Ch. 406..410: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 406-410

Chapter 406 Someone May Die

It seemed like there was more rain than usual this autumn. This city was once again covered in a light drizzle.

Before she was able to stop, Leah coughed a few times. She was slouching in the chair and panting weakly.

"Did I really catch a cold, but would someone who gets a cold have these symptoms?" she muttered.

She let some fresh air in by opening the car door. The cold wind and rain immediately filled the car and entered her lungs. Then, she noticed a tinge of blood in her throat. She wiped the moisture off her lips, and the scarlet color was reflected in her eyes.

When Leah noticed the blood on her hand, she was astounded.

Is that blood I just coughed up?

She started to question whether these were actually cold symptoms after making this discovery. She used a tissue to clean the blood off her hands and lips before pulling out her phone to look up cold symptoms. Other than headaches and dizziness, none of the other symptoms matched.

Han was still walking around with Carlotta, so Leah took the chance to call Serena and give her a brief explanation of the situation.

"It's possible that your excessive coughing is what started the bleeding. Although the common cold is

probably all that you have, it's best to visit the hospital to have it examined. Where are you? I'll take you there."

Leah breathed a sigh of relief when she learned that it might just be a cold. She said, "It's okay. I'm outside playing with Carlotta today. When I get home, I'll just take some medicine."

She did not want to go to the hospital and cause Carlotta to worry about her.

Infuriated by her words, Serena reprimanded, "You took Carlotta outside to play, but you never invited me along! I haven't played with that kid for a long time!"

Serena had put in a lot of effort ever since the studio opened, and Leah was aware of that. She chuckled softly and said, "When you have some free time, we'll go outside and play."

"Deal! If you lie to me, your pants will catch fire!" Serena happily agreed.

Nobody, not even Leah, was aware of her abnormality at this point.

Han took Leah and Carlotta to a local restaurant with an ocean theme at noon after they had visited Aquaria. They could choose from a wide variety of fish and ways to prepare the fish. Han requested a boneless fish dish.

Carlotta ate with joy. She filled her belly until it was full and round before she stopped. She said, "Daddy, don't book the whole place next time. When everything is quiet and empty, it gets really boring."

Han nodded and agreed, "Alright."

He next cast a quick glance at Leah, who hadn't eaten much. "Eat up," he urged as he set some fish in front of her.

Carlotta also excitedly introduced her dish to her mother, "Mommy, this fish is super delicious. You should give it a try!"

Leah had no desire to dampen their mood. She forced a smile as she took her time eating the fish. She could taste the fish and feel its smooth, tender texture, but she just had little appetite. Not just the fish, but even drinking water today felt tasteless to her.

Carlotta had always wanted a family portrait taken, so she insisted that the two take it after the meal. Everyone was smiling in the photo. The glances in Han's eyes were soft.

"It's a lovely picture! Ben, would you kindly help us in purchasing a frame for it?" Carlotta waved the photo in her hand and carefully tucked it away in her bag.

Ben nodded respectfully and said, "Of course, Carlotta."

Han got a call at this precise moment. He was using Hendrik's phone.

Leah was momentarily startled when she briefly caught sight of that familiar silver-gray phone. she dismissed her suspicion shortly, it’s normal for Hendrik and Han to have the same model of phone.

She wished to look more closely. She moved closer to him to get a better look at the phone.

However, Han pulled her into his arms. His deep and pleasant voice came from above, and he said, "Stop it."

Leah's cheeks blushed, and her heart raced rapidly in response to the tone that was inexplicably full of adoration.

Carlotta, who was not far away, was charmed by their sweet interaction. She covered her face shyly and said, "Daddy and Mommy really need to spend more time together. Their affection is growing so quickly!"

Ben gave a nod of approval and said, "Totally."

They enjoyed themselves until dusk before they made their way back to Villa Victoria.

Carlotta examined a dozen pictures they had taken. She was ecstatic, "I also have a family portrait now. We have to take one every year to keep a record!"

Leah's head began to feel woozy once more. She went to bed early after requesting some cold medicine from Mrs. Fisher.

Han discovered from Mrs. Fisher that Leah had taken cold medicine after he finally succeeded in putting the child to sleep.

He frowned and went to her room. He reached out to touch her forehead. The slightly warm temperature made him worried. His expression darkened and he said, "Silly, why didn't you tell me that you caught a cold earlier?"

It makes sense why she seemed to have little energy today. It turned out she had caught a cold.

In her dream, Leah seemed to hear Han scolding her. She immediately whimpered uncomfortably, she was trying to escape the dream with him in it.

Han noticed that she was having a nightmare, and, without showing emotion, he undressed and laid down next to her. He held her in his arms and gently patted her back.

The quiet room was in stark contrast to the cold wind and heavy rain outside the house. The dimly lit scene of the two embracing each other was identical to a mysterious and romantic painting.

Leah woke up feeling much better the following morning. At least, her head no longer felt dizzy. She ignored the fact that she had coughed up blood the day before.

