Ch. 341..345: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 341-345

Chapter 341 Abnormal Attitude

Leah returned to the studio soaked and found Serena asleep on the couch with a strong stench of alcohol on her breath.

Immediately, she hurried over to check whether the latter’s clothes were intact. When she found no indication of Serena having been violated, her expression turned all the more perplexed.

What exactly is Anna’s motive in having Donald approach us? If she really wanted to ruin me, tonight was a golden opportunity. Why is she going to such great lengths by asking him to put on this show?

Questions lingered in her mind. After taking a shower, she planned to return to Wisteria Court to look in on Carlotta.

Just as she was about to leave, she felt worried about leaving Serena there in slumber.

After a brief contemplation, she decided to stay overnight at Dream Designs to keep the latter company.

She moved Serena to the bed with great effort. Then, she thoughtfully took the latter’s jacket and shoes off before wiping her down. After doing all that, she gently draped a blanket over her.

When Leah was done, it was already three o’clock in the morning. Having been deprived of rest for several days, she lay down on the couch in the room and slept.

The next morning, Serena woke up at the crack of dawn, her head throbbing painfully from her

hangover.

She dragged her heavy body out of bed before belatedly recalling the events that transpired last night. The instant she remembered that Donald’s lecherous smile was the last thing she saw before passing out, she frantically checked herself all over.

It was not until she had ascertained that nothing had happened to her that she breathed a sigh of relief.

She swept her eyes around her present surroundings, only to find that she was back at the studio. Shocked to the core, she rushed over to the couch where Leah was still asleep and started shaking her forcefully.

“Sarah! Wake up! What on earth happened? How did we manage to escape unscathed from that sc*mbag last night?”

At the moment Serena got drunk last night, she had already braced herself for the worst.

Despite having arranged for someone to wait downstairs to call the police, she still felt that she would not be able to escape Donald’s clutches.

Leah’s sleep was shallow, so she was jolted awake in no time. Shaking her throbbing head, she sighed heavily. “I don’t know what’s going on with Donald either.”

Subsequently, she recounted everything that had happened between her and Donald last night.

After listening to it all, Serena was stunned for a long time before she exclaimed incredulously, “Huh?

He actually claimed that you once saved him and even treated you so well?”

I must still be drunk and dreaming! How could someone like him possibly do such a thing? We almost got defiled by him last night!

Leah didn’t believe it either. She frowned coldly. “Pay it no mind. Just keep your distance from him henceforth.”

No matter what Donald’s intentions were, they were lucky to have escaped unscathed last night.

Massaging her temples, Serena lamented wearily, “This must be another ploy by Anna.”

In the end, the studio’s first commission died a premature death.

Sometime later, they had already washed up. They planned to eat something before going back to their respective homes to rest for a day or two and pull themselves back together.

Unexpectedly, four or five luxury cars came to a stop outside no sooner had breakfast been served on the table.

Surrounded by a group of bodyguards, Donald stepped into the studio with a bright smile on his face.

At once, Leah’s heart sank. Like Serena, a frown marred her countenance.

“Is something else the matter, Mr. Harper?” Getting to her feet, she blocked Donald’s view of Serena, her expression icy.

Her attitude infuriated one of the lackeys beside Donald. He snarled furiously, “Who do you think you are? Mr. Harper—”

“Shut up!” Donald barked before the man had even finished speaking.

After shooting his subordinate a death glare, he turned back to Leah with an amicable smile and murmured gently, “Please don’t take that to heart, Ms. White. I came here today to apologize to you both. I was at fault for the incident last night, so I hope you’ll accept my apology gifts. Also, I’d like to continue signing a contract with you, thus coming to discuss some design matters in detail.”

That was the first time Serena witnessed the man exhibiting such a flattering attitude. Her eyes almost popped out of her head.

She scrutinized him silently for a long time. When she was certain that it was Donald in the flesh, she parted her lips in utter shock, but no words came out.

Oh my God, it turns out that Sarah wasn’t lying about him! Hmm, what on earth is he trying to do?

Leah, who had experienced his change in attitude last night, was no longer surprised then. She merely turned his proposition down indifferently. “Thanks, but no thanks, Mr. Harper. Please take your things back. I don’t need them here. As for the commission, we’ve already canceled it on our side. We’ll compensate you with both the deposit and damages.”

