Ch. 151..155: My Sugar And Your Spice Chapter 151-155
Chapter 151
After Elyse pushed the door to the receptionist area open, she didn’t hesitate to make herself comfortable. She leaned over and placed Amelie’s phone on the table before she gave Amelie a provocative look.
“Miss Dillon, you can ignore me. But Leo will never see you without my consent,” Elyse said as she sat cross- legged, totally portraying the attitude of being the Alstons’ head of the house. She didn’t even gesture for Amelie to take a seat either.
Amelie lowered her head slightly before she said, “Miss Clayton, I never knew you were so capable to the point that you could control Leo’s life even before marriage.”
These words that escaped Amelie’s lips sounded like a compliment. Yet, to Elyse’s ears, they sounded extraordinarily harsh and even carried a hint of ridicule.
Elyse had to force herself to uncurl her fingers, which she hid on the other side several times in a row to maintain her graceful demeanor. “Miss Dillon, why don’t you talk about why you’re here looking for Leo?”
“This matter is between Leo and me. It would be better for us to solve it ourselves.” Amelie looked at Elyse and slightly leaned forward. Although she didn’t bother excessively expressing herself, she succeeded in exuding a condescending aura.
Elyse instantly felt inferior.
As soon as she said those words to Elyse, she grabbed her phone and intended to leave.
“Amelie!” Once again, Elyse stopped her. Bang! She even rushed ahead of Amelie and shut the door tightly in front of Amelie.
Elyse became highly anxious and crisis-stricken after she learned that Amelie couldn’t be emotionally involved with the boss of Starlight Media.
Then, as though she wanted to comfort herself somehow, she pressed her back against the door for stability. Still, she felt that doing so wasn’t enough, for she later pressed both hands on the door
At last, an angry look was visible on Amelie’s face. She frowned and sharply questioned, “Elyse, what are you trying to do?!”
Elyse hastily wracked her mind of the possible reasons for Amelie looking for Leo instead of answering her straightaway. “You’re here today because of Bria’s custody, aren’t you? Leo has told me he will undoubtedly file a lawsuit seeking court intervention. However, he’s very busy, so he has long entrusted this matter to Mrs. Alston and me, asking us to handle it ourselves. Therefore, it’s pointless for you to go to him, for he is too busy to see you,” Elyse said, thinking it would anger Amelie.
Amelie stood still and stared Elyse down, making the latter feel unsure and couldn’t help sizing her up in
secret.
She’s not saying anything, and her poker face is so good that I can’t tell what she’s thinking. So, it’s impossible for me to know whether she believes my
words.
Nonetheless, Elyse tried her best to remain confident. “Leo has already given me the video of you losing
The word ‘video’ punched Amelie hard in the chest. Her blood instantly froze in her veins.
That’s right! Leo secretly captured evidence against me when I made a bet with him. How can I still expect any form of kindness from him?
“So?” she intoned coldly. “Miss Clayton, do you plan on becoming a stepmother?”
Elyse pursed her lips, smiled, and revealed her bow-shaped lips tinged with dark red lipstick, which made her look enchanting and dazzling. “I love Leo. What does it matter if I sacrifice a little when he is willing to shower me with all his love?”
Even though she tried her best to show off, a trace of melancholy silently rippled in her heart when she talked about how Leo was ‘pampering’ her. In fact, she felt so guilty that she didn’t even dare to look into Amelie’s
eyes.
Fortunately for Elyse, Amelie wasn’t looking at her face when she said those words. Otherwise, Amelie would be able to notice something odd about her expression.
“Plus, I don’t want to get pregnant this early in my career. Bria’s presence can relieve Mrs. Alston’s worries about wanting a grandchild, and it won’t put pressure on me, either, Leo has also considered this factor. That’s why he is adamant about taking Bria back.” Perhaps, too many lies had even managed to convince Elyse herself to think that it was the truth, for superiority and happiness were written all over her face when she tried to bar Amelie from meeting Leo.
She looked at Amelie with a triumphant smirk, which grew even more profound after she noticed Amelie silently balling her fists in anger.
Amelie has trampled me under her feet so many times! This time! This time, I can finally take it out on her!
Then, she tried her best to maintain a neutral look on her face as she brushed off some imaginary lint on her clothes. “This is beneficial to you too, Miss Dillon, for you don’t have to worry about my child stealing Bria’s
favor.”
Amelie smiled, but her smile was as cold as ice. “I’m sorry. My daughter is not something or someone that you two can use as a buffer. Miss Clayton, your pregnancy is none of my business. But my daughter will only be mine and no one else’s!”
“If that is the case, then we really have to solve this through the legal route. It will be pretty bad for you if that happens, then,” Elyse said in a deliberately provocative tone.
“That doesn’t concern you. So, there’s no need for you to say anything else.” Since Amelie no longer had the intention to continue this conversation, she gestured her chin in the direction of the door and asked, “Can you open the door now?”
