Ch. 286..290: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 286-290
Chapter 286 The Lady of the Ford Household
The incoming little one swept the callousness off Shawn. The man bent over to pick the little girl up.
Shawn’s voice was gentle and low. His dark eyes set off a soft shimmer. “Did you miss Daddy?”
Carlotta was still learning how to talk. She bobbed her head amid the babbling.
With Carlotta in his arms, Shawn approached Leah. “I brought you a gift.”
Shawn would always bring Leah a gift every time he went away for business. Leah refused to accept the present in the beginning, but now she simply left him be.
By the looks of Leah’s eyebags, Shawn knew that she had not gotten much rest lately.
“It must be some rough few days of watching over Carlotta.”
Carlotta preferred to be in the presence of adults for her age, and her favorite spot was Leah’s embrace. Shawn was able to be more involved in the parental role in the past, but he had been busy lately. His trip abroad for work had increased tremendously.
Leah smiled at Carlotta. “It’s not that bad. Lucy helped.”
She made the right call to give birth to Carlotta.
“Stop getting Daddy to hold you, Carlotta. Get down and walk yourself.”
Leah wanted to take Carlotta off Shawn, but Carlotta shrunk further into Shawn’s chest while clinging tightly to his arm.
“No, Mommy! You bad!”
Leah made an angry face. “Daddy has just gotten off the plane. He’s tired.”
At the rate Shawn was doting on the child, Carlotta would one day be spoiled rotten.
Shawn secured Carlotta in his embrace before taking strides out of the airport.
“It’s fine. I’m not tired.”
In a vehicle, Han aloofly looked outside the window and curled his lips in cynicism.
It never occurred to him that he would run into familiar faces on his first day back in Linkville.
“Ethan, what are you looking at?”
The woman beside Han turned to see what he was looking at.
Outside the window, a couple and a little girl got into a car in laughter and chatter.
Was Ethan thinking about starting a family? Had he come around?
“Do you think the little girl is the most adorable thing in the world too? We can also…”
Shawn cut Anna off mid-sentence and curtly told the chauffeur to get a move on.
The glimmer of hope Anna finally gathered was crushed.
Fighting back the tears, Anna looked away and solemnly asked, “Will you be attending the event tonight?”
Han nodded. “Yeah.”
Well, everybody should get the memo that he was back.
Anna furrowed her brows. It was not Han’s thing to attend social gatherings in Fetriybia, not even for the sake of it.
Shawn did not let go of Carlotta during the car ride back to the Fords’ residence or even at the house. Leah had to make Carlotta give Shawn a break.
Due to the sweltering heat, Shawn’s head was covered in sweat. “I’m really not tired.”
He was not Carlotta’s biggest fan when the girl was born. Nevertheless, Shawn gradually warmed up to her as she grew, to the point that he could disregard her birth.
If possible, Shawn would rather make the best of the situation and keep things the way they were.
Leah pulled out a handkerchief and gave it to Shawn. “Don’t spoil her.”
“Go on. Go and play with Lucy.”
Leah told Lucy to take Carlotta away.
Shawn took a seat on the sofa and pulled out a jewelry box from his pocket.
“I picked this out for you. See if you like it.”
Leah paused in motion for a bit before taking the jewelry box. She lowered her gaze for a quick look.
“That’s nice, but you don’t have to get me expensive gifts next time. I have everything.”
Shawn made it sound like it was not a big deal, but God knew the number of jewelry stores he went to get the custom-designed necklace.
“I saw it and thought of you. That’s all. Besides, I bought Carlotta a gift too.”
Seeing that Leah was still obsessing over it, Shawn diverted her attention to something else.
“Alright. Stop dwelling on it. Come with me to the party tonight. We have a new investor in town, and I want to have a talk with him. A successful partnership will bring the company to great heights.”
Shawn had put Howard Group and White Group on the right development path in the last two years. Nevertheless, it was not enough for him.
Leah nodded her head to the invitation. “Got it.”
The two years had lessened the awkwardness between her and Shawn. It seemed to dawn on Leah the reason why Shawn insisted on keeping her by his side.
That evening, darkness shrouded the earth, but it was a festival of lights in the grand hall of an international hotel. The upper crust of Linkville was gathered here.
Everybody was waiting on a certain somebody – the investor from Fetriybia.
Shawn led Leah to the event hall, and their arrival attracted a lot of attention. Many with a discerning eye carried their wine glasses and drew close.
