Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 164

The layout was quite strategic.

Wren studied it for a moment before turning the laptop toward Phoebe.

"Look."

Phoebe skimmed the screen. "Who arranged this? On the surface, you're the wife and Willow is the project rep. But when the photos are actually taken, having her stand right next to Eleanor makes her look like a member of the family."

"Exactly."

"Are you going to demand a change?"

Wren didn't answer right away.

A light drizzle fell outside, leaving streaks of water on the glass.

She remembered Leo's voice on the phone the previous night.

Dad said he would be late.

She remembered the force of Lawrence's grip on her wrist in the Langford Medical reception room.

And she remembered the photo from The Records Room.

So many things clashed together, creating a throbbing headache.

She picked up her phone and dialed the foundation's secretariat.

When the call connected, a polite voice greeted her. "Ms. Whitaker, have you reviewed the itinerary?"

"I have," Wren said. "I will not be participating in the couples' photo."

The other end hesitated. "Ms. Whitaker, the senior board members specifically requested to keep that segment. Given Langford Medical's long-standing partnership with the foundation, your joint appearance with Mr. Langford signifies the family's support."

Wren kept her eyes on the seating chart.

"I can join the group photo as the Stellaris Representative. A couples' photo is inappropriate."

"But the invitation was issued to you as Mr. Langford's wife."

"Then issue a new invitation."

The staff member was visibly flustered.

"Ms. Whitaker, that might be quite difficult."

"Then I won't attend."

A heavy silence blanketed the line.

Leaning against the desk, Phoebe raised an eyebrow.

Wren didn't press them.

Half a minute passed before the voice returned. "I need to ask my superiors about this."

"Go ahead."

After she hung up, Phoebe asked, "Are you really going to ditch them?"

"They won't let me ditch them."

The secretariat choked on a breath.

"Ms. Whitaker stated that if the couples' photo is mandatory, she will simply not attend."

Lawrence gripped his phone, his knuckles turning white.

Here they go again.

She was getting far too comfortable using her absence as leverage against him.

The problem was, the gala genuinely needed her.

Stellaris Medical had already dug up Vivian Vance's name, and the foundation's early records confirmed her involvement. Several senior board members had called him over the past two days, subtly probing to ensure Wren would be there.

They couldn't care less about the state of his marriage.

They only cared why Vivian Vance's daughter was suddenly making an appearance.

Lawrence's voice dropped. "Stick to the original itinerary."

"Mr. Langford—"

"I will speak with her."

He ended the call.

The conference room was dead silent.

Willow finally looked up, her voice a mere whisper. "Does Wren not want to take the photo?"