Chapter 595

He answered the call, and Bob's voice came through, "Lawrence, Sidney is with me. He contacted your grandma this morning, and I had someone bring him over. I'm at the mall, buying him some toys. Come over, let's have lunch together."

Bob had a fondness for Sidney. Even before meeting Lawrence, he had visited Sidney in Lymington.

Lawrence furrowed his brow. "Sidney contacted Grandma because he misses her, but that doesn't mean he wants to see you. Sidney is not very talkative with unfamiliar people, you shouldn't take him out."

"Are you blaming me for being close to my grandson?" Bob snorted, admitting, "This child is indeed aloof, that's why I called you."

Lawrence had no objections. "I have a thirty-minute international meeting. See you later."

Noon arrived and the sun was scorching hot.

Despite that, the mall was cool and well air-conditioned.

Lawrence's tall figure appeared in the children's area on the second floor. Putting aside his usual stature, Bob took on the role of a helpful grandfather, quietly following Sidney and assisting the child with dressing. "Sidney, it's cold, you've always been delicate, put this on!"

However, Sidney completely ignored Bob. He used to think Bob was great when he visited him in Lymington. However, now, Sidney saw the news, knowing Bob favored Ishara, protecting the child in her womb. He even spread the news that Lawrence and Ishara would marry this year!

Sidney's fondness for him disappeared. As soon as he saw Lawrence approaching, the little boy with short legs ran to his dad, standing coldly next to him, far away from Bob.

"What's wrong with this child? Has he been influenced by Winnie and developed a grudge against me?" Bob spoke sternly.

Lawrence's brows furrowed slightly. "It has nothing to do with her. Don't say misleading things in front of the child."

"It has nothing to do with my mom. Grandpa, shouldn't you reflect on yourself, do you really like me, care for me?" Sidney retorted.

Bob's gaze paused, his breath steady. "Child, you are Lawrence's son, of course, I love my grandson."

"Is that so!" Sidney coldly retorted, but in his heart, he thought, 'You still look down on my mom's status, you think Ishara, with the child in her belly, from the Blanchet family, is more noble than me, worthy of the prestigious position of the Rodriguez family.'

However, with his dad present, Sidney didn't want to make things difficult for him, so he remained silent.

Sidney tugged at his dad's sleeve, murmuring an explanation, "I thought Great Grandma would come, so I followed Grandpa's bodyguard out. Since I can't see her, I want to go home now. If I don't go back soon, Mommy will worry."

The little boy pointed to his phone watch. Winnie had called him twice.

Lawrence nodded, glanced at the bodyguard beside him, and said, "Take Sidney to the Dazzling Estate villa and bring the gifts Bob bought for him."

Sidney didn't refuse, politely saying, "Thanks for the gift, Grandpa. See you next time."

Sidney was carried away by two bodyguards.

Bob sat in a chair at the Western restaurant, watching the child's figure, his expression unclear. "Winnie is getting married. After Winnie gets married, Sidney, you must bring him back to us, the Rodriguez family. Sidney's current state is not acceptable, too free-spirited, and talks a lot more than before."

"This is because of Winnie and Oscar, the changes they brought," Lawrence replied, not mentioning anything else.

Bob stared at his son and sighed, "Let's eat."

The father and son duo faced each other. Lawrence had always been reserved in his words, Bob tried to get closer to him, but their relationship had become more strained recently.

Bob thought about the recent moves he had made for the Rodriguez family conglomerate, feeling somewhat pleased. He raised his eyes. "Why not merge your Island Electronics group into the Rodriguez family conglomerate? After all, it will all be yours in the future."

Lawrence shook his head, his gaze dim, a hint of arrogance in his character. "The chips from Island Electronics will help stabilize the Rodriguez family conglomerate. But Island Electronics belongs to me. Once the future of the Rodriguez family conglomerate is stable, you can give it to whomever you like."

Bob dropped his fork. "You really live up to your words! You say you'll help me, but you only help these things. I've guarded Island Electronics for over thirty years, I can't just give it away to anyone. Isn't it good for Mr. Rodriguez to sit in that top position in the country?"

"Troublesome." Lawrence thought of Ishara's watchful eyes, of Darcy's calculated moves in the past, all lured by his status. If he had nothing, could he then have Winnie, love without barriers or hatred?

However, now, Lawrence's thoughts were futile. Seeing Lawrence unable to eat, Bob consoled him, "Lawrence, you are strong enough. But a man must be unbreakable, playing with power and status. These values, you may disdain, but you can't do without them. High status brings loneliness, but being low lets others manipulate you. Which one will you choose?"

Lawrence remained silent. Bob was a top player in the game of power, always prioritizing control over power and the family's interests. That was why he forced him to marry Ishara, because the result was a win-win for the Rodriguez family and the Blanchet family.

"You've imposed the Rodriguez family on me. As a descendant of the Rodriguez family, I can only bear this responsibility. But as for how I walk my path, you shouldn't interfere." His tone was indifferent.

At that moment, Ishara's gentle figure appeared behind him. "Uncle Rodriguez, Lawrence."

Lawrence didn't even flinch. Bob smiled, glanced at Lawrence's suddenly dark face, then stood up. "Ten minutes ago, Ishara called me, saying she was having a small check-up at the hospital. I invited her to the mall for lunch, and to look at baby supplies!"

Ishara looked pitifully at Lawrence's cold profile. Lawrence suddenly put down his fork, his tall figure leaving the table. "You two eat."

"Lawrence, don't you want to know the results of our baby's check-up? I heard Uncle Rodriguez say you were coming for a meal, so I rushed over to show you." Ishara handed over a check-up report, but before it reached Lawrence's hand, it fell to the ground.

Lawrence glanced at her expressionlessly. "No need to look, it will be a stillbirth sooner or later."

"Lawrence, shut up!" Bob couldn't help but get angry. Ishara had found her this morning, crying and devastated, begging him to let Lawrence see her. Bob was afraid of affecting the child in her belly, and if these two were to marry, they would need to build a relationship. He used Sidney as an excuse to get Lawrence out, but Lawrence had nothing good to say!

"Don't say such things anymore. Ishara's child will surely be fine." Bob walked over, lifted Ishara's hand, and handed it to Lawrence. "Since you're not in the mood to eat, accompany Ishara for a stroll, buy some baby items in advance. The child is yours, you have to take some responsibility!"

Lawrence remained unmoved, pushed Ishara's hand away, and walked away. Ishara felt bitter in her heart, tears almost falling. Lawrence should treat her better. She wasn't inferior to Winnie. She was carrying Lawrence's child now, but couldn't get a shred of tenderness from him!

At that moment, there were flashing lights in the distance, capturing the scene! Lawrence suddenly raised his eyes, looking over with cold eyes.