A woman in a mermaid-style dress approached the couple with a smile. “Long time no see, Mrs. Ford. You have grown more beautiful than the last time I saw you. The gown you’re wearing tonight is stunning and brings out your fair tone.”
Leah had been Shawn’s plus-one in countless social events over the last two years. Since Leah and her daughter were permanent residents in the Fords’ residence, the people of Linkville were under the impression that Leah was Shawn’s wife and the lady of the Ford household.
“I designed it myself.” Leah put on a courteous smile.
Truth be told, Leah chose a less conspicuous dress today because she did not want to be the center of attention. Despite her adorning a dark-colored gown today, these people could somehow find something to praise about.
“Oh, you’re good with your hands. You have a knack for jewelry design and dresses.”
“Mr. Ford is lucky to have you.”
These people knew the words to Shawn’s heart.
Leah was put in an awkward position as she felt nothing. Still, she kept a smile on her face.
Shawn relieved Leah and murmured, “I’m heading there to say hello.”
He had his people get information on the investor before the latter’s arrival at Linkville. Nevertheless, the best they could dig out was that the investor was the princess of Fetriybia’s fiancé.
The men tried to hide their disappointment when they saw Shawn as Shawn’s presence there showed his determination to bag the investor.
No one on-site could beat Shawn in terms of wealth.
They had no hope now that he was here.
Still, everybody said hello to Shawn with a smile.
Shawn circled the room to exchange pleasantries before taking a seat in a corner. Tom came over and respectfully stood next to him.
“Will the investor be here?”
Tom replied, “He should be.”
Shawn scowled. “We couldn’t get any news of his arrival at Linkville?”
His business and network in Linkville were expanding well in the last two years so much so that he rubbed shoulders on both sides of the law. Hence, Shawn always had intel at the tip of his fingers.
Tom gave a nod. “That’s right/”
Shawn chuckled and took a sip of his glass of red wine. “Interesting.”
It was a deliberate act on the investor’s part to withhold news of his landing in Linkville. Yet, the same investor made a big hoo-ha about attending tonight’s party.
Chapter 287 No Longer the Same
The strong message sent by the investor only intrigued Shawn further.
“Get someone sharp to follow the investor after the party is over.”
Tom received Shawn’s orders and got right down to it.
With the door of the grand hall swung open, Leah looked over and saw a familiar face.
Tensing his prominent jawline, Shawn entered in a suit tailored to his perfect proportions. A gorgeous lady stood next to him.
Leah widened her eyes in surprise. The man, who had disappeared from the face of the earth for two years, just made an appearance.
Since Han went missing, Leah had been trying to find out where he was. However, her efforts had been futile.
Leah thought he was no more…
Picking up the discoloration on Leah’s face, the woman beside her gave her a nudge. “What’s the matter, Mrs. Ford?”
Han took notice of Leah a short distance away. She was not the same woman she was two years ago. In fact, there was a serene air to her.
He took a fleeting glance before averting his gaze as if Leah was someone insignificant.
Leah surrendered her wine glass to a server in a fluster before staggering her way to the hall entrance.
Her footsteps grew heavy as the distance between them shortened. Leah was a little afraid of seeing Han.
She fixated on the person at the door as her eyes welled up. Leah was tempted to ask where he had been in the last two years. Why did he go radio-silent on her? She wanted to know if he was okay.
Yet, none of these questions came out of her mouth.
Her relationship with Han ended that fateful day two years ago. She had no right to pry into his life.
Leah opened her mouth, and there was a catch in her voice. “Long time no see, Han.”
Anna looked at the unfamiliar woman in confusion. Feeling the added tension on her waist, Anna cocked her head to look at Han.
Ethan knew the woman.
With his hand around Anna’s waist, Han brushed past Leah and stepped into the grand hall. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Dumbstruck, Leah stared blankly as the pair took off. Tears had blurred her vision.
While tempted to go after Han to get to the bottom of the snub, Leah found her legs stuck to the ground. She could not bring herself to take a step forward.
Spotting Leah at the door from the corner, Shawn rose to his feet and approached her in strides. He swooped in and caught Leah from falling.
A pair of strong arms stopped Leah from slipping down.
Leah looked back and met Shawn’s concerned eyes.
“What’s the matter?”
“He’s back.”
Amid his shock, Shawn knew who Leah was talking about.
