Ch. 356..360: My Sugar And Your Spice Chapter 356-360

Chapter 356 To Hurt His Feelings

Amelie looked in that direction to see Michelle and Leo walking in her direction side by side.

Already discussing family plans? Amelie couldn't help looking at Michelle's tummy, but it was flat.

They had just confirmed their relationship, so they wouldn't have children this early even if they were together.

Obviously, they were at the hospital for a pre-marital checkup.

Leo's arms hung by his sides, his gaze cold and lips pursed tightly as if he didn't want to talk to Michelle.

When his gaze shifted and landed on Amelie, it lingered briefly as he answered, "Both are okay to me."

Michelle froze, surprised that he had responded to her.

However, she also caught sight of Amelie, and a meaningful expression appeared on her face.

Purposefully linking her arm with Leo's, Michelle raised her carefully made-up face higher.

"You and I have the same opinion, Leo.I am not picky either"

"Oh, Miss Dillon.What a coincidence to see you here," she called out after that as if she had just spotted Amelie.

"Miss Walsh, Mr.Alston,"

Amelie greeted them politely.

Michelle smiled brightly while Leo nodded volitely as they passed her, behaving like strangers.

Amelie merely assumed he wanted to avoid controversy and did not think too much about it as she continued walking.

Behind them, Michelle voluntarily removed her arm from Leo's and retreated to a safe distance, her eyes focused curiously on Leo's face.

Since his gaze was still directed toward Amelie, he wasn't looking at her.

Even if it wasn't obvious, she still caught it as her smile became wider.

"Mr.Alston, you still cannot forget Miss Dillon, can you?"

Her voice became polite and distant, compared to the intimate one from before.

Amelie was truly admirable since she had caught Leo's weakness.

Now, he thought he didn't deserve her.

Although he still fancied her a lot, he still distanced herself from her.

After being refused by Leo, she was focused on revenge.

The more he was hurting, the happier she felt.

If she wasn't so wary of him, she would have brought him before Amelie every day so that she could torture him repeatedly.

"If you can't let go of her, just pursue her.We're merely putting up a facade to avoid everyone's attempts at forcing marriage on us.You don't have to be concerned about me"

She sounded sincere, yet her eyes were cold.

He didn't seem to have heard her and walked straight past her.She was speechless, and the satisfaction she got from revenge was quickly replaced with the feeling of being ignored.She pinched her fingertips under her sleeve before she quickly chased after him.

Even if he didn't say anything, she continued chattering on.

"Miss Dillon is admirable for removing her cornea for you.This takes a lot of courage, and I would never have done it even with borrowed courage" she said before sighing once again.

"How much does she like you? [ heard that she got an infection after donating her cornea and was unconscious for three months.She saved you by risking her life"

Michelle knew that Leo had decided to let her go because of this, and she decided to rub salt in his wound.

The more tormented he was, the better she felt!

"Ow!"

Just as she was talking, Leo suddenly stopped.

Not paying attention, she bumped into his back.It was cold and stiff, which made her shiver from it.

Even if he hadn't turned around and she couldn't see his expression, she could feel the murderous aura coming from him.Her satisfaction was quickly replaced by fear as she felt an invisible hand around her neck, which caused her breathing to become laborious.

He did not need to say anything to make her feel suffocated! Soon, night fell.

As the cold tide came, the weather became colder.

The night was freezing cold, and the number of people outside declined while every home was illuminated.

Leo sat in the car, his windows half open.

The warm light shining on his face formed a clear contrast to his pale skin.

The air conditioning wasn't cold, but the interior was as cold as the exterior.

He held a cigarette between his fingers and took a smoke occasionally.

The blue smoke emanating from his mouth as well as his slightly thin white shirt somehow gave the feeling that it was colder inside the car.

His eyes were half-closed, and his eyebrows were locked in a frown.

While a slight smile could be seen from time to time previously, his expression was now frigid enough to freeze water.

"You don't deserve Amelie." He recalled Toby's words over and over, a bitter smile spreading across his face.He had thought Toby said that on purpose because the other man wanted to fight him for Amelie, but now, he could feel how much she had sacrificed for him.He did not deserve her and wasn't even worthy of bringing her shoes to her.

Leo rubbed his eyes, allowing the explosive pain to fill his chest.She was Big Eyes, and the cornea donor had been her.

However, he had abandoned his savior in the Alston Residence for four years and let everyone bully and tease her.

He should go to hell because of this! The coldness he had shown her in the daytime wasn't because he didn't want to be involved with her but because he didn't deserve it.He didn't deserve to talk to her, see her face, or even miss her! Time flew by, and a month soon passed.

"Mr.Alston."

