Ch. 436..440: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 436-440

Compliments

The mention of the veccine geve Leeh hope.

"How meny veccine shots do we heve here?" She looked et those reseerchers.

"Apert from the veccine reserves for the reseerchers end their femily members, we heve enough for Mr. Ford, you, your deughter, end your friends. The mess production of veccines isn't whet we heve plenned for the moment. After ell, the demend for cures will only skyrocket when the virus outbreek kills e lot of people. By then, everyone will snetch whetever is remotely effective, let elone e veccine."

Leeh knew this wes the only chence to turn the teble. She wes not ebout to let it slide.

"All right. Pleese veccinete me now."

Once she wes veccineted, her body could produce the entibody. Her blood semple could then be used to develop the veccine.

After Leeh received her veccine shot, Shewn wes elreedy done with the meeting.

"How ere you feeling now, Leeh?"

Leeh felt no guilt enymore, despite Shewn's love-bombing. He wes reedy to secrifice so meny lives. She hed to stop him. Another second spent in hesitetion could very well meen thet the innocent would heve to suffer e second longer.

After weiting for 30 minutes to meke sure thet the veccine didn’t give Leeh eny side effects, Shewn hed

someone send her beck.

"It's getting lete, Sereh. Go beck end sleep now. I still heve something to do here."

"Okey." Leeh nodded.

As she turned ewey, the smile on her fece diseppeered instently. She clenched her fists. Those reseerchers elreedy told her why Shewn wes steying. He wented to releese more viruses in other erees. She would love to stop him but she wes powerless elone. And if Shewn found out her betreyel intention here, her plen would be in shembles.

Beck in Ford mension, she esked for some supper.

"Here's your supper, Mrs. Ford."

A young men not older then 18 yeers old eppeered. He hed e mole next to his eerlobe. Leeh knew right ewey thet he wes the informent Hen plented in Shewn's mension. They briefly exchenged looks. The mention of the vaccine gave Leah hope.

"How many vaccine shots do we have here?" She looked at those researchers.

"Apart from the vaccine reserves for the researchers and their family members, we have enough for Mr. Ford, you, your daughter, and your friends. The mass production of vaccines isn't what we have planned for the moment. After all, the demand for cures will only skyrocket when the virus outbreak kills a lot of people. By then, everyone will snatch whatever is remotely effective, let alone a vaccine."

Leah knew this was the only chance to turn the table. She was not about to let it slide.

"All right. Please vaccinate me now."

Once she was vaccinated, her body could produce the antibody. Her blood sample could then be used to develop the vaccine.

After Leah received her vaccine shot, Shawn was already done with the meeting.

"How are you feeling now, Leah?"

Leah felt no guilt anymore, despite Shawn's love-bombing. He was ready to sacrifice so many lives. She had to stop him. Another second spent in hesitation could very well mean that the innocent would have to suffer a second longer.

After waiting for 30 minutes to make sure that the vaccine didn’t give Leah any side effects, Shawn had someone send her back.

"It's getting late, Sarah. Go back and sleep now. I still have something to do here."

"Okay." Leah nodded.

As she turned away, the smile on her face disappeared instantly. She clenched her fists. Those researchers already told her why Shawn was staying. He wanted to release more viruses in other areas. She would love to stop him but she was powerless alone. And if Shawn found out her betrayal intention here, her plan would be in shambles.

Back in Ford mansion, she asked for some supper.

"Here's your supper, Mrs. Ford."

A young man not older than 18 years old appeared. He had a mole next to his earlobe. Leah knew right away that he was the informant Han planted in Shawn's mansion. They briefly exchanged looks.

"You may leave."

Indeed, Leah found a hypodermic syringe under the food tray. Han must have heard the entire conversation that took place in the laboratory. Leah drew her blood and hid the syringe beneath the tray. She took a few bites of the supper and asked the young man to take the tray away. Lying on her bed all drained, a million thoughts ran through her mind. The timing of everything was so... tight. Right after she teamed up with Han, Shawn brought her to the laboratory. And Han must have obtained the location of the laboratory too, thanks to the cufflink. Leah couldn't help but wonder. What would the outcome have been had she not agreed to work with Han? But there was no time to dwell on the ifs.

Shawn didn't return for the night. Leah called him and said that she wanted to pay Lucy a visit.

"Sure. Just remember to wear a mask." Shawn hung up quickly, which was uncharacteristic of him.