It took a while before Shawn found his voice. It did not take long for him to pull himself together. “Are you sure?”
There had not been news on Han for two years. Shawn had sent his men abroad, but the sniffing around came back empty.
Either Han covered his tracks, or he was long gone.
Shawn was leaning toward the second option.
Han did not possess the power abroad to hide his tracks.
Leah’s voice trembled. “I’m sure. I’m sure about what I saw! It’s Han. He’s back!”
Not only was he back, but he also brought another woman with him.
Leah dropped another bombshell before Shawn had time to reel in the news. “He’s the investor you’re looking for.”
Shawn scoffed. “That’s not funny, Leah. I know that you can’t forget Han. I’m not saying you can’t have him in your thoughts, but what has gotten into you today?”
Leah only had eyes for Han. Shawn had always known that fact.
“See for yourself.”
Leah lifted her arm and pointed not too far away.
Shawn looked over and caught sight of Han, standing out in the crowd.
The span of two years had not made its mark on the man.
Shawn found himself roaming to the center of the hall, and his eyes fixated on Han’s every move.
Sensing the unfriendly look from Shawn, Anna sheltered Han behind her and curtly questioned, “Have you people of Linkville no manners? Why do you love to stare?”
Shawn shied his gaze away and smiled, but the grin was insincere.
“Excuse me, Miss, but your male companion looks very much like a friend of mine.”
Han smirked to himself. Shawn had the gall to say they were friends.
Raising a brow, Anna turned to Han. “Do you know him, Ethan?”
“I don’t.”
Han’s chilly voice echoed through the grand hall.
Lifting her chin, Anna looked askance at Shawn. “Ethan is a duke of Febriybia. He started traveling the world from a young age, but he has never been to Linkville.”
It started chatter among the crowd. Everything thought Shawn was making up an excuse to establish rapport with the investor to get the deal.
Money talked, and Shawn could put his dignity aside to strike up a conversation with another man.
Han swirled the wine glass in his hand while nonchalantly saying, “The lady at the entrance mistook me for someone else too.”
“I guess the resemblance must be uncanny. We got the wrong person.”
Shawn gave an explanation before excusing himself.
Han looked at Shawn’s receding figure as a grimace shrouded his dark eyes.
Here he was two years later.
This time, Han was back to take everything from Shawn, including what the latter owed him.
The crowd sucked up to Han and Anna for a while until Anna showed signs of impatience. The people got the message and went on their way.
Anna inquired in a muffled voice, “Do you know these two?”
Although she had not been with Ethan for a long time, Anna knew him well enough.
Han’s lips parted. “They are the two people I can never erase from my mind.”
Anna nervously looked at the man. “Did you come back because of them?”
She had a feeling that the woman meant something to Ethan. Even though Ethan gave her the cold shoulder, Anna was afraid.
Call it a woman’s intuition.
Han curled his lips. He could have left it to Alfred to sort things out in Linkville, but he decided against it.
Now that Han was back, Shawn and Leah could kiss their comfortable lives goodbye.
Anna was not too pleased to get no reaction from Han. Just as she was about to speak, she caught a glimpse of Leah from the corner of her eye.
With a smile, Anna drew close to Han and positioned herself against Han rather suggestively.
Anna spoke in hushed tones, “I don’t care the reason why you’re back in Linkville, but I hope my father’s last words don’t slip your mind.”
A few seconds later, Han replied in a husky voice, “I know.”
Feeling Leah’s gaze on him, Han wrapped his arm around Anna’s waist.
Chapter 288 Old Friend
As the smile on his face deepened, Han got a little handsy with Anna. He was putting on a show for Leah.
While Han had no idea of the reason for himself to do so, he got the kick out of the upset look on Leah’s face.
Oblivious to Han’s strange behavior, Anna had a hard time breathing as the arm around her waist was too strong. She helplessly uttered, “Ethan, you’re holding me too tight.:
“Sorry.”
Han loosened his grip.
Meanwhile, Shawn helped Leah to a seat. Although he was shocked to learn that Han was the investor, Shawn had seen a lot in his lifetime. It did not take him long to get his act together.
Shawn knew that there was no hope of getting the investment.
Even though Han was back, Leah stuck by Shawn’s side throughout.
For a moment, Shawn was lost in Leah’s beauty.
A while later, he found his voice. Shawn said in a raspy voice, “We can leave now if you don’t feel too well.”
