CHAPTER 188: CHAPTER 188: BREAKUP COMPENSATION

The next day, the entire design circle was restless.

An Lw clarification video went viral in the news and group chats early in the morning.

The video lasted less than half a minute, where the head of LW spoke fluent French: "I believe everyone is still familiar with last year’s ’National Opera’ series. It has been under constant attention, and there have been many speculations about the designer of ’National Opera’. Recently, rumors in the circle mentioned being Chloe Lynn Kendall. Today, we just want to clarify that although we still keep the identity of the designer confidential, we can definitely tell everyone it is not Chloe Lynn Kendall."

The entrance to Lynn Kendall’s company was swarmed by reporters, and her reception phones were constantly ringing.

Aside from some people wanting to know the truth, many deceived customers wanted an explanation.

Especially the set that was sold for an astronomical price under the guise of the ’National Opera’ designer status last night.

These days, Lynn Kendall didn’t dare to go out and couldn’t find any friends to help her deal with the issue.

The boss who originally poached her from Aidan Lockwood’s company has now distanced himself from her, saying during a media interview that these actions were solely Lynn Kendall’s personal behavior, the company was unaware, and has since dismissed the designer in question.

Lynn Kendall must face not only countless curses but also a myriad of court summons; the following days will likely involve endless litigation.

"Ryder, what should we do now?" Lynn Kendall finally panicked, asking Ryder Griffin with a trembling voice.

Ryder Griffin appeared indifferent, sitting on the sofa, unconcerned about the pregnant Lynn Kendall, leisurely smoking a cigarette, saying, "Handle what you can, fill in the hole you dug yourself."

"You’re kicking me while I’m down at this moment?"

"Understand our relationship first. What do you expect me to do? Spend money to fight your lawsuits and help you repay debts? You’re playing the wrong game here."

"Ryder...I’m carrying your child. I truly care for you. Once we overcome this difficult time, I won’t work anymore; we’ll get married, have the baby, and live a good life, okay?"

Ryder Griffin chuckled like her words were ridiculous, slowly exhaled smoke rings, and said indifferently, "I’ve said many times, I won’t marry you, nor do I want the child you’re carrying. Besides, this time, if it’s only a fine, it’s okay, but if you end up in jail for three to five years, do you really expect someone to wait for you?"

Lynn Kendall’s face turned pale as she looked at Ryder’s unconcerned attitude towards her and the child, her body staggered back two steps, "Ryder... are you still in love with Sheila Yardley?"

"Whether I do or not, I know one thing; I don’t love you."

Lynn Kendall never expected that in the end, only she would have feelings, genuinely considering spending her life with Ryder.

But Ryder’s attitude and words were so clear; continuing to tangle would lead nowhere, so self-preservation became the most important thing at this point.

"Fine, you want me to get rid of the child? Give me two million in breakup fees, and I’ll head to the hospital to terminate the pregnancy and stop pestering you."

Ryder sneered coldly, pressing the cigarette butt into the ashtray until it was extinguished before saying, "Two million? Dream on. I won’t give you a penny. We’re both here for fun; you can’t handle it and want to fleece me for money? Do you really think I’m stupid?"

"Then I’ll give birth to the child! You can spend the rest of your life never knowing peace!"

"Do as you please, but I’m not raising it." Ryder lazily stood up and approached Lynn Kendall, "Short on money? Go back to your old job. Go out and sell yourself; it’ll be cheap, but you can still make some money."

"Ryder, you bastard!"

Ryder laughed instead of getting angry: "Isn’t it you who turned me into this? Not liking it now?"

Ryder turned around, heading towards the door without any regard for Lynn Kendall’s current predicament, much less having the intention to help solve her problems.

Lynn heard his tone filled with momentary resentment and regret; her appearance and disruption managed to sever his ties with Sheila Yardley.

Also regretted that she couldn’t withstand the temptation that led to the love being driven to a dead-end.

Lynn laughed coldly, slumping down on the ground in despair.

Why has everything turned out this way...

Half a month later.

Winter arrived in the blink of an eye, and this year’s winter was warmer than before, with no snowfall yet.

Shannon Quinn stood on the balcony outside the guesthouse room, holding Leo, looking at the mountains and rivers outside the window.

Leo was already one year old, starting to become mischievous, unable to stay calm except during sleep.

Lynn could stumble around, crashing while holding onto things to walk, and could babble his thoughts, but gave Shannon more to worry about. Yet, when hearing his soft, indistinct call of "mommy," Shannon’s heart melted.

This was her first time taking Leo on a business trip as the nanny happened to have a situation at home, and she thought that Leo was grown now, so bringing him out to play more often was the idea.

Simon Rhodes still occasionally asked her for Leo’s pictures, which she would send, but she never contacted Vincent Rhodes, nor did Vincent contact her.

Sometimes, going without news for ten days, even half a month, worried her. She remembered Vincent’s words, "I don’t know if I can come back" too well.

A few days ago, she saw news of a soldier’s death on duty, and her mind instinctively anticipated it was about him.

Every time Simon asked her for photos, it relieved her only, as it confirmed he was still alive...

"Knock knock—Shannon?"

Upon hearing Liam Sterling’s voice, Shannon gathered her thoughts, holding the child asleep on her shoulder, placing him on the bed, before opening the door.

Opening the door, Liam glanced inside quietly, asking, "Is the child asleep?"

"Yes, just fell asleep."

"Hurry down for lunch before he wakes up causing you trouble eating peacefully."

"Okay, let me tidy up."

This trip involved only Liam Sterling and his assistant.

Liam was similar to Aidan Lockwood in temperament, so when Shannon mentioned bringing Leo along, he didn’t find it bothersome, even helping all along to take care of the child, carrying him unless he specifically wanted Shannon.

Leo became familiar with Liam, continuously calling him "brother" taught by him, leaving Shannon helpless.

When Shannon went downstairs, only Liam was present.

"Where’s Chase?"

"He went out this morning; he’s handling some matters and will return this afternoon, hurry and eat."

Shannon approached, just seated and eating two bites, when Liam asked, "I heard the new designer assistant is pursuing you?"