Ch. 321..325: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 321-325

Chapter 321

The bright sunlight shone on her face; it made her face look even paler than usual.

Seeing how worried and panicked she was, it truly pained Serena's heart.

After a while, Serena signed and answered, "Leah, he's fine. His injury would recover in no time if he rested well."

Serena was still talking, but Leah did not pay attention to her anymore. She was relieved that Alfred was fine.

She recalled how he protected her; she was touched, and her eyes reddened with joy. "That's great..."

Serena's eyes reddened upon seeing Leah's reaction.

If she ever gets to know the truth in the future, will she be able to withstand it?

Serena held her in her arms, and she tried to suppress her sadness. "Alright, please take care of yourself."

Serena had finally made up her mind.

Okay, I'll keep it a secret as long as I can.

There was a delicious food smell all around the hospital.

Serena brought Leah a light dinner, but she had no appetite.

"Thank you." She just took a few bites, and then she put down the spoon and fork.

Seeing that she was still depressed, Serena forcefully forced her to eat. "Finish your porridge now; if not, I might not agree with your plan for the studio."

"After all, if my partner's physical fitness is too poor, I'll feel that I can't rely on her."

Leah knew that she was being kind to her; she felt heartwarming. "Okay, I'll finish the food."

I'm so grateful for having such a good friend by my side during my darkest time.

After she finished her food, Serena prepared to go home.

"There's still no update from the police... The culprit is not caught yet, so you should be careful."

Before Serena left, she solemnly warned Leah not to get out of the ward.

Leah was taken aback, and she forced a smile. "If this is the case…"

She should have expected it; the police could not get any leads for Anna's car accident either.

After Serena left, the ward fell into silence again, and the sunlight was getting dim outside of the window.

The night fell, she stared at the moon, and she was somehow feeling uneasy. She could not stop

thinking about the scene where Alfred saved her life.

I have to see for myself that he's okay; until then, I can rest assured.

Early the next day, Serena brought her breakfast to visit her again.

"After you go through some more tests this morning, you can be discharged from the hospital in the afternoon."

She breathed a sigh of relief and smiled slightly. "Do you know which ward Alfred is in? I want to visit him before I leave the hospital."

"After all, he risked his life to save me. I want to thank him in person." She was talking softly while eating porridge; she sounded cheerful and relaxed.

Serena froze as she panicked, and she blurted, "N-No. You can't visit him."

If she insists on visiting Alfred, she will soon know that he's dead!

Her unnatural tone raised Leah's suspicion. Leah put down the bowl of porridge and asked in confusion, "Why can't I go see him?"

She thought of something, and her face turned pale. "Could it be that he is actually severely injured now, so I can't visit him?"

Serena was stunned. She was about to hastily explain, but someone spoke before her.

"It's not your business."

Han pushed the door open, and he entered the ward with a gloomy expression.

Leah was startled; she then lowered her head.

Oh… I forget that I'm a crown to him. But why does he lose so much weight in one night? Why does he seem so miserable?

Han saw the sadness in her eyes, but he had to act cruelly for her sake.

He slowly approached her bedside and looked down at her coldly. "Leah, are you not going to stop until you kill him?"

"Everyone who has anything to do with you will end up miserable."

"He's my man, so it's none of your business."

"Mind your own business and get the money ready as soon as possible."

It was rare for him to speak a lot, and all of his words tore her heart apart.

She was devastated at his cruel words; her hands were trembling. "Okay, I got it."

"As you wish, I won't be involving myself with him as long as he's fine."

Maybe he's right; I'll only bring more bad luck to Alfred.

Serena was not angry when she saw him treating Leah like this; she was even grateful for him.

Before leaving the ward, she looked at him expectantly.

So is this how he tries to protect Leah from blaming herself?

After making sure that Leah had completely given up the idea of visiting Alfred, Han also left.

All the check-ups were done, and she was fine.

After being discharged from the hospital, she was escorted by Han's bodyguards to Wisteria Court.

She saw a few bodyguards standing by her door, and she smiled mockingly.

Is he planning to keep a watch on me until I can pay off my debt?

Lucy also frowned and glanced at the bodyguards outside the door, and she quickly closed the door.