For selfish reasons, the last thing Shawn wanted was for Leah’s and Han’s paths to cross.
Still in a trance, Leah curled her lips. “I’m fine. I’ll be okay.”
Two years were enough for Han to get over her. He had another woman now, and they looked beautiful together.
Shawn sat next to her before Leah had anything to say about it. “I’ll stay with you for a while.”
“I’m fine. You can mingle around with the clients.”
Leah gave Shawn a little nudge. It was not proper for him to stick with the female companion rather than spend time with business associates in events such as this.
Besides, Shawn had a purpose to be here.
Shawn’s eyes darkened. Was she worried about him or did she not want Han to see them together?
He sullenly asked, “Oh, really?”
A man with a pot belly drew near with a wine glass in hand. He poked fun, “Mr. Ford, why are you hanging around here? I see you can’t get away from your wife.”
The event tonight played paramount importance to all the trades in the house.
The man was concerned he might not stand a chance since he caught wind that Shawn wanted in on the investment deal. Now, it seemed that it might not be the case.
Shawn explained with a blank face, “I don’t want to leave her just yet. She’s unwell.”
He knew the deal was not meant to be the moment he laid eyes on Han.
Perhaps there would be a power shuffle in Linkville soon.
The man with a pot belly was impressed. “You have a tight relationship.”
Leah opened her mouth to clarify but held her tongue in the end. People of Linkville got the wrong idea about her and Shawn anyway, so she would be wasting her time by setting the record straight now.
She discreetly pushed Shawn’s arm away. “I need to go to the ladies’ room.”
“Do you need me to go with you?”
Shawn’s eyes were glued to Leah the whole time as he did not feel comfortable leaving her on her own.
Han’s return destroyed any confidence and sense of security he had. Shawn always believed he still had time to wait for Leah, but now…
Leah shook her head. “I’m good. I’ll be right back.”
She then rose to her feet and headed for the loo.
Noticing that Leah had left the hall, Han let go of Anna and made up an excuse to advance in the direction of the loo.
In the ladies’ room. Leah let splashes of cold water on her face to wake her system and pull herself together.
She looked at the sad state of herself in the mirror and let out a bitter smile. Leah took the time to simmer down before pulling out some powder from her purse to retouch her makeup.
While heading back to the grand hall, Leah bumped into Han.
With his back against the wall, Han had a smile on his face as if he was waiting for someone.
Leah hung her head low and pretended not to know the man.
A husky voice ensued.
“What a coincidence, Mrs. Ford.”
Leah was taken aback. It took a while before it registered in her head that he was saying hello to her.
Clenching to the hem of her dress, Leah picked up her gaze. By then, she had removed all weakness in her eyes.
“Shawn and I aren’t married.”
That was all needed to explain her relationship with Shawn.
Han scoffed. “Oh, really?”
Something stirred in Leah as she knew that Han did not believe a word she said. After all, she was dead set on leaving him back then.
Leah’s voice was gruff. She licked the dried corner of her lips. “I’m not lying to you, Han.”
“Mrs. Ford, you got the wrong person. I’m Ethan, not Han.”
Despite drawing a deep breath, Leah could not hold back the tears from spilling.
It was all her fault.
She was the reason Han left his homeland and refused to acknowledge what they once were.
Leah swiftly dried her tears and curled a bitter smile. “I’m sorry. I mistook you for someone else.”
She then tried to flee away.
With dimness in his eyes, Han reached out and grabbed her by the wrist.
“If you wish, you can see me as that person, Mrs. Ford.”
Her tearful eyes were an eyesore to him.
Leah was the one who abandoned him. She, of all people, did not deserve to shed a tear about it.
For all he knew, they could be crocodile tears with the purpose of tugging on his heartstrings.
“You give me the thrill, Mrs. Ford. If that’s what you want, why don’t we give it a go? An extramarital affair should be exciting, don’t you think?”
Han lowered his head and leaned forward to whisper in Leah’s ear, “I’m a thrill-seeking man.”
Leah recoiled at the mingling hot breath in her ear. She shied away from Han’s touch and pushed him away in disbelief.
She made a run for it. “I think I confused you for someone else.”
Displaying no emotions, Han watched her take off.
Leah drew a deep breath at the entrance of the grand hall to get a grip on herself before pushing the open and walking right through it.
She scoured around the place and found Shawn in a corner. She took quick paces over.
