Ch. 226..230: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 226-230

Chapter 226

Strangely. Molly felt a sense of relief when she heard that Han did not recover his memories.

I should be feeling sad about this. However. I think I've changed my mind now that Leah is around.

If Han never regains his memories and forgets about Sarah White permanently, would I get to keep him by my side for the rest of our lives?

After speaking to the doctor. Molly and Jackson went to the ward where Han had been transferred. They entered the room to find Han sitting up in the bed and staring silently out the window.

"Han. do you still feel sick?" Molly asked while walking toward him.

Han shook his head. He looked past Molly and fixed liis gaze on Jackson.

Molly did not seem to notice that. Whilst looking at Han's pale face, she ranted. "It's all Sarah's fault! I don't even know how she managed to sneak into the hall back then. She ruined Daddy's party and caused you to collapse that day! Han. you should stay away from that woman from now on!"

Han remained silent the entire time she was talking. His expression showed nothing of his thoughts, but liis eyes told of a different story.

Suddenly. Jackson interrupted her. "Molly, could you wait outside for a while? I need to speak with Han alone."

Molly cast a curious glance at her father and muttered under her breath. "Is it something that you must keep from me?"

Then, she walked out of the room, albeit unwillingly.

Once there were only the two of them left. Jackson sat in a chair next to Han's bed and said. " What do you think of our chances?"

Han met his eyes and responded calmly, "I'm ninety percent confident."

Jackson knew that Han had hardly failed in anything that he did. Upon hearing his reply. Jackson's face broke into a warm smile.

"Once I've won the position, the Howard family and the Lamere family will have all of Asteria in the palm of our hand." Jackson said smilingly.

Han replied. "Mhm. The Howard family will show our support once the election kicks off. I'll also offer my help as best as I can."

Jackson's smile deepened. "I'm glad you've come to the right decision. A man should prioritize their career more than anything else. What's happened in the past no longer matters now. I've given you so much support in the hope to achieve this goal someday. Once I'm in power, the Howard family's name will be known to all as well."

Jackson spoke with conviction. However, he was also sending Han a subtle warning through those words.

Han dropped his gaze, concealing the flash of hostility in liis eyes.

Then, he slowly nodded. "Mhm."

"Cindy, the weather is good today. Shall we go out for a walk?" Serena opened the window and suggested cheerfully as she looked at the clear, blue sky.

Behind her. Leah was seated on a sofa, sipping her tea.

She took a glance out of the window and thought to herself. The weather is lovely today. We haven't had such a sunny day since winter began.

Leah and Serena had not stepped out of the house for many days, and they were honestly at their limits.

After a moment's thought. Leah picked up her bag and said. "Let's go."

Serena hurried over to her side excitedly, and both of them headed out of the house with their arms linked.

Just then. Leah spotted the group of thug-like men standing outside the front door. They were there on Ron's orders to protect her.

That reminds me. Ron is having liis racing match today. I wonder how he'll do.

"Ms. White, are you ladies planning on going out?" One of the men came up to them and asked politely with a smile on his face.

Leah looked at him. I remember him. He was with Ron when Ron showed up at the abandoned chop shop that time.

"We're just heading out for a walk." Leah replied calmly. Then, she asked. "What's your name?"

Leah held no prejudice against these men. Most of them have had a tough life gi owing up. In a way. I'm respectful of how they've managed to pull through and survive in life.

The man was briefly stunned. Then, liis smile widened. "I'm George Vanica. I've been working with Ron for thirteen years now."

Thirteen years...

Ron was only ten thirteen years ago. I don't know what happened during his younger years. However. George must be very special to Ron since they've been together for such a long time.

Seriously though! Why would he send someone so important here to protect me?

The lot of them took a stroll down the road outside the mansion.

After hearing George's words. Serena asked curiously. "You've known him for that long? Then, you must have met him when you were still a teen?"

George smiled shyly. He had never imagined that he could have a conversation with such attractive ladies someday.

He replied. "That's right. I met Ron back when we were staying at the orphanage. At the time. I was the leader of the kids living there. I'm older than him by three years. When he was brought to the orphanage, Ron was as skinny as a twig! However, he had a fierce and defiant look in liis eyes. Back then. I would always gang up with several boys and tiy to pick a fight with him."