The moment Leah arrived at the White Group's CEO's office, Ross rushed into her room.

"We're having a problem, Ms. White. It was necessary to put an end to the West Street project. Some villagers are blocking the machine with their own bodies because they oppose our construction project."

Leah became worried. She hurriedly asked, "We have all the necessary documents for the construction. Why are they doing this?"

"They claimed that it’s their land, and they won't let us build anything there," Ross shook his head and explained.

When Leah heard this, she knitted her brow slightly and asked, "Didn't they sell the land to Mr.

Thompson years ago? We have all the relevant documents. Besides that, shouldn't the project manager be responsible for handling this situation?"

Leah was the company's CEO, and she would not bother with every little detail. Ross should be aware of this too.

Ross lowered his head and spoke in a somber voice, "Ms. White, the situation has escalated beyond the project manager's control. Villagers are blocking the excavators. One of them accidentally got his legs crushed."

Leah's complexion changed abruptly, and she asked, "What did you just say?"

Leah and Ross visited the hospital an hour later to see how the injured villager with broken legs was doing. They were harshly criticized by his fellow villagers despite their confirmation that he was no longer in critical condition.

"Have you never seen money in your life? Why must this land be developed?"

"Our priceless memories are all over this place! I will not allow you to touch this land, even if it means losing my life!"

In the face of the agitated villagers, Leah's expression turned cold, she said, "If that's the case, why did you sell it to Mr. Thompson in the first place? You lost ownership of this land the moment you accepted the payment and signed the contract."

She felt bad for them, but just because she felt bad for them doesn't make the weaker party right in this situation.

Several villagers were momentarily stunned. Then, they started to cry and roll on the ground.

"Is this a country with no laws? Is there no justice?! The evil capitalists are robbing the villagers of our land! You keep holding on even though someone is on the verge of death. Do you want somebody to die before you can stop?"

Chapter 407 Unwilling

The hospital was filled with the cries and wails of the villagers. Security personnel and medical personnel in large numbers had arrived to maintain order. The villagers and Leah were instructed to leave the medical facility. The hospitel wes filled with the cries end weils of the villegers. Security personnel end medicel personnel in lerge numbers hed errived to meintein order. The villegers end Leeh were instructed to leeve the medicel fecility.

"Let's get this done! Get your villege chief to come over end discuss this with me," Leeh suggested.

When the villegers received the response they desired, their feces lit up with heppiness.

"I guess thet settles it. You'll visit our West Street Villege Committee office this evening to speek with us!"

Their expressions seemed off to Ross. He suggested, es his expression ebruptly turned cold, "Let's pick enother locetion. It's not sefe for e women to go out et night."

Instenteneously, the villegers voiced their displeesure.

"She is the clessy Ms. White, someone weelthy end powerful. Cen we do enything for her? We're efreid you'll force us to give this up if we go to enother locetion, we don't went to go somewhere else."

Ross wes ebout to sey more when Leeh ebruptly cut him off, "It’s fine. It's settled. We'll meet you there et seven tonight."

Ross continued to worry ebout the errengement efter the villegers hed gone. He steted, "They mey heve hidden egendes, Ms. White. We'd better let Mr. Hendrik know end let him errenge for someone to hendle this."

The eutumn breeze wes pleesent es dusk drew neer.

Leeh shook her heed end let out e heevy sigh. She wes edement, "There is no need to involve him in such en insignificent metter. All we heve to do is meke sure we heve edequete security."

Hendrik esked me to help him run the White Group beceuse he is too busy. It wouldn't be eppropriete to involve him in such e minor issue. In eddition, I went to hone my skills end discover new weys to epproech crises.

Thet evening, et seven o'clock, et the West Street Villege Committee Office. The specious end well-lit spece wes filled with the erome of tee.

Leeh end Ross showed up on time. They hed four bodyguerds weiting for them outside the office.

"Ms. White, come here. We heve e speciel villege delicecy prepered for you. I hope you cen enjoy it!"

A beld end middle-eged men with e big belly, enthusiesticelly enterteined Leeh. He introduced himself, "You cen cell me Mr. Seeles. From whet I've heerd, our villegers confronted you todey. They only went justice for their compenion, I'm sorry."

Leeh wes ceutious. She didn't eet the meel but pulled out some documents insteed. She declered, "These ere the relevent certificetes for us to develop thet lend. The contrects you signed when you sold

the lend ere elso in my possession. You ere no longer the owner of this lend. Pleese understend end cooperete with our work."

The hospital was filled with the cries and wails of the villagers. Security personnel and medical personnel in large numbers had arrived to maintain order. The villagers and Leah were instructed to leave the medical facility.

"Let's get this done! Get your village chief to come over and discuss this with me," Leah suggested.

When the villagers received the response they desired, their faces lit up with happiness.

"I guess that settles it. You'll visit our West Street Village Committee office this evening to speak with us!"