Elyse frankly stepped aside when she saw that she had achieved her goal. “Miss Dillon, I still want to give you one piece of advice-a wise person submits to fate. Don’t let Bria become a victim for the sake of your
resentment.”
Amelie stopped slightly in her tracks. Nevertheless, she said nothing and walked away with her head held high.
Behind her, Elyse, who had tried her best to remain elegant, abruptly bit down hard on the bottom of her lips.
Go ahead and fight! It will be best if you two can fight to the bitter end.I will have a chance to win over Leo again as long as you two keep fighting.
Two minutes later, Elyse gracefully walked out of the room. Her entire demeanor screamed grace, her face was as immaculate as ever, and her eyes were as calm as a lake.
When Elyse saw the receptionist, she even greeted her warmly. “Thank you for your hard work.”
“N-No, not at all.” The lady was so flattered that she started stammering when she saw Elyse being so friendly.
Naturally, Elyse noticed this. So, she pursed her lips before she said, “I suddenly have some business to attend to, so I won’t be going upstairs. Please don’t inform Leo or anyone that I’ve been here.”
“Sure. Sure. I understand, Miss Clayton. If Mr. Alston knows that you came and left, he will definitely feel sorry for you. Miss Clayton, Mr. Alston really cares about you.” The employee looked at Elyse enviously. At this moment, she wished so badly that she was born slightly prettier and her status was slightly higher so she could take Elyse’s place.
Elyse nodded in satisfaction, for this was precisely the outcome she wanted.
By the time she had left, her assistant immediately came up to her. However, she couldn’t help but cast a glance in the direction where Amelie had gone. “That woman… Isn’t she the woman in the video that you asked me to film yesterday? She-”
Before the assistant could finish her sentence, Elyse turned and glared at her sharply-her gaze was full of warning.
Her assistant quickly covered her mouth and silenced herself.
Meanwhile, Leo wasn’t looking too hot in his office.
Laura was standing right before him.
She was suspended for some time due to her presumptuous actions. Alas, she was rehired during this time for professional activity.
After all, Laura was still fairly remarkable in terms of competency, which was why Leo decided to hire her again.
Still, Laura didn’t dare to freely make her own decisions after that incident. At this moment, she looked at Leo rather reverently as she stood in front of him.
She immediately informed Leo after she learned that Melissa had gone to Amelie with a lawyer earlier.
“What should we do?” Laura inquired.
Leo furrowed his well-defined brows so tightly to the point that wrinkles started to form. Finally, he dismissed her with a wave of his hand and said, “I will handle this matter myself. You may go ahead and attend to your
work.”
When Laura heard Leo’s reply, she simply nodded and left without asking any further questions.
At this moment, Leo, who was initially reviewing the document, rested his fingers on the keyboard and remained motionless for a long while. His eyes, however, turned to look at his phone placed at the corner of
the table.
In his mind, he thought, Should I call her and explain that it wasn’t my idea?I don’t know what’s going on with me. But after seeing how she showed a responsible approach toward Bria, I can no longer fight with her for
Bria’s custody.
As he thought of that, he stretched out his slender fingers and grabbed his phone. Yet, it rang when he was about to dial Amelie’s number.
This was a call from Toby.
“There is a possibility that Elaine really isn’t the girl you’re looking for. I’ve learned some updates regarding that matter.”
Leo’s already frowning face deepened upon hearing Toby’s report. His heart pounded wildly, and his facial expression turned solemn.
He stayed silent for five seconds before finally gritting his teeth and answering, “I’ll be right over!”
Chapter 152
Amelie sat wearily on a chair in the office with her eyes closed.
Even so, her mind wasn’t blank as her rapid-fire thoughts screamed beneath her lids. Instead, her mind was busy thinking about all the things that had happened recently.
Suddenly, her phone rang, causing her to jerk out of her thoughts.
She snapped her eyes open and saw it was an unknown number.
Amelie frowned slightly and simply took it as a scam call. So, she didn’t answer it right away.
However, the caller rang Amelie up again. It was obvious that the caller had set their mind to looking for her.
She was left with no choice, so she tapped on the answer button and took the call.
“Hello, may I speak to Miss Dillon?” A polite voice belonging to a middle-aged man sounded on the other end.
“This is she. May I know whom I have the pleasure of speaking with?” Amelie couldn’t help asking as she listened to the highly unfamiliar voice.
“I’m Mr. Zachary-Zachary Satterlund,” replied the person on the other end of the phone.
The name Zachary Satterlund left Amelie in a trance for a long while. So many incidents that took place in the past flashed through her mind like it was projecting a movie.
“Mr. Zachary,” she quickly addressed in a respectful tone. Her body also straightened as she greeted, “Hello.”
Amelie had a special bond with Zachary. In fact, he even saved her life before.
He let out a gentle chuckle before he said, “It’s fortunate that you still remember me. Actually, I’m calling you today because I have something that I need your help with.”
“What is it? Feel free to tell me.” Amelie didn’t hesitate to agree with Zachary’s request.