Eugene walked into the office early and turned to see Leo.His head was bowed as he worked on the computer, his expression cold and serious.

Even though the heater was cranked up to the max, Eugene still chilled at the sight and shivered involuntarily.

He retreated from the room and headed for the secretary's 24-hour work counter.

"Give me today's work arrangements."

The secretary quickly took out a form that was filled with words.

Even Eugene, who had worked with Leo and gotten used to him, drew in a sharp breath at that.Did Leo consider himself a robot?

"What happened to Mr.Alston? He does not take any breaks and keeps working, nor does he eat much," the secretary couldn't help asking him.

Eugene might be the president's special assistant, but he was a completely different person compared to Leo.

He was open and friendly with a willingness to deal with the secretaries, which was why she dared to ask him that question.

"What can I do?"

He laughed bitterly and shook his head.

At this rate, Mr.Alston would work himself to death.

"Eugene.Just as he was sighing, Melissa walked in from the side with a thermal cup in one hand. She was dressed in a thick mink coat, but her expression was sour.

"Mrs.Alston."

He didn't exactly like her but still greeted her out of courtesy.Melissa looked into the office.

"Is he...still acting like this?"

He nodded silently, and she looked ready to cry.

"What's wrong with Leo? Why has he become like this? He doesn't even go home now and always drives to somewhere I don't know about.I'm so worried"

Eugene did not say anything but mentally pursed his lips.She was only worried that Leo was going through something that wouldn't allow her to continue her glamorous lifestyle.

"Eugene, you have been by his side for the longest time, so you should know him best.Please think of a way to make him go back to normal so that he does not work this much."

She didn’t care about appearances anymore and held his hand while pleading with him.

"Oh, it's snowing!"

Bria shouted excitedly in the morning when she saw a sea of white as soon as she opened the window.

The temperature had dropped for so long, and she had waited long enough.

The snow was finally coming as she wished.

Bria quickly put on the down parka Steven had gotten her and dragged bean Amelie along with her.

"Mama, let's go see the snow and skate!"

Amelie was led downstairs by Bria.

"Oooh Bria jumped into the snow, her hands throwing the snowflakes into the air.

However, Amelie's eyes were fixed on the spot that the snow hadn't covered.It looked dark and far too obvious in contrast with the snow around it, and there was evidence of tires having stopped there.

There were also cigarette butts beside those tire tracks.

 

Chapter 357 We're Square Now

There was a car that had been parked nearby for about a month.

Amelie's apartment wasn't on a high floor.

Hence, she could see the car whenever she looked down.

As the car was quite a distance away, she didn't think about checking out whom it belonged to.

It always arrived in the wee hours, only to leave at dawn.

Furthermore, there were always a lot of cigarette butts left at the spot where the car was parked.

Did the car still come despite the cold last night? Why didn't the owner return to his home? Why did he park his car here? Also, what makes him smoke so much? Amelie had many doubts regarding the car.

Just as she was deep in thought, she heard someone calling her.

"Miss Dillon." She raised her head and saw Eugene standing in front of her, dressed in a thick coat.

"Mr.Cornelius?"

Amelie was surprised to see him here.

Ever since Leo began dating Michelle, he had never lanked far Amelie She, too, had never been in contact with anyone related to him.

Eugene casually kicked the snow on the ground as he said, "I'm here to seek your assistance, Miss Dillon."

"My assistance?"

"Yes."

Eugene then hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth to say, "Mr.Alston discovered that you were the one who donated your cornea to him, and he thinks that he has wronged you.As a result, he has been working endlessly as of late, and he hasn't returned home.I sent someone to follow him, and I discovered that he would drive his car here and spend the entire night beneath your apartment."

Amelie was surprised by what she heard as she turned around to look at the black patch of ground among the snowy white snow.

Leo was the one who came here every night to park his car, huh? "He'll work himself to death if this continues.You're the only one who can help him right now, Miss Dillon"

Amelic, on the other hand, went into a long trance before realizing what Eugene meant.Is this why he has stopped bothering me? Windy City International was hosting a grand banquet today.

The granddaughter of a well-known figure in the city, Louis Harvey, would be getting engaged here.

Louis was a frequent collaborator with Starlight Media and one of its most important clients.

IIence, Julia attended the engagement party in a bright red off-the-shoulder gown, and she brought Amelie along as well.

"Why do you confine yourself to your home every day? Come out and feast your eyes on some hot men!" Julia said as she walked, twisting her waist.

Her slim-fit gown did not hide her hot and impatient temper at all.

Amelie, on the other hand, was wearing a white muslin gown.

Her hem, while not overly eye-catching, accentuated her good figure perfectly.