Their expressions seemed off to Ross. He suggested, as his expression abruptly turned cold, "Let's pick another location. It's not safe for a woman to go out at night."

Instantaneously, the villagers voiced their displeasure.

"She is the classy Ms. White, someone wealthy and powerful. Can we do anything for her? We're afraid you'll force us to give this up if we go to another location, we don't want to go somewhere else."

Ross was about to say more when Leah abruptly cut him off, "It’s fine. It's settled. We'll meet you there at seven tonight."

Ross continued to worry about the arrangement after the villagers had gone. He stated, "They may

have hidden agendas, Ms. White. We'd better let Mr. Hendrik know and let him arrange for someone to handle this."

The autumn breeze was pleasant as dusk drew near.

Leah shook her head and let out a heavy sigh. She was adamant, "There is no need to involve him in such an insignificant matter. All we have to do is make sure we have adequate security."

Hendrik asked me to help him run the White Group because he is too busy. It wouldn't be appropriate to involve him in such a minor issue. In addition, I want to hone my skills and discover new ways to approach crises.

That evening, at seven o'clock, at the West Street Village Committee Office. The spacious and well-lit space was filled with the aroma of tea.

Leah and Ross showed up on time. They had four bodyguards waiting for them outside the office.

"Ms. White, come here. We have a special village delicacy prepared for you. I hope you can enjoy it!"

A bald and middle-aged man with a big belly, enthusiastically entertained Leah. He introduced himself, "You can call me Mr. Seales. From what I've heard, our villagers confronted you today. They only want justice for their companion, I'm sorry."

Leah was cautious. She didn't eat the meal but pulled out some documents instead. She declared, "These are the relevant certificates for us to develop that land. The contracts you signed when you sold the land are also in my possession. You are no longer the owner of this land. Please understand and cooperate with our work."

Leeh concentreted on the conversetion et hend.

Although Ross wes stending right next to her end hed e blenk expression on his fece, deep down he wes overjoyed. He recelled how terrified Leeh hed been when she hed first teken over es ecting CEO. In e short period, she wes cepeble of hendling such crises without betting en eye. She hed grown so much.

The smile on the villege chief's fece wes feding, but he didn't even glence et the pepers es he set ecross from Leeh.

"Ms. White, no metter whet, this is ebout sentiment. I don't went the plece where we once lived to chenge beyond recognition. You elso broke one of our villeger's legs. We demend compensetion of 30 million dollers."

Leeh's enger greduelly rose et such outregeous end morelly coercive words.

"Mr. Seeles, we live in e society governed by lew. The eerth wouldn't stop spinning just so you could keep your memory! All our ections ere per netionel lews. If you heve eny doubts, you cen consult e lewyer. We heve surveillence footege proving thet your villeger deliberetely threw himself under the excevetor end ceused his leg injuries. Even if we were willing to meke e peyment out of humeniterien consideretions, the emount would never be 30 million dollers!"

Leeh set upright end her tenecity wes edmireble.

Ross wes impressed by her imposing demeenor. He chimed in, "Mr. Seeles, pleese negotiete with us sincerely. Otherwise, you'll be et e disedventege if we teke this to court."

Mr. Seeles wes ewere of this from the stert, but he wes not willing to let it go without e fight. There wes e glimpse of the meeningful light thet fleshed in his murky eyes es he cest e quick glence Leeh wey.

"Sigh…it seems like there's no room for negotietion. It's common knowledge thet conducting business over drinks is e good idee. We should follow the prectice of the business industry end drink first end telk leter. If Ms. White cen outdrink me, we'll follow your demend regerding the finel hendling of this metter."

Mr. Seeles pretended to be dejected. He then dregged two boxes of beer end two bottles of white wine underneeth the desk.

Ross frowned end declined, seying, "Miss White is not e drinker. There's no such prectice in the business industry. It's e poor custom thet some people heve sterted. Our netion now expressly forbids drinking customs."

Secretly rolling his eyes, Mr. Seeles decided to only respond to Ross's first helf of the sentence where Leeh could not drink. This informetion elmost mede him uneble to control his grin. He opened e cen of beer for Leeh enywey end insisted, "Alright, Ms. White, es long es you finish this, we cen deel with thet metter es you wish."

Ross stered et the beer end grebbed it. He seid, "I'll drink." Leah concentrated on the conversation at hand.

Although Ross was standing right next to her and had a blank expression on his face, deep down he was overjoyed. He recalled how terrified Leah had been when she had first taken over as acting CEO. In a short period, she was capable of handling such crises without batting an eye. She had grown so

much.

The smile on the village chief's face was fading, but he didn't even glance at the papers as he sat across from Leah.

"Ms. White, no matter what, this is about sentiment. I don't want the place where we once lived to change beyond recognition. You also broke one of our villager's legs. We demand compensation of 30 million dollars."

Leah's anger gradually rose at such outrageous and morally coercive words.