George had a serene look in liis eyes as he reminisced about liis past. "One day. I tried to beat him up again with the other boys. To our surprise, Ron fought back fiercely like a wild little cub. I and the boys were shocked that day."

He beamed widely at the thought of that memory.

Serena let out a chuckle as she found that story amusing. "I did not expect to hear about such an aggressive side of him. He just seemed like a kind gentleman."

"That's why you should never judge a book by its cover. Though Ron may seem like a playboy who's very popular with the ladies, he's actually a very loyal man. He'll remain faithful to his partner if that person holds his heart." George cast Leah a knowing look while saying that.

Leah quickly changed the topic. "Isn't Ron joining a racing match today? Shouldn't you be at the site to support him?"

George shook his head. "My job is to ensure your safety. Ms. White. Besides, even if I can't be there. I know for sure that Ron will win the race. Our boss is the best!"

George's eyes were burning with pure admiration for Ron.

Leah and Serena chuckled softly. "We're looking forward to hearing the good news."

George puffed up his chest with pride.

At that very moment, liis phone rang. George glanced at the screen and said. "Ms. White, please excuse me while I take this call."

"Mhm. Go ahead." Leah waved her hand lightly.

George walked a little further away from them and answered the phone. He kept his gaze on Leah the entire time.

However, his eyes dilated in honor the next instant. "What did you say?!"

 

Chapter 227

George's face grew increasingly paler as he listened to the other person speaking on the phone. He felt as if he might collapse at any minute then.

After ending the call. George stood silently at the side for quite some time. Then, he walked over to Leah again.

Leah glanced at him and noticed the somber expression on his face. She asked worriedly, "What's wrong?"

George stared at her with a hesitant look, debating inwardly whether he should tell her. Finally, he said in a choked voice. "Ms. White, our boss was involved in an accident."

A deep frown creased Leah's forehead. "What happened?"

"I just got a call from Kennedy saying that some people deliberately plotted against Ron during the race. Those guys drove him off a cliff in his car. The crash was so severe the car was completely deformed. Our guys are with him at the hospital now." George's face was ashen, and he was gripping his fists tightly.

Leah felt completely shell-shocked after hearing the news.

Ron got involved in such a serious accident?!

"Which hospital are they at right now?" Leah asked frantically.

George replied. "Kennedy won't let me tell you. He doesn't want you to worry. Ms. White, you should..."

"Which hospital are they at right now?" Leah repeated expressionlessly this time.

George bit down on his lip. Then, he said. "I'll take you there right away!"

I'm concerned about Boss's condition as well. However, his orders were for me to stay with Leah and protect her. I should stay here and cany out those orders dutifully, regardless of how worried I am.

Still, Ron might not find fault with me if I'm taking Leah with me to see him at the hospital.

George and Leah soon arrived at the hospital.

A group of men was waiting outside the emergency room. George walked toward a tall, beefy man standing amongst those guys and asked with a grim expression. "Kennedy, what happened earlier?"

Kennedy had only told him roughly about the incident over the phone, so George wanted to know more about the details as soon as he arrived.

However. Kennedy's face darkened the instant he spotted Leah. He said bitingly. "Why did you bring her here? That woman is a bad omen! Boss has been struck by one disaster after another after he's gotten involved with this woman!"

"Shut up. Kennedy! Boss chose her. and none of us have the right to question his choice!" George reprimanded him severely.

George had a higher rank than Kennedy in the group, so the latter dared not rebuke his words.

Then. Kennedy began telling them what happened during the race.

"Those men are complete nutjobs! When Boss was nearing a sharp turn, three guys suddenly blocked his way and forced him to make an emergency brake right then. However, that move was bound to

throw Boss's car off the cliff at that point. It was too late for him to do anything, and we could only watch him fall off the cliff in his car..." Kennedy spoke of the incident tlii’ough gritted teeth.

He clenched his fists as he continued. "Boss was completely covered in blood when we pulled him out of the car. I could hardly see the expression on his face since there was too much blood on it..."

Kennedy's eyes were visibly red. and he was choked up remembering the scene.

George knitted his brows. He felt extremely uneasy after hearing all that.

Ron hasn't suffered such severe injuries in quite a long time.

"What about those guys that caused the accident? Why do I only see our men here?" George asked after he glanced up and down the corridor.