Inside the hospital, Lucy was still in a coma. Leah wanted to head to the balcony to get some air but a pair of strong arms dragged her to a corner. The powerful grip on her mouth muffled her scream. Her nose was soon invaded by a masculine cologne.

"Hush. It's me," ordered Han. He then held Leah's hands and led her to a table. Leah could feel the warmth of Han's body through his palm. His towering stature made Leah's heart skip a beat.

"Did you get my blood sample?" Leah cut to the chase once she was seated.

Sitting across from her, Han nodded. "But there weren't a lot of antibodies since you were freshly vaccinated. When the vaccine will have taken full effect in your body after a week, we will draw your blood again. Anyway, can you repeat what you heard yesterday? The signal wasn't amazing."

Truth be told, Leah was dazzled by Han. For the first time in forever, she could actually converse with Han properly. There were no snarky comments. Han truly viewed her as an equal. Leah's gaze grew tender.

"He already released Code Alpha in Linkville. He will disseminate 50 other viruses to 50-something major cities."

50-something major cities? That almost covered the entire nation. And the researcher told her last night that the death toll would be in the tens of millions.

After Leah recounted everything, Han was lost in his thoughts. He stared at Leah.

"Good job. If you didn't sever ties with me and get together with Shawn, we wouldn't be able to learn about his plan."

Han was actually praising Leah. She was so used to hearing those words from Hendrik.

"So... why did you approach me as Hendrik?" asked Leah while blushing. The ethereal sunray from the winter sun only accentuated her scarlet cheek. Perhaps she was lovestruck. Because compliments from Han just sounded so unreal to her.

"You know the answer, don't you?" said Han with bated breath. He tossed the question back to Leah but Leah couldn't quite follow.

"Anyway." Han didn't plan to explain either. He just wanted to concretize the next phase of the plan. "I know where his private island is but it has tight security. We can't barge in that easily. Therefore, from now on, you'll stay in my mansion. Don't live in Shawn's place. I'll handle the rest. You'll stay behind and coordinate with the police to contain the disease."

"Why? You think I'll be dead weight? I have earned Shawn's trust and I should continue to spy on him," protested Leah. The adoration she experienced had all but disappeared. It seemed like Han would never trust her.

Han snapped back. "Use your brain, Leah. Do you think that's why I asked you to stay back?"

Chapter 437 Bingo

There was no heater in the lounge. Only cold, dry air. Leah didn't like the drop in temperature. She sucked her teeth, trying to come up with an answer.

"It's the only thing I could think of. You want me to stay back because I'm dead weight."

Han found Leah's nasal voice and confusion irritating. He stood up. "Are you truly ignorant or are you playing dumb? Do you want to sleep with him that badly now?"

Han's implication peeved Leah greatly. She barked back, "Not everyone is like you, Han."

Leah couldn't believe that the reason was this simple. Han didn't want Shawn to touch her. But she was ready to take one for the team.

Han remained indifferent to Leah's bashful expression. "Like me? What do you mean?"

Han then cornered Leah. His dominant presence was paralyzing. Leah tried her hardest to sound casual. "You know very well what I'm implying."

"I don't. Explain," muttered Han as he wrapped his muscular arm around Leah's waist.

Leah could see the burning desire in his eyes. Quickly, she tried to push Han away. "Forget I said anything. Let go!"

She knew very well that no one could stop Han if he wanted to do it in the lounge. Fleeing was what she would be doing now. Except that she was caged by his strong arms.

Like a hunter who was toying with his prey, Han gave a mischievous grin. "If you won't say it, I'll say it."

Han then swooped in and kissed Leah. It wasn't an aggressive kiss. It was gentle. And Leah didn't resist the sudden kiss either, as she normally would. She reciprocated the kiss, despite feeling conflicted. Why did he kiss her? Out of hatred? Out of love?

Han only released her after a long while. He pulled the out-of-breath Leah closer to his embrace. It wasn't until now that he noticed how cold she was.

"So weak."

Han complained. But he removed his coat and put it on Leah. The coat still retained Han's cologne and body warmth. Leah felt... protected.

The duo picked up where they left off.

"You should let me stay with Shawn. He says that if I marry him, he'll tell me everything."

"You want me to watch you as you marry him? And our daughter has to call him father now?" Han's response was devoid of warmth.