She walked up to Leah and asked worriedly, "Ms. White, are you okay?"

She was comforted when she saw Lucy's care for her. She smiled faintly and said, "I'm fine."

Carlotta woke up from her afternoon nap at that moment, and she rubbed her eyes with her tiny hands. She was surprised when she saw Leah, and she threw herself at her. "Mommy! You're finally back! I miss you so much!"

Holding her tiny body, Leah's mood was lightened. She asked gently, "I miss you too. What do you want to eat for dinner?"

"Mashed potato!"

When the night fell, Leah was carrying Carlotta and walked around the living room. She received a call from Anna.

"Lucy, please bring Carlotta to bed first." She glowered while she saw the phone call. She went over to the balcony to answer the phone.

"Ms. Lancaster, I'm sorry about the car accident." She did not mean it, but the car accident happened when she was driving the car.

Anna is such a nice person, but she had to endure such a disaster because of me...

Anna smiled sarcastically at her words, but she answered softly, "It's okay, I know you didn't mean it. How about we hang out together tomorrow? And we can go look for my house's decorations."

Leah glanced at Carlotta's room, and she remained silent. After a while, she agreed, "Okay."

She originally wanted to spend time with Carlotta tomorrow.

Anna smiled as she heard Leah agree to meet with her. "Sorry for the trouble, but I have to set up the house decorations as I'll be marrying Han soon."

Her words were tearing Leah's heart apart. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

She raised her head and looked up at the bright moon in the sky; she was feeling sad and alone.

Isn't it normal for him to get married to her? Why am I so sad?

"Okay, I'll be there on time."

Chapter 322

Chapter 322 Her Only Consolation It was sunny the following day.

The dry autumn wind brushed through Leah's cheek. She was looking at the time on her phone.

Anna had been late for half an hour; and there was still no sign of her.

She was starting to sweat under the sun. She wanted to hide in a shady place first, but she was afraid that Anna would not be able to spot her.

"Next time, I should bring an umbrella..." She gently wiped the sweat off her forehead, and she worriedly called Anna.

The phone was ringing for a while before it was picked up.

"I'm sorry, Ms. White, I'm stuck in traffic, please wait for me for a while…" Anna said hurriedly and hung up the phone.

Leah had no choice but to wait for her arrival under the hot sun.

There are no shaded buildings at the gate of the furniture mall, not even a tree.

In the open-air parking lot not far away, there was a black luxury car parked among many vehicles.

Anna sat in the car with the air conditioner turned on, and she looked at Leah indifferently. "The weather is really nice today."

She mumbled to herself and took out her phone to play.

After another half an hour, she hurried over to Leah with an umbrella in her hand.

"Sorry to keep you waiting!"

Seeing that her pale face was covered with sweat, as if she rushed over in a hurry, Leah could not blame her. "It's okay, let's go in."

As soon as they entered the furniture mall; Leah felt so much better with the air conditioning blowing cold air in her face. After regaining some energy, she began to search for suitable decorations and furniture for Anna.

Anna's face lightened up, and she said happily, "Ms. White, do you know that Han and I are the total opposite of each other?"

"I wanted to be someone he preferred, but he said he liked me as I am. I would never have thought that he would spoil me every day…"

She seemed happy and shy while she was sharing the stories between her and Han.

At that moment, Leah's heart was shattered into pieces.

Well, I had also never expected that Han could spoil someone like this...

Looking at the sadness in her eyes, Anna was satisfied. She continued to say, "Ms. White, the car

accident actually brings something good to me."

Leeh wes teken ebeck, end she esked, "Why?"

Soon, Anne enswered shyly, "When I wes in e come, he promised to teke cere of me for the rest of my life."

Leeh wes peined upon heering her words.

After e long while, she meneged to suppress her sedness. She forced herself to smile end seid, "I see; I hope the two of you will live together heppily ever efter."

This is greet. Hen might not torture me efter merrying her. And I'll surely pey off my debt to him one dey.

They were looking eround inside the furniture mell until one o'clock in the efternoon; Anne finelly decided to leeve es she wes tired.

"It's e pity thet I still heven't selected the house's decoretions todey... Ms. White, pleese continue to keep en eye on it for me so we cen visit here together soon." Anne wes extremely heppy.