Kennedy tightened his clenched fists and said. "Those guys fled the scene right afterward. It was impossible for us to catch up with them. I've sent some of our men to hunt those people down. Once we catch them. I swear I'll tear those bustards to bits!"

George fell silent.

The only thing we could do now is wait and pray that Ron will make it through the operation well.

On the other hand. Leah stood in a comer and waited silently with the group.

Though I always bicker with Ron. he is still one of the very few people who have offered me warmth during the dark times of my life. After everything that he's done for me. how could I not be worried when something like this happens to him?

They waited there for a very long time. As it got darker outside. George noticed that Leah's face was growing pale as well.

He walked over to her and said. "Ms. White, why don't I send you back home first? I'll inform you once Boss regains consciousness."

Kennedy, who was appalled by how George was treating Leah respectfully, snickered and walked away.

Leah shook her head. "I'm fine. Let's wait for a bit longer."

It was well past nine that night when the emergency room door finally opened. A doctor stepped tlii’ough the door, looking completely exhausted.

A group of men quickly circled him. "Doctor, is our boss alright?"

It was his first time being surrounded by so many burly, fierce-looking men. The doctor instinctively took a few steps backward and glanced around. Then, his gaze fell on the frail, gentle-looking Leah.

The doctor pointed at Leah. "You. come with me."

Leah was momentarily stunned. She was standing at the side since she could not squeeze her way through those men. However, they were all moving away and making a path for her at the doctor's request.

Kennedy pursed his lips at the sight of that.

The doctor told Leah. "The patient is in critical condition. He's suffered a huge blood loss and multiple bone fractures. Though we've given him proper treatment now. it'll still take a very long time for his fractured bones to heal and recover. The subsequent treatments and recovery process will cost a lot of money."

"I have money." Leah said in a pleading and earnest tone. "Doctor. I'll pay for all of the necessary treatment. You must help us save him."

"My colleagues and I will do our best to help the patient, of course. However, you and your friends must prepare yourselves for the worst as well." The doctor said with a solemn expression.

As soon as the doctor left. George quickly went up to Leah. When Leah told him about their conversation. George had a downcast look in his eyes.

"Ron would have to stay confined to the hospital bed for a long time. I can't imagine how much that'll hurt his pride..."

"You're being way too pessimistic!" Kennedy patted George on his back. "Ron will forever be our boss! Once he gets better, we'll make those scumbags pay for what they did!"

"Okay!" George nodded vigorously.

A short while later, the doctor and a few medical staff pushed Ron. who was lying on a bed. out of the emergency room.

Leah could see him lying motionlessly in bed. He was wrapped up in bandages from head to toe. Only the areas near his eyes were not covered, but she could see that those eyes were closed at the moment.

"Boss!" George called out to him. His eyes brimmed with tears.

The staff transferred Ron to a ward, and Leah silently followed them all the way into the room.

When tilings had finally settled down. George walked over to Leah. "Ms. White. I should send you back home now. The boss would shout at me if he knew we were keeping you here for so long."

It was already eleven at night by then.

Chapter 228

Leah looked at Ron. who was still in an unconscious state.

There's no telling when he'll regain consciousness...

She sighed softly and said. "Alright."

George drove Leah back to the White's residence, then he left. With Ron being admitted to the hospital for an indefinite amount of time. George could no longer stay with Leah to protect her. Instead, he sent a few more men to guard her place.

It was a dark and stormy night. For some reason. Leah woke from a deep sleep with a start.

Serena was staying in the room next to hers.

Leah blinked a few times. Sweat glistened on her forehead.

Why am I sweating so hard? I wasn't having any nightmares just now.

She tried to go back to sleep but to no avail. Then, she put on a jacket and made her way downstairs to the kitchen to warm some milk.

Wlien Leah was slowly sipping on the milk, the kitchen door swung open all of a sudden. Leah thought her heart might jump out of her chest at that moment. She quickly tinned on her phone and was about to press the speed dial.

She had tinned on the kitchen light earlier, and she could see the person clearly as they stepped into the room.

It was one of the men who were sent there by George.

The man saw Leah as well. He swallowed nervously and lowered his gaze. "Ms. White, you're up?"

