Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 241 Three nights after pleading guilty, Quentin took his own life by slamming his head against the wall.

He died on the way to the hospital, despite all attempts to save him.

News of his death spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves through Northborough's elite circles.

Just as everyone was convinced the Lockwood family was finished, the story took a tic turn.

Saul, who had been comatose and paralyzed for years, suddenly woke up.

And if that wasn't shocking enough, the very first thing Saul did after regaining consciousness was announce that he had a son out of wedlock.

On the third day after Quentin's death, at the Lockwood Group's shareholders' meeting, Saul arrived in a wheelchair, pushed by his newly-revealed son, Barrie Lockwood.

Right there, Saul transferred a portion of his shares-along with Quentin's entire share-to Barrie, making him the largest shareholder in the hospital and the new head of the Lockwood family.

Rumors swirled on the street. Swhispered that Quentin's death had been orchestrated by Barrie. Others claimed Saul's sudden stroke and years-long coma had been triggered by a bitter falling out with Quentin, that Quentin's ruthless power grab had left a mess Saul was now cleaning up. There were even stories about Saul's wild youth-that Barrie was only one of several illegitimate children, most of them daughters, but the Lockwoods never cared much for girls; they were left to live their lives outside the family, forgotten.

Gossip ran rampant-strue, snot-but only the Lockwoods knew what really happened.

What no one could deny was this: Quentin was dead, Saul had made a miraculous recovery and reclaimed the family's power, and Barrie had been officially acknowledged as his heir.

Every last Lockwood holding remained firmly in the family's grasp, leaving the other shareholders in the dust. Because Quentin had died under a cloud of disgrace, his funeral was kept simple.

Saul buried him beside his mother, so that mother and son could rest together forever.

Only the Lockwood family attended the funeral.

Of course, Rosita and Lauren were present.

It was a cold, somber affair-no one from the Lockwood family shed a single tear. Lockwood Manor.

"I may still own this house, but the family's reins are in Barrie's hands now," Saul declared in the living room, his expression grave as he sat in his wheelchair.

Though his legs were useless, Saul's health seemed to improve with each passing day since his awakening. Lauren stood behind him, her hands resting lightly on the handles of his wheelchair.

She was Saul's wife. For years, while Saul lay unconscious in a hospital bed, professional caregivers had tended to him—there was nothing for Lauren to do. But now that Saul was awake, albeit paralyzed, the job of looking after him fell squarely on her shoulders.

Irritation simmered beneath Lauren's calm exterior, but she dared not let it show.

"Lauren, Rosita, from now on, we're family," Barrie said coolly, seated in an armchair across from them. "If you need anything, just ask." At twenty-eight, Barrie bore a striking resemblance to Saul-a quiet authority radiated from him, even though he had yet to make any bold moves.

Lauren stole a glance at him, thinking to herself how much he looked like Saul in his younger days.

No wonder Saul favored him.

Rosita, meanwhile, had kept her head down from the moment she entered the room.

Saul's gaze fell on her. "Rosita, it's been years-you've grown into a beautiful woman." At his words, Rosita's hands clenched at her sides.

She still didn't look at him.

Saul's eyes narrowed. Though he smiled, a chill crept into his expression.

Sensing the tension, Lauren leaned forward, voice gentle. "Rosita's a star now, and she and Stewart Wentworth the Wentworth heir-have a son together. They're planning a wedding soon." "Is that so?" Saul arched an eyebrow, giving Rosita a long, meaningful look.

"I never imagined our Rosita would do so well for herself. It makesproud to see you thriving," he said. "But the Wentworths are Northborough's most prominent family. Rosita, you should bring Mr. Wentworth over for dinner sometime. If you're getting married, your mother and I ought to stand by your side, so the Wentworths won't dare treat you poorly." Rosita closed her eyes and murmured, "Alright." "That's all for today," Saul said. "Lauren, I'd like to rest." "Of course, I'll take you upstairs." Lauren wheeled Saul away toward the master bedroom.

Rosita couldn't take it anymore. She turned and left without a word.

Once in the car, she struggled to steady her trembling hands andm whispered voice quivering, "To the law office." Zack glanced at her in the rearview mirror before starting the car and driving off.

Barrie stepped out of the old manor, watching Rosita's car disappearm down the drive. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "It's done," he said simply.

As soon as Rosita walked into the law office, she spotted Stewart.

"Stewart..." The moment she saw him, tears streamed down her cheeks. "Stewart, what am I going to do? I'm so scared..." Stewart frowned, concerned. "What happened?" "Are you in a hurry to leave?" Rosita's face was pale, streaked with tears. "Can we talk inside?" He hesitated, then nodded.

Inside the office, the receptionist brought over a freshly brewed herbal tea and set it down in front of Rosita.

She sat on the couch, cradling the cup in her hands, her tear-stained face full of vulnerability.

"Did Saul ask you to bringback to the Lockwoods?" Stewart asked Stewar taking a seat across from her. "Why would he make a request like that?"