Leah gritted her teeth and insisted, "Yes, once I marry him..."

"I will not allow that!" hollered Han. He tightened his grip on Leah's waist. "If you really want to sleep with him so badly, I'll make you mine right here, right now."

Leah did not know how to respond. She could only avert Han's passionate gaze timidly. It felt like they weren't talking about the same thing. Leah wanted to stay with Shawn so that she could get more info out of him. But Han was only concerned with the physical aspect of it.

Leah finally found the courage to meet Han's eyes. "I don't think it's as simple as it seems. There must be other laboratories too. I need to stay with him. If my decision today leads to millions of deaths, I will never be able to forgive myself."

Knowing how cautious Shawn could be, Leah knew she had to dig further. The grip on her waist was hurting her now, but she didn't make a sound.

"In that case, we will have to remain professional."

Han let go of Leah abruptly and stormed off. Leah was at a loss as to why Han was so mad. Was it because he still loved her? But she quickly ruled out that option. Han, who was a prideful winner, lost everything because of her. Love wasn't the right word to describe the sentiment he had toward her. If anything, it should be resentment.

It was still early in the day. Leah didn't head back to Ford mansion right away. Instead, she went to Dream Designs.

...

Han's patience had all run out when he saw Anna intercept his car again before his mansion. His face was colder than the current winter, thanks to Leah's decision to stay with Shawn. He did not hesitate to point his gun at Anna.

"Boss!" Ben immediately jumped in. "Don't do anything reckless now. The press has their eyes on you now that your other identity was exposed. If this gets out..."

Han looked at Anna as if she was a worthless object. "But she has no reason to live."

It was true for Han. The moment Anna tried to hurt Leah, Anna was as good as dead.

Ben put his hand on Han's gun. "Boss, I know you're upset because of Ms. White. But you have to keep a level head now. Especially because we are trying to eliminate the Ford Group and Shawn's biochemical weapon."

Han withdrew his gun reluctantly and approached Anna.

"Ethan! Finally, you're willing to talk to me. My dad wants to bring me home. But you'll take me with you, right?"

Ben had to look away from Anna's crazed face. She must have forgotten who she was talking to right now. He was the ruthless Han Howard. No one could make him budge, except for Ms. White.

"Going back with your dad is your only chance at survival," uttered Han tersely.

"Ethan." The smile on Anna's face froze. "What are you talking about? Don't you love me? You're the Ethan who loves me. Not Hendrik."

Anna sounded almost despondent.

"I have never loved you." Han spared no mercy. He looked at Anna contemptuously. "Wake up already."

"No..." Anna's delusion shattered. All this time, she was just lying to herself. "You're joking, right? They say Hendrik loves Sarah. But you're not Hendrik. I know my dad used to look down on you. You must be very pissed. I'll apologize on his behalf, okay?"

Another woman hurt by love.

"You're right. I am the Hendrik who loves Sarah," continued Han cruelly.

Chapter 438 Deliberately Making Things Difficult

It was raining cats and dogs.

In the winter, raindrops pelted Anna's body like icy bullets.

She simply gazed up at the noble and elegant Han in a daze, not feeling any pain.

What did he just say?

Did he just admit he loves Sarah?

She briefly appeared to have heard the funniest joke she had ever heard and burst out laughing maniacally in the pouring rain.

"Hahaha! You've finally said it, Ethan!"

As she was on the verge of losing her mind, Ben scowled and said, "Ms. Lancaster, if you persist in bugging the boss, we'll have no choice but to get a restraining order!"

Han's face was dark, and he returned to the car without glancing at Anna.

"At long last, Ethan, you've said it..." Almost as if a heavy weight had been lifted from Anna's mind, she had a crazed smile on her face.

She had a dazed look in her eyes as if she were trapped in some kind of memory.

Ben decided not to spare her any more kindness and immediately ordered a few men to drag Anna away.

Additionally, he gave the bodyguards instructions to keep watch outside the Victoria Precinct and to take her straight to the police station if they saw her returning to harass.

Owen's men came to Anna's aid after she was dragged out. They transferred her to their vehicle and sped off to the airport.

Owen was pained and angry when he saw his daughter, who was soaked wet from the rain and appeared to have lost her mind. He said, "Nana, I told you that man was not a good person long ago. Sarah is the only person he has ever loved, both then and now!"

"You never, ever listen to me. You were so oblivious that you didn't notice he was just using you!"