I can’t ever get involved with such a person. Otherwise, I’ll relax my guard one day, leading to irreparable consequences. When the damage has been done, it’ll be too late for regrets.

As Donald clocked their aversion, hurt showed for the first time on his usually devious and sinister face.

He stilled for a while, but he ultimately didn’t linger there. “It’s only natural that you’re unwilling to forgive me, Ms. White. Everything here is a gift from me, so I won’t be taking them away. Consider them my apology gifts. Regarding the contract, I’m truly sincere about collaborating this time. Please give me another chance. I won’t accept the deposit or damages.”

Having said that, he added that he would be back tomorrow before leaving with his entourage.

At the sight of the roomful of things, Leah and Serena were left dazed and at a loss.

“Is he okay? Or is he out of his mind from all the alcohol he consumed last night?” Serena wore a stupefied expression as she looked at the roomful of high-end furniture Donald brought over.

Leah did not respond to that. She stared at things from Donald with brows knitted together deeply.

Even after he had done all that, she still didn’t believe him.

Instead, his abnormality had a faint sense of panic brew within her. It felt as though all that was the calm before the storm.

She didn’t use the furniture but hired a moving company to send them back to the man’s company.

That afternoon, Donald’s eyes dimmed when he learned that his gifts had been returned.

Seeing that, the few lackeys by his side could no longer stand it. They were all gripped by the urge to teach Leah a lesson. “This b*tch is acting all high and mighty when Boss is showing her such respect!

Don’t be mad, Boss. I’ll go and kidnap that woman over for your enjoyment—”

Before he had finished speaking, Donald roared, “Shut up! I’ve already told you last night that she once saved me. I don’t care what lines you usually cross, but do not touch her and her friend! If I were to learn that any of you secretly made a move against her, you’d be making an enemy out of me!”

When Han arrived at Donald’s company, he was just in time to hear that final utterance. His eyes promptly turned chilly.

Sure enough, his relationship with that woman isn’t simple! It’s downright unbelievable that a piece of scum like him would make such a protective statement.

“Mr. Harper.”

At Han’s cold voice, Donald turned around. The instant he saw that made out the man’s identity, a vicious gleam glinted in his eyes.

Nonetheless, the fake smile on his face remained intact. “Ah, I’m honored that you’re gracing me with your presence. What brought a big shot like you here today?”

Chapter 342 Find You Filthy

Despite his civility on the surface, Donald started scheming against Han as soon as he laid eyes on the latter.

His mind whirred with ideas to gain control of the power Han possessed.

Han looked at him mockingly. “I’ll be blunt with you. You’d best keep your distance from Sarah.”

When Donald heard that name, his eyes went cold as well. “Oh? As far as I know, Ms. White is Mrs. Ford right now. Isn’t that so? Don’t you think you’re being too nosy when even Mr. Ford hasn’t said anything?”

He was not afraid of Han, for the man was no longer as powerful as before. If they were to really go head-to-head, he might not necessarily lose.

His blatantly hostile attitude further convinced Han that he was on intimate terms with Leah.

In a flash, chagrin and despondency swamped Han. A potent murderous intent emanated from him, and he stared down at Donald, who was a head shorter than him. “Mr. Harper, you’re a smart man, so I believe you won’t do something that would cause your company to go bankrupt just because of a woman.”

Having said that, he stalked off.

One of Donald’s lackeys spat at Han’s back. “Pah! Who does he think he is that he dared threaten

you? Does he think that he’s still as lofty as before?”

“Exactly! Right now, he’s just a piece of trash who’s trying to turn the tables by using a woman!” another seconded.

However, Donald ignored their wrath. He merely watched Han leave thoughtfully.

Hmm, it looks like his relationship with Ms. White is far from being as simple as it seems on the surface. The main reason I can’t find out anything about their past is that my company isn’t as powerful as Ford Group and Howard Group once upon a time. If it’s something the two families deliberately erased, I’ll never be able to ferret it out.

A long time passed before he interrupted his lackeys who were still grumbling. “Get everything ready and keep a low profile these few days. Be careful that you don’t get arrested.”

…

At Wisteria Court, Leah had just stepped in the door when a tiny figure rushed over and clung to her.