"Mr. Seales, we live in a society governed by law. The earth wouldn't stop spinning just so you could keep your memory! All our actions are per national laws. If you have any doubts, you can consult a lawyer. We have surveillance footage proving that your villager deliberately threw himself under the excavator and caused his leg injuries. Even if we were willing to make a payment out of humanitarian considerations, the amount would never be 30 million dollars!"

Leah sat upright and her tenacity was admirable.

Ross was impressed by her imposing demeanor. He chimed in, "Mr. Seales, please negotiate with us sincerely. Otherwise, you'll be at a disadvantage if we take this to court."

Mr. Seales was aware of this from the start, but he was not willing to let it go without a fight. There was a glimpse of the meaningful light that flashed in his murky eyes as he cast a quick glance Leah way.

"Sigh…it seems like there's no room for negotiation. It's common knowledge that conducting business over drinks is a good idea. We should follow the practice of the business industry and drink first and

talk later. If Ms. White can outdrink me, we'll follow your demand regarding the final handling of this matter."

Mr. Seales pretended to be dejected. He then dragged two boxes of beer and two bottles of white wine underneath the desk.

Ross frowned and declined, saying, "Miss White is not a drinker. There's no such practice in the business industry. It's a poor custom that some people have started. Our nation now expressly forbids drinking customs."

Secretly rolling his eyes, Mr. Seales decided to only respond to Ross's first half of the sentence where Leah could not drink. This information almost made him unable to control his grin. He opened a can of beer for Leah anyway and insisted, "Alright, Ms. White, as long as you finish this, we can deal with that matter as you wish."

Ross stared at the beer and grabbed it. He said, "I'll drink."

Ross was cut off by Mr. Seales, who let out a deep sigh, "Sigh! Ms. White still doesn't seem interested in working out a deal with us! I've made so many concessions, yet you won't even show me some respect by drinking a single bottle of beer!"

Leah took a look at the recently opened beer and decided it should be alright. She concurred, "Ross, everything is fine. I can do it myself. I just hope Mr. Seales will keep his word and not cause more trouble with the villagers after this drink."

"Don't worry," Mr. Seales watched as Leah's fair hand held the beer can. He could barely suppress the inexplicable smile in his eyes.

Leah poured the beer into a glass and downed it in a flash. Nothing happened for two minutes until she was in the middle of discussing with the village chief. Leah started to feel uneasy due to the drunkenness and dizziness sensations.

Leah was astounded.

Is this…the sensation of intoxication? How did I manage to get wasted after one beer?

"Mr. Seales, let's talk another day."

Leah panicked due to the dizziness. She got up and left with Ross.

A group of villagers suddenly appeared from somewhere behind the office's bookshelves and storage cabinets. Leah and Ross were encircled by them.

"Chief, our village's beer is truly amazing. It tastes exactly like ordinary beer, but the strong aftertaste is incredibly refreshing!"

"That's enough, set up the cameras, and take turns giving these two a good shot," Mr. Seales glared at them and ordered.

His finger was pointed at Leah and Ross.

Ross cast a quick glance at the bulky men who were taking up most of the space. His expression had darkened. He immediately took out his phone to send a text message.

Ross thought, these people are the dregs of society!

It came to Ross's surprise when his message did not go through. He suddenly realized he could not speak when he tried to yell for help. As the villagers crept closer, his expression abruptly changed. He shielded Leah behind him.

The villagers laughed at them. They had a proud look written all over their faces.

"Can't speak right now, pretty boy, can you? Our village is also known for its muted tea! The aroma of this tea will gradually make you mute if you haven't taken the antidote beforehand!"

So, that was it!

Ross and Leah were both stunned.

Leah's head became increasingly dizzy as her fear grew. She fainted on the spot. In the instant she closed her eyes, she felt extremely distressed.

Did I mess things up again? Leah thinks, is someone going to sacrifice himself to protect me again? I’m unwilling to accept this fate.

Chapter 408 The White Group Is Doing Well

Leah woke up an hour later. The bumps in the car and the occasional whooshing sound of oncoming vehicles woke her up. She felt safe before she even opened her eyes thanks to the comforting and pleasant cold scent that filled her nostrils.

It was Han.

Leah wondered, "How did you get here?"

Leah felt uncomfortable and sat up when she noticed herself dozing off in Han's arms. She shifted her attention to the night scene outside the car window. Her eyes had a dull look in them.

Once more, he came to my rescue. I never thought I wouldn't be able to handle something so simple. Han would definitely scold me for acting like a fool again.

Han, however, refrained from criticising Leah in any way. Instead, he stretched out his slender and good-looking fingers to loosen his tie. His eyes had a dark look to them. Han explained, "I've grown accustomed to the various ways you ask for your own death. Ross informed me of your whereabouts tonight in advance."

Leah was stunned. His direct remarks caused her face to flush with embarrassment.

"Thank you," she replied softly and her voice was barely audible.

