Ch. 461..465: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 461-465

Chapter 462 Countermeasure

It was quite unusual for the entire Veyris to ostracize a startup company like Dream Designs.

Leah put her phone away. She knew this was Anna's doing. After all, Anna married Shawn so they now controlled the two most important seaports on Veyris.

"Sarah, they are trying to cut us off from the entire market. If this carries on, our company will..." Serena was deeply concerned. It didn't take long for her to put two and two together. "That Anna wants to destroy your career now that she failed to take Han from you."

"Forget about her." Leah wasn't too riled up. "We need to make sure the public is on our side. Tell our PR department to increase our visibility and debunk any negative rumors."

Serena nodded in agreement. "You're a genius, Sarah. We can sway the royal family if the public supports us."

She immediately headed into her room and contacted the PR department. If anything could hold Leah back from her plan tomorrow, it would be Carlotta. She entered her daughter's room just to see that Carlotta was half-asleep.

"You're done talking already, Mommy? Are you going to tell me a story now?" Carlotta ducked out from the sheet and rubbed her eyes.

Leah's heart grew tender with Carlotta's infantile voice. "Which story do you want to hear tonight?"

"Anything, Mommy." Carlotta gave a bright smile.

It was a peaceful winter night, like the calm before the storm.

Leah woke up to a rainy day the next morning. Han didn't return home at all. After she had breakfast with Carlotta, Leah nagged,

"Remember what I said, Carlotta. Don't go anywhere today. The men here will protect you."

She truly couldn't let go of her baby girl.

"Yes, Mommy. I'll protect myself," answered Carlotta obediently, which slightly reassured Leah.

As usual, Leah hailed a cab to her office. This time, she was all alone. Han and his people were all escorting her in secret. Meanwhile, Susan played the role of a potential client. Together, Susan and Leah went to a remote place to evaluate the feasibility of a project.

"Sarah, I plan to build a theme park here. Can you look around and come up with a refreshing design?" Susan explained her demand.

The only companion they had was a vast grassland.

"Sure." Leah nodded. She then proceeded to take photos of the area.

"I need to use the toilet." Susan found an excuse to disappear. She then snuck into a van.

It began to drizzle now. There was a murderous intent in the air. Like a vulnerable target, Leah felt

exposed.

Now?

She pulled her jacket closer to her body.

Pshiiu.

A sharp sound echoed through the air. Before Leah knew what happened, a dagger was planted on her back. Leah staggered and fell to the ground promptly. Han managed to lock down his target the moment the assassin struck.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Three men clad in black fell from a tree.

"What do you want from Ms. White?" Ben tied the three men and interrogated one of the three men.

The man just gave a derisive chuckle and bit the poison capsule inside his mouth. He died right away.

"You aren't dying today," said Serena as she quickly shoved a cotton cloth into the mouth of the remaining assassins.

Han sauntered in. If anything, he looked more like an assassin.

He looked down at the assailants. "Why is Ravensong targeting Sarah White?"

Han's merciless aura didn't intimidate them. They only glared at him.

"I can only wish you luck," Serena lamented.

Although they were expert assassins from Ravensong, they hadn't seen what Han was capable of. He could make them wish they were dead.

Han gave a devilish grin and summoned his subordinates. "Take them away."

Everyone knew what would happen next. Even Serena and Susan were frightened. After Ben took those assassins away, Han approached the prostrating Leah and pulled the dagger out.

"Oscar-worthy performance there." Han carried Leah in his arms.

Leah felt relieved when Han's cologne invaded her nose. The thick bulletproof vest on her still made her uncomfortable though.

"But they wouldn't say anything."

"We know they work for Ravensong now. I will locate its headquarters sooner or later," comforted Han.

It wasn't like those people could ever live once they were caught anyway. Serena did not like the evil presence of the man before her. He was like a demon. And Serena just wanted to stay the hell away from him.

But a brilliant idea came to her mind.

"Oh, Mr. Howard, as my best friend's boyfriend, can you help us out here? Veyris is isolating Dream Designs. Within a night, everyone canceled their order. We have lost so much money."

Leah was shocked by Serena's sudden plea.

"We can handle it ourselves..."

Since when did Serena become this ingratiating?

Han was happy with the attention. He looked at Leah affectionately. "Don't worry. The countermeasure is in place."

Chapter 463 Unknown Danger

Even though Leah risked her life to capture those three Ravensong assassins, they refused to give out any information. If they found any opening, they would kill themselves.