Two of them, one in white and the other in red, were dressed according to their personalities; one was a hot, sexy lady and the other more elegant and fairy-like.

When they both entered the hall, countless eyes were drawn to them.

Amelie, however, shook her head speechlessly.

"You're hopeless, Julia"

Two of them then walked to the prominent figure and greeted, "Congratulations, Mr.Harvey!"

Louis exchanged pleasantries with Julia smilingly.

Amelie was content to stay out of their conversation and simply stood silently next to Julia after greeting Louis.

Julia, on the other hand, was buttering Louis up so much that he couldn't stop laughing, which surprised both his granddaughter and grandson-in-law.

"Hello, Mr.Harvey," a woman's voice resonated while they were happily chit-chatting.

Amelie had been laughing patronizingly with them all this while, her head lowered.

However, she found the woman's voice familiar, and when she raised her head, she saw Michelle.

Michelle was dressed in a gown that was similar to Bella's in color and style, with the only difference being the length.

Michelle approached Louis while holding Leo's arm and smiling sweetly.

"Mr.Harvey"

Leo greeted Louis as well, his voice low.

I woman's voice familiar, and when she raised her head, she saw Michelle.

Michelle was dressed in a gown that was similar to Bella's in color and style, with the only difference being the length.

Michelle approached Louis while holding Leo's arm and smiling sweetly.

"Mr.Harvey"

Leo greeted Louis as well, his voice low.

When she saw both of them, Julia’s original smile froze.She quickly said goodbye to Louis and drew Amelie away from the crowd.

While walking away, she grumbled, "Is Michelle doing this on purpose? She's wearing the same gown as you on purpose.That way, people can debate whether Leo's ex-wife or current wife is more beautiful, huh?"

Amclic, however, did not think too much about it and merely let out a faint smile.

"I think it's just a coincidence."

"Michelle doesn't seem like a good Samaritan to me; she must have something up her sleeve!"

They continued walking and talking until they came to a corner.

Amelie happened to turn her head at this point and noticed Leo, his head bowed, assisting Michelle with her hem.He looked serious as he patiently smoothed the creases on Michelle's hem.

Immediately, everyone's eyes were filled with admiration as they surrounded them.

"With Mr.Alston adoring her, Miss Walsh really has a good life."

"You're right.Mr.Alston is known to be a generous and loving man to the woman he loves.In the past, Elyse..."

Such remarks inevitably reached Michelle's ears.She lowered her head and gazed at Leo, who was carefully tucking her hem.

At the same time, she smiled ironically as she cast a sidelong glance at Amelie, who was standing by the corner with her hem tangled.

Everyone assumed that Leo was tidying Michelle's hem for her, but only she knew that he was treating her as Amelie.

She had deliberately bought the same style of gown as Amelie's just to agitate Leo and make him suffer the agony of not being with the woman that he loved.

Michelle's heart had already been corrupted by evil, and she was proud of it.

However, Leo appeared too serious in tidying Michelle's hems that she became enamored with him and forgot that everything she did was for revenge.

When Leo was done with the hem, she took his arm and leaned coquettishly toward him.

"Stay away from me when there's no one around!"

His cold voice interrupted Michelle's enjoyment of his loving gesture, snapping her back into reality.

Leo quickly withdrew the arm she was holding onto, and the aloof man walked forward, not once looking back at her.

Seeing that, Michelle felt like she had been slapped in the face as tears welled up in her eyes.

She then dashed up to him and extended her hand to stop him.

"Leo Alston, how could you just loss me aside after using me? Aren't you being too much?"

However, all that she obtained in response was his cold, unfeeling stare.

"Don't assume that I'm unaware of what you did; you took me as Amelie just now! Even if we're just pretending to be a couple, you don't have to humiliate me like this!"

Michelle exclaimed angrily as if she were the victim.

"Haven't you used my guilt toward Amelie to do a lot of dirty things as well?"

Leo's cold words pierced through her and revealed Michelle's evil heart, making her so embarrassed that she stood motionless.

"You're talking nonsense!" she yelled, but her voice trembled, making her sound unconvincing.

Leo merely ignored her and left straight away.

Michelle, who had been left behind, felt both embarrassed and angry as she clutched the hem of her dress tightly until her fingers turned green.She felt like a clown at this point.

All this while, she was secretly pleased that she was fooling everyone, but she had no idea that Leo had seen through her every move.

This was an utter disgrace to her! Amelie, who was behind Michelle, witnessed everything.

She trailed behind them because she remembered what Eugene said, which made her skeptical.

Now, after hearing I.eo and Michelle's conversation, she finally believed Eugene's words.

Michelle, her reddish eyes welling up with tears, noticed Amelie as well.