Such e heppy dey! Meybe I should continue to torture her until she sees Hen end I getting merried...

After Anne left, Leeh breethed e sigh of relief; she wes exheusted.

She wes shering end discussing her view on the decoretion selection the whole time; her throet wes hurting efter hours of telking, but Anne still could not meke up her mind.

It seems thet Hen is very serious ebout decoreting his end Anne's house.

Leeh smiled in diseppointment, thinking of Anne telling him thet he wes going to meke Lekeside Ville One their home.

From Anne's words, it could be seen thet Hen treeted Anne totelly differently then Leeh.

An hour leter, she returned to the Wisterie Court.

As soon es she entered her house, Cerlotte rushed to her end held on tight to her thigh.

"Mommy! You're beck. Heve you eeten yet?" She smiled innocently et Leeh.

Her concern wermed Leeh's heert.

Leeh cerried her into her erms, end they leid together on the sofe. She tried to telk cheerfully with Cerlotte. "Cerlotte, heve you eeten? Do you went en efternoon nep?"

At thet moment, Lucy mede e bottle of milk for Cerlotte; she seid to Leeh, "She's been sleepy for quite some time, but she insisted on weiting for you for lunch." Leah was taken aback, and she asked, "Why?"

Soon, Anna answered shyly, "When I was in a coma, he promised to take care of me for the rest of my life."

Leah was pained upon hearing her words.

After a long while, she managed to suppress her sadness. She forced herself to smile and said, "I see; I hope the two of you will live together happily ever after."

This is great. Han might not torture me after marrying her. And I'll surely pay off my debt to him one day.

They were looking around inside the furniture mall until one o'clock in the afternoon; Anna finally decided to leave as she was tired.

"It's a pity that I still haven't selected the house's decorations today... Ms. White, please continue to keep an eye on it for me so we can visit here together soon." Anna was extremely happy.

Such a happy day! Maybe I should continue to torture her until she sees Han and I getting married...

After Anna left, Leah breathed a sigh of relief; she was exhausted.

She was sharing and discussing her view on the decoration selection the whole time; her throat was hurting after hours of talking, but Anna still could not make up her mind.

It seems that Han is very serious about decorating his and Anna's house.

Leah smiled in disappointment, thinking of Anna telling him that he was going to make Lakeside Villa One their home.

From Anna's words, it could be seen that Han treated Anna totally differently than Leah.

An hour later, she returned to the Wisteria Court.

As soon as she entered her house, Carlotta rushed to her and held on tight to her thigh.

"Mommy! You're back. Have you eaten yet?" She smiled innocently at Leah.

Her concern warmed Leah's heart.

Leah carried her into her arms, and they laid together on the sofa. She tried to talk cheerfully with Carlotta. "Carlotta, have you eaten? Do you want an afternoon nap?"

At that moment, Lucy made a bottle of milk for Carlotta; she said to Leah, "She's been sleepy for quite some time, but she insisted on waiting for you for lunch."

Lucy lowered her voice when she realized Carlotta was sleeping in Leah's arms.

She was sleeping and talking. "M-Mommy, let's eat…"

Leah's heart was filled with happiness when she heard Carlotta's words; she would not be alone and would always be alright when Carlotta was with her.

Carlotta was her consolation in her darkest hour.

Lucy carried Carlotta to bed, and Leah was tired and sleepy and wanted to take a rest.

She felt headaches as she was exposed to the sun for such a long period.

But as soon as she laid down on the bed, she was awakened by a phone call.

She jumped up when she realized a landlord was calling her. "Hello!"

A middle man answered friendly over the phone, "Ms. White, I decided to lend you my place. You can arrange for someone to renovate it as your studio now."

She was overjoyed, and she asked, "Thank you; then can I go over to sign the rental contract with you in the afternoon?"

"It's alright; I'll be back to my hometown for the time being. You can renovate my place, and we'll sign the contract after one month."

The landlord's words made her a little worried, and she said, "I don't think it's a good idea... Let's sign the contract first."

"You can treat me as your friend! I'll not cheat you. So you can renovate it first." The landlord laughed it off to reassure her. They hung up the phone after speaking for a while.