He saved Ross and me. I'm grateful for that. However, Ross is Hendrik's man, why would he report my whereabouts to Han? Is Ross a spy?

Leah's mood became melancholy due to her suspicion. She decided to interrogate Han thoroughly some other day.

Han felt his throat slightly dry when he saw Leah’s rosy cheeks and the faint, lingering scent of alcohol on her. He moved his head closer to her and teased, "Is this the only thing you're going to do to thank me?"

Leah's heart beat fiercely as she heard his deep and raspy voice. She moved away to create some distance between them. She asked, "Well…what else am I supposed to do?"

As expected, Han’s rescue came with a catch!

Han held the back of her head but made no further explanations. He bends down to get extremely close to her face. The distance between their faces allowed them to feel each other's breathing.

He said, "You know exactly what I want. I need you to make the first move."

Leah's heart was aching as her face turned a little pale.

He constantly presents the impression that he is making fun of and playing with me. I feel cheap and degraded around him.

"No…"

She resisted him obstinately by biting her lower lip and turning her head away.

Han's eyes grew cold.

Leah started violently coughing just as he was about to say something.

"Cough! Cough!"

She felt as though she was about to cough her lungs out. She was incredibly upset.

Han was deeply worried as Leah’s face turned red from coughing. He gave the driver instructions to head to the hospital.

"Hasn't your cold gotten better?" He reached out to touch her forehead. The heat made his eyebrows furrow.

Leah was in poor health. She had been experiencing fevers on and off lately. Not long after that, Leah received an IV drip in the hospital. The medicine gradually made her fall asleep.

Han glared coldly at the attending physician and asked, "What's wrong with her?"

The attending physician wiped the cold sweat off his forehead. He answered shakily, "Mr. Howard, it's just a common cold. She may have gotten drunk this time, which may have caused it."

Han took in the pallid features of Leah. He sensed an uneasiness spreading in his heart. It’s not normal for her to have recurring fevers and colds. He called Ben and gave orders, "Get the best doctors from overseas here. I don’t care how much it’ll cost me."

"Roger that, boss," Ben said with a respectful nod.

Ross informed Han of Leah's daily schedule at the White Group after Ben left.

"Ms. White puts a lot of effort into completing her tasks every day, Mr. Hendrik. So far, she hasn't discovered your identity as Hendrik. I guess it's more likely that she doesn't want to believe it. Are you sure you want to keep it a secret from her? The thing that Ms. White detests the most is being duped. Will your relationship be impacted if she finds out?"

Hearing this, Han's tall figure was frozen for a while. He warned him with icy gazes, and a trace of loneliness flashed in his eyes, "Mind your own business. She can come to me when she finds out."

There were never any romantic feelings between them, to begin with.

Ross nodded. Then, he asked about the villagers' disturbance, "What should we do about this, Mr. Hendrik? Do you intend to take care of it yourself?"

Han glanced at Leah, who was asleep on the bed. He pursed his lips and said, "No, she should learn how to deal with it herself."

She wanted to grow and learn, and that much is obvious to me. She would be upset if I interfered.

When Leah woke up the next morning, before she had time for breakfast, she urgently asked Ross to notify the legal department and file a lawsuit regarding this incident.

Leah instructed, "I need you to tell the police about what happened last night. That village chief and his men had plotted to hurt us!"

After speaking firmly, she started to cough briefly. She felt a lot better the next morning after receiving treatment all night.

She still believed there was something wrong with her body. She began to feel discomfort in her limbs. Before feeling relieved and leaving the hospital, she made another call to her attending physician to inquire whether it was simply a cold. She felt relieved after being assured by the physician and proceeded to leave the hospital.

The village chief and the villagers were taken into custody that day because they had acquired evidence. Only ten thousand dollars in humanitarian compensation was given to the villagers who had broken legs.

Leah also dealt with the way this incident was being received on a smaller scale online.

The construction project resumed right away.

Additionally, Leah invited several shareholders to join the company that afternoon.

After the meeting, White Group's businesses were essentially back on track and moving in the right direction.

"Ms. White is amazing! The company's new image is starting to take shape. It’s much more comfortable to work without those board members suppressing us!"

"Oh yeah! She also increased our base salary! I made a mistake earlier by blaming Ms. White!"

"That's right! The West Street land dispute had been dragged out for so long by those board members. Ms. White ultimately won the project and showed her competence!"

The company had a peaceful atmosphere. Leah's reputation rose considerably.

…

Shawn was listening as his assistant gave him the White Group's most recent development report. His partially open eyes revealed a cold light flowing inside his pupils.

"What did you just say? How is it that White Group's stock price has increased despite losing so many shareholders and directors? What on earth happened?" Jackson yelled out in fury as he widened his eyes in shock.

The assistant kept reporting indifferently, "Ms. White has been running the company very well. She

handled public opinion skillfully, and she dealt with the marketing and management aspects flawlessly too. Additionally, she oversaw the promotion of the West Street project and announced the company's new partnerships to the public.