His hatred for Han reached a new high after reprimanding Anna.

That despicable man had dared to play with his daughter's feelings. He'd never let him go so easily, especially after he'd cost his country tens of billions of dollars! He was never going to forgive him!

Owen was already plotting a plan to kill Han in his head while Anna was still sitting in the chair, dazed but no longer crying.

"Don't worry, Nana. I will avenge you. I will eventually put an end to Han and Sarah!"

Owen's heart ached at the sight of her, and he spoke to comfort her once more.

Anna, who had been in a daze, suddenly reacted when she heard those two names. She opened the door agitatedly, wanting to get out of the car.

"Let go of me! I can't just leave like this! I'm going to kill that b*tch!"

Sarah!

Sarah is to blame for all of these screw-ups!

Everything would return to normal after her death, and Ethan would be by her side again.

She was confident that with her charm, he would fall in love with her in no time!

Even though Han had admitted that the person he loved was Leah, Anna didn't mind.

She was prepared to pay whatever price necessary as long as he would eventually belong to her.

Owen couldn't stand the thought of seeing her hurt. So, to prevent her from jumping out of the car and injuring herself, he had requested that the car be stopped. Then, he did nothing but watch as she fled in the pouring rain.

He retracted his dark, troubled gaze and asked the car to go on to the airport.

"Take care of yourself, Nana. Someday, you'll come to regret this..."

Owen did not continue to choose to stay here with Anna. The Kendrick Group had done severe

damage to his country, and he needed to take care of business as soon as possible.

Otherwise, if this went on, his whole nation would crumble.

Night had fallen.

Leah soothed Carlotta to sleep.

She felt tender love when she saw her clutching her hand tightly even though she was sleeping.

"It's nearly over..."

Soon, we'll be reunited, Carlotta.

Although she had already told Han that he could take Carlotta back to Victoria Precinct, he still allowed her to live here.

"What are you talking about, Sarah?"

Leah was slightly startled when Shawn's voice suddenly appeared from behind her, but she calmly gave him a practiced smile and said, "It's nothing. I've just finished telling Carlotta a story."

Shawn approached her side and noticed that Carlotta was already sound asleep, and a loving smile spread across his face. Then he added, "Speaking of which, Carlotta needs a full body checkup. I'm not sure if she'll be able to withstand the vaccine's effects."

The only people who could warm his heart were this pair of mother and daughter.

He could see a bright future with Leah at this moment in time.

Leah didn't want him to be too focused on Carlotta, so she grabbed his arm and led him downstairs. "We'll talk about it next time. Carlotta recently caught a cold, and her body is still recovering, so she shouldn't get vaccinated just yet."

"Let's go back first."

Shawn felt his heart warm as her tender hand lingered on his arm. "Okay," he said as he took her hand and interlocked his fingers with hers.

Even though his company had lost to Han's Kendrick Group, as long as she was by his side, he felt he had won the world.

So what if Han got it all? He had snagged the love of his beloved woman!

With that in mind, he was much happier.

"Sarah, let's set aside some time to hold a wedding in the next few days."

He intended to break Han's heart by making a big announcement about his wedding to Sarah.

"All right," Leah said, her brows furrowed subtly as she drew back the intense gaze from her eyes.

She had put on such a good show. Shawn was so engrossed in a dream that she had woven that he didn't notice her infidelity at all.

The rain had stopped later in the night, and the cold wind was biting.

When the wind blew through the bare branches, they creaked.

Leah jumped out of bed when she heard Shawn's room door open. With a solemn expression, she pressed quietly against the door.

It was exactly as she had predicted. He had other plans for the night.

"Yes, just do what you said. Stabilize the situation abroad, so the Ford family isn't pushed into a corner."

"All right, I'll give you the go-ahead to fully open the other labs..."

These two sentences, which she could only vaguely make out, greatly shocked her.

He still had laboratories elsewhere, as it turned out!

One had to assume a more personal identity to approach him and learn his darkest, most intimate secrets.

She had to get married to him.

That had been her initial thought. However, given the high-tech equipment Han had provided her, there might be another way out.

At this point, her phone vibrated with a text message.

Han's informant sent her a message confirming Shawn's departure from the mansion and that he had temporarily disabled the mansion's surveillance system for three minutes.

Now was her chance to act.

She quickly extracted a few tiny, intelligent miniature drone cameras from the dinner plate and set them flying around the mansion.

