Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 270

Willow didn't agree or disagree.

She let a few seconds of silence stretch before lowering her voice. "Eleanor, honestly, I'm not worried about whether I go or not."

"Then what are you worried about?"

"I'm worried Wren might actually get tied up," Willow said smoothly. "Stellaris is hosting their ethics review very soon, and I heard the Thorne Trust and the Xander Foundation are heavily involved. Wren must be under an immense amount of pressure. If she gets stuck in a meeting on the day of the event and can't make it, Leo is going to be heartbroken."

Eleanor's brow furrowed.

The logic hit its mark perfectly.

Willow's tone grew even softer, sweeter. "How about this? I won't formally register, and I won't tell Leo. I'll just keep my schedule completely open that morning. If Wren makes it, we can just pretend I was never there. But if an emergency pops up and she can't go, you can call me, and I'll rush over to save the day."

It sounded so incredibly thoughtful.

It framed her as the selfless savior looking out for everyone's best interests.

Eleanor's simmering rage finally found its righteous outlet.

"You really are the only one who thinks ahead."

Willow smiled softly. "I just want what's best for Leo."

After hanging up, Willow sat in her parked car, staring out the window at the gleaming entrance of the Langford Medical headquarters.

Her assistant turned back from the passenger seat. "Ms. Whitaker, your symposium rehearsal is in twenty minutes."

"Got it."

Willow dropped her phone into her purse, her sweet smile evaporating instantly.

Of course she wasn't going to be stupid enough to barge into the school uninvited.

Forcing her way in would only make her look desperate.

All she had to do was wait.

Wait for Wren's career to trip her up, wait for Eleanor to panic, wait for the inevitable chaos at the school gates.

As long as she showed up precisely at the right moment and delivered the line, *"Wren was too busy, so I came to support Leo,"* the outcome would be spectacular.

If Wren failed to show, Willow won.

If Wren managed to make it, Willow still didn't lose.

With so many teachers, parents, and students watching, the entire crowd would witness what a devoted, self-sacrificing sister Wren had, while simultaneously exposing the embarrassing fractures within the Langford family.

She didn't need to steal the spotlight.

She was simply going to park herself in a position where they couldn't possibly kick her out without looking like the villains.

Meanwhile, Wren was dropping Leo off at school.

The little boy had been unusually quiet the entire drive.

When they reached the school gates, he suddenly stopped and pulled the crumpled open day notice from the side pocket of his backpack.

The innocent honesty of a child crashed over her.

A hard lump formed in Wren's throat.

She didn't hug him for too long at the crowded school gate. She simply squeezed his little hand.

"Well, from now on, you can tell your teacher that Mom's name is Wren Whitaker."

Leo nodded firmly.

Ms. Miller happened to be walking out of the building.

Seeing the mother and son, she slowed her pace. "Good morning, Leo."

"Morning, Ms. Miller," Leo mumbled quietly.

Ms. Miller studied the boy, noting that he seemed a fraction more settled than the night before, before turning her attention to Wren. "Do you have a moment to chat?"

Wren nodded.

She ushered Leo into his classroom and joined Ms. Miller at the end of the quiet hallway.

Ms. Miller clutched her clipboard, her tone much more guarded than usual. "I received your log detailing the situation last night. This morning, as soon as Leo came into class, he actually showed me his copy of the notice and specifically asked if we could only write one name on the list."

Wren lowered her eyes.

Ms. Miller sighed softly. "He is currently suffering from extreme anxiety regarding 'who is coming.' For the open day, it is absolutely critical that there are no last-minute family substitutions, and under no circumstances should multiple adults show up fighting over who gets to accompany him."