Zachary pondered briefly. “The situation is like this. I recently returned to Capland to give a talk and I need some special surgical cases to stand in during my speech. You are the only case I have encountered for corneal exfoliation surgery in‘living donors and also the first patient who suffered from a severe infection that I had saved. Hence, I hope to name you as an example of analysis for my students who are passionate about the medical field. Is it alright for you to work with me for an eye and psychological examination? Of course, you can decline if that makes you uncomfortable.”
“When is it?” Amelie didn’t turn him down.
Initially, I wanted to ask for Mr. Zachary’s help to excise my cornea, but he disagreed. What was more, he was the one who incessantly dissuaded me among those who opposed me from proceeding with the surgery. Still, although he opposed me back then, he was also the one who never forsaken me. He even brought me back when I suffered from an infection at a later stage. Since I did sign a medical liability waiver, Mr. Zachary could totally disregard me under such circumstances. Considering his kindness toward me in the past, there’s no way I won’t heln him with even such a small favor In truth I have naid attention to undates related to Me
brilliant medical skills are quite popular abroad. Today, he is an important director at a leading medical institution. He still works as a medical professor at the university and has contributed to countless
achievements.
Zachary was delighted when he heard her silent agreement when she asked for the meet-up time instead of turning him down. Therefore, he quickly replied, “Meet me at Jittan Hospital at 9.00AM two days later. We can change the time if you’re not available.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Amelie smiled. “I will be there on time.”
“You have my sincere thanks.” Unfortunately, due to his practical nature, he wasn’t really good at pleasantries. Therefore, he just expressed his gratitude with an earnest demeanor.
Amelie pursed her lips. “It’s nothing. You don’t have to thank me. Speaking of which, I should be the one thanking you for saving my life all those years ago.”
Then, the two chatted for a while before they hung up.
Zachary’s phone call once again brought Amelie back to memory lane.
I suffered from a severe infection, forcing me to stay in the hospital bed in a comatose state for three days. Although I had woken up, my body was still in frail health. So, there’s a high chance that my life would still be in danger regardless of my conscious state. Since the hospital was afraid of taking responsibility for my adverse reaction, they rushed me out of the hospital. It was Mr. Zachary who took me to a clinic and looked after me day and night for three months. Even though Mr. Zachary looked after me partly due to medical research purposes, I probably wouldn’t make it past three months if it weren’t for him. I only gradually recovered and barely got out of bed after three months. Leo’s image crossed my mind as soon as I could get out of bed. And since Leo once told me the location and name of his company, I ran all the way there, wishing so badly that I could see him immediately after he regained his eyesight. To this day, I can still clearly recall how fast my heart was beating when I stood downstairs at the building of Genesis. Even though my body was shaky, quivering, and extremely weak due to health reasons, I was overjoyed when I thought of how I finally survived through life and death moments and was able to see him again. Yet, look at what happened afterward. I saw him coming out
of the building while holding hands with a girl. He held the girl’s hand and passed me by. At that time, I could even hear the gentle and sweet words he said to the girl. Yet, never once did he look at me. Even though everything was predestined, I still naively chose to stay in the city where he was, attending the same high school as him and seeing how he treated Elyse lovingly every minute and every second.Leo was undoubtedly an exceptional student and a prominent figure in the school. On the other hand, I tried my best to hide my ability. I purposely performed poorly on every exam. I often wore unfashionable outfits, making myself look unattractive on purpose. Despite knowing he couldn’t possibly recognize me as he never saw how I looked, I still didn’t dare to meet him head-on. Later, I successfully got into university,Still, following closely on Leo’s updates seemed to have become my habit. At that time, as long as I was free, I would be unable to control myself and run straight to the city where he was last seen. Therefore, to get him out of my mind. I studied hard, did live streaming at a full split, and risked my life to start a company, establishing Starlight Media afterward.I thought I had completely forgotten about him. Yet, the wall that I had built up to get him out of my mind abruptly collapsed after we slept together for no reason, and I encountered him getting cheated on by Elyse. A final and fatal mistake was made just because I hadn’t had the heart to reject him.Now that I think about it, I was ridiculously stupid at that time. I can’t believe I would risk my life and donate my cornea just because he mentioned something about mutual help. When I saw him getting criticized by others, I would risk my reputation and rather be misunderstood by everyone to defend him. And what did I get for protecting him? I got nothing but a tragic and miserable four years of marriage.Sadly, that tragic outcome of my mistake still lasted until today.
Amelie sighed softly as her thoughts took a sad downturn. She shook her head, forcing herself to dismiss all this nonsense from her mind.
Two days later, as per her agreement with Zachary, Amelie departed early for their meeting at Jittan Hospital.
At the same time, Toby and Leo also showed up at the front entrance of Jittan Hospital.
Toby checked the time on his watch as he said, “It was Zachary’s assistant who leaked the news. To organize this talk, Zachary purposely went to seek the only living donor for the corneal donation, requesting her to work with him for a physical examination. I specifically looked into Zachary’s background. I found that he had worked at that private hospital nine years ago and was the greatest ophthalmologist there.”