“I don’t feel well. I got to go.”
With furrowed brows, Shawn put down his wine glass. “I’ll take you home.”
Leah waved her arm. “It’s fine. The chauffeur is waiting outside.”
Shawn swiftly got up and followed behind her. “I’ll walk you out.”
The pair proceeded out of the hotel. Since Linkville was quite chilly during late Fall, Leah clutched tightly to her coat and slipped into the car.
After the black Porsche disappeared out of sight, Shawn made his grimacing expression known.
He pulled out a box from his pocket and skillfully lit up a cigarette. He needed to figure out the reason for Han's return and stat.
Leah was already gone by the time Han returned to the hall.
The man searched around the hall a few times, but the familiar voice was nowhere to be found. His eyes flickered in disappointment.
Han’s behavior did not go unnoticed by Anna. She was one step closer to turning into a green-eyed monster.
Her gut feeling was telling her that Han must know that woman.
Anna drew close and spoke tenderly, “What are you looking for, Ethan?”
Chapter 289 Relationship Upgrade
“Nothing.”
Han turned his gaze away and adopted a stern contenance.
He was certain that Leah was avoiding him.
As for the reason why, he figured it must be guilt.
Anna listlessly swirled the red wine in her glass. “Did you find any of the companies to your liking?”
The night of socializing had bored her out.
She did not intend to participate in the project in Linkville. However, her father left Ethan in charge of it.
Ethan would need to remain in Linkville to supervise the project during its commencement. Since Anna did not want to be apart from him for too long, she considered her options and decided to come along.
It was a good thing Anna went with Ethan on the trip too.
Han’s voice bore no emotions. “I need more time.”
Since he had returned, Han was not in a hurry to leave.
Locking her brows in a knot, Anna had to bring something to his attention, “It’s a race against time to
start the project in Linkville. Let’s fly back when you have a company picked out. My father is waiting for us.”
Anna knew that Ethan would not listen to her, but he would do as her father told him to.
Han nodded his head. “Sure.”
Anna was relieved. Thank goodness he did not turn down her request.
By the time Shawn returned to the grand hall from smoking, Han had been the center of attention. Standing not too far away, Shawn observed the fuss in disdain.
Shawn’s gaze did not go amiss as Han excused himself from the crowd and approached Shawn. “Mr. Ford, you don’t seem interested in partnering with me on the project.”
With a scowl, Shawn indifferently glanced at Han before looking away.
It was unexpected that Han initiated a conversation.
“It doesn’t matter whether I’m interested or not. The more important question is – are the people involved competent enough to handle the job?”
Han’s eyes read of stoicism. It appeared that Shawn developed some sense in the last two years.
He let out a scoff and narrowed his eyes. “I like that you’re aware of your own shortcomings.”
Since Leah was gone, Shawn was not in much of a good mood to stick around. He stayed for a bit before taking off.
Shawn came home drunk late into night and slumped against the sofa.
Hearing the commotion at the door, Mr. Carling put on a jacket in haste and caught sight of the wasted Shawn in the living room.
It was an unwritten rule to drink when it came to socializing. However, Shawn could skip through the social and business engagements that he ran Howard Group and White Group.
Mr. Carling said in surprise, “Why did you drink so much, sir?”
He quickly helped Shawn up before grabbing something from the kitchen to ease the hangover.
Shawn had sobered up by the time the butler was back with a beverage.
“Sir, do you need a glass of water?”
Shawn turned his gaze away. “I’m good.”
He rose to his feet and stumbled his way up the stairs and stopped on the second floor.
“Thump, thump, thump.”
Leah had just put Carlotta down for bed when there was a knock on the door.
Furrowing her brows, she tucked Carlotta under the covers and went to open the door.
The door opened to Shawn leaning against the door frame. Leah could smell the stench of alcohol from where she was.
Pinching her nose, Leah hunkered down.
“Why did you have a lot to drink?”
Letting the alcohol get to his head, Shawn held Leah’s hands in his to feel her warmth. Only in moments like this could Leah’s existence feel real to him.
For some reason, Shawn was not pleased with Han’s return. More than anything, Shawn felt an emptiness in the pit of his stomach.
Shawn had never felt this way.
If there was one thing Shawn knew growing up, that was to keep the eyes on the prize and acquire it by whatever means. The same principle could be used on Leah.
Leah helped Shawn to stand still by putting her weight against the wall. She then proceeded to withdraw her arms.