Carlotta sprawled on Leah’s lap with remonstration written all over her chubby face. “You’re finally home, Mommy! I feel as though I haven't seen you in years!”

Giggling at the little girl’s remark, Leah hugged her tightly and kissed her on the cheek. “It’s been years, you say? Then, why are you still so skinny?”

While saying that, she reached out and took Carlotta’s hands, waving them gently.

Carlotta’s expression froze. Pouting, she snorted softly. “I’m just slow in filling out!”

At the side, Lucy’s eyes turned red-rimmed at the sight of the real smile on Leah’s face at long last.

Ever since Ms. White learned of Alfred’s death, she hadn’t truly smiled in an eternity.

Leah played with Carlotta for a long time. By the time she had finally put her daughter to sleep, it was almost midnight again.

Lucy dragged Leah, who was planning to go back to her room to sleep, to the balcony. She told the latter about Han ambushing her with some men to forcibly take Carlotta away.

“Ms. White… I hope you’ll be careful with him. Although Mr. Shawn arranged for some men to furtively protect Carlotta, he definitely wouldn’t give up so easily.”

Panic pervaded Leah as she gazed at the stars in the sky blankly. She felt chilled to the core as though having been dunked in ice water.

Han really wants to take Carlotta away from me… Well, this is the only thing I’ll never compromise on! No matter the cost, I won’t allow that to happen. Never!

That night, she didn’t sleep a wink. Early the next morning, she set out for the studio.

Before leaving, Leah drilled into Carlotta that she was not to leave with Han. Instead, she was to run away with Lucy the moment she spotted him.

She did not leave until she obtained the little girl’s crisp acknowledgment.

Unexpectedly, mere moments after she arrived at the studio, Donald came.

This time, he did not bring any lavish gifts. He only brought a few contracts.

“Ms. White, since you dislike me and are not inclined to be friends with me at the moment, let’s be business partners first. I sincerely wish to collaborate with you. Here’s the contract. Do have a look at it.”

His attitude remained the same despite Leah’s indifference. He was still as enthusiastic as ever.

Conversely, Leah frowned. She felt that it was necessary to talk things out with him. “You don’t need to go to such lengths, Mr. Harper. You’ve said that you don’t like our technology, so there isn’t any need to compromise. Besides, even if I had saved you back then, I was merely helping you within my means. I also helped others at that time. You don’t owe me anything.”

Donald merely smiled. He dipped his eyes, making it impossible for others to see the emotions on his face. “You might not know the importance of your actions back then to me. It was just like a ray of light, illuminating the darkness in which I was lost.”

If it weren’t for her, I would’ve probably died abroad on that cold winter night.

His words shocked Leah beyond words.

She could understand the latter half of his utterance, for Serena gave her precisely such a feeling.

At that moment, his sincerity swayed her into believing him.

I believe he likely hasn’t much malice toward me since he revealed his innermost feelings to me.

“Since you want to collaborate with us, come on in.” She invited him into the office for a seat and poured him a drink.

Then, she sat down across from him and started flipping through the contract he brought.

Scanning her eyes over the terms, she gaped at Donald. “Almost all the terms here are in our favor. You should revise them again—”

“No, it’s okay,” Donald interrupted, insisting on the current contract. He signed it with her once more.

When Leah had put the contract away, he slowly explained everything that had happened previously. “That night, I told you that I only made things difficult for you because someone deliberately slandered you before me.”

Leah’s brows furrowed. “Who was it?”

This is my first collaboration, yet it was sabotaged. From the looks of it, it must have been someone who has been paying close attention to me.

Unfortunately, Donald shook his head before sighing in regret. “I’m not sure. I didn’t pay it any mind back then. How I wish I’d done so.”

As he said that, a dangerous gleam of icy coldness flashed across his eyes.

How dare someone sabotage the person who saved me in such a manner! I’ll never let the culprit off the hook!

Leah’s gaze flickered imperceptibly, and she pursed her lips lightly.

Hmm, I can more or less guess the person behind this…

Later, when she had seen Donald off, an unexpected guest came to Dream Designs.

Looking at his frosty eyes, she recalled Lucy’s words last night and scowled at him. “I’ll pay you back as soon as possible, Han. If there’s nothing important, don’t come and bother me.”