"Are you satisfied now?" she said, glaring fiercely at Amelie before leaving.

Amelie, on the other hand, looked solemnly at the ground.She had no idea how long she stood motionless until a shadow engulfed her.

Then, she raised her head and saw Leo, which caused her to blink her eyes subconsciously as she did not expect him to be back.

Just as she was about to say something, Leo opened his mouth.

"I've already contacted the best eye surgeons I've been able to locate.They can use DNA technology to create an eye cornea best suited for you, and you'll be able to regain your sight."

After speaking, he then handed her a name card.

Amelie lowered her head to look at the name card as well.She had considered getting a cornea in the past.

However, her cornea had been forcefully removed in the past, and her sight could not be restored even if she obtained bean a new cornea now.

"So, we are square now, right?"

Amelie did not rush to take the name card and instead looked at Leo.

Even for the sake of their previous relationship, she didn't want to see him trapped in his obstinate thoughts.

Leo nodded in response.

"We're square now."

He then stuffed the name card into her palm and pressed his fingers against her hand for a brief moment.

Eventually, he retracted them.

"Goodbye," he said as he turned around and walked away.

Then, he walked further and further away until he disappeared from Amelie’s sight.

This was their final meeting for the next two years.

Chapter 358 Leo Has Changed

In the airport, the sweet voice of the broadcaster could be heard.

"Dear travelers, flight M5223 will be landing soon.To all relatives and friends, please wait in an orderly manner at door number seven.Remember to keep your mask on and stay at least three feet apart.Thank you."

Not long after the broadcast ended, a swarm of travelers walked toward door number seven, pulling their luggage along.

They were all looking for their names among those waiting outside several feet away.

Anavy-blue figure stood out among the crowd.She was pulling a suitcase the same color as her clothes, enhancing her fair, slender fingers that were wrapped around the handle.Her waist, legs, and back were all slim.

Even though her coat went down to her knees, one could tell that she had long legs.

Half of her face was hidden behind her mask.

However, her snowy-white exposed skin and her glowing eyes made people wonder which celebrity she was.

In actual truth, she was a celebrity.

After all, she had more than a hundred million fans.

"Miss Dillon!" A sweet voice alerted the woman who was walking, and when she turned her head in the direction of the voice, she saw a petite lady.

Due to the lady's petite stature, she was jumping among the crowd.

Just as Amelie was about to walk over to the petite lady, someone hugged Amclie's head.

"Welcome back," a familiar woman's voice rang out.

"It's enough to get Casey to pick me up.Why are you here as well?"

Amelie was taken aback when she saw the woman right in front of her wearing a mask and sunglasses, covering herself completely.

"You're my best friend.Naturally, I have to be here!"

Julia's bright eyes were blinking beneath the sunglasses as she pounced on Amelie’s face.

"I've missed you so much!"

Amelie, however, was speechless.She quickly wiped her face while silently observing everyone around her.

Fortunately, everyone in the airport was either looking for someone or talking to someone they had just picked up, so Amelie and Julia both went unnoticed.

"Jules, do you miss my spanking?" Amelie asked as she raised her hand at Julia.

"You're still acting crazy even though you're getting married" she added.

Amelie went abroad two years ago to treat her eyes.

Since treatment required an extended amount of time, she brought her entire family along.She later realized that the air was clean and the environment was suitable for living, so she settled there.She moved the focus of her career there as well, leaving only Starlight Media behind for Julia to manage.

"Getting married isn't some sort of spiritual practice.Why should I be solemn?"

Julia lamented, but her face was radiant with joy.Her original candid and straightforward character now had a tinge of gentleness to it as well.

Seeing her, Amelie knew that Samuel had been treating Julia well for the past two years, and she truly felt happy about that.

"Don't chit-chat here.The car is outside, so let’s get in the car first" said Casey.

The petite lady had run up to them.

Though those in the airport were more cultured and wouldn't be so interested in gossiping at the moment, Amelie and Julia were both well-known figures, and Casey was concerned that something might happen if they continued staying there.She grabbed Amelie's luggage as soon as she finished her words.

"I'll help you with this, Elie."

Julia had hired Casey as an assistant during the last two years, but she was good with her words.She had been referring to Amelie as ‘Miss Dillon’ just moments before, but now, she was addressing her as ‘Elie’.

Seeing that this young lady was adorable and knew how to behave well, Amelie nodded and handed Casey her luggage.

"Good choice," she looked at Julia and spoke, Julia would be devoting her time to her family once she got married.

Though Casey was Julia's assistant, she was actually Julia's successor, especially when it came to running the business.

Hence, Julia deliberately brought Casey here to the airport for her to pick Amelie up.

That way, Amelie would be able to determine whether Casey was a suitable choice as well.