"Everyone believes that White Group's prospects are improving. Many investors are scrambling to become their shareholders. Today, Ms. White also selected a few shareholders to join them. It can be said that the White Group has almost gone through a complete change. It has evolved into a company with new and vibrant energy."

After some thought, Jackson glared icily at Shawn and said, "I had no idea this woman could do things like that. We don't need to get rid of her any longer. You need to find a way to marry her so that the

White Group will still be ours!"

Additionally, the White Group was now progressing so much better. I couldn't bear to give it away so easily.

Shawn's eyes briefly flashed with annoyance. He rebuffed with an icy expression, "You think I don't want to be with Sarah? The main problem is that she has Han in her heart!"

Jackson sneered meaningfully, "Then break their relationship off and turn them into enemies for good.

Chapter 409 Abyss

Shawn looked at the bewitched Jackson with a cold expression. He said, "Han is more than a trillion- dollar investor. He also happens to be the director of the world's top Kendrick Group and the formidable Hendrik! If it were that simple to keep him apart from Sarah, I would have already done it."

I wouldn't have given them a second chance to meet if I had known from the beginning.

Jackson, however, was confident. He stared at Shawn with contempt in his eyes, and he said, "In this era of information, it’s easy to destroy trust between two people. We can start with Anna."

Shawn sneered coldly, "How often have you said that you could defeat Han? What is your result?"

He was tired of hearing such claims.

He walked up to Jackson and stared at him from a towering position. He spoke with a blank expression, "Are you aware of how far Kendrick Group has cornered my company? If this plan fails again, can you withstand Han's fury?"

Jackson slammed the table in frustration as he sprung to his feet.

He said, "Of course I know, I’m surprised that the old fox had already secretly arranged everything before he went abroad two years ago. He has established numerous small companies in secret over the years and his preparation had come to fruition recently.

"If we don't give him a heavy blow now, these companies will strike us hard and completely suppress Ford Group if we don't give him a severe blow right away. They won't give us a chance to catch our

breath!"

Jackson looked straight into Shawn’s eyes and said, "You should be aware that high risk frequently entails high reward. We can take a wager. This time, we must pull Sarah and the White Group to our side and launch a simultaneous physical and psychological assault on Han!"

Shawn wore a gloomy expression, it took him a long time before he answered slowly, "Fine. I'll give you one last opportunity."

This old man wouldn't need to live another day if he failed once more!

Leah returned to Villa Victoria in the evening. The moment she entered the house, a cutie clung to her leg.

"Mommy! You're finally home! Uncle Ben had selected a photo frame for us. He just sent it over today. We had framed the pictures from our last outing!"

Carlotta led Leah to the centre of the living room to admire the photos.

Leah looked at the gigantic oil painting that stood at six feet and hung on the retro carving wall. She suddenly felt a severe headache.

"When did you find someone to paint this?"

The oil painting featured the image of the three of them as a family.

Carlotta said happily, "When you’re admitted to the hospital!"

Leah was unable to bring herself to gaze at it. She had no idea why Han would consent to the child's irrational request.

"Mommy! Let's go out and play together next time!"

Carlotta looked at the photos satisfiedly. Those photos were placed in every corner of the villa. Her little face was blushing due to her happiness.

Leah could not bear to let her down.

"Alright," she said with a nod of agreement.

Leah had to cough once more before she could finish her sentence. She covered her mouth and coughed lightly when she noticed Carlotta standing next to her. She suppressed the itchiness in her throat. Before she lost control, she hastily found an excuse to go to the bathroom. At this point, she could no longer hold back her cough.

The white sink's porcelain surface was covered in bloodstains. The colour was strikingly sharp under the light. In a daze, Leah wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth as she stared in the mirror at her own image.

What in the world is going on with me? The doctor found nothing wrong during my body check-up. Why am I coughing so severely?

Leah experienced a piercing pain and numbness in her heart as she thought about this. She had to

crouch down, clutching her chest, and gasp for breath.

Could I be suffering from a fatal illness?

This speculation sent chills down her spine and drained the colour from her face. Leah finally composed herself, washed her face, cleaned the bloodstains from the sink, and then confidently walked out of the bathroom.

She seemed to need to schedule some time to receive a thorough body check-up.

The following day, the sky was somewhat drab and there was a light drizzle falling from it.

Leah walked along the city streets. She made a squelching sound when she stepped on the rain- soaked brown-yellow leaves. After the rain, a pleasant aroma filled the air. She walked to a nearby street with an umbrella.

Serena informed her that the workers at Dream Designs were craving desserts from a nearby shop. Leah intended to buy some for them. She noticed a familiar luxury car parked by the roadside as she got closer to the cake shop.

Han and Anna got out of the car together.

Anna said, "The only person who genuinely cares about me is you, Ethan. My dad doesn't even allow me to have dessert. The desserts from this cake shop tasted fantastic even though they couldn't compete with those from the branded shop."