Her increasingly detached attitude chilled Han to the point of numbness. He stalked up to her and wrapped an arm around her waist, yanking her close to him. His thin lips curved into a cruel sneer. “I’m here to collect the interest first.”

His suggestive remark took Leah aback. “What do you mean by that? Let go of me!”

She struggled to break free from him, but she was restrained even tighter by the man.

Reaching out, Han stroked her soft cheeks, his long and slender fingers brushing against her skin lightly. Not a trace of emotion was visible in his unfathomable eyes. Without warning, he pushed her away. “Alas, you’ve gotten together with Donald, so I find you filthy.”

 

Chapter 343 A Fire Has Broken Out

At Han’s scornful tone, Leah stiffened entirely. Her heart inexorably clenched painfully, and the utterly humiliating words turned her eyes red-rimmed.

She couldn’t understand what she had done in the past two days that he loathed her so much and just had to insult her endlessly.

Could it be for no other reason than me having learned of Alfred’s death? Or does he think that someone who belongs to him should stay away from other men?

“Have you said enough, Han?” She forcibly kept her tears at bay, the smile on her lips derisive.

When Han saw her putting on a pitiful look again, he instinctively felt irritated. His tapered eyes glinted coldly.

Sneering, he elegantly strolled over to the reception desk and sat down. A layer of frost blanketed his handsome face. “I came for an important matter this time. A woman with a promiscuous private life like you aren’t worthy of being Carlotta’s mother. I want to take her away.”

As the sun blazed outside, Leah’s ears started buzzing from his words.

She stared at the man blankly before she abruptly shrieked, “Never! Carlotta is my daughter! What right do you have to take her away? You want to steal my daughter away with just a one-sided claim?”

Frenzy lined her lovely face, her usual gentleness nowhere to be seen. She was determined to fight

him to the bitter end.

At that very instant, she was merely a mother. While she was weak, she would do anything for her child.

Her attitude had the temperature around Han drop sharply. He regarded the emotional woman icily. “What kind of environment do you think someone like you can give Carlotta?”

Hearing that, Leah snorted. “What about you, then? How are you any better than me?”

Can he ensure that she grows up whole and happy when he constantly dates different women?

Following the direction of her thoughts, she marched up to him with a resolute look in her eyes. “No matter what, I won’t allow you to take Carlotta away.”

He’s going to marry Anna soon, and they’ll have their own kid in the future. If he were to take Carlotta over now, he’ll only be subjecting her to misery!

At her relentless arguments, Han finally lost his patience. “I’ve already had someone pick her up from Wisteria Court. I merely came to inform you.”

He looked down at her before standing up to leave.

Bang! The sound of a vase shattering suddenly rang out in the room.

The moment he turned back, he was greeted by the sight of Leah holding a fragment of the vase

against her neck. The sharp edge instantly had bright red blood trickle down her ivory neck.

She glared at him with her eyes blazing scarlet and her breathing rapid. “I might not be your match, Han, but I can easily end my own life!”

If I hadn’t any idea about Anna’s true colors, I might not be so averse to it deep within. But I now know that she hates me with a vengeance. How could I possibly do nothing and allow my daughter to suffer? Right now, I’m weak and powerless without an influential background. All I can do is this…

“Have you lost your mind, Leah?” Han’s pupils abruptly constricted, her bright red blood reflecting in his eyes.

Striding forward, he made to snatch the shard from her hand. However, Leah dodged and pressed it even deeper into her flesh.

“Stay away from me! Let Carlotta go! You’re going to marry Anna soon, Han. Why must you steal Carlotta away? I’m her only mother, and I’ll always keep her company by her side!”

Her shrill voice was colored with a trace of hoarseness and sorrow. Tears escaped the corners of her eyes and rolled down her face.

All she could think of then was to use such a foolish tactic to protect someone important to her.

She felt that Han would not possibly allow her to die when she still owed him 70 million. And so, she staked her own life.

Han took a long and hard look at her, his complex gaze falling on the wound on her neck.

Sometime later, his lips slowly parted. “Is your life so worthless in your eyes? Don’t tell me you think I’ll relent?”

When Leah met his gloomy gaze, a chill struck her. Unbidden, her hand holding the shard trembled.