"I woke up and wanted to have some milk." Leah frowned slightly when she noticed that the man was completely soaked. "What happened? Why didn't you use an umbrella to get here?"

"I was in a hurry." The man replied. "I saw a suspicious man outside the house just now. and I was worried that he might harm you. So. I rushed here in the rain to check how tilings were. I'm sorry if I've surprised you."

The man had an apologetic look on liis face, and it seemed genuine to Leah.

Leah lowered her guard slightly upon hearing liis explanation.

"Is that right? It's probably just a passerby. I'm an ordinary citizen, after all. I doubt that anyone would try so hard to assassinate me." Leah shook her head and let out a sigh.

The man nodded vigorously in agreement. "Of course!"

Leah glanced at the clock on the wall and said. "It's getting late. You and the guys should stay in the guest rooms on the first floor tonight. We have bathrobes ready in the rooms. Remember to take a shower so you won't catch a cold."

The man looked at Leah gratefully. "Thank you. Ms. White."

Leah washed her cup and headed for her bedroom.

The man watched and waited until she was completely out of sight. Then, he silently took out his phone and walked over to a quiet comer to make a phone call.

There was a major event happening in Linkville soon.

They were having Pasteria's presidential nominating convention in Linkville, and Jackson was one of the nominees running for the position.

In truth, Jackson had the best prospect of winning among the candidates. He was merely attending the convention out of formality.

For the people of Linkville, this was good news. After all, Jackson was a citizen of Linkville. so he would have a fair knowledge of their city's economic issues and development. Moreover, with his connection to the Howard Group, a bright and exciting future seemed possible for them if Jackson wins the election.

The nominating convention was getting a lot of attention as the date approached.

On the first day of December. Han and Ben arrived outside the venue of the nominating convention at eight in the morning.

As soon as Han exited the car. a security guard came up to him to verify liis ID card and admission pass.

Ben was holding a laptop in his arm. The security guard checked it thoroughly as well before letting him in.

Ben was having a hard time keeping liis expression cool and composed, whereas Han remained expressionless the whole time.

The pair entered the hall and spotted Jackson, who was seated in the front row. almost immediately. The man was wearing a black suit, and he smiled amiably each time someone went up to him to offer their greetings.

Soon afterward, the nominating convention began.

Wlien it was time for Jackson to give a speech onstage, the audience fell silent and waited with eager anticipation.

Jackson smiled slightly and plugged liis USB flash drive into the laptop. He was going to show everyone a slideshow presentation of all his past contributions to Linkville and his future plans moving forward.

He had a confident look in his eyes as he started. "Hello, everyone. I'm Jackson Lamere..."

Jackson hadn't even finished his introduction when he noticed that people were murmuring among themselves.

"What's this?!"

"Oh my god! How could this be?"

"I never thought he'd do something like that! He's practically throwing his career out the window!"

"Why is he showing us something like this?!"

Jackson had a sense of foreboding as he detected more and more looks of shock and disbelief among the audience.

He quickly tinned around to look at the huge LED screen behind him. Once he took in the content playing on the screen. Jackson was so shocked he froze to the spot.

Instead of what he had prepared for the convention, the slideshows were evidence and documents of Jackson's illegal activities up to date.

His expression hardened into one of extreme malevolence.

He tinned to face the audience and met Han's cool, piercing gaze. It dawned on him almost instantaneously.

Jackson held up the microphone whilst keeping a fixed gaze on Han. "Did you do this?"

There's no way I can talk my way out of this now that all of the evidence is out in the open!

Han got up from his seat and answered. "Yes."

Jackson bellowed menacingly. "Since when did you start gathering all these? Why would you do this?! Is it still not enough what the Lamere family has done for you?"

"Jackson, you’ve done too much evil. I can't turn a blind eye to it anymore." Han looked at him impassively.

Jackson was momentarily stunned. Then, he chuckled sinisterly. "So. you got your memories back! Hahaha! I just pity my naive daughter who only has eyes for you. We had foolishly taken in an enemy all this time!"

Han's face darkened upon hearing that.

"Enemy? You did all this to yourself." Han continued expressionlessly. "I had no intentions of working with you since the very beginning. I would have never agreed to your requests if it weren't for your threats."

"Also, it may seem like you were constantly helping me. but truthfully, you were trying to gain control over me and the Howard Group all this time." Han stared stonily at him. "Jackson, you were too full of yourself."

