"Mommy!" her son yelled. He threw his small arms around her legs.
She bent down, and scooped him up into her arms.
"Oh, my sweet boy," she said with a soft smile, kissed his cheek. "Did you behave today?"
The boy nodded. "Yes! But guess what?" he said. "It's my birthday!"
Lauren laughed lightly. She acted surprised. "It is? Are you sure?"
"Yes!" he giggled, while pointing to the balloons and decorations that covered the backyard. "Grandma said I could eat cake before dinner."
Lauren shook her head in disapproval. "Did she now? We'll see about that."
"Mommy, is Daddy coming to my party?" he asked, his tone hopeful.
Lauren's smile ended for a split second before she faked. "Daddy's just...busy," she said carefully, while she set him down on the floor. The little boy was looking at her with wide questioning eyes, and she smoothed his hair.
"But it's my birthday," his voice quieter now.
Lauren knelt to his level. She held his small hands. "I know, sweetheart. But guess what? Grandpa and I will be here to celebrate with you. And Daddy left you a present. Isn't that exciting?"
His face brightened a bit.
'Present? What is it?"
"You'll have to wait and see," Lauren said.
She immediately called for the nanny to take the boy upstairs to get ready.
Lauren walked to the living room where her mother sat. She was sipping tea. Evelyn looked up, raising an eyebrow, as Lauren entered.
"You're back late," she set her cup down.
Lauren sank into the couch, letting out a tired sigh.
"It's been a long day."
Her mother leaned forward.
"I heard about Caius. It's all over the news. That company of his is in serious trouble."
"I don't know, mom. It's just a rumor."
"You're still tied to him, Lauren," her voice was low, "If he goes down, people would drag you into this too. You need to be careful."
"I've handled worse," she said dismissively. "Do you really think I'd let Caius ruin me? Never."
Evelyn wasn't convinced. "This is different. Money laundering isn't small. If you're not careful, you'll end up like your first..."
"Don't," Lauren snapped, cutting her off. "I know what I'm doing."
Evelyn gave her a long, hard look.