I thought I’d long since gotten accustomed to his words. Never had I expected it to still hurt so painfully every time I hear them.

“I just want you to let Carlotta go and not snatch her away from me…”

The life was gone from her beautiful eyes, rendering them frightfully bleak.

How laughable I am! I vowed to protect those important to me henceforth, yet he’s easily walking all over me. If only I’m stronger!

“Hah! How dumb!” Snickering, Han closed the distance between them.

As Leah was flustered and had not the time to hurt herself further, his long and slender hand seized her delicate wrist and snatched the shard in her hand away.

Panicking at once, she made to pick up another shard from the ground. However, Han scooped her up and tossed her on the couch before pinning her down.

He said nothing, merely imprisoning her in his arms with his ebony eyes pinned on her.

The uniquely cool fragrance emanating from him sent Leah into a tizzy inwardly. His aura was so overwhelming that a cold sweat had broken out on her palms.

A long while passed before she repeated hoarsely, “Let Carlotta go.”

A smirk tugged on Han’s lips. Reaching out, he pinched her pale face. “Do you think you can still take good care of her when you’re in such a condition of your own making? I’ve already had someone take her to my private mansion. I’ll ensure her safety.”

After saying that, he got up and left.

When his tall back passed into the bright world outside the building, Leah collapsed back on the couch weakly. Her expression was vacant as despair consumed her silently.

Whenever she felt that life was going to get better, God always dealt her a hard blow.

Now that Carlotta was gone, she seemingly no longer had the courage to face the rest of her days.

She lay on the couch, looking wooden and lifeless. An indeterminate time passed before her phone began ringing non-stop.

The instant she saw that it was a call from Lucy, her gaze dimmed. Well, it looks like she has discovered that Carlotta has been taken away.

She answered the call, but before she could even utter a word, Lucy’s frantic voice rang out. “It’s bad, Ms. White! Our house is on fire! It’s an inferno! I’ve just returned from grocery shopping… I’m sorry, but Carlotta is still inside. I… I failed to protect her.”

At the end of it, Lucy burst into tears.

Meanwhile, Leah was wholly stunned. “A fire has broken out?”

Why is there such a coincidence? Han had just taken Carlotta away, and the house caught fire. Considering his personality, he wouldn’t resort to committing arson. It’s beneath him to use such a despicable tactic. In that case, is the fire… a mere happenstance?

Her unusually calm demeanor had Lucy wail even louder. “I’m sorry, Ms. White! I deserve to pay with my life, and I’ll do so right away!”

While saying that, she geared up to rush upstairs from below Wisteria Court into the sea of flames. However, a firefighter stopped her. “Calm down, madam! An amateur like you will only get yourself killed to charge into the blazing fire!”

Panic swamped Leah when she heard that Lucy wanted to rush into the fire. “Don’t go! Carlotta isn’t in the house!”

After learning that the house was on fire, she was very much grateful to Han at that moment regardless of his reason for taking Carlotta away.

Chapter 344 What Exactly Is His Motive

If it weren’t for Han, Carlotta would’ve probably burned to death…

At that thought, Leah shuddered with horror and trembled all over uncontrollably.

With her face drained of all color, she buried her head between her knees while repeatedly muttering, “Thank God…”

Thank God Carlotta is fine! Otherwise, I really wouldn’t be able to survive the blow.

On the other end of the phone, Lucy was entirely stunned. Tears clung to her eyelashes precariously.

She wanted to inquire about the situation further, only to realize that the call had long since been disconnected.

“Carlotta isn’t in the house?”

Half an hour later, she arrived at Dream Designs in a mad dash. She found Leah on the couch in the lounge, looking deathly pale.

She swept her gaze around the room, but she saw no signs of Carlotta. Immediately, she grabbed Leah’s shoulder anxiously. “What exactly is going on, Ms. White? Carlotta isn’t here!”

I thought she had taken Carlotta to the studio, but that’s obviously not the case here!

Heaving a sigh, Leah shook her throbbing head. “She has been taken away by someone else.”

Lucy wanted to continue asking about it, but Leah did not want to talk about it anymore and locked herself up in the studio.

She wore a complex look on her face as she stared at the news from the local media outlets about her house catching fire.

Is all this a mere coincidence? If it’s not, did Han take Carlotta away because he’d known beforehand that she was in danger?