Jackson burst out laughing.

Indeed. I was too full of myself.

I thought that I was ready and that I had complete control of Han. Yet. I underestimated him.

Han Howard turned out to be a far more formidable opponent than I had imagined!

"How did you get your hands on the evidence?" Jackson had one final question.

He was confident that he had cleaned up everything related to his illegal activities.

Han replied in a monotonous voice. "You should ask the officers of the Bureau of Investigation about that."

Just then, a group of men rushed into the hall and surrounded Jackson.

"Jackson Lamere. surrender yourself now!"

Next Chapter

Chapter 229

Jackson had a look of defeat as he looked at the officers who had circled him.

It's all over for me now.

Han had gotten all of this ready so that he could send me straight to prison and keep me there for the rest of my life!

I've poured all of my effort and time into this for the last ten or so years. Previously. I had tried to use the Howard Group for money laundering, but I failed. Then. I found a way to expand my influence in the group by working with Han and becoming a shareholder.

All of that was just so I could become the President of Pasteria someday and have full control of the economic activities. I'd have this country in the palm of my hand!

Yet. all of my plans were destroyed by this young man when I was only one step away from succeeding!

How could I just stand and watch all my hard work go to waste like this?

I can't let them take me in just like this! I still have a chance to get everything back as long as I don't let them capture me!

"Han Howard, this isn't the end of me! I'm going to make you pay for this!" Jackson said through gritted teeth and clapped twice loudly.

Upon his signal, more than a dozen men dressed in all black stood up in different spots across the hall.

Han glanced around the place.

I've implemented several security measures to prevent Jackson from sneaking his men into the venue. I guess those aren't enough.

Jackson's men swiftly moved to hold back the officers of the Bureau of Investigation. Meanwhile, some of them escorted Jackson out of the hall.

"Mr. Howard, what should we do now?" Ben asked in an anxious voice.

We'll face more troubles in the future if Jackson gets away now.

A deep frown formed on Han's forehead. He glanced in the direction of where Jackson was heading to. Then, he said in a steely voice. "Get him!"

Jackson got into a car outside the hall. Then, his men drove him to the nearby port right away. Han and Ben followed closely behind them in a car.

"Mr. Howard. I think Jackson is trying to leave the country!" Ben said with a worried look on liis face.

It'll be impossible for us to find and capture Jackson if he sneaks out of our country!

The two of them pulled up at the port and quickly got out of the car to chase after Jackson. However. Jackson's group was greater in number, and they easily blocked Han and Ben in their way.

Han tried to push past those men forcefrilly whilst shouting at Jackson. "Are you really leaving the country? Do you not care about what happens to Molly or your wife?"

Jackson had a pained expression on his face for a split second. Then, he bit his lip and said. "I know they'll understand why I'm doing this."

Han stared at the man with a piercing gaze.

He claims that he loves liis wife and daughter all the time. He would also pander to their wishes. However, he coldly abandons them without a second thought during a crisis.

Meanwhile. Jackson got on a boat and ordered liis men to depart right away.

He stood on the deck, smiling widely as he watched the distance between him and Han grow larger.

"Han. you're far from winning!" Jackson called out aloud.

Han was still standing in the same spot. He had a dark and dangerous look in liis eyes as he fixed his gaze on Jackson.

Jackson continued triumphantly. "It may seem like you've won. but you've lost the woman that you truly love. Which one of us is more pathetic, huh?"

Then, he tinned around and headed into the cabin.

Han stood there for a long time as he watched the boat travel further away. His hands balled into fists.

It was lunchtime at the White's residence. While she was eating. Leah tinned on the TV and saw the news of Jackson's downfall.

It gave Leah quite a shock as she listened to the seemingly endless list of crimes and wrongdoings Jackson had committed.

Jackson Lamere has been secretly doing all that, and he's stolen such a large amount of hinds?! He's been doing that for more than ten years now yet it's only been exposed on the day of the nominating convention?

This doesn't sound like a simple coincidence.

I'm sure Jackson's gotten very good at covering up his dirty deeds after all this time. So. the person who's uncovered this must have exceptional capabilities as well.

For some reason. Leah thought of Han at that very instant.