Anna was holding Han as they entered the cake shop.

Leah was standing not far away and she had heard everything. She looked at the two in astonishment. She experienced severe heartache and felt as though her heart was breaking.

She deduced that they must have concealed their relationship from the public while acting as though they were breaking off their engagement.

Her eyes had begun to tear up when the cold autumn wind mixed with the fine rain and fell into them. Leah was trembling, as she hid behind her umbrella and fled wretchedly. Her beautiful eyes were filled with sorrow.

Leah was aware that this day would eventually arrive. She always knew that Han's kindness would cause her to fall further and further so that he could later strike her more severely. Tears fell from the corners of her eyes. Her complexion was pallid.

Leah accelerated her pace and hurried towards Dream Designs despite the chilly and wet wind.

I knew this day would arrive from the beginning. I'm heartbroken, despite having prepared for this for a long time.

She sniffed, but could not stop the tears from starting to fall.

The sky got gloomier, and heavy rain suddenly poured down from the sky. Leah's clothing was soaked by the ferocious wind and rain that were blown in her direction. She was unable to feel warm because of the bone-chilling cold that seemed to penetrate all the way to the core of her soul.

Leah was led to the upstairs lounge by Serena, who was heartbroken to see her wetted in the rain and

her eyes were eyes.

Serena was furious as she yanked off Leah's wet clothing after learning the cause. She scolded, "I've long advised you to pick a different man, but you have to love him! You used to stubbornly disagree with me, claiming that you didn't like him. Look what you got yourself into now!"

Leah submissively allowed Serena to help her put on clean clothing. She lowered her head and choked on her words, she said, "I…"

I had fallen. I got caught up in the delicate net he cast in the name of love. I began to fantasise that perhaps there was a chance for a fresh start. I consequently plunged into an abyss of despair, suffering, and anguish.

Serena gave Leah her clothes to dress in. She hugged her sympathetically and comforted her, "It's okay. You deserve someone better."

She jokingly changed the subject to cheer her friend up. Serena said, "This is odd. When our employees were craving cakes from that shop, when you went there, you ended up running into them. What a strange coincidence! It feels like fate is helping you to see this man for who he really is. After you cry it out, you need to let go of him!"

Sarah finally managed to temporarily escape from the pain of her past and the shadow of Alfred, only to face another blow.

Leah did not want Serena to worry about her. Therefore, she forced an ugly smile that was worse than her crying face.

She spoke in a slightly hoarse voice, "It's okay, I've prepared myself for this. I made a mistake by falling for him, and it caused my current suffering."

It appears that I'll need to learn to avoid Han going forward. I need to slowly forget him in the end.

Leah took a brief break and then returned to work at White Group despite her emotional state. She immersed herself in her work, putting in extra hours until eight o'clock at night.

Another missed call notification from Han appeared on her phone.

Chapter 410 A Plan to Destroy the City

The night was dark as ink. The chilly autumn wind carried a drizzle with it as it relentlessly pounded the windows. The dreamy glow from the city's neon lights was reflected by the crystal-clear raindrops as they moved through the air.

Leah silently gazed at the night view outside the window. Her phone had shut down because the battery had run out. She was avoiding Han. She needed some privacy to process her bad mood in the office.

"Sarah," Shawn's voice suddenly sounded from behind her.

Leah was startled. She quickly turned around. There was a sadness that lingered in her eyes. She wondered, "Why are you here?"

She was present in her office in the White Group. The security guards should have stopped him from entering the building.

Shawn was satisfied with the surprise in her eyes. He smiled gently at her and said, "Sarah, there’s no need to be surprised. I'm here to take you home."

On that rainy night, his smile seemed particularly horrifying. It caused Leah to feel a tightening in her chest and unconsciously distance herself from him.

"I can go home by myself. You should leave," she said with a trembling voice and a pallid complexion.

Recently, Shawn had been acting strangely. Leah was unable to help but imagine the worst.

Her fear made Shawn all the more delighted. He strode forward, embracing her in his arms. Leah's chin was held in Shawn's hand as he wrapped one arm around her waist. He forced Leah to look up at him.

Leah exclaimed, "Let go of me!"

Leah was alarmed by the horrifying lust in Shawn's eyes. She made a valiant effort to free herself.

Despite Leah's attempt to break free, Shawn was able to stop her with ease. He lifted her chin and pressed his lips against hers.

Leah was terribly sick from the smell of that strange male. Her eyes had begun to well up with tears, and her vision was blurry. She said, "Let..."

This time, she could not finish her sentence and fainted out of the blue.

Shawn gazed intently at her pale face. He frowned slightly and murmured, "Sarah, are you resisting

me to this extent?"

Shawn thought she had fainted due to her rage. Leah was brought back to his villa after leaving White Group.

Han arrived a step too late. His eyes darkened as he noticed the empty office. He coldly glanced at the bodyguard leader, who was in charge of protecting Leah in secret. He commanded, "Get lost and

accept your punishment."