Her chaotic thoughts tangled her up. For once, she took the initiative to give Han a call.

Right then, Han happened to be in a meeting. When he glimpsed the familiar name flashing on his phone screen, a faint smile hovered over his lips.

He stood up and called an end to the meeting. Then, he went back to his office.

When the second call was about to end, he unhurriedly answered the phone.

“Yes?”’

His voice was still icy, but for the very first time, Leah didn’t find it cold. She was silent for a moment before asking, “Had you known that Carlotta was in danger, Han?”

When Han saw that she had finally cottoned on, the frost in his gaze gradually melted. Nonetheless, he

did not answer but merely changed the subject. “In the future, come over to my private mansion if you want to see her.”

As Leah hesitated, he added, “Next time, don’t do something pointless and foolish anymore. No one will feel sorry for you.”

After he had finished saying that, the disconnect tone sounded from his end of the phone.

Leah looked at the phone in her hand that was no longer connected. She spaced out for a long time, her emotions a jumbled mess.

Is he protecting Carlotta?

That thought had her heart abruptly skip a beat. On the heels of that, she nixed that conjecture.

No, that’s certainly not the case! He merely wants to use her to control me so I’d become an obedient puppet!

“Sarah! I saw the news! Are you okay?” Serena’s anxious voice rang out from outside the door.

Moments later, Leah received a call from Shawn.

When she saw so many people worrying about her and Carlotta, her frozen heart slowly thawed.

In the evening, she invited Shawn, Lucy, and Serena for dinner at the office.

She did not eat much, spending most of her time explaining the matter regarding Carlotta. “I’m sorry for

worrying all of you. Carlotta is fine. She had long since been taken away by Han before the house caught fire.”

Both Serena and Lucy were shocked. “What? He actually saved her by chance?”

On the contrary, Shawn’s eyes turned chilly. A chilly bone-deep murderous intent swept over him, almost robbing him of all sanity.

He clenched his fists to calm himself down. The smile on his lips did not reach his eyes. “Oh? But I think this matter is inextricably linked to him. How could there be such a coincidence in this world? I’ve already asked the police to investigate the matter, and the fire was ruled as arson. That was why it was so intense.”

When Serena heard that, understanding dawned upon her as well. Her expression turned grim. “So, he did all that to warn Sarah?”

Shawn curled his lips coldly. “That possibility exists.”

Despite his calm façade, he was inwardly gripped by a violent murderous intent.

D*mn you, Han! I’ve finally gotten closer to Sarah, and he used such a despicable method to snatch her away. If he were to establish a reputation for protecting Carlotta, especially, he’d undoubtedly snag all of her attention and favor. In the first place, she distanced herself from me because of him. If this were to continue, she’d throw herself into his arms entirely! That can’t be allowed to happen!

Following that thought, he quickly sprang to his feet and took his leave. “I’m glad you’re fine, Sarah. I’ll figure out a way to bring Carlotta back. Rest earlier.”

The instant he whirled around, the cold murderous intent concealed in his eyes was on full display.

From the look of things, I’ve got to come up with a plan as soon as possible. I’ll never give her up willingly!

After he had left, Serena asked Leah about her subsequent plans.

“How about living with me now that your house is gone?”

Declining her offer, Leah feigned nonchalance and replied smilingly, “It’s okay. There’s space in the studio, no? Lucy and I will just spend the night here for the time being.”

When they had decided on their temporary quarters, Lucy was still a tad worried about Carlotta. “Why did Han take Carlotta away, Ms. White? Does he intend on using this to blackmail Mr. Shawn? Let’s lodge a police report and get him to return her.”

At that, Leah shook her head helplessly with a bitter smile on her face. “It won’t work.”

Since he dared to do such a thing, he must have made the subsequent arrangements ages ago. If I want to see Carlotta, I can only do as he said and go to his private mansion.

…

It was late at night, and moonlight lit the sky.

As Anna listened to her subordinate’s report with her face taut, she snapped. Shooting out her hands,

she swept all the expensive cosmetics on her dressing table onto the floor.

The glare of the luxurious crystal lights in the room silently hit her, rendering her aura even more sinister and petrifying.

“You said you didn’t find that brat’s body?”