The private hospital Toby mentioned was the previously identified place where the one who donated the cornea to Leo had her cornea excised.
“I had gone to that hospital and made the relevant queries. According to their record, there was only one surgical case involving living donors performed in that hospital. Hence, the person that Mr. Zachary went to seek could only be that girl,” Toby briefly explained the situation in detail. Finally, he concluded, “So we can be sure that we will be able to meet the donor today.”
Leo remained silent. He tightly pursed his lips, and his defined facial features were grave.
His grave expression hid a tinge of bitter coldness.
The donor is about to make her appearance. Sure enough, it must be a living person. So, it cannot be the dead Elaine. Do’s this mean Ashton, Elyse, and Elaine teamed up to deceive me?
Toby naturally knew he was unhappy when he saw Leo behaving this way. Therefore, he didn’t try to start a conversation and merely pressed Leo’s shoulder, giving him some comfort.
After that, he looked at his watch again. “According to the assistant, both Zachary and the donor had agreed to meet at 9:00AM. It’s soon.”
Only then did Leo raise his head and look outside.
A black limousine drove up in the distance.
Like a behemoth gliding across the night sky, the retro-looking body of the limousine glowed with subtle luxury.
“Mr. Zachary and his assistant are here!” Toby exclaimed.
Leo also caught a glimpse of Zachary and his assistant coming out of the car. The two stood by the car. Their limousine was just under the high stairway, separating them from Leo, about 30 to 40 steps away.
Nonetheless, the two didn’t come up straight away. Instead, they looked around as though they were searching for someone.
Zachary took out his phone and started calling.
After a while, he hung up.
Even so, Leo could hear him say, “She’s going to be here soon.”
With that, he swiftly narrowed his vision, and his eyes scanned every corner like radar.
A familiar-looking car came into sight within five seconds, 1-Isn’t that Amelie’s car?
Chapter 153
Leo’s expression turned solemn as he silently clenched his fist. At the same time, he thought, Could it be that the donor Zachary is about to meet is really Amelie? He narrowed his eyes and locked his eyes on the car.
In the meantime, the car stopped across the road, and someone opened the door. It was indeed Amelie. Her long hair shone in the morning light, and she moved with light and graceful steps.
Leo watched her walking toward him as if she was in slow motion. His chest tightened even more as she moved closer and closer to him. Somehow, he could even feel that his breath was getting heavier.
Toby could sense something was wrong with Leo, and he expressed his worries because he had never seen Leo acting in such a way before. “Leony…”
However, Leo could not hear Toby calling him as he quickened his pace and walked downstairs in fast and hasty steps. Toby followed him even though he did not know what got into Leo’s head, and it was not until he saw Amelie walking toward the sidewalk from the opposite side that he realized what was actually going on.
“Why is Miss Dillon here?”
Leo did not answer. Instead, he stopped five meters away from Zachary, His eyes were still locked on Amelic, and at that point, he was almost sure that she had come for Zachary!
Toby looked at her and took a deep breath. “So, she lied to me last time.” Leo finally reacted to his words and glanced at him. However, he did not say anything further before turning and staring at Amelie again.
Just when she was about to reach where Zachary was standing, she abruptly stopped in her tracks. Someone probably called her because she could be seen lowering her head, taking out her phone, and answering it. Seconds later, she turned and ran back to the car. In the blink of an eye, the car had already driven away.
Zachary had his back facing Amelie, so naturally, he did not see her coming and leaving. He continued to wait for her even after she left. Toby looked at the car, and only then did he realize that he felt somewhat constricted; he could not breathe normally until she had left the place. At some point, his face was beaded with sweat. Then, he turned to look at Leo and found that he was still standing there like a statue, fixing his sight in the direction where Amelie had departed.
Amelie only remembered that she had yet to call Zachary when she returned to the company. She got out of the car and quickly dialed his number as she walked toward the office. “I’m sorry I can’t make it today, Dr. Zachary. Something came up. I’m truly sorry.”
“What happened? Do you need my help?” Zachary was not the slightest bit angry. Instead, he was concerned that something big had happened to Amelie. Otherwise, she would not have missed the appointment. He knew her temperament well even though they had only met briefly.
“It’s indeed a bit tricky, but I can solve it myself. Thank you for your concern,” she rejected him politely. “Is it okay that we postpone the appointment to, perhaps, tomorrow or later in the afternoon?” After all, she had agreed to meet him. She felt terrible that she had to postpone it last minute.
However, Zachary comforted her, “Don’t worry about it. Take care of your own affairs first and contact me whenever you have time.” After Amelie received his reassurance, she finally thanked him for his understanding. She reached her office the moment she hung up the phone.
She glanced up and saw Julia standing in front of the door with a solemn expression. It was clear for everyone to see that she was fuming in anger as her eyes were practically on fire. Julia immediately
dragged Amelie into the office upon seeing her and slammed the door behind them.