“Let me get you a glass of water.”
Shawn locked Leah in his arms before the latter had a chance to get up.
“He’s back. Are you going to leave with him?”
Leah put up a fight, but her attempts were futile to break free from Shawn. She pulled a sour face.
She did not know what to do with herself the moment she saw Han tonight.
Clutching to her chin, Shawn forced Leah to look him in the eye. “Yes or no? Answer me, Leah!”
All the Linkville knew that Shawn was a ruthless and heartless man. Only he knew that his feelings belonged to Leah.
However, he had not made any progress in the two years.
Peeved, Leah pushed Shawn off of her. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. You’re drunk.”
Leah slipped into her room before Shawn could get up from the ground.
The noise of the door locking sobered Shawn up. His dark eyes alighted with a chilling glint.
He would never allow Leah to leave him.
Shawn had the means to make her stay and get rid of Han two years ago, and he could do it again.
After sitting at the door for a while, Shawn staggered to his feet and advanced to his bedroom.
The following morning, Leah sat with Carlotta at the dinner table for breakfast while Shawn woke up with a hangover and stepped down the stairs.
“Daddy… Eat…” Spotting Shawn at a corner, Carlotta invited him over.
Despite Carlotta’s limited vocabulary, Shawn was able to catch what she was trying to say.
Shawn pulled a chair to sit next to Carlotta before extending his arm to take the cutlery from Leah. Nevertheless, Leah eluded his reaching.
Leah remained indifferent. “It’s fine. Have your breakfast. I’ll feed her.”
Shawn kneaded his temples. “Are you angry?”
His actions last night must have scared Leah.
“No.”
Shawn sincerely apologized, “I had too much to drink and overstepped my boundaries. I’m sorry.”
Leah looked up in surprise and saw the genuineness in Shawn’s eyes.
She could not believe that he was apologizing to her.
It took a while before the apology sank in. Leah cleared her throat to ease her awkwardness.
“I’m fine. You should cut down on your drinking. It’s not good for your health.”
Shawn’s gaze fell on the person next to him. “It’s been two years. Have you given any thought to my
suggestion before?”
Leah’s hand paused from feeding for a second. Shawn had proposed to be Carlotta’s father and her lawful husband when Carlotta was born, but Leah said no.
With the matter being brought up again, Leah figured it must be because of Han.
Leah was quick to reply. “It’s not something I’d consider now.”
Although she no longer harbored hard feelings toward Shawn, it did not mean that she had forgotten what he did to Han.
Leah reached out to shuffle Carlotta’s hair and praised her over the nearly empty plate. “Good girl, Carlotta.”
Pursing his lips, Shawn helplessly picked up the morning paper.
A melodious tune interrupted the silence in the dining hall.
Chapter 290 A Particular Habit
Looking at the number on his mobile screen, Shawn made a scowl and hesitated for a while before accepting the call.
“Hello, am I speaking to Mr. Ford, Mr. Shawn Ford?”
“And you are?”
“I am with a venture capital firm. Our CEO read your proposal yesterday and believes your company can take up a potential project with us. He wants to have a talk with you and wonders if you have the time.”
Shawn was surprised as he had given up on the investment when Han came into the picture. What was going on now?
It was unexpected that Han would initiate contact with him to talk business.
Did Han have other things in mind?
Shawn’s gaze wandered to Leah. If there was one thing Han could not give up in Linkville, it must be her.
Getting no response from Shawn, the person on the other end of the line urged, “Are you not interested in the project, Mr. Ford?"
No one could resist turning down a multi-billion-dollar investment. It should be the case with Shawn as he was a businessman.
“Of course not. I’m available whenever wherever,” Shawn soon replied.
“Alright. I’ll e-mail you the time and place later.”
Shawn ended the call and took a lingering glance at Leah. “I hope you can give some thought to what I said last night.”
Her downcast eyes and long lashes revealed nothing of her emotions.
After breakfast, Shawn drove to the community in Lakeside Villa One.
The black Mercedes Benz drove past the serene compound and pulled up in front of the last villa.
A porter ran to open the door for Shawn. “Mr. Ford, the boss is waiting for you in the study.”
Shawn was then led to the second floor of the villa.
He opened the door to the study and found Han standing behind the desk. Carrying himself with indifference, Han ran his eyes at the door in disdain before putting on a front.