"Really? I was worried that her different temperament from mine would be an issue," Julia remarked.

To that, Amelie responded, "I believe that if we chose someone with a similar style to you, it would appear as though she's imitating you, which will negatively impact everyone's first impression of her.

Thus, we should get someone completely different so that the viewers would feel refreshed."

"You're right.You are indeed a true business master, always looking at things from a different perspective than the rest of us," Julia commented.

If Julia had to pick someone to admire in this life, it would undoubtedly be Amelie.

Amelie didn't get herself involved in many things, but almost everything she did was a classic achievement.

That included the creation of her online persona, Starlight Media, and even Know It, which she later established.

Both Amelie and Julia then got into the car while talking.

The car they got into was an enhanced version of a luxury car, which had everything they needed.

Every seat had a screen in front of it, and every passenger could pick their own shows to watch.

The car was configured to auto-pilot mode, and it drove at a comfortable and steady speed, which felt safer than a driver.

Amelie then clicked on the screen in front of her and began watching the local financial news.

"The following is the most recent news for today, October 13th.Genesis Capital sold all of its shares in Fundview and immediately earned 25 billion from the sale.Such a move triggered the stock market, resulting in a 10-percent drop in Fundview's market value.The confidence of all investors, both companies and individuals, is dwindling and is expected to continue for some time.Despite being in the capital market for only two years, Genesis Capital has achieved excellent results through its unique business vision, and this is not the first time it has achieved such remarkable results in its investments."

"Leo Alston has done a lot in the last two years," Julia said, looking at the screen that was showing the news.

"He initially went on with his usual business, but one day, he abruptly announced that he was entering the capital market.Many people were skeptical of his decision, believing that he would surely lose all of his wealth, but it turned out that for each investment he made, he made a significant profit.I even heard that the money he earned from investments over the last two years is higher than his regular business.Indeed, he has sound investment judgment.Every company he invested in made a fortune, which is why everyone is dying for his investments.Meanwhile, the companies in which he sold his shares experienced nightmares.Everyone regards Leo as the weathervane; whenever he sells off a company’s shares, everyone believes the company will go downhill and shut down soon.Regardless of how well the company is doing now, or how many times its directors or shareholders come out to clarify matters or even show their promising financial reports, all investors will continue to follow Leo"

Julia briefly told Amelie about Leo's career over the last two years, adding, "He's a great businessman!"

After commenting on his career, she moved on to his personal life.

"Not only is his career intriguing, but his relationship is even more so.Many women have thrown themselves at him, and he has refused none, in stark contrast to bean the picky him of the past.He is

now changing his women more quickly than you can imagine! How did such a solemn man in the past become like this? Men will never change, just as a leopard will never change its spots."

Amelie, upon hearing what Julia said, was surprised as well.

Then again, both of them were divorced and had never been in contact for the past two years.

Hence, she wasn't in a position to comment on anything about Leo and didn't want to talk about him either.

"What made you change your mind and decide to marry Samuel?"

Amelie was more interested in this.

Although Samuel had explained the matchmaking incident two years ago, Julia accepted the fact that the Gage Family would never accept her.

Furthermore, she was well aware of what had happened to Amelie’s marriage.Hence, Julia was unwilling to enter into a marriage and had put off the matter for two years

 

Chapter 359 Julia Is Getting Married

Julia smiled after being asked by Amelie and replied, "Mrs. Gage previously met up with me and told me that she had thought things through. She would rather give us her consent than let us drag the relationship out without getting married."

Learning that Mrs. Gage was able to think in such a way, Amelie felt relieved. "I'm glad to hear that."

External interventions, particularly from close family members, were the most upsetting in a relationship.

It wasn't uncommon for people to destroy a relationship—or even a marriage, at that—under the guise that they were acting in the best interests of the couple.

As such, no matter how much Amelie wished for them to have a happy ending, Amelie never pressed Julia about her relationship with Samuel.

"In reality, she hasn't actually thought things through. It's just that her son wasn't listening to her, and she finally gave in. However, she deserves credit for being able to reason clearly. She even told me that if my relationship with Samuel doesn't work out, we'd break up someday, and she didn't have to be the bad guy to make that happen. If our relationship goes well, she has no reason to lose her son just because she wants another daughter-in-law."

Julia then paused and bitterly laughed before continuing, "At the end of the day, she is still dissatisfied with me."

"That's because she doesn't know you well. As you spend more time with her, she will grow to like you. Also, don't stop keeping in touch with her after the marriage just because you're afraid of the hassle, and remember to pay her frequent visits with Samuel," Amelie reminded Julia. "Mrs. Gage may have accepted you for the sake of her son, but no one is made of steel. If you treat her with sincerity, she will feel it someday."

