Chapter 420
Chapter 420:
Despite the absence of a DNA test, Leonidas’ unwavering confidence in mentioning it implied he was armed with knowledge far beyond their grasp.
The matters slipping from their grasp now rested firmly with Leonidas. Such power suggested he might be backed by the same entity that decimated the White family in Cloverhill years earlier.
Aiden massaged his temples, his gaze hardening as unease crept in. “Do you think his return this time is just to torment you, or is there a deeper plan at play?”
“Maybe.” Janice exhaled deeply, her thoughts clouded and her energy too drained for further contemplation. “Leonidas thrives on unpredictability. Deciphering him with conventional logic is futile. All we can do is move forward, one careful step at a time.”
“Fine.” Aiden clasped Janice’s hand, his gaze firm with determination. “Whatever’s ahead, I’m staying with you. You can protest all you want, but I’m not backing down.”
Janice blinked in mild surprise before a faint smile tugged at her lips. She chose to stay silent.
Once they departed the cocktail party, Leonie whisked Stephen away to an exclusive club. Steering clear of curious onlookers, they slipped into a secluded private room.
The private room exuded an air of exclusivity, its walls an impenetrable barrier against uninvited intrusions. The room breathed luxury, with bottles of fine wine adorning the table. Since there were only Leonie and Stephen, the space felt empty.
Wine glass in hand, Leonie found comfort in Stephen’s presence, her complaints flowing freely.
“Ever wonder what the Ramirez family truly means to me?” Stephen’s gentle eyes met hers as he refilled her glass, his silence inviting her thoughts to surface.
“Nothing more than an exquisite prison of gold and expectations. You see, no matter how illustrious your position appears, joining that family is like willingly stepping into a cage adorned with precious metals and false promises—a cage from which escape becomes increasingly impossible.”
Wine had painted her cheeks rosebud pink, her eyes slightly unfocused as she watched the bubbles dance in her glass, a bitter smile gracing her lips. Her face, though marked by time, carried an elegant grace that spoke of endured hardships, evoking sympathy from all who beheld her.
“Don’t be deceived by my facade as an influential wife wielding considerable power. Within that family, I remain merely an ornamental token. To avoid disposal, one must constantly demonstrate their worth. I gave birth to two daughters, believing they would serve as my leverage in this power play. Yet the older one proves disappointing, while the younger rebels against familial influence, refusing any connection. Now, having caused significant losses to the family’s fortune, I am destined to face retribution while trapped within these golden bars.”
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“Things will get better.” Stephen’s gentle touch and soothing voice worked their magic as he comforted Leonie, his reassuring presence calming the storm in her heart.
Gazing up at Stephen’s striking features, Leonie reached out, her fingertips brushing against his face. Her eyes sparkled with newfound warmth.
Stephen instinctively recoiled, but Wendy’s instructions echoed in his mind, forcing him to maintain his position despite his discomfort.
“Do you show such tenderness to everyone?” Leonie whispered.
“No.” Stephen’s response carried a ring of sincerity as he shook his head. “I’ve encountered many women, but you stand apart.”
A flicker of satisfaction warmed her heart—though she wasn’t his only conquest, she was the first to receive such devoted attention.
“Wendy certainly has mastered the art of manipulation.” Leonie’s eyes narrowed as she swirled her drink, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “I see through her schemes, yet here I am, willingly ensnared.”
“You can think more about yourself.”
“Think more about myself?” Leonie’s voice wavered with uncertainty as she gazed at Stephen, confusion etched across her features.
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