"Sorry, Mrs. Howard. They just wouldn't budge. So I surrendered them to the police," reported Ben in Leah's office. "We have pressured other nations on Veyris. I'm sure they will lift their ban on Dream Designs soon."

There was some good news at least.

"Thank you. If there's nothing else, can you follow up with Serena for the partnership deal?" Leah expressed her gratitude.

"Sure thing, Mrs. Howard." Ben left the office in great spirit. After spending some time with Ben, Leah realized that Ben wasn't as sly as Serena made him out to be. On the contrary, he was quite easy to read. Maybe what Serena needed was someone innocent like Ben.

Sitting in the same office was Susan. She was frowning.

"Sarah, this is very grim. You're now targeted by Ravensong. They won't stop until you're dead. So that means more assassins are coming your way. I will ask my family to investigate further. I need the truth."

Leah didn’t think that Susan needed to go this far to help her.

"I'll be fine, Ms. Victor. I am well-protected by Han. You don't have to do that. I'm sure Han will dig out the truth soon..."

She didn't want to owe Susan too much. She didn't want that guilt. And worse, Ravensong might target Susan and her family too if they got too involved.

"They will always be elusive anyway. Besides, I'm doing this for Qustraebar. You're visiting for the design contest, aren't you?"

Now only Leah realized that Qustraebar would host the event.

"Right... Okay. Thanks." It wasn't right for Leah to decline Susan further.

After Susan said goodbye to Leah, she went back to her country. It was a windy evening. The strong gust was hellbent on uprooting the trees and the incessant whistling only added to Leah's annoyance. She felt danger approaching. But she couldn't pinpoint it. As the police repatriated the Ravensong assailants, Leah's investigation hit a brick wall.

The afternoon before the international design contest.

Qustraebar was already covered in a thick layer of snow. Han brought Leah to a castle that he owned in Qustraebar.

"Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Howard," greeted the two rows of servants as they entered the hall.

Leah didn't like the attention so she scurried to her room.

"Are you nervous about the contest tomorrow?" Han followed Leah to her room. He clasped Leah's

hands to warm her up. It was enough to soothe Leah.

"No, not at all," answered Leah.

For her, Qustraebar was a place of joyful memories. It was the place where she met Hendrik.

"You're not catching a cold this time. I'll protect you." Han pulled Leah into his embrace.

Right. She missed the previous contest because of a cold. Leah rested her cheek on Han's taut pecs, listening to his heartbeat. It was hypnotizing.

"Thanks."

There was this magical property to Han's words. It could console Leah. An intrusive thought invited itself into Leah's mind.

Maybe the current Han and she were meant together. They had changed so much. Leah could imagine a future together.

"We..." We should get married was what Leah wanted to say, but Leah's phone rang.

"What's the matter, Serena?"

Since Leah would be participating in the design contest abroad, as the CEO of Dream Designs, Serena had to stay to man the company. And incidentally, Han also made Ben stay in Dream Designs. He was to conclude the partnership deal with Serena as a project manager from Skye Corporation.

"Sarah! I don't know why I agreed to have lunch with Ben Wright just now. What do I do? Do I cancel it?"

Han was still holding Leah's hand. "I don't think you should. It was just lunch anyway."

Serena finally agreed to have lunch with Ben, thanks to Leah's persuasion."All right. I guess I can take a few bites out of politeness."

Leah's hands were no longer cold when she hung up. She felt fuzzy inside. "Thanks. I'll shower and sleep now."

Under the mellow light, Leah's smile looked almost dream-like. It was so charming that Han couldn't open his eyes.

He leaned in and gave Leah a small kiss. In a husky voice, he whispered, "Get first place and you'll have a present."

Present? That was a word that could only spark joy.

Leah couldn't wait to receive it. For a brief moment, she forgot about Ravensong and the Veyris's embargo.

The next day, Han made sure Leah was covered in countless layers before sending her to the contest venue. Before entering the convention center, they overheard some discussions.

"Ms. Ritch is going to win, isn't she? She is the clear winner."

"But of course, she is the cute and kind heiress of the Ritch family!"

"But there is a dark horse from Pasteria called Sarah White. Apparently, she is Cindy, the jewelry design virtuoso."

"You give that b*tch too much credit. No way Ms. Ritch is going to lose to a woman who can't keep her legs closed."

Chapter 464 Scornful Woman

It seemed like no one wanted Leah to win. She held back the man beside her, who was about to lash out.

"It's okay. Gossiping is all they can do anyway."