At the same time, a wave of relief washed over her. With Jackson on the run. he would no longer pose a threat to Leah's safety.

"Cindy, are you done eating?" Leah could hear Serena's voice coming from the living room. "We need to visit the gynecology today! You better hurry up! I won't go with you next time if we can't get an appointment later!"

Leah quickly turned her focus back to her food and finished her meal as fast as she could. Then, she placed her plates in the dishwasher and left the dining room.

It had been a little over a month since Leah had her baby. She had a tiny bump on her lower stomach.

Serena had never had any experience living with a pregnant woman before, so everything felt new and exciting for her. She handed Leah a jacket and gently placed her palm against Leah's stomach.

"Sweetie, you must remember what I'm doing for you now and repay me when you grow up!" Serena said with a smile.

Leah rolled her eyes. "How do you expect the baby to understand that when it's just a month old?"

Serena pouted and straightened herself. "It's called prenatal education. You need to start educating your child even when it's just a fetus!"

The two of them continued bickering as they left the house. Then. Serena drove them to the gynecology hospital.

At the hospital. Serena found a seat for Leah, and she told her to wait there. "Stay here. I'll do the registration for you. I can't make the mother and the baby tiled before the examination."

She was extremely attentive to Leah.

Leah flashed her a beam and said. "Go on. then."

When Serena had left. Leah chuckled softly as she recalled how Serena had insisted they start the prenatal education from that day onward.

She caressed her bump and said in a low. gentle voice. "My child. I'm having quite a hard time with my pregnancy, so you should be good to Mommy once you come into this world."

At that very moment, she heard a cold, deep voice of a man. "What about the father?"

The smile froze on Leah's lips.

"Han?" Leah looked up from her lap and frowned as she saw the man standing in the distance.

"Mhm. It's me." Han moved toward her.

However. Leah raised her voice the next instant. "Don't come near me!"

Her stem voice stopped Han in his tracks. He knitted liis brows. "Why?"

Leah pressed her lips together. Then, she got up to leave the place, but Han caught her by the wrist before she could walk away.

"Let go of her!" A loud voice resounded through the hall at that moment.

Serena had come rushing to Leah's side. She slapped Han's hand away and stood in between the pair. Then, she looked warily at the man.

Next Chapter

Chapter 230

Serena scanned their surroundings, and she felt more reassured when she spotted the security guards standing not too far away. "I'm warning you. We're at a public space right now."

There was a flash of cold light in Han's eyes. He kept his gaze on Leah nonetheless. "Come here."

"Let's just leave."

Leah decided to ignore him. She clutched Serena by the wrist and headed in the direction of the consultation room.

Strangely. Han did not lose his temper. Instead, he moved to stand in their path. Then, he picked up Leah and earned her in his arms.

"Put me down!"

Leah exclaimed in exasperation. She felt so angry and embarrassed she started hitting Han on his shoulder hard.

Han merely replied coolly. "The doctor said that pregnant mothers shouldn't lose their temper often."

On the other hand, Serena was forced to stay behind as Han's bodyguards held her back.

The pair caught a lot of attention as Han made his way to the consultation room with Leah in his arms. The other pregnant ladies were all looking at them with envy.

Eventually. Han carefully placed Leah on a chair outside the consultation room. Then, he stood beside her quietly.

Leah had reached the limit of her patience by then. She asked in a raised voice, "What on earth is it that you want from me?"

Han replied earnestly, "I just want to accompany you on your checkups."

It was my fault for what happened in the past. This time. I want to make it up to her. and I want to be there for the child as it grows up.

Leah refused adamantly. "That's unnecessary."

Just then, she heard the nurse calling out her number. She got up and walked past Han without sparing him another glance. After entering the consultation room, she even closed the door behind her and locked it.

Half an hour later, Leah exited the room.

Han went up to her and placed liis jacket over her shoulders. Then, he put his arm around her shoulders. "I'll send you home."

Leah gave a frigid response. "No. My friend is waiting for me downstairs."

"She left earlier."

Twenty minutes ago. Han's bodyguards had escorted Serena back to the White's residence.

When he saw that Leah had stubbornly refused to move. Han smiled languidly. Then, he said in a voice that was audible only to both of them, "What about the two hundred million dollars?"

In the end, Leah got into Han's car despite her wishes.