Leah held her phone tight, and she grinned.

Yay! My studio will be ready soon, and I can earn a lot more in no time! I can pay off my debt to Han soon!

The good news made her wide awake now, so she made a call to Serena.

"Serena, the address of the studio has been confirmed. I'll be coming up with the blueprint, then we can

look for decorations and furniture tomorrow!"

Hearing her cheerful voice, Serena felt relieved. "Okay, I'll go to your place for breakfast tomorrow."

"In exchange for me shopping with you, I want to play with Carlotta!"

Chapter 323

Chapter 323 Fooling With Her

Seven days later, Serena and Leah finally chose all the paintings, decorations, and furniture for the studio.

The two of them were driving up to the studio to check on the progress of the renovation.

"The renovation started three days ago. I found you a top-notch construction team; I believe it will be finished in another three days."

Serena casted Leah a complacent look; Leah was thankful of her, and she said, "Thank you."

Serena was not happy that Leah was overly polite with her. "We're friends; you don't have to thank me!"

Leah felt happy to have such a friend, and she smiled happily at her.

Not long after, the two of them arrived at the door of the studio.

The studio was located on the main street, and the surrounding area was lively, as there were many people hanging around.

The landlord was kind to Leah; not only was the rent lower than usual, but he even treated her as his friend.

Serena was happy to rent the studio at a lower price too; she said, "This place is really strategic, and I believe our business will be very good!"

Leah grinned and said, "Yes!" Everything would be getting better.

The sky was dark for the whole morning; finally it rained.

When Leah and Serena got down from the car, they saw that most of the house decorations and furniture were being thrown outside.

"What's going on?" Both of them frowned.

At that time, a few muscular men threw several pieces of furniture out of the studio.

They bought one of the sofas seven days ago.

"Hurry up and throw them all away! Our boss's furniture will be arriving tomorrow." Hearing the man's words, Leah's face darkened, and she quickly stepped forward to stop them.

"Who are you? Why are you all throwing my stuff away? This is my rented office!"

Serena stood closely behind Leah, and she snorted, "You have violated the law by destroying other people's property without permission!"

They did not back up at all; in fact, they looked at the two of them mockingly.

"You rented the studio? Don't be ridiculous, my boss bought this place!"

"The two of you seemed poor; I don't think you can afford the rental here!"

"Also, the landlord said that the unnecessary things inside can be cleaned up. So why did you accuse us of destroying other people's property?"

Hearing his words, Serena was taken aback. "Leah, what's going on?"

Leah was also very surprised; her face crumpled, and she answered, "I'll ask the landlord what's going on."

Then she called the landlord.

"Hello, Ms. White." He picked up the call in an instant, as if he were expecting it.

She briefly explained to him about the incident, and she asked with a frown, "May I know what's going on? You're the one who rented it to me and asked me to start the renovation immediately."

Out of her expectation, the landlord laughed at her. "Ms. White, are you serious? Do you think you can rent my place for one thousand dollars only? Mr. Wade rented my place for five million dollars! You should hang out if you have nothing else to say."

She was startled by the landlord's answer, and she questioned angrily, "Since you think I'm not paying enough, why did you agree to rent it to me?"

The landlord did not panic after hearing her accusation; he snorted, "I didn't agree to rent it to you all; you can go and sue me if you have the rental contract."

"Well, Ms. White, you're quite pretty... You can sleep with me in exchange for renting my other property..."

His nasty words completely enraged her. She hung up on him.

The men were laughing at her. "Ha, ha! Didn't we tell you that this place is rented?"

"Hurry up and get the f*ck off! The two of you can take all the furniture here as a donation! Ha, ha, ha."

Serena dragged Leah back to the car before they were humiliated further.

The rain was getting heavy; Leah felt that her heart was bleeding seeing her furniture being thrown out of the studio."

Everything was in vain. All my money and efforts...

Those pieces of furniture had been soaked by the rain, and they can only be treated as defective products.

Serena could not bear to see Leah's depressed face. She gently hugged her and said, "It's okay; I'll help you find a better place. And we should file a police report and a lawsuit for the damaged furniture."

