Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue
Chapter 1812

Orlander boomed with laughter, his voice radiating warmth and generosity. “My son has beensmitten with Lauren since school! After seeing her again at the Schmidt's cocktail party, he couldn'tget her out of his mind. Freddy genuinely cares for Lauren. Your concerns are unfounded!"

Minnie chimed in, "Exactly! You could say Freddy and Lauren are childhood sweethearts!"

Betty scoffed inwardly. Childhood sweethearts indeed, except Lauren wasn't Freddy's sweetheart.Javier's frown eased upon hearing their words.

The Hodgsons then left Seaview Manor in their luxury car. Orlander and Minnie sat together, withFreddy facing them.

"It seems Mr. Javier has a favorable impression of you."

Orlander sat with his legs crossed. He had now come round.

In a more relaxed tone, he remarked, "While Lauren may not be your social equal, you're right—marrying her would boost my chances in future elections. Moreover, your career prospects wouldcertainly improve as Javier's son-in-law."

Though Freddy's expression remained stoic, his eyes betrayed his discontent.

Orlander, noticing his downcast demeanor, scoffed. "I know Lauren has mental health issues. Butlook at it another way—it's not all bad. Once she's part of the Hodgson family, she won't wieldpower or cause trouble.

"And when her condition worsens, you'll become her primary caretaker. Wouldn't that give youcomplete control over her Beckett family fortune?"

"Freddy, the future of your father's career lies in your hands,” Minnie added eagerly, her eyesgleaming with anticipation for the marriage alliance.

Freddy stared out the window, a wave of gloom washing over him as he remembered Zoe'sinstructions.

Exhausted from her previous night's activities, Betty was about to retreat upstairs after theHodgsons' departure when Javier stopped her.

"How did you know that Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson were here to discuss a marriage alliance?"

Betty was momentarily taken aback by the question. Her mind raced as she struggled to come upwith a response.

Finally, she managed an awkward laugh and stammered, "I, uh... just picked up on their eagerness.They brought Freddy and gifts for Lauren, so I assumed they were proposing. Dad, are you seriouslyconsidering marrying Lauren to Freddy?"

Javier narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them. "Lauren's marriage to Landon is definitelynot happening. He is not her only option.”

A wide smile stretched across Betty's face, fueled by Lauren's misfortune.

"I'm just not sure who it was who colluded with the Harpers to hurt Lauren." Javier gritted his teeth."The thing I hate most is when people attack me from behind. When I replace out who it was, they'llpay dearly for what they did.”

Betty's smugness was short-lived as her heart leaped into her throat.

Suddenly, firm footsteps echoed from outside the living room. Moments later, Newton, in hiswheelchair, flanked by Jasper and Ben, entered.

Jasper observed the tension in Betty's demeanor and remarked to Javier, "It's rare for us to be onthe same page.”