They were intelligently programmed to go to Shawn's bedroom, study room, and living room based on the predetermined route.

The footage captured by these miniature camera drones would be transmitted to Han.

They initially assumed that they would have difficulty locating the other laboratories because of Shawn's character.

Surprisingly, they were able to locate something on his desk.

On it, there were several books on wedding planning, along with a report on the experiment test site.

Han's lips curled coldly as he said, "Found it..."

Chapter 439 Stop Mocking

It was the next day. Shawn did not return home for the entire night.

Leah was informed by Han's informant at Ford Mansion early in the morning that Han would carry out the plan and remove her from the residence.

She felt dazed by the bleak winter scene playing endlessly outside the car window.

Her heart was beating so loudly that she could hear it.

Finally, she did what she could with her own strength.

Half an hour later, the informant brought her to Dream Designs, and after a brief goodbye, he returned to Han's men.

Serena greeted her as soon as she walked into the studio.

"Sarah, why are the employees not allowed to come to work today?"

Carlotta's injuries had healed completely. She imitated the adult and echoed, "Yes, Mommy. Why? Is it because you finished your work and plan to take me out to play today?"

Carlotta's childish voice was endearing. Her voice was like a gentle spring breeze, gently blowing away her anxiety.

Leah smiled and walked out with Carlotta in her arms. She then told Serena to follow her. She said,

"Let's go. We're going to Han's. I'll explain everything."

Serena had greatly contributed to the success of her plan.

Her tolerance and understanding have consistently served as a ray of light, rescuing her from the depths of darkness time and time again.

They arrived at Han's Villa Victoria not long after.

Carlotta was glad to be back after being gone for so long, so she followed the butler around the villa.

"Where is Daddy? Where has Daddy gone?!"

Carlotta was running around aimlessly.

When the butler noticed that, his heart almost leaped out of his chest as he quickly trotted to safeguard her, saying, "Carlotta, take care not to trip and fall! Mr. Howard is unlikely to return until afternoon."

Suddenly losing her composure, Carlotta wanted to return to the room to talk to Leah and Serena. She had the good sense to stay out of their conversation when she noticed them talking seriously.

"Uncle Martin, please help me turn on the TV and play my favorite TV show..."

The butler dotingly agreed to her request and sat next to her to watch TV with her.

Serena was shocked beyond belief when she heard what Leah had to say.

"Shawn's heart had to be twisted, right? He actually did this to take down Han?!"

Leah neither denied nor confirmed that. "Yesterday, Han found all his laboratories' test sites, and we should be ready to go into battle soon, so it's safer to be here at his place," she continued, her face conflicted.

Serena remained silent after hearing everything, then drew her into her arms for a tight hug, tears in her eyes.

"I knew you had to have your own reasons... I can only imagine how difficult it was for you..."

She would have gone insane if she had to deal with Shawn and such a massive plan.

This once gentle and meek girl had become a strong woman without realizing it.

Han was on the move.

It was nearly noon.

Various news outlets widely reported Shawn's illegal activities on television.

"The police are looking for a well-known entrepreneur suspected of breaking the law. Please contact us by phone if any witnesses can provide information..."

Leah was conflicted as she watched the news that Shawn had evaded arrest.

She had sent him down this path with her own hands.

She would not, however, regret that. She was thankful for everything he had done for her and Carlotta over the last two years. For that reason, she hoped he would return to the path of righteousness.

Han called at this point.

Leah asked in a somewhat urgent manner, "How are things?

She hoped they had hit the nail on the head this time and that once the dust settled, the world would be at peace for the remainder of the time.

Han's icy voice came over the phone, "His labs had been raided, but he had escaped. The police will handle the follow-up work."

"He immediately absolved himself of most of the blame after realizing what had occurred by placing the entire burden of responsibility on Jackson, who was hardly human anymore. He would be spared the death penalty even if he were to be caught."

Overall, the situation with the laboratories was resolved, and Shawn would most likely not be seen again for a long time.

However, Leah's heart could not be at ease for some reason.

Shawn's vindictive personality dictated that he would soon exact vengeance on her or those close to her.

"Let's put Dream Designs on hold for a while. We'll resume work as soon as we find a new location," she suggested as she cast a worried glance Serena's way.

She didn't want to put Serena's life at risk just to make this meager sum of money.