Julia was finally able to let out her anger when they were alone. “The Alstons are a’sholes! How could they do something like that?! Stealing someone else’s daughter! They didn’t treat Bria well back then, but now they are acting all pretentious as if they cared about her. It’s disgusting!”
Amelie remained stoic as she took the paper that Julia was holding on tightly in her hand. It was a subpœna; the Alstons had formally sued her. As she read through the summons, she pursed her lips and started holding it so tight that her knuckles became stark white.
Julia sensed the tension around Amelie as she turned around and saw her expression. She immediately stopped venting her rage and slowly moved toward Amelie as she cautiously voiced, “Elie.”
Julia knew that Amelie seldom got angry. She was the type who would endure every bump in life in silence. She was already like that back when she was still living with the Alstons. Then, she became even colder after divorcing Leo. So, Julia felt highly distressed and worried when she saw Amelie suffering in silence.
“I’m fine.” It took a few seconds before Amelie could respond calmly, as she slowly loosened her clenched fist and placed the subpoena on the table.
“How should we deal with it?” Julia looked at Amelie and asked softly. Amelie did not respond. Perhaps she was thinking about the same thing. Julia looked at her friend, who was frowning slightly and felt so wronged on behalf of her at that moment that her eyes turned red-rimmed.
“That Leo is a f’cking devil who repays kindness with ill intentions! You placed him on a pedestal back then. Yet, not only does he not know how to repay your kindness, but he is also plotting how to snatch your child from you. He clearly knows what Bria means to you!” The more Julia exclaimed, the angrier she became.
Alas, she could no longer hold her anger and slammed her palm on the table. “I’ll find him now and tell him. what happened!” She was just about to leave when Amelie hastily stopped her. “No!”
“Elie!” Julia stomped her feet. “Are you still being soft-hearted for that b’stard? Your daughter will be snatched away under your very nose if you continue this way!”
“I’m not soft-hearted,” Amelie responded lightly with a chilly tone. “Just that he no longer deserves to know anything!”
Julia stared at her friend for a second and noticed that Amelie’s attitude was stern and tinged with a hint of the frigid cold of winter.
It was at that moment that Julia finally understood Amelie’s feelings. There was no longer any possibility of reconciliation between her and Leo, as she genuinely hated him from the bottom of her heart. Obviously, this was what Julia had been praying for all along, but when it finally came true, she didn’t feel happy. She only felt that Amelie’s life was riddled with tragedies she didn’t deserve.
She wiped away her tears and stepped forward to hold Amelie’s arm tightly. “You’re right. The Alstons don’t deserve you. But, Elie, don’t worry. Samuel and I will always be by your side no matter what.”
Amelie patted Julia’s arm lightly upon hearing that. “Thank you. Go ahead and continue your work. I need
ון
“Okay.” Julia knew that Amelie needed some alone time even though she was apprehensive about Amelie’s mental health. So, before she left, she reminded Amelie again. “Don’t ever hesitate to tell me
you need my
help. Okay?”
“Thank you.” Amelie squeezed out a smile and nodded to Julia. It was not until Julia had left that she gasped for air and slid back in the chair, closing her eyes in pain. Nevertheless, she did not wallow in her misery for too long. Moments later, she straightened in her seat and began preparing for the reply.
Meanwhile, Zachary was just about to leave Jittan Hospital with his assistant after getting off the call with Amelie when someone addressed him, “Dr. Zachary.”
Zachary turned and saw a tall young man walking toward him. It was hard to ignore the sense of nobility in him, even though he looked young.
“You are…” Zachary looked at the man with a bit of wariness.
“I am Leo Alston.” Leo did not bother hiding his identity.
“Mr. Alston, what can I do for you?” Zachary nodded politely at Leo. Zachary was not so ignorant that he did not know who Leo was. Even though Zachary was a doctor, Leo was famous, and one would have heard of his name being brought up somewhere.
Leo nodded in response, but his eyes were as piercing as an eagle when he asked, “I’m sorry to trouble you, Dr. Zachary. But who are you supposed to meet today?”
Chapter 154
Leo’s question was really presumptuous, making Zachary uncomfortable as his question forced Zachary to reveal confidential information. He was momentarily stunned before he responded defensively, “I’m sorry, but I can’t reveal anything.”
However, Leo seemed to have expected that Zachary would keep it a secret and was not in a hurry to answer. He merely cast his gaze onto Zachary. Even though he was young, he had a deep stare, making Zachary feel discomfited enough that he experienced difficulty breathing.
The thought of him panicking at a young man’s gaze shocked him, and this time, he took a good look at Leo. He was a fantastic surgeon who had done many surgeries and withstood an insurmountable amount of stress over the years. But his ability to resist pressure and remain calm in the face of life and death became useless when facing this young man. How bizarre!
It definitely didn’t help matters that Leo wasn’t deliberately showing off his majestic aura. There wasn’t even a frown on his face, yet he was already taking control of the situation. For a split second, Zachary thought of surrendering and revealing everything. But before he could roll over, he managed to take a deep breath and lowered his head to avoid Leo’s gaze.