That’s impossible! I’d arranged everything eons ago. A brat less than ten years old couldn’t possibly have disappeared into thin air!

Her shrill screech terrified her subordinate before her so badly that he fell to his knees on the ground. “I’m sorry, Ms. Lancaster. We’ve truly searched the entire house after the fire had been put out. However, we didn’t find the little girl’s body.”

In the next moment, something seemingly occurred to him. “But before we set fire, a neighbor downstairs came up and looked for her. Be that as it may, we didn’t see her leaving with him when he left.”

Anna lowered her eyes in contemplation. Under the illumination of the warm yellow lighting, her expression grew increasingly glacial and frightening.

“It looks like someone took her away ahead of time… Go and investigate whether Ethan’s men had hidden a kid somewhere today.”

Her eyes glinted coldly, and she pursed her lips in resentment.

He’s the only person I can think of now who took the kid away. Since he cares about that b*tch so

much, he’ll definitely protect her child as well. How exactly am I lacking compared to that b*tch?

At that thought, she summoned a few subordinates over. “That b*tch, Sarah, has a studio called Dream Designs, yes? Do something for me…

Chapter 345 An Illusion

It was late at night, and the pitch-black sky grew increasingly dark.

Going by Han’s address, Leah arrived at the man’s private mansion in the city center.

The place was brightly lit. As soon as she stepped in the door, the strong fragrance of milk wafted into her nostrils.

“Mommy!” A familiar child clung to her leg.

In a flash, her eyes turned red-rimmed, and tears shimmered in them.

“I’m so glad you’re fine, Carlotta!” Crouching, Leah hugged her daughter tightly. The tears she had been keeping at bay for the entire day finally fell.

As she rested her head against Carlotta’s neck, she couldn’t help trembling slightly from the joy of seeing the latter safe and sound.

Meanwhile, Carlotta had also seen the news. Mistaken assuming that her mother was heartbroken over the loss of the house, she solemnly patted Leah on the back. “It’s okay, Mommy. Mr. Howard will support us for the rest of our lives! Our house is gone, but he has promised to buy me a new one!”

Stunned, Leah pulled away from her daughter. She stared at Han, who was slowly heading toward them, blankly.

Why did he make such a promise? Is he planning to first build Carlotta’s hopes up before dashing them ruthlessly?

“Don’t be sad anymore, Mommy! I’m perfectly fine. Besides, we’ll be able to live in an even bigger and better house in the future!”

Stretching out her tiny hands, Carlotta carefully wiped the tears off Leah’s face.

However, the harder she tried to console her mother, the more Leah felt like crying. Nonetheless, she forcibly held her tears back.

She inhaled deeply and composed herself before pinching her daughter’s chubby face with a smile. “Be good, Carlotta. We won’t be living here in the future. I’ll buy whatever house you want, so we don’t need Mr. Howard—”

“Leah, don’t forget that she’s also my daughter,” Han interrupted before she could finish speaking.

Irritation swamped him to see her excluding him from the family completely.

Leah was taken aback, the expression on her face complex. Before she could refute him, Carlotta’s delighted voice rang out. “Mr. Howard is also my daddy, Mommy? Yay! I’ve got another daddy now!”

Still ignorant of the complicated relationship between both sexes, Carlotta was merely happy that she had yet another father.

Mainly, she was thrilled because she sensed an inexplicable bond upon laying eyes on Han.

Her innocent remark had a faint smile replace some of the icy coldness in Han’s eyes. He reached out and scooped her up, his voice gentling significantly. “You can only have one daddy, Carlotta. It has always been and will always be me.”

Confused, Carlotta looked up from his arms and asked innocently, “But why? I like my other daddy very much too!”

At once, Leah’s heart jolted. Afraid that Han would fly into a rage because of that, she wanted to rush forward and snatch Carlotta back. Surprisingly, she noticed that he was still as calm as ever.

His expression remained impassive, but he lowered his head and patiently explained things to Carlotta.

As both father and daughter walked away, their shadows elongated under the illumination of the luxurious lights. The sweet aroma of milk in the air made for a sense of soothing peacefulness.

Out of the blue, it gave Leah an illusion that all was right with the world.

She rarely saw Han being so gentle, yet he seemed to be exceedingly patient with Carlotta.

