assured with your pregnancy."

Shannon replied, "Grandpa, didn’t you ask me to abort the child last time?"

The old man seemed unaware she knew about Vincent’s affairs and was still dodging around, vaguely saying, "Just do as I say."

"I brought such disgrace to the Rhodes Family, shouldn’t you banish me?"

"Hmph, do you think if it weren’t for Vincent being dead set on not divorcing you, I would allow a woman like you to stay with the Rhodes Family?"

"Grandfather, if you’re so determined, can’t you command him to divorce me?"

Shane Royale didn’t expect Shannon not only to be ungrateful but also reluctant to stay in the Rhodes Family, unlike other women. Yet, such a woman could be even more terrifying when she decides to be ruthless.

"It’s not your place as a little girl to teach me what to do!"

"Nor am I a tool to be ordered around."

Shane had never been rebuffed like this, and his eyes widened with anger, unsure how to deal with Shannon.

"When Vincent married you, the Rhodes Family spent a lot of money. This is what you owe us. If you don’t want to continue with Vincent, I have no opinion. Once the child is born, you can go wherever you please, and divorce would be better!"

Shannon chuckled and said, "Then let me be clear, too. Either I don’t have this baby, or if I do, it’s coming with me."

Shane sneered, "Do you really think you can win against me?"

Shannon said nothing more, turned around, and walked out of the study.

If we’re talking about a fight, she’s no match for the Rhodes Family — it’s like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. That’s one reason she hesitated to have the baby.

Although the Rhodes Family has a good status, she doesn’t want her child to grow up in such a deceitful and dark environment.