Mrs. Gage's words demonstrated that she was a reasonable person. Hence, Amelie quickly reminded Julia of some strategies to win Mrs. Gage's heart.

"Your words are truly a wake-up call, Amelie!" Julia exclaimed. "Previously, when Mrs. Gage said that she would not be living with me and that we could just meet up occasionally, I even decided not to appear in front of her as frequently to avoid irritating her."

Amelie didn't know these tricks as well in the past. However, throughout the last two years, she had been organizing training camps besides managing Knowlit, and she had learned these tips from the trainers at the training camps.

Her emotional intelligence grew as a result of meeting so many formidable people.

"My parents are unconcerned about me. Luckily, I have you to guide me in a lot of things," Julia said as she rested her head on Amelie's shoulder and sighed.

In response, Amelie patted Julia's head. "We're best friends for life, so I'm your family. You can tell me anything," she said sincerely.

Both of them then went for lunch to welcome Amelie back to the country.

After lunch, Julia suggested, "Elie, come with me to pick out my gown."

Amelie, however, simply smiled. "This is the groom's responsibility. I'm not going to do it for him."

"Don't make fun of me!" Julia blushed, which was unusual. "Samuel has bad taste. He always picks out the most old-fashioned pieces, so I don't want him to go with me!"

Due to Julia's persistent badgering, Amelie had no choice but to accompany her to the bridal store.

The store was located in Clouson City's most opulent shopping mall. Its specially designed high ceiling and interior decorations gave it a grand and classy appearance.

In the store were plenty of gowns by various designers in a variety of styles.

When Julia and Amelie arrived at the storefront, Amelie was astounded by its grandeur.

Julia, too, wasn't anxious to enter. Instead, she stood outside the store and pointed to the tall building across the street that was even more imposing. "Do you see that supermarket? It is the largest and most stylish supermarket with the most extensive product selection."

Amelie looked in the direction Julia was pointing at and saw a mall with ten floors, each one shining brightly while displaying its extraordinary atmosphere.

"And that is the city's largest entertainment agency, with the city's largest arcade on its south side. Aside from live commerce, Leo is involved in every industry here."

Julia didn't mean to bring up Leo, but there wasn't a single business or asset on the street that didn't belong to the Alstons.

She then pointed to a few other places in a row, and more than half of the buildings in this city center belonged to the Alstons. For the rest, Leo was either a shareholder or involved in some other form of collaboration.

"He has been venturing into many industries for the past few years, snatching a lot of benefits from other businessmen. Many people hate him to the core for it, but they can't do anything about it. They can only make a living in the industries Leo hasn't ventured into yet."

I've already known how capable he was two years ago.

But it appears that he has expanded his career to four, five times its previous scale.

How did he manage to achieve this in such a short time? Did he not rest at all?

Amelie was secretly impressed, but she didn't dwell on it.

Everything she did was motivated by her self-interest rather than pure business. Hence, even after learning about Leo's empire, she didn't feel particularly envious.

"Let's go."

Both of them then entered the bridal store.

"Hello, Miss White." The store manager recognized Julia and came over to greet her.

"This is my friend, and she's here to accompany me while I choose my gown," Julia introduced Amelie.

Despite being more famous than Julia, Amelie wore a fox mask during her live streams. Hence, few people knew she was Foxy.

The store manager enthusiastically greeted Amelie as well before leading the two of them to the second floor, which displayed more luxury gowns designed by only the top designers.

"These designers are frequent attendees at all fashion shows around the world. Their creations have clear themes arising from rich imagination, which are suitable for brides like you, Miss White. After all, you have a job that requires you to interact with the public regularly. You can take your time to choose, Miss White. If you see a design you like, we can immediately arrange for the designer to modify it to fit your size."

Just as the store manager had described, all of the gowns on the second floor were indeed classier and more elegant.

The manager was also astute enough to know that Amelie was here to be Julia's advisor. Hence, the manager did not disturb them and left after bringing them two cups of coffee and some refreshments.

The gowns were all stunning. Together with Julia's good figure, all of them looked nice on her.

Julia chose more than ten gowns in a row, instructing the staff to bring them to her one at a time for her to try on.

As Amelie was back mainly for Julia's wedding and had no other pressing matters to attend to, she sat quietly by the light blue table, enjoying her coffee and the refreshments while patiently waiting for Julia to change into the gowns.

While Julia was changing, Amelie took a sip of the coffee.

The chinaware saucer holding her Americano looked interesting to her.

The refreshments brought to them by the store manager were slightly sweet. Amelie thoroughly enjoyed taking a sip of coffee before biting into the cake.