Leah smiled wryly and shook her head; she was demotivated. "It will take a long time to get our money back, and the lawyer's fee will cost a lot."

"And I did not sign a contract with the landlord. He promised to rent it to me over the phone, and I didn't record it."

Serena's face crumpled as she heard his words. She asked, "So you can't get back any amount of money?"

Leah was speechless, and she nodded.

She did not have the time and money to file a lawsuit; she was already heavily in debt.

Serena sighed; she should have asked to view the rental contract back then.

"I will try my best to help you win the lawsuit." "We should call the landlord again and make him admit his act, and we should record the entire conversation."

Although hope was slim, she still wanted to fight for it.

Leah's eyes were filled with tears upon hearing Serena's words. She lowered her head to prevent being caught crying. "O-Okay…"

Serena hugged her lightly and patted her on the back. "I'll send someone to collect evidence and take away this furniture, and then refurbish it."

The two of them left, and Serena called trucks from the moving company to take away the rain-soaked furniture and temporarily store it in her warehouse.

Leah was grateful for everything she had done for herself; at least she had a friend like this.

"Thank you; I will treat you to dinner tomorrow."

Serena did not reject her; she smiled and nodded. "Okay."

She did not want to make Leah feel bad, as if she owed her a favor.

That night, the landlord smirked and dialed a number after seeing all of Leah's things gone from his place.

The phone was picked up shortly, and he said respectfully, "Ms. Lancaster, I've fooled Leah so hard that I think she should be crying by now. So, the money..."

"Not bad; my men had reported it to me. I'll bank the money and give it to you in thirty minutes."

The landlord grinned while hearing her say, "Okay. If you want to fool with her in the future, feel free to contact me!"

Chapter 324 You Are Too Careless

The next day, Leah asked Serena to join her for lunch at a French restaurant. However, Leah waited till noon, and Serena did not show up. Instead, Anna walked up to her table.

“Hello, Ms. Lancaster,” Leah greeted Anna with questioning eyes. She did not invite Anna to her lunch. Anna simply greeted Leah and sat down in front of her.

“Since we are both here, I thought we should have lunch together, Ms. White,” Anna lifted a friendly smile. Leah felt uncomfortable and estranged from Anna.

“I am sorry but my friend is on her way,” Leah rejected with a smile. Anna shrugged and said, “Well, we are friends too, aren’t we? Let me buy you a drink, my friend!”

Minutes later, two glasses of red wine were served to their table. Anna raised one of the glasses, “Cheers!” She took a gulp.

Finding no excuse to refuse, Leah raised her glass and took a sip. She glanced at Anna, unsure of what to do with the situation. Anna being here did not seem like a coincidence at all.

Leah put her glass down. Anna began to talk about her happy life with Han. “I have to tell you what happened the other day with Han. I was walking bare-footed on a warm day, and he insisted on carrying me to the bed. He would not let me out of bed without wearing socks.”

Trying to remain calm as her heart ached, Leah plastered a smile on her face. She thought she was over Han, but she still felt hurt when Anna talked about her life with Han.

Anna saw the way Leah’s face fell, and she secretly enjoyed it. She could do this all day long.

Ten minutes later, Leah began to worry about Serena, so she called her cell phone. However, Serena did not pick up. Leah panicked. She had to call the cops. “My friend Serena may be in danger,” she mumbled as she stood up.

Anna smirked. I am afraid you are in danger yourself, Leah. Before Leah could step away, Anna fell to the table, and a few waiters rushed over to find out what was happening.

“Ms. Lancaster! What happened? Call the cops!” The waiters surrounded Leah and Anna. “We have to send her to the hospital immediately! Could you please stay until the cops are here? They may need to ask you about what happened.”

Anna fainted and was sent to the hospital. However, Leah was forced to stay in the restaurant. She was anxious; she felt like she was walking into a trap.

“This has nothing to do with me,” she frowned, “Why can’t I leave?” The incident reminded her of the car crash with Anna; both incidents were eerily similar. Anna had fainted in Leah’s company - this could have severe consequences.

“We are sorry but you can’t leave before you explain the situation to the cops,” the waiters did not intend to let her leave.

It started to rain when Han entered the restaurant. Leah looked dejected, and it ached his heart. He slowly walked toward her.