“I know that you’re a capable man. You can force me to spill the tea however and whenever you want. However, I made a promise that I will not disclose the donor’s identity to anyone, and I will hold on to that promise.”
Leo looked at Zachary, but this time, with a hint of admiration. Leo thought Zachary was simply a doctor, who would succumb to pressure, but it seemed that he was very wrong. Though, this would not stop him from getting the information he wanted.
“I was the recipient of the cornea you took from my donor,” he said patiently. “I merely hope to thank her.”
“It was you?” Zachary was surprised at the turn of events. He had made some, in hindsight, very accurate assumptions when he witnessed Amelie’s behavior back then. Regardless, as his motive was to save his patients, he could not be bothered with the whereabouts of the cornea. Later on, as Amelie recovered and he left the private hospital to go abroad, he totally forgot about the incident.
He was stunned and at a loss for words. It was after a few seconds that he regained his senses. “To be honest, Mr. Alston, I don’t know who she is. The only thing I know is that her last name is Dillon.”
“Dillon?” Leo could barely restrain his emotions. He thought of Amelie, who appeared not long ago. Was it really… her?
He was not sure what to make out of this complicated situation. If she indeed was the donor, who had donated the cornea to him, why had she not mentioned a single thing for four years? She even stayed with the Alstons for four years, and no one noticed her eye problems. How could it be such a coincidence that she appeared in front of the Hospital if she weren’t the donor?
He wanted to leave in that instant and demand answers from Amelie himself.
However, Zachary’s words pulled him back to reality. “The girl has already been married and lives a peaceful life. I think she doesn’t want her family to know about this past.”
“Married?” Leo was startled by his answer. The Dillon he knew was not married but divorced. So, was Amelie’s appearance truly just a coincidence?
Leo once again fixed his gaze on Zachary, perhaps even sharper than before. Zachary felt that his stare saw through his flimsy façade, making him feel more insecure as his heart was pounding in his chest irregularly. He could even feel his palms sweating.
“Thank you, Dr. Zachary.”
Just when he thought Leo would use a different tactic to interrogate him, he was surprised to hear Leo thank him.
Leo withdrew his gaze, turned, and got into his car. Zachary only heaved a sigh of relief once he saw the vehicle leaving his sight. Then, he wiped off the sweat from his palms onto the hem of his clothes.
He was aware of Amelie’s current situation, although he had hardly contacted her these years. The reason he did not reveal who the donor was to Leo was that he had made a promise to Amelie to be tight-lipped on her involvement.
Zachary was just about to get into the car when his assistant opened the door for him. He glanced at the assistant and didn’t bother getting in for several seconds. He looked as if he was deep in thought, trying to figure out something. Then, just when the assistant was thinking of a way to respond to the baffling situation, he heard Zachary say, “You’re fired. You aren’t my assistant from tomorrow onward.”
Then and only then did he lower his head and enter his car. The assistant was startled by his sudden. announcement, but he knew well what got him into the situation and flushed for being caught. He should have known that Zachary was brilliant enough to deduce just who leaked the information about him meeting. the donor to Leo.
”
It was nearly 9.00PM when Leo finally returned home. He parked the car at the front door and walked in with his head down.
“Leo.”
Leo froze for a moment as he heard someone calling him. But he could not tell whom the voice belonged to, so he raised his head to clarify his guess. He saw a graceful figure standing under the big pillar beside the door. Her arms were resting naturally by her body. It was pretty dark, and he could barely see the face.
“Amelie?” He instinctively called out Amelie’s name, and surprise flashed across his eyes.
The woman walked down the steps into the place illuminated by the streetlamp. It was Elyse. Her eyebrows twitched when she heard Leo calling for Amelie, and she unconsciously clenched her fist. Do you think there is any similarity between Amelie’s and my voice, Leo? The thought made her feel like she had been hit on the back by a boulder falling from the sky, and it was a bitter pill to swallow.
So, she clenched her fists tighter and coughed until her voice became a little hoarse before she raised her head and responded, “Leo, it’s me.”
When Leo finally saw Elyse’s face clearly, his expression turned nonchalant. The feeling he experienced when the thought of Amelie flashed across his mind had disappeared. He couldn’t help but wonder whether exhaustion was taking a toll on him that he actually mistook Amelie for Elyse.
“What’s the matter?” Leo smoothened out the furrows between his brows and asked coldly. Elyse bit her lips when she heard his dispassionate tone. She came to find Leo two days ago but unexpectedly ran into Amelie. Although she showed off her happiness in front of Amelie, she knew deep down in her heart that the so- called joy was all fake. Her heart had been in utter torment for the past two days, although she did not meet Leo. She had not had a peaceful moment since then.
The thought of Amelie revealing to Leo that she was the real Big Eyes tormented her even in her dreams. She woke up in cold sweat every time. She had been unable to work or rest for the past two days, and expensive cosmetics could no longer cover up her extremely anxious and haggard face. She could endure this torture any longer. So, she came over to find Leo.
