CHAPTER 211: PEN

Melissa and Jasmine stood outside the car while Lola sat in the backseat, the window rolled down.

"Young Madam, take care on your way."

Lola took in the sight of the mother and daughter through the open window.

"It was fun today," she hummed, smiling. "Let’s do this again next time."

Melissa and Jasmine forced smiles, though it was already obvious to Lola which made it even more entertaining for her.

"Thank you for today," Lola raised her hand. "See you around."

"Take care, Young Madam."

Having said that, Jasmine and Melissa stepped back as the window rolled up. In the next second, the car was already moving away, leaving the mother-and-daughter duo behind. They watched the car’s rear before turning to each other.

"Mom," Melissa said worriedly, "Dad is going to be very angry."

Jasmine’s face showed conflict. She knew her husband would be furious. Their spending today had been excessive. On normal days, it was still a lot—but attainable. After all, splurging once in a while was something Lawrence didn’t mind.

But right now, LL Construction was not in a good position, and Lawrence had been extremely stressed.

"Just don’t tell your dad about it for now," Jasmine let out a shallow breath. "I’ll find the right time to tell him."

"But—"

"Melissa, this is an investment!" Jasmine cut her off. "Do you think what we spent is a big deal to her? Melissa, this is necessary to make it into her circle. If we don’t show her we’re capable, what would she think of us?"

Melissa pressed her lips together, studying the desperation in her mother’s eyes. But Jasmine was the expert in this. In the end, she nodded in understanding.

"But I’m still worried about Dad."

"Like I said, don’t worry about him, okay?" Jasmine held her daughter’s hand. "I’ll think of a way to persuade him. For now, just focus on your role in Angel’s Revenge and helping Derek, while I focus on your dad."

Reluctance shone in Melissa’s eyes, but she nodded. "Okay."

*****

Meanwhile, Lola couldn’t help but chuckle at the day she had spent with Jasmine and Melissa. She knew Melissa had an appointment with Sun Couture, but Slater had been petty and booked all of her chosen designer houses indefinitely.

"Surely, he may have a different public image... but his pettiness is kind of scary," she mumbled. "Especially for someone like Melissa, who’s into things he could control."

But since Slater favored Lola, he let her borrow his special card, granting access to these fashion houses. This card was given to only a select few—those always invited to fashion week and boutiques, no matter the time of day.

Leaning back, Lola turned to the window, and the smile on her face faded slightly.

I can’t believe I used to want to spend a date with those two, she thought.

When she lost Loren and Lawrence took Jasmine and his "bastard" home, Lola hadn’t immediately disliked Jasmine or Melissa—not in her first life. If anything, she had tried to feel a sense of belonging with the new family. Sadly, she learned the hard way that this family would never see her as one.

Oh well.

Lola shrugged, no longer feeling sadness or bitterness. She was just curious how Lawrence would react, as she was aware of LL Construction’s financial crisis.

Now that I think about it... she propped her elbow against the window. I was hoping Melissa wouldn’t mind the splurge, considering she’s been funding Hudson. Did he already suck her dry?

The origin of Melissa’s money was still questionable.

"Atlas said he’d give me answers by the end of the week," she whispered. "I wonder if he’ll uncover what Amala couldn’t."

*****

After making the mother-and-daughter duo spend beyond their means, Lola went to pick up the twins. She had left them in Silo, Haji, and Cedrick’s care. The twins liked them and enjoyed playing with them, so Lola let them watch over the children for a while. Slater, after all, had some business to attend to.

Once she picked them up, the three of them took a short trip to the park before going home. Lola prepared dinner, helped them wash, spent some more time with them, and then tucked them into bed.

At this point, she truly felt she had assumed a role she never imagined: a mother.

"They really sleep when it’s time to sleep," Lola chuckled, leaning against the jamb as she idled by the door. "They’re really good kids."

She nodded to herself, reaching for the switch. The lights went out, leaving only the dim night lamp on the bedside table. The twins were asleep, and Slater hadn’t returned home. Since she couldn’t sleep either, she thought about pouring herself a glass of wine.

On her way, her steps slowed as she reached the first floor.

"..." Her eyes fell on the singular couch in the living area. It was the same seat Atlas usually occupied, especially at this hour.

For some reason, not seeing him there feels... strange, she whispered, letting out a shallow breath.

Smacking her lips, Lola marched toward the living area and sat at the end of the long couch. She turned her head toward the empty seat, rocking slightly.

"Is he going to be alright?" she wondered. "He’s not in danger, right?"

Considering their conversation about secret societies, she felt a little worried. For Atlas to leave and handle things alone, it must be important.

Even though I told Slater I was relieved he wasn’t here last night, I’m starting to worry since this is the second night. And he hadn’t even reached out.

As that thought crossed her mind, her eyes landed on the coffee table. Her brows rose at the sight of a sketchpad under its glass surface. Lola pressed her lips before smiling, sliding off the couch onto the floor.

"It’s been a while since I picked up a pen," she whispered, retrieving the old sketchpad and pencil.

Seated on the floor with her legs folded, Lola completely forgot about the wine as she began to sketch. Her lips stretched wider, her hand moving almost on its own, as if it already knew exactly what she wanted to create.