“Anna’s report is out,” he said in a low voice, “She was poisoned. Someone added poison to her wine. What do you have to say about this?”

Leah turned toward him and said nothing. Her heart sank. He was here for Anna once again. She knew nothing she said now would change anything.

Han was frustrated. He grabbed her chin and said coldly, “I can’t believe you hate her so much for being with me that you try to kill her multiple times.”

“You are too careless. Did you think you could get away from poisoning her?” he added.

Leah turned her head away. “What poison are you talking about? My lunch date should have been Serena. Anna invited herself to my table and ordered a glass of wine. How could I have planned this and poisoned Anna?”

She chuckled. “I have never cared if you want to be with Anna or not. You could side with Anna, but I will not admit to what I have never done.”

Leah had never thought about hurting Anna because of Han. Not during the car crash; not this time when she fainted.

Han was annoyed by the way she looked at him mockingly. He was about to say something when Owen called him. He glared at her, “Leave Anna alone.”

He walked away as he answered the call. Leah sat down on the chair, feeling as if all strength had been sucked away from her body.

The cops arrived and took her to the police station to answer a few questions. “We have no evidence you have poisoned Ms. Lancaster, but someone reported you for having a history of hurting her in the past. You cannot leave until our investigations show you are innocent.”

Leah said nothing. She had given up. Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned to look at the rainy sky outside the window.

Afterward, Lucy got the news and asked Shawn to bail Leah out. Shawn sent Leah back to Wisteria Court that evening. As he stopped his car, he looked at Leah and said, “I am sorry you are not doing well without me by your side, Sarah.”

“Why don’t we get back together?” He suggested, “Give me another chance, and I promise you we will live happily forever after.”

Leah simply shook her head. Her face was as pale as a ghost. Shawn sighed and got out of the car with her, “It’s okay. Can I at least see Carlotta?”

She did not reject him, because she had promised him he could visit Carlotta whenever he wanted. They entered Wisteria Court together, and someone was taking their pictures, hiding nearby.

Han went to visit Anna in the hospital. Owen was in the room as well, seemingly furious. “Han, what are you doing? How could you let someone else hurt Nana again and again?”

Unfazed, Han remained silent. Owen grew tired of scolding Han. He glared at Han and said, “I heard this woman, Sarah White, was there every time Nana got hurt. She must have something to do with this. You should find her and bring her to me!”

Han stared at Owen with a scowl. “Don’t worry, Mr. Lancaster. I will take care of this.” If Owen had taken this matter into his own hands, Leah would be dead.

Owen smirked. “Don’t try to fool me, Han. This woman is your mistress, and you are trying to protect her, aren’t you?”

Han’s face fell, “Mr. Lancaster, are you saying you don’t trust me? I promised I would take care of Anna, and I intend to keep my promise.”

Anna woke up. She smiled as she heard what Han said. “Han! I am so happy you are here.”

Seeing his daughter was smitten with Han, Owen gave in. He told Han, “Fine, you take care of this matter and get back to Nana as soon as possible.”

Chapter 325 Right Here Waiting For You

Carlotta fell sound asleep on her bed in Wisteria Court after Shawn tucked her in. She held tightly onto his arm as he lay next to her in bed.

Leah stood watching by the door, hesitant about asking Shawn to leave. Lucy saw her hesitancy and approached her, “You should get some rest, Ms. White. It will be a busy day tomorrow.”

Lucy had heard rumors that Ms. White had allegedly poisoned Anna. Although she did not believe it, she was worried this incident would escalate.

Feeling exhausted, Leah sighed and rubbed her eyes. She could see Shawn was as tired as she was, so she decided she would let him stay for the night.

After all, Carlotta was close to him, and she would be sad if Leah were to ask Shawn to leave now. It was probably best to let him stay, but only for tonight.

Leah returned to her bedroom. However, she was tossing and turning and could not sleep. Every time she shut her eyes, she thought about everything that had happened, and she grew restless.

She turned to stare at the night sky outside her window, and her cell phone slipped from her hand. The screen showed the numerous calls she had made to Serena earlier, but Serena never picked up.