Could it be that he really took her away from me by force to protect her better?

Spacing out, she stood there motionlessly. When Han saw that she was not following behind them, his eyes darkened a shade.

“Come along. It’s Carlotta’s bedtime.”

It was not until then that Leah trailed along with mixed emotions etched across her features.

Han took Carlotta to the bed in the princess bedroom he prepared for her, whereupon Leah immediately tucked the covers around her.

Then, she caressed her daughter’s head. “Be good and sleep, Carlotta.”

“Sleep with me, Mommy!”

Carlotta stared straight at Leah while lying on the bed, her eyes brimmed with anticipation.

Having planned to do exactly that, Leah naturally agreed, “Sure! Let me take a shower first.”

It was Carlotta’s first time spending the night there, so she had brought a change of clothes in fear that her daughter would have difficulty sleeping in an unfamiliar place.

When she came out after her shower and saw that Han was also in bed with a storybook in hand, she went over to the bed with a frown. “Thank you for keeping Carlotta company. You can go back to your room now.”

However, Han merely swept a placid glance over her. “Carlotta wants me to sleep with her.”

Startled, Leah swung her gaze at Carlotta. After ascertaining that it was indeed her daughter’s wish, she could only whirl around to leave. “In that case, take good care of her.”

Since the man was in bed, it went without saying that she would not sleep there anymore.

No sooner had she a few steps away than Carlotta’s tearful voice drifted into the air. “Do you not like me anymore, Mommy? You promised to sleep with me…”

Distressed upon hearing her choked voice, Leah hurriedly back to her and cajoled, “That’ll never happen, Carlotta. But you want Mr. Howard to sleep with you, so it isn’t appropriate for me to do the same as adults of different sexes should maintain a distance.”

Carlotta stopped sobbing. “But is he not my daddy? I saw on TV that other children’s daddies and mommies sleep together.”

That promptly rendered Leah speechless.

She averted her gaze in embarrassment, a blush staining her fair face.

The instant Han noticed that, the frustration within him lately dissipated silently. In spite of that, his voice remained cool. “What are you afraid of? Stop wasting time.”

With both the father and daughter ganging up on her, Leah relented and lay down beside Carlotta.

After pulling the covers over herself, she could seemingly sense the scorching heat radiating off Han. His cool musk lingered in her nostrils.

Slightly uncomfortable, she surreptitiously inched toward the edge of the bed.

He hates me beyond words anyway. Besides, I don’t want him to accuse me of deliberately seducing him if I get too close.

At her action, Han’s brows furrowed. He stretched out a long arm, pulling her and Carlotta into his embrace.

“We’re already in the same bed, so cut it out. I’m not going to make a move on you.”

Following his mocking tone, Leah’s face paled. She kept silent but did not bother resisting anymore.

The warmth emanating from him had her gradually grow drowsy.

That was the first time she slept peacefully in many days without being troubled by a jumble of thoughts.

At some point in time, the lights in the room went out.

The moonlight outside streamed into the room through the window.

Han silently gazed at Leah’s relaxed sleeping countenance with the illumination of the moonlight, his heart softening inwardly.

He reached out and stroked her cheek. A spark of desire flickered to life at the soft sensation.

His usually indifferent gaze was all but gone, gentling bit by bit under the bright moonlight.

“Leah…” Why is it that I always can’t stop myself from interfering in your affairs?

The next day, Leah hastened back to the studio at the crack of dawn. Carlotta, on the other hand, remained at Han’s private mansion.

At the mere thought that she slept soundly in the man’s arm last night, Leah couldn’t help frowning deeply.

“Sarah, our commissions have skyrocketed! Stop daydreaming and reply to the clients with me, quick!”

Serena’s urgent cry jolted Leah out of her thoughts. She quickly patted her cheeks to sober herself up.

Despite the sudden surge in design commissions on the online store, her anticipated sense of elation was nowhere to be found.

“Serena, I can’t shake off the feeling that something is off about this. Why would commissions spike when we didn’t do any promotion?”

Her intuition screamed at her that the matter was seemingly not as simple as it appeared.

Conversely, Serena did not want to pass up on such a golden opportunity. “I thought the same at first. But look, they’re all asking questions seriously. So, they’re probably not internet ghostwriters, yes?”