Chapter 342 Putting On a Show

• Truth is, whether it’s Lydia Winston or the Lewises, their attitude toward Laura is no attitude at all. They act like Laura doesn’t exist. No acknowledgment, no acceptance. All because Laura is the daughter of Sophia Lewis and her live-in son-in-law. Sophia knows this, too. So she only brought Laura home once to let Lydia see her. She didn’t take Laura to meet the Lewises. But now, Sophia wants to take Laura to see Tina Woodstock? Maybe Sophia caught the doubt in Michael Shephard’s eyes. She smiled and explained, “Michael, this time Grandma specifically asked me to bring Laura. She said she wants to meet her.” Michael’s frown only deepened. “She just wants to see Laura, that simple?” Sophia thought for a moment. “Michael, I know what you’re worried about. But we don’t have to worry about that now. Before, Grandma might’ve had opinions about Laura. Now it’s different. You’ve seen it—this factory, I’ve got it up and running. Grandma cares most about capability. I think she’s seen what I can do and she’s starting to accept Laura. That’s why she took the initiative to ask me to bring Laura over, have a meal, just meet her.” Michael nodded. “Alright.” If Grandma could accept Laura, that would be a good thing. With Tina’s face on the line, Lydia wouldn’t dare shut Laura out like before. After picking up Laura, the two headed for the Lewises’ villa. On the way, Laura—who hadn’t seen Daddy in so long—clung to Michael, curled up in his arms and refusing to let go. Sophia drove while chatting about the day they landed the investment. Watching little Laura being so sweet, and seeing Sophia all proud and glowing, Michael felt happy. He really enjoyed this kind of moment. It didn’t take long for the three of them to arrive at the villa gate. Out front, Sophia crouched down to remind Laura, “Laura, we’re here to see your great-grandma today—Mommy’s grandma. You need to be good, okay? Listen to great-grandma.” “Okay.” Laura nodded, all well-behaved. But with his hand holding Laura’s, Michael clearly felt her grip tighten when Sophia spoke. On the surface, Laura didn’t look scared. Inside, though—she was terrified. Back when they brought Laura home, Lydia’s behavior must have carved a mark into Laura’s young heart, leaving something that doesn’t fade. It made Laura fear the rest of this family. Michael squeezed her tiny hand back, trying to give her a little comfort. Sophia didn’t notice Laura’s tension. She praised her, “Good girl.” She patted Laura’s head, then told Michael, “You too—watch yourself. Don’t make Grandma mad.” “Got it.” Michael laughed and nodded. The three walked in and saw Tina Woodstock sitting on the couch in the living room. Beside her sat Melissa Lewis. Once inside, Sophia greeted them one by one, then brought Laura over and had her call out “great-grandma” and “aunt.” “This kid looks just like our Sophia…” “Yeah, so cute…” Tina and Melissa held the child, looking her over left and right, all full of doting. Only, their enthusiasm looked like it was being put on. And Michael noticed the way Tina and Melissa looked at him—odd, off somehow. While they held Laura, the two whispered to each other, who knows about what. Seeing this, Michael couldn’t help but smile. Looks like today won’t be as simple as he hoped.