Chapter 35 " You've worked hard today . You should take a break . " Carter rubbed his temples and asked , " Did you check on the kids ? " Lauren froze . " I - I didn't have time yet . I'll call them now . " She had been too focused on trying to relive old memories with Carter during this business trip that she completely forgot about the kids back home . Carter reminded her , " You need to video call them to know how they're really doing . And it's late . They're probably already asleep . " Lauren bowed her head . " You're right . I'll remember next time . " Her submissiveness softened him a little . But when he thought of Rhea , he frowned again . She had actually asked for a divorce , and she seemed serious . After six years of marriage , she wanted to walk away just like that ? Was marriage a joke to her ? " What's wrong , Carter ? " Lauren asked softly . " Nothing . " Carter turned his attention to the project brief . " What do you think about this ? " Lauren replied , " I'm not really business - savvy , so I don't have much of an opinion . But whatever you decide , I'll support you . " Carter currently preferred women who were graceful and gentle . So , she had to play the part . But this time , her response and reaction didn't please him at all . 1 He suddenly remembered his early startup days , when he would often hit a tough decision , and Rhea would offer advice . And she was always right . More than once , he had avoided costly mistakes thanks to her insights . He simply assumed that Rhea was just thoughtful , never considering that it might actually be a gift . A gift that , at the very least , Lauren didn't have . Without realizing it , Carter murmured , " Rhea's always had a sharp mind for business . " A faint unease crept into Lauren's chest . What she feared most was Carter falling for Rhea She didn't mind if he loved Rhea for her beauty or grace , but not for her strengths , because that was something that couldn't be replaced . Lauren quickly said , " Eat something , Carter . I'll brush up on this stuff later , too . As your secretary , I should try to share your burden . " Truthfully , bringing Lauren along was really just a move to keep her from visiting the kids alone and possibly getting into a conflict with Rhea . Carter never actually expected Lauren to be of any real help . After all , in his eyes , she was gentle and fragile . The kind of person who needed protection . " Go get some rest . " Lauren lowered her head . " I - I have trouble sleeping in new places . Could I maybe ... sleep on the couch in your 1/3 Chapter 35 +25 BONUS room ? " Carter looked at her . He and Lauren were just co - parents , and he knew that she had trouble adjusting to new environments as well . However , other staff members were also on this trip . If they saw her leaving his room in the morning , it could easily lead to misunderstandings . " I'll stay with with you until you fall asleep . Then I'll head back , " Carter said . Realizing that she had just been turned down , Lauren asked softly , " Carter , do you still blame me for leaving you without anything all those years ago ? " T Carter was tired . " No. Don't overthink it . " He walked her back to her room . Lauren then grabbed her sleepwear and went into the bathroom . Carter stood at the window for a long time . Back when he used to travel for work , Rhea would always call at night to check in , and they would talk about the kids . But this time , there was nothing . It seemed that Rhea had changed . " Carter . " Fresh out of the shower , Lauren slipped into a revealing lace - trimmed nightgown . With her long hair cascading down , she looked soft and delicate . Carter's lashes fluttered . " Go to sleep . " Just then , she walked up to him and held his arm . " These past few years , I've thought about you every day . I thought I'd never get the chance to see you again . But God was good to me and let me come back healthy . " A clear look of distress flickered in Carter's eyes . " It's all in the past now . " Lauren wrapped her arms around him and rested against his chest . " Carter , stay with me tonight . I know you have a family , but I missed you so much . I regret not being there for you during the hardest parts of your life . " Those words caused the warmth in Carter's eyes to gradually fade . Rhea had been the one by his side through the hardest parts of his life . Snapping out of his daze , Carter gently pried Lauren's hands off . " Get some rest . We have a full day tomorrow . " As he pushed her away , a chill settled in her heart . Lauren wondered if he really didn't love her anymore . She lay down in silence , while Carter left once she had fallen asleep . The next day , around noon , the pre - bid conference was attended by representatives from various companies . Even a few firms from Draventh had shown up . Among them , George's presence stood out the most . The usual rivalry among competitors had vanished . Everyone was too busy flattering him . When Carter arrived , he was surprised to see George there . He still hadn't figured out why the investment firms