Just as she was feeling blissful with what she was having, she turned her head and saw the road outside through the floor-to-ceiling window.

There was an intersection outside, and a young girl, probably four or five years old, was hesitating to cross the zebra crossing in front of her. After extending her legs several times, she finally stepped on it.

It appeared to be her first time crossing a zebra crossing, and she appeared unaccustomed to it. Her gaze was drawn to the cars in the distance, but she failed to notice the most important thing: the traffic light.

The green light was blinking, and it would turn red in seconds.

It was a complex intersection. Once the surrounding cars started moving, the little girl would undoubtedly be in danger.

Seeing that, Amelie didn't have time to think any longer and quickly dashed downstairs.

When she reached downstairs, the red light lit up. Cars darted here and there, sandwiching the little girl in the middle of the road, looking helpless. She subconsciously took a few steps back when she saw a car speeding toward her.

However, right behind her, a van was rushing in her direction as well.

She could have crossed the road safely at first, but her few steps backward made her closer to the van.

The driver slammed on the brakes, but it was too late. Due to inertia, the van continued to slide to the front.

"Look out!" Amelie dashed into the traffic, pulled the little girl back, and drew her into her embrace.

The next second, the van brushed past them within an inch.

Amelie quickly took the chance to step back onto the sidewalk where the little girl had been standing earlier and placed her on the ground. "Are you fine, little girl?"

However, the little girl did not respond, probably too frightened by what had just happened.

"Why did you run into the traffic? It's dangerous!" A woman's voice rang out from afar.

Just as the store manager had described, all of the gowns on the second floor were indeed classier and more elegant.

Chapter 360 He Wants the Child Only

Amelie raised her head and noticed a woman running toward them, holding a child in one hand and a shopping bag in the other.

When she reached them, she tossed the shopping bag aside and hugged the little girl, her eyes flushed.

The woman was obviously here to shop.

It appeared that she couldn't chase down the little girl earlier because she had too many things with her, which led to what had just happened.

After reprimanding the little girl, the woman repeatedly thanked Amelie and gave her two apples before leaving.

Amelie was lost for words as she looked at the two apples.

She originally refused to accept them, but the woman insisted.

Thus, she had no choice but to walk back to the bridal store with the apples in her hands.

Just as she was about to reach the store, someone ran past Amelie and slammed her shoulder forcefully, rendering her unstable. The apples in her hands fell to the ground.

Amelie wanted to rebuke the person who had knocked her, but when she turned around, she saw a beautiful woman wearing heavy makeup with a pregnant belly.

Noticing that she was pregnant, Amelie couldn't bring herself to lecture her.

Hence, she waited for the woman to walk past her before bending down to pick up the apples.

"I'm pregnant, Mr. Alston." She heard someone say at this point.

Amelie raised her head and noticed a car parked along the road.

The pregnant woman earlier stood by the car door, touched her large belly, and continued, "It's yours."

Although Amelie's vision was blocked by the woman, she still saw the bright leather shoes stepping out of the car, and it was followed by a pair of extremely long legs.

The next moment, the person stepped on the ground with both feet and stood upright.

He was much taller than the woman, hence his attractive face and solemn expression were revealed to Amelie.

It's Leo!

Leo's sudden appearance caught Amelie by surprise, causing her hands, which were picking the apples, to stop halfway.

She hadn't seen him in over two years, but he showed no signs of aging at all. His face remained fair and flawless, and there wasn't a single wrinkle in sight.

Leo, on the other hand, lowered his indifferent gaze, his lips folding into a line as he looked at the pregnant woman in front of him.

His gaze was completely emotionless. There was no happiness, no rage, nothing.

When the woman saw this, she nervously shrank her body and wrapped her arms around her belly. Cautiousness appeared in her eyes. "I'm already seven months along. The baby will be born soon."

Leo did not say anything in response. Instead, he retracted his gaze and raised his right hand abruptly.

The woman immediately assumed that he was about to do something to her. She was so terrified that her expression changed as she quickly took a big step backward and yelled, "Mr. Alston, I left an

important piece of evidence with a friend before I came here. If you dare to hurt me or my child, my friend will immediately expose the evidence. I have no control over what happens next!"

Even though she was threatening him, her body was trembling.

If she was rational enough, she should have known that Leo had a thousand ways to deal with her.

It would be easy for him to let her disappear without anyone knowing it.

But it was human nature to be willing to take risks, even though the chance of getting what one desired was slim.

And it was precisely this mindset that drove the woman to look for Leo today.

However, at this instant, she was terrified.

I'm still young, and I have a long way to go. What if I lose my life just because of this moment of greed…

"Give her 1.5 million." Just as the woman was about to back down, she heard Leo's cold voice saying so.