But she heard him calling Amelie’s name the moment she arrived, which undoubtedly exacerbated her anxiety and uneasiness.
Regardless, she threw herself into his arms and hugged him, “Leo, I feel very uncomfortable. I have been having insomnia and nightmares. I feel like I’m going to die. Please, don’t break up with me. I can’t stand it. I will definitely die.” The more she spoke, the more aggrieved she felt. Toward the end of her sentence, she even started sobbing incessantly in his arms.
She knew well that Leo was an affectionate person. He would not turn a blind eye to her sufferings and would remain dedicated to helping her so long as she remained his Big Eyes. Unfortunately, Leo did not show his previous affection toward her. Instead, he looked extremely calm.
He pursed his lips and fixed his eyes on Elyse. He did not push her away, nor did he respond or talk. She could not feel his usual warmth even though she was embracing him. The awkward silence continued for another few minutes before she felt that she was starring in a one-man show, and all she felt was humiliation.
She had no choice but took a step back, looking all teared up. “Leo, please don’t ignore me. I have depression, and I will really commit suicide if you do so.”
She tried to emotionally guilt him, but he was not buying it. He finally parted his lips to speak as he stared straight into her eyes. “Your doctor told me that you are in good spirits and have no symptoms of depression.”
There was no doubt that he investigated her, and it was at that point that Elyse could not pretend any longer. She even forgot to sob, and her eyes gleamed with a guilty conscience. Immediately afterward, she figured something was not right.
She had bribed the doctor. So, the secret should not be out! But she also knew Leo’s temperament; he would never lie to people close to him, and the fact that he said that to her face showed that he had
thoroughly investigated her.
It was at that moment that she felt as if her heart dropped to her stomach, and the only thing she thought of was to run away from the place before she embarrassed herself even further.
“Go home and rest.” However, Leo was not the slightest bit vexed. He did not question why she had lied to him nor expressed his anger at her. Instead, he merely patted her on the shoulder calmly and left without hesitation. That’s all.
She would have felt better had he gotten infuriated or questioned her for her lies. At least it would have proved that he cared about her. But the silence pierced her heart and nailed her down with countless pillars of shame.
Elyse begrudgingly clenched her fists, shouted something at his retreating back, and successfully stopped him in his tracks. His face darkened in that instant.
Chapter 155
What she said was, “Leo, have you forgotten? I’m your Big Eyes.”
Now that Leo had stopped, Elyse’s dark eyes shone again.
She knew that the name “Big Eyes” would catch his attention-and she was right!
She approached him and pitifully blinked at him as she grabbed his sleeves with both hands. “Leony, I knew you wouldn’t abandon me after we’ve been together for years.”
Elyse leaned her head on him and squeezed her face into his palm. “Let’s get married. You mentioned to me five years ago that you wanted to settle down. I was too reckless back then, which was why I never cared about your feelings. Now that I have thought things through, I want to have a family with you and be your wife daily.”
She closed her eyes in excitement. “Leony, how many kids do you want? How about three? Let’s adopt a few pets too. When I think about it, I feel warm and happy. If that’s the case, we have to rush. Let’s register our marriage tomorrow and go on our honeymoon the next day.”
At that, she raised her head and held his hand, as if she was the happiest bride-to-be looking into the future.
Such behavior from Elyse left Miss Potts, who was standing far away, on the verge of throwing up blood.
In comparison, Miss Potts felt that Amelie was much better.
Such a pity… Miss Potts shook her head as she knew that she could interrupt Leo’s affairs and turned in the other direction.
Elyse tried her best to cheer herself, but her hand was suddenly empty.
When she fixed her gaze, she noticed that Leo had already withdrawn his hand.
He even took a step back. He wants to keep a distance.
Compared to her joy, he was calm and indifferent with little expression.
The two of them looked like they were from different worlds.
He lowered his eyes and straightened the cuffs on his sleeves that were wrinkled by Elyse. Leo didn’t look at her until he had smoothened his cuffs, after which he spoke, “You are not Big Eyes.”
Boom!
She felt like someone had knocked her head with a hammer and she froze with wide eyes. He.. He knows?
Hey
Elyse was suddenly at a loss because she didn’t know how to respond. She looked like someone had grabbed onto her legs and yanked her to the floor. My legs are as soft as jelly!
Her body felt like it had been invaded by cold, dark ice with every cell being soaked in freezing pain!
It felt like she was losing her reputation again. Not a single bit left!
She heard a voice saying next to her, “Big Eyes never lies. She’s sincere and doesn’t even know me in the first place. She can only see things that I can’t see and remain by my side forever. She’ll never let me pity her too, which makes her so silly and adorable. Your mouth is full of lies with tricks here and there. It’s obvious you two are different people! Elyse Clayton, how did you turn like that?
Elyse slowly raised her head as she bit her lips again and again. Her lips, which were initially trembling, finally
recovered.
Her tense chest visibly loosened as she mentioned, “So…” He didn’t investigate the past?He still doesn’t know that I’m not Big Eyes!