Han bore a smile and pointed at the seat in front of him, gesturing to Shawn to sit down and talk.
The regret started to sink into Shawn. Instead of going soft, he should have finished Han off two years
ago so that the latter had no chance to fight back.
“Funny how you managed to come back stronger.”
Crankiness gradually took over Han’s dark eyes. He could never forget the hurt Shawn caused him two years ago.
Han was back and baying for blood this time.
Shawn curled his lips, hiding the murderous intent behind his eyes with a smile. “Come to think of it, you should thank me. You wouldn’t have known Anna if it weren’t for me. She’s the princess of Fetriybia.”
Anna came from privilege. Although Fetriybia was not ruled by a monarchy, the country was rich in crude oil. As Anna’s fiancé, Han would have total control over Fetriybia’s crude oil industry. He was in a way better position than running Howard Group in Linkville.
Han’s eyes grew cold as he unhurriedly toyed with the jewelry piece in his hand. “I should thank you.”
While he talked about appreciation, there was no gratitude in his tone whatsoever.
Shawn narrowed his eyes, unable to see through the man.
Did Han intend to let him in on the project?
Shawn could not keep his guard down for one second.
The grimacing expression on Han’s face fleeted too quickly to catch. “I’ll decide how I will thank you.”
His time in Linkville was limited.
Shawn lifted his gaze and caught the lethal hint in Han’s eyes. Shawn’s heart dropped. Not once had Shawn believed that Han would really be grateful to him.
Suppressing the restlessness within, Shawn kept up an unperturbed appearance. “I will be waiting then, Mr. Howard.”
Han faintly uttered, “Of course, I will also take back what’s mine.”
Two years ago, Han was so blind to give up Howard Group, the company his parents fought so hard to protect, for that woman.
His words ignited the rage in Shawn.
Shawn thought Han was back to steal Leah away, and there was no way he would allow Leah to abandon him.
With his chair screeching against the floor, Shawn jolted up and made a wry face. “That’s a bold claim. Try me.”
Although Shawn could not take down an entire nation like Fetriybia, he was not one to be messed with.
Shawn lowered his gaze, and when he picked his head up again, his eyes reflected shrewdness. He got up and drew close to Han with a smile. “I’ve been sharing a bed with Leah for the last two years,
and her daughter calls me daddy. Do you think you have what it takes to win? What’s yours is yours, but you can’t take away what isn’t yours.”
While Han appeared unfazed, his dark eyes revealed an eerie chill.
The last of his feelings for Leah was gone two years ago. Nevertheless, Shawn’s provoking statement got the best of Han. Han’s hands under the table clenched into fists.
Han fixated on Shawn for a long time before parting his lips. “You have a habit of taking my sloppy seconds.”
There were no readable emotions on Han’s face.
Shawn was taken aback, but after the shock subsided, he chuckled.
Han saw Leah as sloppy seconds. To think Leah only had eyes for Han in the last two years. Leah committed herself to the wrong guy.
Although Shawn felt bad for Leah, he would not clear the air for Leah.
Amid the tension in the room, there was a sudden knock on the door.
Anna, dressed in a white dress, stood at the door with a serving tray in hand. “Can I come in?”
She could not shake her worry away since Shawn had been here for a while now. She made up an excuse and came upstairs.
Despite knowing that Ethan did not like to be interrupted while working, Anna could not help herself.
Han softened his facial muscles. “Sure.”
Anna moved a teacup from the tray onto the table in front of Shawn. “I wasn’t sure what you would like, so I made you tea.”
Shawn expressed his thanks softly and observed Anna.
Han sure was lucky. First, he had Molly, and now, Anna. Each was better off than the last.
“Alright then. I should leave you to your business.”
Anna put down the food on the table before excusing herself.
Rising to his feet, Han held her wrist and pulled her into his arms. “We’re done talking.”
With a callous look, Han looked down upon Shawn. “Mr. Ford, I’m sure you can show yourself out.”
Shawn scoffed and took off from the villa.
He walked past the compound and got into his car to leave when a voice came from the back.
“Hang on, Mr. Ford.”
A blond woman with blue eyes ran out of the villa.
Shawn looked confused. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
The woman stuffed Anna’s business card in Shawn’s hand. “Her Highness is keen to ask you out for coffee. This is Her Highness’ business card.”
“Interesting.”
Perking a brow, Shawn handed his business card over to the woman too.