Chapter 68: Let the Grand Drama Begin!

Meanwhile, Lola Lawson glanced at Austin Beiting with a hesitant expression, which began to test Bruce Lawson's patience. "What's going on, Lola Lawson? Just speak up!" Sophie Lawson, pretending to be anxious, urged her daughter. "Well..." Lola Lawson acted as if she found it hard to say. Bruce Lawson's frustration flared up. He sternly demanded, "Lola Lawson, if something is wrong, don't hold back. Mr. Austin is not an outsider." "Dad, Mom, I really haven't fabricated anything! It's about my sister. She... she's in her room with a man..." Lola Lawson's voice was hushed, but her words were clear enough for everyone present to hear. Today was Bruce Lawson's birthday celebration, as well as the day Bruce Lawson and Austin Beiting were finalizing a business deal. Bruce Lawson had taken great care to ensure that the celebration proceeded smoothly, even hiring bodyguards to stand outside. However, upon hearing Lola Lawson's words, his expression underwent a dramatic change. "What did you say?" Sophie Lawson seemingly defended Freya Lawson but managed to convey the implication of impropriety with her use of the words "vulgar and immoral." "Dad, Mom, I genuinely haven't made this up. There has been quite a disturbance coming from her room. If you don't believe me, please go and see for yourselves." The guests began to discuss the situation. "Hasn't the second Miss Lawson already married Young Master Austin? How could she be involved with another man?" "Oh dear, Young Master Austin has physical limitations, and he cannot perform in that regard. I suppose the second Miss Lawson couldn't tolerate the loneliness, which is why..." "Exactly, when this lady goes wild, she's fiercer than most men." "Yes, let's all go upstairs and have a look. Perhaps we'll witness quite a sensational drama." The guests were not deterred by the potential scandal, and many of them began to ascend the stairs. Seeing this, Bruce Lawson's face turned pale, and he urgently said, "Let's go upstairs and investigate. If she dares to tarnish the reputation of the Lawson family, I won't spare her." In the room, Freya Lawson heard the approaching footsteps. Although she had just struck a deal with Adams, she couldn't be sure he would assist her. They didn't know each other well, and he had no obligation to put himself at risk for her. She nervously bit her lip, her palms growing sweaty. Her anxiety didn't go unnoticed by Austin Beiting. "Do you not trust me?" He narrowed his sharp eyes slightly, his expression becoming serious. He didn't like how she seemed to be guarding herself against him. Freya Lawson didn't reply but instead raised her voice, continuing her act, as the footsteps drew nearer. The moan was irresistibly alluring. Not only did Bradley Austin feel a shiver down his spine, but even the guests ascending the stairs seemed to falter in their steps. One would never suspect Miss Lawson, the second daughter, with her seemingly pristine and dignified exterior, to possess such an uninhibited side. Her voice was more enchanting than the finest melody, touching the very soul. Bruce Lawson's countenance darkened considerably. He cast a harsh glare in Sophie Lawson's direction, increasingly convinced that this woman was somehow connected to the events of the evening. Sophie Lawson, feeling uneasy, instinctively recoiled slightly, then quickly regained her composure. She adopted the facade of a concerned mother and said sorrowfully, "Bruce, there must be some grave misunderstanding. Freya is such a well-behaved young lady; how could she possibly engage in such behavior?" However, the truth was plain for all to hear. Even the least perceptive among the guests could discern the nature of the commotion emanating from the room, making it undoubtedly a riveting spectacle. With frustration mounting, Bruce Lawson's patience wore thin, and he forcefully kicked the door open with a resounding "bang." Inside, Freya Lawson seemed utterly oblivious to the situation as she continued to sing her heart out, while Bradley Austin, impeccably dressed, lounged comfortably on the sofa, applauding with appreciation. Upon witnessing this peculiar scene, Bruce Lawson's tightly wound nerves snapped. He took a deep breath, grateful that nothing inappropriate had actually occurred. Otherwise, it would tarnish not only his daughter's reputation but also his own standing. Despite his low opinion of Freya Lawson's naiveté, she remained his daughter. If she caused a scandal, it would not only shame their family but also jeopardize his public image. Moreover, given that this was his birthday celebration, Sophie Lawson had even invited a group of reporters. Any public exposure of this incident would be a disaster for him. With reporters in mind, Bruce Lawson shot Sophie Lawson a withering look, simmering with anger. This woman had always been mischievous since marrying into the Lawson family, but as long as she didn't cross certain boundaries, he had turned a blind eye. However, what she had orchestrated tonight was beyond infuriating. Both Sophie Lawson and Lola Lawson's faces drained of color. How had things spiraled into this predicament? Freya Lawson had consumed the glass of water, hadn't she? Why was she now unresponsive? Furthermore, hadn't the man inside the room shown interest in Freya Lawson? With a beautiful woman in his company, shouldn't he have taken advantage of the situation? Sophie Lawson couldn't fathom how the situation had evolved to this point. She leaned closer to Lola Lawson's ear and whispered, "Didn't I instruct you to keep watch? How did matters take this unexpected turn?" Lola Lawson shook her head and responded, "It's not as you think. I distinctly heard loud noises from the room earlier, and Freya Lawson kept calling out." "Oh my, Lola Lawson, did you not claim earlier that Freya Lawson and the gentleman were engaging in intimate activities inside the room? How did it suddenly shift to singing?" "That's quite the untruthful assertion. Hmph, she's deceiving us yet again." "Indeed. She's squandering our time. We should reconsider associating with Lola Lawson in the future." A group of high-society women, who had arrived expecting a spectacle, now felt deceived. They exchanged disapproving comments and began to depart. Lola Lawson hastened to catch up with them, saying, "Ladies, please do not leave. I genuinely did not fabricate this." However, not a single person was willing to lend credence to her words. These socialites had spent enough time in Lola Lawson's company to be aware of her character. They knew she had a propensity for mendacity and, rather than trusting Lola Lawson's account, were more inclined to believe that Freya Lawson had engaged in an affair with the man. Lola Lawson stomped her foot in frustration. Why had their plan gone so awry? Hadn't her mother emphasized the need for a flawless scheme? Sophie Lawson, struggling to maintain her composure, positioned herself by the door and addressed the group of guests. "This is simply a misunderstanding. I've always maintained that our Freya Lawson is a well-behaved and sensible young lady. She would never engage in such behavior." Inwardly, Freya Lawson couldn't help but sneer at this woman's skill in putting up a facade. Back when she hadn't been banished to the countryside, Sophie Lawson had expertly portrayed herself as a loving mother in front of outsiders. However, at home, she subjected Freya Lawson to various forms of abuse and torment. Not only did she serve her spoiled, leftover, and spoiled food, but she also confined her to the attic and burned her with cigarette butts. Sophie Lawson had a deep understanding of how to inflict pain, ensuring that it reached the limits of suffering while leaving no visible wounds. On one occasion, Freya Lawson had attempted to complain to her father, Bruce Lawson, but he had scolded her harshly. He argued that since there were no visible injuries on her, he couldn't intervene. Afterward, Freya Lawson had endured the pain in silence, swallowing her tears, fully aware that her father would never protect her.