Still, Han would not have his woman become the subject of ridicule. But before he could wave his hand to summon his assistant, Leah pulled it down.

"Babe, the contest is about to begin. Let's forget it."

Leah's sultry voice managed to dispel Han's wrath.

"Fine," conceded Han. If that was what Leah wanted.

The contest just began. All participants had to sit for an exam. In the exam hall, Leah saw many familiar faces, one of which was Susan's. They quickly went back to the exam paper after their gaze briefly met. Outside the hall, Han stood by the door silently, letting snow gather on his broad shoulder.

"Mr. Hendrik, the exam will still take a while. Please return to the car to keep yourself warm," suggested his assistant.

Han continued to stand under his umbrella. "No need."

He couldn't stop loving Leah. They had merely separated moments ago but he already missed her terribly.

Unbeknownst to him, his action was all captured by a security camera nearby. Anna, who was watching the footage, smashed her mug against the floor.

"Dammit! Why won't he give me a chance? It's all Sarah's fault!"

She took out her fury on the furniture. Soon, the room was trashed. Almost hysterically, she shouted,

"Bring me the leader of Ravensong. Tell him to kill Sarah already!"

"Do you honestly think that will work?" sniggered Shawn. He ambled into the room nonchalantly.

Anna just glared at Shawn's handsome face. "What should we do then? If you didn't spare Leah back then, we wouldn't have to deal with this mess. I wouldn't have to marry you!"

To strengthen Fetriybia's political position, Anna's father helped Shawn become the Prince of Zardova. And she had to marry Shawn. Anna had never felt this humiliated. She was supposed to marry the man of her dreams.

Shawn's expression turned cold. "Let's not bring up the past. You rescued Han too. Things could have been much different."

Leah could have been his now. Alas, it was impossible to turn back the time.

"Anyway, we finally took control of Ravensong. We can't mobilize them again in case Han finds anything suspicious. It is our trump card."

Anna lacked maturity and foresight. No wonder she could never outwit Leah. Despite Anna's regal status, she was rotten to the core. Putrefying even. Unlike Leah.

Anna couldn't read Shawn's mind, of course. She retorted contemptuously, "So we just have to let them be all lovey-dovey then?"

She turned to look at the screen. Han was still waiting for Leah to come out in the snow. Anna noticed the tender expression Han wore. It was maddening. Anna tried everything but Han wouldn't bat an eye. Yet Leah didn't have to do anything to steal Han's heart.

"Be patient. We'll use Ms. Ritch to test the water first. I'll continue to pressure the AI laboratory into developing more useful products. We already have Sarah's blood. Try and get Han's too. It'll be easy to deal with them then."

The snow subsided at noon. The international design contest was over. All participants left hastily to escape from the harsh cold. The bitter coldness outside bit Leah's fingers as she left the warm exam hall.

"Tsst..." hissed Leah as another cold breeze grazed against her cheek. But almost instantaneously, she fell into a warm embrace. A jacket that still retained Han's body heat was put on her.

"The lunch is ready. Let's go back." Han led Leah to the car and the duo returned to the castle.

Inside the dining room, the table was filled with hearty dishes and the chimney acted as a vanguard

against the winter. Han was cutting the steak into smaller chunks for Leah. It was a peaceful day.

"Thank you." Leah took the plate from Han. Her heart was pounding.

Maybe Han had changed. And spending more days like this didn't sound that bad to her either.

Leah's ruby lips tugged at Han's heartstrings. "Eat. Stop seducing me."

"I'm not seducing you. Get your mind out of the gutter!" Leah blushed.

She took back what she said just now. Han was still as mean as ever!

But Leah's cute protest only stirred something inside Han. He approached Leah and whispered raspily,

"Maybe you can help me with that."

Leah turned away. Her cheek was scarlet. "Forget I said anything."

That man was unbelievably flirtatious.

That was it. Leah's reaction had fully awakened the animal inside Han.

"Too late now, missy."

But before Han could lean in and kiss Leah, Leah's phone vibrated.

"Let me take this," said Leah as she pushed Han's eager lips away. Han wasn't happy that his moment

was ruined. But then his assistant barged in too.

"Sir, Mr. Wright was attacked. Mr. Hayes already intervened but he was still missing!"

Leah overheard the conversation. When she answered the call, she heard the maid's voice.

"Madam, when are you coming back with Mr. Howard? When Carlotta was playing in the living room today, she said she saw a shadow on the tree. Do you think..."