“Where have you been, Serena?” She mumbled. Why would Serena suddenly ignore her? She was sad, but also worried. Did something happen to Serena? Serena had promised to join her for lunch; it was unlike her to stop returning calls.

The more she thought about it, the more anxious she got. She wondered if she should call the cops, but stopped herself as the cops were still investigating if she had poisoned Anna; the cops might not believe her.

Someone knocked on her door. She got up and opened the door to find Shawn standing in front of her. “I thought you were asleep. What’s the matter?”

Shawn smiled and took her hand. Before she could push him away, he said, “I found Serena.”

“I knew you were supposed to have lunch with Serena,” he continued, “However, Anna joined you for lunch instead, and Serena has been missing.”

“I will bring you to Serena,” he said determinedly as he pulled her to follow him. Confused, she followed him, “Tell me where she is.”

Her heart raced as she thought about the worst that could happen. She was on edge. Shawn did not answer her. He held her hand tightly and smiled gently, “I will bring you there. It’s not far from here; just around the corner.”

He led her out of the house, and they got into his car. They did not notice Han was watching them in his car parked nearby. Furious, Han punched the steering wheel, and his car honked loudly in the middle of the night.

“This is how you want to play it? Bravo, Leah,” Han lifted a cruel smile as he thought about how Shawn was holding her hand just now. His eyes gleamed with hostility. He swiftly started the car engine and followed Shawn’s car.

An hour later, Shawn brought Leah to the lakeside park. It was two in the morning, and the park was pitch dark. It was windy, and Leah shivered.

Shawn immediately noticed and put his jacket over her shoulders. “Take it, Sarah. We are friends, and I don’t want Carlotta to worry if you fall sick tonight.”

He successfully stopped her from returning his jacket. She hesitated and said, “Thank you.”

She would not know where to find Serena if Shawn had not been here. She might still be detained in the police station and made Carlotta worry if Shawn had not bailed her out.

Shawn looked at her tenderly and said, “Don’t mention it. I know you want us to remain friends only, but I will be right here waiting for you whenever you change your mind.”

Someone called out to Shawn. It was one of Shawn’s men who found a fainted Serena. “Mr. Ford! We’ve found her. She’s fine.” Another added, “We found her tied to a pillar in a gazebo.”

Leah and Shawn quickly got to the gazebo. Serena’s face was as pale as a ghost. Leah teared up seeing her friend in such a state. “Please send her to the hospital, will you?”

It was all her fault. If she had not asked Serena out for lunch, Serena would not get hurt. Leah’s heart sank. Everyone who got close to her would get hurt.

Shawn’s heart ached to see Leah so crestfallen. He pulled her into his arms. “Don’t worry, everything will be okay. She will be okay. I will protect you from now on.”

Leah did not push him away. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she glanced up at him, “Promise me you will take care of Carlotta until you find someone else. Please…”

She did not care about her well-being. All that mattered to her was Carlotta’s well-being, and she could not let anything bad happen to Carlotta.

Shawn gladly accepted her request. He gently touched her face, smiling. “I promise you, and you can always count on me.”

He inched closer for a kiss, but Leah pushed him away. “I am sorry.” She looked away, disgusted by what she had done. She had decided to stay away from him, but now she was taking advantage of his feelings for her.

Shawn was briefly angry about being rejected. However, he quickly regained his calm and said, “It’s okay. I will patiently wait until you are ready.”

Serena was sent to a hospital some distance away from the hospital Anna was staying. Leah followed to the hospital to take care of Serena.

“I will send people for protection,” said Shawn after Serena was admitted into the hospital, “Get some rest.” He left shortly after.

Leah sat on the floor, disappointed with herself. She had not stayed away from Shawn, and she had not achieved what she wanted to do.

She was crushed thinking about what happened to Serena today. She could not imagine what would happen to Serena if they were to open up their design studio together.

Alfred was hurt because he was trying to protect her. She did not want to see anyone get hurt because of her again. She looked at Serena, who was still unconscious on the hospital bed, and decided she could not start a design studio together with Serena.

“Leah,” a familiar voice called out to her. Her blood turned cold. She turned around and found Han walking toward her.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, furious, “Are you following me?”

Han chuckled, “Why can’t I be here? Are you worried about what I would find out?”