A familiar song was playing in the car. and Leah soon noticed that it was her favorite song. Moreover. Han even helped her adjust the seat and lowered the temperature in the car before she entered the

car.

Leah did not try to hide the mocking look in her eyes.

What's the point of all this when it's already too late now?

Things might not have turned out like this for us if he had shown me a bit of kindness back then.

Leah placed her hands over her belly and closed her eyes. She was evidently not in the mood to talk.

Han drove the car slowly, occasionally stealing glances at the woman sitting beside him.

"Is it fun for you to ogle at others?"

Leah could almost feel his gaze bore into her. She opened her eyes and snapped at him.

Han remained silent as he stared straight ahead.

Eventually, they arrived outside the White's residence. Leah quickly opened the car door to get out. However. Han grabbed her wrist before she could move.

Leah could feel anger rising inside her. She tried to pull her hand free, but the grip around her wrist tightened even more. "Let go!"

Han looked at her with an intense gaze. "No one could come between us anymore."

Leah knew that he was referring to the Lamere family.

She couldn't help herself from scoffing at him.

The issue between us was never about the Lamere family.

It's the fact that Han had never had any feelings for me.

"I'm sony for what happened in the past."

Upon hearing that, Leah turned her gaze toward Han and noticed the earnest look in his eyes.

He's sincerely apologizing to me for his past mistakes.

Leah tried to ignore her quickened heartbeat. Then, she said in an unfeeling voice, "It's all in the past now. You don't have to apologize to me, Mr. Howard."

Han clutched her hands tightly. "Just give me some time. Once I've taken care of everything, we can leave this place and start over. We can go anywhere you want..."

Even though Jackson has got away for now. I'm sure my men will be able to hunt him down soon.

Leah looked at Han with barely veiled disdain.

"Han. you're getting way ahead of yourself."

Both of them did not notice Kennedy and George who were standing in the front yard.

"I knew the lady was a fox. She’s already looking for a backup plan when our boss is still in the hospital."

George shot Kennedy a warning look. "Our job is to follow the boss's orders regardless of the choice he makes."

Then, he strode toward the car and knocked on the window. "Ms. White."

When Han was briefly distracted, Leah swiftly twisted her hand out of Han's grip and exited the car.

Han got out of the car as well, and he fixed George with a threatening glare.

"Let's head in." Leah tugged at the hem of George's sleeve.

Both of them have fiery tempers. However, I can’t watch George get on Han's wrong side.

When Leah returned to her room, she received a call from Serena.

"Does Han think that he can do whatever he wants because of his good looks? Isn't that just too much?" Serena ranted furiously on the line.

Leah could almost see that handsome face and deep-set eyes before her again.

"I'm tired, so I'll hang up now. Don't stay out until midnight," Leah replied half-heartedly. Then, she ended the call.

After that, she lay on her bed and dozed off.

When she woke up sometime later. Leah saw that it was already dark outside.

She walked out of her room and noticed that the room next door was dark as well.

She shook her head slightly. I guess Serena is not coming back tonight.

She headed downstairs and found that the living room was quiet and deserted. However, the lights in the garden were tinned on.

She walked into the kitchen to look for something to eat. Suddenly, she heard the sound of a phone ringing.

She glanced around and noticed that the sound was coming from the garden.

Did a thief sneak in?

Leah grabbed a knife from the kitchen counter. Then, she treaded quietly and cautiously toward where the sound came from.

At a distance, she heard the voice of a man.

"I've had enough of him since a while back."

Leah hid behind a tree with a trunk broad enough to conceal her.

"We've known each other for so long, yet you still w'ant me to do something to prove that I'm serious about this?" Kennedy replied impatiently.

Leah breathed a sigh of relief. It's just Kennedy speaking on the phone.

She did not w'ant to eavesdrop on the conversation, so she turned around and slowly moved away.

"Ron is in the hospital, and he's still unconscious. His position is left empty now'."

Leah halted in her tracks upon hearing Ron's name.

"With him gone. I pretty much have complete control over his turf."

"What?! You want me to sneak into the hospital and kill him?"

Leah could hear the shock in Kennedy's voice.

Leah covered her mouth in honor. She strained every nerve to move as silently as possible tow'ard the house.

Just then, a fallen branch on the ground snapped with a crunch underneath Leah's foot.