The bodyguard leader dared not say another word. He quickly nodded and said, "Yes, Boss!"

Ben pulled up the surveillance footage and said, "Boss, it was Shawn who took Ms. White away. He was able to hold back our brothers who were covertly guarding Ms. White with a sizable number of bodyguards."

Han's eyes turned icy and he said, "Bring her back."

Ben was in a difficult position, he said, "You just recently pretended to make up with Ms. Lancaster. Our plan might not succeed if you meddle too much in Ms. White's affairs, right?"

The temperature in the office dropped to the freezing point as soon as these words were said. Han said nothing but stared down coldly at Ben from above.

Ben felt like he was being targeted by a ferocious beast. The terrifying murderous intent made every hair on his body stand on end. He finally gave in and said, "Alright, boss! I'll arrange for Ross to pose as Mr. Hendrik and bring Ms. White home covertly so that Anna won't find out!"

The next morning, the sky was filled with drizzle. The cold raindrops fell from the eaves and leaves. Leah was awakened by the dripping sound.

She breathed in the room's chilly air and started coughing hysterically.

Leah was familiar with this room. For two years, she had resided in the same room in the Ford family villa. She covered her mouth uncomfortably and routinely used a tissue to wipe the blood away.

"Huff!" She leaned against the bed uncomfortably to catch her breath. She had to compromise with the fact that Shawn had taken her back to this villa.

She rose silently from her bed, put on a jacket, and left the room. She made an effort to slow down as she made her way to the staircase, where she overheard Shawn speaking to Jackson.

"I've assembled a research team. How are things going with your preparations?"

Jackson sneered, "I've been prepared for a while. The company has already been registered. If the experiment is successful, we’ll make a fortune in less than six months. By then, the Ford Group will trample Han underfoot while my family will reclaim our former glory!"

Shawn's evil smile grew uglier. He praised, "Excellent! The more gruesome the initial performance the better. More fatalities would be ideal…"

Even though Leah had trouble following their conversation, the final sentence made her chest tighten.

A research that would result in mass murder?

She hastily returned to her room as soon as she saw that Shawn and Jackson had finished talking. She unbuttoned her coat and pretended to sleep on the bed. However, her heart raced with anxiety.

What kind of scheme is Shawn hatching?

Leah could roughly estimate the severity of the situation based on the fact that many people would die.

"Rest well, Sarah. Stay with me through this. My accomplishment will undoubtedly surpass Hendrik's once my plan is successful."

Leah's lips were being softly stroked by Shawn as he said to her. In the end, he leaves a light kiss on Leah’s lips.

His footsteps gradually faded away. When Shawn walked out of the room, he shut the door behind him.

When Leah was certain that Shawn was gone, she got up and rushed to the bathroom. She wiped her lips forcefully with water. Her clear and beautiful eyes were filled with disgust and panic.

He is working on a big plan! I must take advantage of this chance to do a thorough investigation. I have to put a stop to this plan if it will cause many casualties.

Someone knocked on the door. It was Lucy, whom Lead had not seen in a long time.

Now that she had been reduced to a bag of bones, Lucy appeared much more frail and haggard.

Leah stared at Lucy. She felt pity for her, and she asked, "Why…why did you do this to yourself?"

Leah did not hate Lucy although she had repeatedly betrayed her. However, things could never go back to the way they were.

Lucy quickly wiped away her tears. She spoke in a teary voice, "It's nothing, Ms. White. Please come down to have your meal. Even though Mr. Ford won't return until the afternoon, he will worry if you don't eat."

"Alright."

A look of disgust flashed through Leah's eyes as she heard Shawn's name. She would eat for her own body's benefit, not because Shawn was concerned about her.

After breakfast, she asked Lucy for her phone, "Can you give me your phone? Carlotta would worry if she didn't hear from me. I need to call her."

Lucy lowered her head and said, "I don't have your phone. Yesterday, after Mr. Shawn brought you back, he threw your phone into the fireplace and burned it. Ms. White and Mr. Shawn have been moody lately. Please try to accommodate his temper, otherwise…"

Leah frowned as she listened to Lucy’s advice. There was a bitter smile that revealed itself on her cherry lips. She said, "Lucy, you're saying this because you want me to get along with Shawn, right? Just like how you deceived me time and time again."

Lucy's complexion turned ghastly pale. She nearly lost her balance.

She apologized, "Ms. White, I'm truly sorry. I did betray you in the past. I had my reasons, but I don't expect you to forgive me. This time, I genuinely have your best interests at heart. When Mr. Shawn sees your relationship with Mr. Howard grows closer, his temper has become more and more grumpy. Anyone who angers him ends up in the lab."

The lab?

Leah had a bad feeling about this. She asked, "What kind of experiment is he working on?"

As Lucy shook her head and fought back tears, she said, "Servants are not permitted to know. Mr. Lamere and Mr. Ford are collaborating on a scheme that has the potential to completely demolish the city."