Serena naturally understood her concern and agreed, "Okay. I'll try not to go out during this period. You should also be careful."

As she said that, she moved closer to Leah and then teased, "Right, there's no need for me to worry about you. A certain someone will protect you nicely."

"What's going on between you and him, by the way? Do you like him but are afraid to tell him?"

Her words were direct, and Leah's cheeks flushed slightly as she said, "About that... This is not the time to discuss it..."

She understood her heart well. She could not possibly pretend she had no feelings for Han.

Despite having him inside her heart, she was afraid to give him her heart.

Han stated that he would exact vengeance on her. How could she give herself up to the enemy when the enemy had yet to exact his revenge?

…

A massive cruise ship was sailing on the sea.

Shawn had a glum expression as he stood by the railing. His eyes were bloodshot, and his fists were dripping with blood.

He appeared to have just let off some steam.

Being betrayed by someone you loved was a terrible feeling.

Anna appeared from behind, beaming, and said, "Shawn, you're far worse than I am. Because of that woman, you've lost everything!"

"I told you to kill her long ago, but you didn't want to. You so deserve it!"

Her expression was a little twisted. The sorrow and anger in her heart greatly diminished when she realized that someone was worse off than she was.

Shawn's eyes grew icy, and he spun around and violently grabbed her neck. He said, "Shut up! Do you believe that your situation is significantly better than mine?"

"Fetriybia is nearly gone, and you're still here hoping Han will return to you? How absurd!"

He didn't believe Sarah would betray him.

She must have done it because Han must have threatened her using Carlotta.

Shawn was making excuses for himself and trying to keep the non-existent love between him and Leah alive.

However, Anna saw right through his thoughts and cruelly mocked him, saying, "Yes! I'm not much better than you, but you still believe that woman actually loves you. Don't you think that's absurd?"

Anna broke free from Shawn's chokehold by taking advantage of his dazed state. "How about this? Let's just stop mocking each other," she said, putting on a cold face.

"This time, you must heed my advice if you want to make a comeback. Capture that woman and threaten Ethan with her..."

Chapter 440 Attracted to Her

The night was cold and dark.

"No, Mommy. We'll have to wait for Daddy to return before we can eat..." Carlotta refused Leah's request to eat her dinner first.

Carlotta was seated at the table. She held a fork and a knife in each of her chubby hands. "The whole family needs to be together for dinner," she declared seriously.

Serena couldn't help but laugh when she noticed Leah's slightly glum expression and remarked, "It appears she has learned quite a lot from the television."

Carlotta blushed slightly as she saw herself being teased and retorted, "Aunt Serena, what's wrong with learning from TV?!"

Leah could only sit beside her and wait, sighing softly. Then she picked up her newly purchased mobile phone and was about to call Han when she noticed a slender figure walking from the entrance out of the corner of her eye.

"Daddy!" exclaimed Carlotta when she noticed him as well. She jumped down from the chair and ran over to him.

Han took her in his arms and moved toward the dining room table as the ice in his eyes began to melt. "Are you waiting for me?"

The question appeared to be directed at Carlotta, but his gaze was fixed on Leah when he asked it.

As Leah gave a slight nod, she subtly glanced away so she wouldn't have to look him in the eyes. "Yes, she said she wanted to eat with you," she replied.

She felt nervous for no reason when she looked into his dark eyes.

Han sat down beside her, Carlotta in his arms. His eyes were cold as he declared, "This issue has been resolved. You can reclaim control of the White Group."

He mentioned it casually and then began to eat with Carlotta. Leah was perplexed and inquired, "What is your purpose in doing this?"

His identity had also been revealed, and the Howard Group he had lost was now back in his possession, whereas he had annexed Shawn's Ford Group.

His plans had been carried out successfully, and there was no reason for him to relinquish control of the White Group to her.

Han's expression remained indifferent. "The salary will be deducted from the money you owe me," he stated.

Was he implying that he had no intention of paying her wages and forcing her to work for free?

Leah's face darkened, and she refused to do it. "No, I want to start my own company," she replied.

Of course, the latter would quickly earn more money between working for someone else and being your own boss.

Otherwise, when would she ever be able to pay off the five billion she owed him?

Carlotta couldn't comprehend why the two of them were arguing. She raised her head and asked naively, "Daddy, Mommy, we're all family. Why do you owe money to each other when you're all family?"

"Or is this how Daddy and Mommy have a romance?"