Chapter 465 Lost Contact

Only the crackling of firewood could be heard in the room. The two similar calls Leah and Han had had worried them. They immediately took their private jet back to their home. Before boarding, Leah called Serena too. But no one picked up.

"She should be with Ben right now because she has a lunch date with him..." The disappearance of Serena added to Leah's panic.

Could it be Ravensong's doing?

Han held Leah's hand to reassure her. "My men are looking for them now. I have dispatched extra security forces to my villa as well. Carlotta will be safe. Don't worry."

Han tried to console Leah. As her boyfriend, he didn't want to see any hint of sadness on Leah’s face. Leah felt safer when she was with Han, but she was still worried sick.

"I hope Susan can get back to us soon..."

Leah could see the logic behind Veyris's ban on Dream Designs. After all, Fetriybia was under Anna's rule and she viewed Leah as her mortal enemy. But this Ravensong who came out from nowhere was more mysterious. Leah decided to give Susan a call.

"Where are you, Sarah? I can't see you. Remember to get your trophy tomorrow. My hunch tells me that you're the champion this year," said Susan enthusiastically.

But the design contest was the least of Leah's concerns now. "Ms. Victor, can you investigate

Ravensong for me? I'm going back right now because there are some issues back home. It might be the Ravensong again."

After Leah told Susan what to do, she hung up.

Han gave Leah's silver bracelet a small yank. "Don't take this off. And don't fight Ravensong yourself. I'm here."

"Okay."

It was already evening when they got home. The moment they opened the door, Carlotta ran to them.

"Daddy, Mommy. Finally, you're back. I was so scared..." Carlotta broke into small sobs.

"It's okay now. We're here." Leah caressed Carlotta's plump cheek. Tears welled up in Leah's eyes too as she saw how frightened her daughter was.

Perhaps the presence of her parents allowed Carlotta to unleash her emotion. She wailed even louder, "Why would someone hide on the tree and watch me draw? He even had a knife in his hand..."

Han was furious. He would never forgive those people.

"Daddy will go find the bad guy now. You'll stay with Mommy now, all right?"

"Okay," sniffled Carlotta.

Han passed Carlotta to Leah and headed to his study. Looking at Han's silhouette, Leah prayed that he could locate Ben and Serena as soon as possible.

"Carlotta, when you saw the man, did he see you?" asked Leah as she brought Carlotta to her room.

Leah hoped Carlotta would say no. If the assassin knew Carlotta saw him, Carlotta would be the next target. She did not want to involve Carlotta at all.

Carlotta was much calmer now. After some thinking, she answered,

"We looked at each other. He wanted to throw his knife at me but he was shot down by the people under the tree."

Leah pulled Carlotta closer to her instinctively. Carlotta noticed them. So they would target Carlotta to silence her too. Leah blanched.

"Are you all right, Mommy? Daddy will be here to protect me. I'll be fine." Noticing her mother's unstable emotions, Carlotta tried to console her.

But that only made Leah feel worse. She had never given her daughter a proper and safe childhood. Even during those two years she spent with Shawn.

"Yes, he will protect us." Leah squeezed out a smile.

Right. How could a mother cry before her child? Leah continued to pat Carlotta's back until the latter

fell asleep. It was still too early for dinner so she left Carlotta's room. It should be safe to do so anyway as there were more security guards around the villa now. Besides, the assassins from Ravensong were already taken out. Leah tried to call Serena again but she still got no response. She went to Han's study.

"Any news about Ben and Serena?" inquired Leah worriedly.

Han shook his head. "No. They were last seen near the river. Eyewitnesses claimed that two people fell into the river. The police and my men searched the river to no avail."

Leah's eyes widened. "Serena and Ben were supposed to have lunch in a restaurant. Why would they visit the river? Were they being hunted or something?"

If she hadn't persuaded Serena to go on that date, both of them would have been safe now. It was all her fault. She was a jinx. She cut their lives short.

Han saw Leah's guilt-ridden face. He pulled her into his lap. "Don't overthink it. It's not your fault at all. Ravensong will target them sooner or later."

At night, the visibility took a nosedive, making the search even more challenging.

Inside a smelly sewage pipe hid Ben and Serena. Ben only breathed a sigh of relief when he could no longer hear anything outside.

"We're safe now, Ms. Coleman. I don't think the assassins are here anymore. Is your phone working? I need to contact my boss. Otherwise, they will return to hunt us down again."

Serena took out her drenched phone. "It's a goner. We were in the river for far too long."

The darkness in the sewage pipe filled her with dread. Was this the end for Ben and her?