Still, she couldn’t help but be curious. The two of them had only known each other for about a month, yet their relationship already seemed so close.

In fact, Shen Yanchén didn't act at all like someone who’d just met Lauren Shaw a month ago.

She recalled that time when Lauren Shaw had surgery at the hospital—Shen Yanchén had stayed by her side and taken care of her. Claire Xu could see it all, plain as day, even as an outsider.

“Dr. Shen, I want to ask you something,” she ventured carefully, putting her question into words.

It wasn’t that she didn't believe in love at first sight, but their story was full of too many coincidences. Lauren Shaw had fallen in deep, perhaps without even realizing it herself, but Claire Xu could see that their feelings were anything but ordinary.

“Did you know Shengsheng before all this?”

When she asked that question, Henry Mills had stepped out to take a call, and only she and Shen Yanchén remained at the table.

“Yes,” Shen Yanchén replied, completely unguarded. “I’ve actually known her for five years.”

“Maybe you won’t believe me, but I’ve been in love with her for five years.”

Claire Xu’s surprise was real. She’d considered the possibility before, but brushed it off as unlikely—she’d never seen Shen Yanchén, after all.

Could there really be someone who would watch over another for years, without the other even knowing?

“Then why didn’t you…”

If he’d confessed earlier, would Shengsheng have ever ended up with that awful guy?

“Everyone has their own path, not a single step less. Whatever we’re meant to experience, not a single thing will be skipped.” Even if he’d gone looking for Lauren Shaw back then, it didn’t mean she would have chosen him.

Claire Xu didn’t ask any more questions. Just then, Lauren Shaw walked over, and Shen Yanchén looked up—his eyes were as gentle as water as he gazed at her.

“Please, don’t mention any of this to Shengsheng. Keep it a secret for me,” he said.

Claire Xu nodded. “Don’t worry, I won’t say a word. Just... be good to her. Don’t let her down.”

Lauren Shaw deserved someone great.

Shen Yanchén smiled in reply.

After leaving the restaurant, Shen Yanchén and Henry Mills headed to the hospital, Claire Xu went back to work, and Lauren Shaw returned to her studio.

She had just reached the door when Maya Wells hurried over, grabbing her in concern. “Shengjie, Sisi says she’s leaving. She’s in there packing her things right now. Do you know what happened?”

The three of them had worked together for over a year and got along well. Sisi leaving so suddenly was bound to make the others sad.

Packing up at this hour—it was clearly to avoid running into anyone. She must be feeling guilty about something she’d done.

Lauren Shaw entered the studio to see Mia May trying to hold Sisi back, asking her why she was leaving.

When Lauren Shaw walked in, Mia May glanced at her anxiously. “Shengjie, please talk to her. She’s quitting out of nowhere.”

Sisi looked at Lauren Shaw, her eyes flickering evasively.

“Shengjie, I…”

“You don’t need to explain. I understand. We all have our difficulties, and I respect your decision.”

Sisi stared at her, wide-eyed and surprised, guilt and regret written on her face.

She knew Lauren Shaw was giving her an out and sparing her dignity by not revealing her mistake to everyone.

“I’m sorry, Shengjie.” Sisi fought back tears as she grabbed her things and left the studio.

Mia May and Maya Wells pressed for an explanation, but in the end, there were no answers.

Everyone has to pay for their mistakes—no one’s exempt.

After Sisi left, a heavy feeling settled on Lauren Shaw’s heart. She couldn’t work up any happiness.

Mia May had to call her several times before she snapped back to attention.

“What happened with Sisi? Why resign so suddenly? She didn’t even warn us...”

“Maybe it’s family stuff.” Lauren Shaw didn’t want to elaborate.

Maya Wells sighed. “She used to say how much she loved working here, because Shengjie is a good boss—so kind to us.”

Lauren Shaw smiled at the two of them. “Now that Sisi’s gone, you two will have to split her workload. Don’t tell me you’ll leave too?”

“No way! We’ll do whatever the boss says. Squeeze us as much as you want!”

“Alright, then get back to work—for all that extra effort, maybe I’ll give you a raise.”

The moment they heard ‘raise’, both girls perked up, looking energized as if they’d just had a shot of adrenaline.

As evening approached, an unexpected visitor arrived at the studio.

Mia May went out to greet him, full of curiosity. “Hello.”

The newcomer wore a meticulously tailored black suit. Tall and distinguished, he drew more than one glance.

He didn’t answer, but took a stroll around the studio, inspecting the clothing on display.

Mia May found him odd. He didn’t touch anything, just looked around, saying nothing—she couldn’t tell what he was after.

She didn’t speak, just kept a cautious distance of two or three meters, shadowing his movements.

Finally, after a long while, the man spoke. “I’m here to see your boss.”

A lot of people had been asking for the boss lately. Mia May grew guarded. “May I ask what business you have with her?”

Sizing him up, she noted his composed demeanor—definitely a corporate type—but his actions seemed off.

“Nothing urgent.” His tone remained flat.

Growing more uneasy, Mia May called Maya Wells over and had her notify Lauren Shaw while she stayed to keep an eye on the man.

After what happened with that scumbag Yvonne Sung, they were all wary of strange men.

“Uncle?” Lauren Shaw rushed over as soon as she saw him, beaming like a child as she clasped his arm. “When did you get back?”

Owen Shaw looked down at his little niece clinging to his side, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smile. “Just got in. Thought I’d stop by to see you.”

Mia May and Maya Wells were momentarily at a loss.

“Mia May, bring us some coffee,” Lauren Shaw called as she ushered her uncle to a seat. “Let me introduce you—this is my uncle, Owen Shaw. You two haven’t met him before.”

“They thought I was up to no good,” Owen Shaw commented drily.

Mia May chuckled awkwardly. “It’s just that so many people have come looking for the boss lately, we can’t help but be careful. Sorry about that.”

“Not a problem. You girls get back to work.”

Once Mia May and Maya Wells had been sent off, Lauren Shaw turned to her uncle with a bright grin.

“Uncle, why didn’t you tell me you were coming back? I could’ve picked you up.”

Owen Shaw fixed her with a cool look. “I don’t need such a big welcome. Anyway, from what your dad said, you’re married now?”

Lauren Shaw scratched her head sheepishly. “Mm, things have been busy lately, and you’re always busy too, so I didn’t mention it.”

“Lauren Shaw, I knew you’d grown up, but I didn't expect you to be so independent. Getting married without even telling me?” Strict as he might be, her uncle was only ten years older than she was, but both she and her sister had always been a little afraid of him.

“I just didn’t get the chance to say anything! My fault. How about I buy you dinner tonight as an apology?” Lauren Shaw pleaded.

He gave her a sidelong look. “Do you really think I care about that dinner?”