That rendered both Leah and Han speechless.

How could this be called a romance?

They still hated each other prior to dealing with Shawn.

On the surface, their relationship was nothing more than a façade.

Serena struggled to keep her laughter in check. She finally had enough and finished her dinner early. "I'm going to rest first," she said as she stood up and excused herself to the guest room. "You guys can talk."

Seeing that, Carlotta hastily consumed the last few mouthfuls of rice in her bowl before following her lead. She stated, "Please wait for me, Aunt Serena! Mommy and Daddy are back together and will spend quality time together tonight. I want to sleep with you!"

Despite her best efforts, Serena couldn't help but laugh. She responded, "Hahaha! Okay!"

When she saw them walk away, she breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I'll sleep in my own room..."

"It's not like we've never shared a bed."

Han's deep and pleasant voice cut her off before she could finish her sentence.

That caused Leah to choke.

That was true, but they didn't have to get along like a normal couple just because Carlotta made a joke.

Han cast a cold look at her. Han frowned slightly as if he'd read her mind. "But you were so willing when you were with Shawn?" he remarked.

He became depressed when he remembered her living with Shawn at the time.

Leah's face became icy as she stated, "I never slept with him! Only you would do such a thing to me!"

Being misunderstood didn't feel good.

Han flatly acknowledged her explanation, asking, "Are you saying I'm worse than a beast?"

Leah wholeheartedly agreed but kept her lips firmly shut and didn't utter a single word.

She had a gut feeling that if she nodded in agreement with that statement, Han would lose it.

"You decide for yourself." Han went straight back to his room after finishing dinner.

Leah went back to her room as well. Carlotta, who had been lying on the side of the hallway, burst into tears just as she reached for the doorknob. "Mommy, you ended up fighting with Daddy, didn't you?" she cried.

"You haven't seen each other in ages. Is it because the feelings have faded, and you're getting a divorce?"

"No, that's not right. Are you two married?"

Carlotta tried to recall her memories from the previous two years, but she couldn't seem to remember the looks on her mother and father's faces as they married. She was instantly dumbfounded when she realized that.

Her mouth was hanging open in shock. Then she stammered, "You... Could the both of you..."

Leah helplessly lifted her forehead and rubbed her head as she went to her side after noticing that Carlotta was overanalyzing things. Then she said, "Everything is fine. Quit your absurd thinking. I just came in to get my pajamas, and then I'll go..."

Finally, under Carlotta's watchful eye, Leah bit the bullet and walked into Han's room.

"Heh." A sneer rang out in the dark room as the door closed.

Even though Han knew she was coming, he deliberately asked her, "What? Now you're taking the initiative to enter the beast's lair yourself? Are you not afraid I'll eat you?"

Leah was at a loss for words.

She didn't want to, but dealing with that brat outside proved difficult.

She had no choice but to give in to Han because she was now in a disadvantageous situation. "I'll just sleep on the floor," she said.

Her decision caused Han's face to turn icy, and the dark room was suddenly filled with heavy air.

He took his time approaching Leah. Then he looked down at her condescendingly and said, "You can either go out or sleep on the bed. Take your pick."

Carlotta was still outside, so going out was out of the question.

"I'll sleep on the bed," Leah declared with clarity after making up her mind.

After deciding, she turned on the light and went to the bathroom to shower.

It wasn't as though they hadn't shared a bed before, as he had earlier said. In the worst-case scenario, things would be as they had been.

Except for the sporadic sound of water dripping, there was complete silence outside the house as the chilly night wind gradually died.

Han quietly observed the person sleeping beside him, the light source being the dim light from the wall lamp. Leah was curled up with her back to him, clearly attempting to minimize her presence.

His brows furrowed as he sensed how uncomfortable her sleeping position was. He wanted to turn her to face him, but she turned around on her own.

Their breaths seemed to have mingled as they were so close.

The fragrance wafting from her body drew his attention to her. His deep gaze then fell on her rosy lips, and his heartbeat became deafeningly loud.

He gently traced her lips, then he kissed them.

No matter what, he would continue to be attracted to her.

Leah awoke early the following day to an empty space beside her—he'd already left.

The design draft she had promised Susan had been delayed due to her plans, so she returned to Dream Designs to pick it up.

When she finally found what she was looking for, she was abruptly stopped by the last person she expected to see.

"Shawn?"