Leo was lecturing her, but she couldn’t help pinching her leg to ensure it was a reality.
She jumped for joy when she felt the pain.
So what if he was disappointed? As long as she was who he thought she was, she still had hope!
The more optimistic Leo was about “Big Eyes”, the closer they would be!
At this thought, Elyse hurriedly shed a few tears of regret. “Leony, I’m sorry. What I did in the past was because of my fear of losing you. I’ve lost my conscience then, but I assure you. I’ll definitely be your Big Eyes. after marriage and won’t disappoint you”
She hooked Leo’s thumb and continued, “Leony, even though Big Eyes is silly, she’s still scared. Do you have the heart to let Big Eyes live in anxiety?”
Elyse looked at him with tears swimming in her eyes as she tried to show misery and pity.
Anyone who saw it would be heartbroken.
Leo’s brows relaxed a little and his hand fell on her shoulder.
She closed her eyes in obedience as she felt a sense of relief wash over her. Luckily
Because her eyes were closed, she couldn’t see Leo’s expression.
Leo did not have a warm gaze as he withdrew his hand. “Elyse, I’ve no more love to give you. I don’t want to hold you back from your happiness.”
So, is he breaking up with me? Elyse couldn’t believe her ears.
The name “Big Eyes” had always been a powerful name that she held over Leo, so she thought her dreams would come true.
After he expressed his words, he lowered his head to give Elyse’s assistant a ring. “Please come and bring Miss Clayton back.”
The minute she heard his words, her heart froze.
Even the hairs on her hair stood up in ice!
“Leony, I don’t want. I must marry you!” She lost her rationale and growled, “I don’t care whether there is love. or not because I want you!”
He gently turned to look at her. “Not marrying you is me being responsible. I don’t want to hurt my savior.”
“Hurt” reminded Elyse of what she did to Amelie. Yup, he hates me to the core.
Amelie had stayed by his side for four years without any reciprocation. It was akin to being imprisoned because there was no warmth or love.
Elyse seerned to have been smashed awake and trembled with hatred!
Her Juxury MPV pulled up in the distance and alighting from the car wasn’t her assistant, but Ashton.
He wore a bright shirt that was slanted as usual which made him look unruly.
When he saw Elyse’s pitiful expression, his expression was extremely twisted.
He rushed over and pushed Leo aside. “Leo, what is wrong with you? Why did you make Elyse cry?”
Leo remained motionless and glared coldly. He chose not to look at Ashton or respond to the man’s words.
Ashton was beyond livid, but he couldn’t do anything to Leo. Instead, he could only turn to Elyse. “Elyse, you’re alright, right?”
Elyse bit her lip and nodded, but more tears fell from her eyes.
Expressing all of her grievances, she said, “Leony… He wants to break up with me.”
The minute she said that, Ashton exploded. “Leo Alston, Elyse returned from abroad because of you! And this is how you treat her! Explain to me, what has she done wrong?! Don’t think that you can absolve your responsibility just because her family doesn’t care about her. If you don’t give me a satisfactory explanation today, I have a bone to pick with you!”
He raised his voice and behaved like someone unruly as he rolled up his sleeves to instigate a fight.
Leo merely looked at him. “Let’s have a talk.”
At that, he turned to leave the scene.
Ashton had raised his fist for a long time, but as it turned, Leo wanted to have a discussion.
Huh? He froze for a second.
Then, he turned to pat Elyse’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll persuade him.”
It wasn’t until Elyse was alright that Ashton went to Leo. “Leo, I want to say it first. We can talk about anything, but if it’s about your breakup with Elyse, I would not be kind toward you.”
“What’s up with Elaine?” an expressionless Leo asked in a cold tone.
He stood with a straight posture that gave off an outstanding and eye-catching aura.
Compared to Leo’s aura, Ashton’s aura was much weaker. He slouched as he shoved his hands in his pockets while his head was lowered and his collar was disheveled.
Elyse was standing at a distance, so she couldn’t help but compare the two. My love for Leo will only increase whereas the same can’t be said for Ashton. I’ll only have more disgust for him.
Ashton never expected Leo to ask such a question, so he was caught off guard. His eyes were blurry as he habitually touched the back of his head. “Why are you suddenly asking this?”
Leo didn’t respond but instead gazed at Ashton. His eyes were like the dark sky with no indication of his thoughts.
Ashton looked at him with kindness as he felt nervous from Leo’s aura.
He suddenly lost his composure due to his nerves and yelled, “You are breaking up with Elyse because of Elaine? I planned the incident alone. It has nothing to do with her!”
Leo stared at Ashton and gave a cold grin. He said nothing more and turned to leave for Alston Residence.
Elyse waited wholeheartedly for Leo and Ashton to finish their conversation because she didn’t want Leo to leave after standing there for only a few seconds. Watching them speak left her with a strange feeling.
She couldn’t help but shove her hands in the pockets of her skirt and ask, “What’s going on? Why did Leony leave?”