Chapter 1021

Lauren smiled and turned to Bethany. "Oh? Is your child interested in painting too?" "Yes." Bethany managed a faint smile. "Ms. Rivera, who else is in Carson's family? Have they always lived here in the slums?" "Yes, Carson was born here," Lauren said, shaking her head. "That poor boy's been through a lot for someone his age. His dad's been gone for years, and his mom's raised him all on her own." It was clear Lauren had a soft spot for Carson. She went on, "Carson's such a good-looking kid. When he was born, we all thought it was such a shame he ended up in our rundown neighborhood. With looks like that, he seemed like he should've been born into a rich family." Bethany didn't laugh. Her hand tightened into a fist, her nails pressing into her palm as she fought to stay composed. "Carson's always loved art," Lauren added. "Ever since he could walk, he'd grab branches and draw in the dirt. His sketches were always beautiful. He's such a thoughtful kid. He knows how hard his mom, Ma