"What?" She couldn't believe her ears.

When she regained her senses, a check was already in front of her.

It was handed to her by an unfamiliar face, which was most likely Leo's assistant. "Take care of the baby, miss," he advised.

"You… Are you saying that you want me and the child?" The woman accepted the check and looked at Leo, surprised at how smoothly everything had gone.

Is Lady Luck smiling upon me?

"I want the child, but not you," Leo replied coldly. He didn't even raise his head to look the woman in the eyes, instead focusing on tidying his collar.

His tone and expression were indifferent as if he were simply having a casual conversation about the weather.

That rendered the woman speechless.

"How could you be so cruel to me?" the woman screamed angrily, her tears streaming down her cheeks. "Mr. Alston, we used to be so close. You can't treat me this way..."

Since the 1.5 million was too easy to obtain, the woman's greed grew as her previous thoughts arose.

I want to marry Leo!

She hugged Leo after speaking and said, "Mr. Alston, I don't want to leave you. I don't want to leave the baby behind either..."

Leo, however, completely ignored her and only gave the bodyguard a sidelong glance.

The bodyguard immediately approached them and pulled the woman away.

"Send her somewhere where the baby will be safe." The man's cold voice sounded again.

He then buttoned his left cuff and his right. Following that, he slipped his hands into his pockets and walked away, brushing past the woman.

"You can't treat me like this, Leo Alston! If you dare to do so, I will make my pregnancy public!" the woman yelled as if she was losing control.

Seeing this, the assistant approached her and said, "You are not the first woman to threaten Mr. Alston with the child, and Mr. Alston treats everyone who does this equally. Take the 1.5 million, give birth to the

child, and leave, or expose everything with nothing to gain. Choose wisely."

"I…" The woman's hysterical expression quickly changed as her fingers clutched the check tightly.

The assistant understood her decision and nodded to the bodyguard.

The woman said nothing more and simply followed the bodyguard into the car as well.

Amelie, on the other hand, had been squatting on the ground the entire time, witnessing everything. No one noticed her because she was obscured by the nearby flower beds.

She only stood up when she saw the car driving away and Leo entering the supermarket.

When she heard Julia talking about Leo's personal life previously, she couldn't bring herself to believe it. However, now that she had witnessed it for herself, she finally realized that Leo had indeed changed.

He now played with all kinds of women, did not take preventive measures properly, and when things went wrong, he only wanted the child, not the mother.

Amelie couldn't make any connections between the Leo she had just seen and the man she remembered.

When she returned to the bridal store, Julia had already chosen the gown that she liked and was discussing with the manager the modifications that needed to be made.

Seeing Amelie walk in, Julia blinked and asked, "Where have you been? I've only been in for a short while, but you were nowhere to be found when I came out."

"I didn't go anywhere," Amelie answered vaguely. She did not tell Julia about what had happened earlier.

Julia was so focused on the gown that she didn't notice anything different about Amelie.

After exiting the store, Julia took Amelie's arm and said, "I'm suddenly nervous about getting married."

She then patted her chest as if she were incredibly feeling nervous. "Let's have some fun before I get married."

The wedding was scheduled for three days later, so they didn't have much time.

Samuel was the one who wanted the wedding to be held as soon as possible.

After all, they had been dragging their relationship for so long, and he couldn't wait to marry Julia now.

"Have some fun? What do you have in mind?" Amelie did not want to entertain Julia's insane idea and instead pinched her cheek. "You'll get a lecture from Samuel if he finds out!"

Samuel was the only person who could lecture Julia.

Julia, being a person with a wild temperament, became submissive whenever she was with him.

Remembering Samuel's way of lecturing her all this time, Julia blushed, and her ears became red.

However, she insisted and said, "That won't happen. He's been extremely busy recently and has no time for me."

Then, without even considering Amelie's willingness, Julia dragged her to a bar.

She even chose a vivacious bar to go to. When they both walked in, they were immediately overwhelmed by loud rock music.

Many young men and women were dancing enthusiastically on stage.

Given Julia's identity and the fact that she was about to get married, Amelie insisted on dragging Julia to a private room.

The room was far from the stage, and they could only see it through an open window.

"It's not interesting at all to just watch them but not join." Julia sighed, placing her chin in her palm.

"You should be content with this," Amelie said after hearing Julia's whine, her head lowered as she fiddled with her phone.

"Look! There's a hottie over there!" Julia suddenly grabbed Amelie's arm and exclaimed in exaggeration.

Amelie nearly dropped her phone due to Julia's actions, so she had no choice but to raise her head and look in that direction as well.

She only stood up when she saw the car driving away and Leo entering the supermarket.