LOGINLeonard didn't answer the mysterious man's threat right away.His expression remained calm, though his fingers tightened slightly around his phone. Over the past few months, life had taught him something he had never understood when he was standing at the top.Not every problem had to be met with anger."If that's why you called," Leonard said calmly, "are you finished?"A short laugh came from the other end of the line."You've changed.""Maybe.""I liked the old Leonard better."A faint smile tugged at Leonard's lips."Unfortunately, he's gone."A few seconds later, the call was disconnected.Leonard continued staring at the screen of his phone without making any attempt to call back.The nanny, who was standing a short distance away, noticed the change in his expression."Sir... is everything all right?"Leonard looked up and smiled."It's nothing."He wasn't lying.The threat had unsettled him, but it no longer had the power to make him lose his way.The most important person in h
Leonard stared at his phone for several seconds after the call ended.Daniel had sounded far more anxious than usual. During the past few weeks at the company, Leonard had come to know him as someone calm and rarely prone to panic. If Daniel was calling on a weekend, then the situation had to be serious.Leonard immediately pushed Ash's stroller toward the parking lot.When they arrived at the nanny's house, he quickly explained what had happened."I'm really sorry for having to leave Ash with you again today."The middle-aged woman smiled understandingly."It's all right, sir. I wasn't planning to go anywhere today anyway."Leonard crouched in front of his son."Daddy has to go back to work for a little while."Ash reached out both of his tiny arms.Leonard picked him up, kissed him several times, then gently handed him to the nanny."Take good care of Daddy from here, okay?"Ash giggled and waved his tiny hand, not truly understanding where his father was going.Leonard smiled befor
Leonard read the text message several more times.The words were simple, yet they felt far too personal to have come from someone who didn't know him. He tried calling the number, but the call went straight to voicemail.No name.No identity.Just a congratulatory message accompanied by a reminder not to repeat the same mistakes.In the end, Leonard slipped his phone back into his pocket. Whatever the sender's intentions were, he didn't want to spend the evening chasing answers he might never find.Ash rubbed his eyes sleepily."Getting sleepy?"The baby let out a soft little sound as he rested his head on his father's shoulder.Leonard carried him upstairs, changed him into his pajamas, and tucked him into bed, just as he did every night. Only a few months ago, those simple tasks had felt completely foreign. Now, they had become the moments he looked forward to most each day.After Ash fell asleep, Leonard remained seated beside the crib for a while."Daddy's going to do his best to
The following morning, Leonard once again stood in front of the investment firm's office building where he had interviewed the day before.This time, his steps were much calmer.Whatever decision awaited him, Leonard had already promised himself that he would accept it with grace.Before leaving home, he had dropped Ash off at the nanny's house. As Leonard was about to leave, the baby reached out and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt, making Leonard smile as he bent down to kiss his son's forehead."Wait for Daddy to come home. Hopefully, I'll have good news."Ash babbled softly, as though answering him.Those simple words echoed in Leonard's mind throughout the journey.When he arrived in the lobby, the receptionist who had greeted him the previous day immediately stood up."Good morning, Mr. Ashcroft.""Good morning.""The chairman is waiting for you on the top floor."Leonard looked slightly surprised."I was told yesterday that I'd be meeting the owner of the company.""That's corre
Several days passed after Leonard received the interview invitation. The day that had once seemed so far away had finally arrived.That morning, the little house was already bustling before the sun had fully risen. Leonard woke up early to prepare everything Ash would need. After giving his son a bath, he dressed the baby in a light blue outfit he had bought just a few days earlier. It wasn't a designer brand like the clothes that had once filled the closets of the Ashcroft mansion. It was a simple outfit he had purchased only after comparing prices at several different stores.Ash babbled happily as he played with the buttons on his father's shirt.Leonard smiled."Daddy has an interview today. So both of us need to do our best."The nanny arrived right on time. She took Ash into her arms with a warm smile."You don't have to worry, sir. I'll take good care of Baby Ash."Leonard nodded."If anything happens, call me immediately.""Of course."Before leaving, Leonard kissed his son's
The first morning after the wedding was far more peaceful than Adele had imagined.There were no meetings on the schedule, no reporters waiting outside the house, and no phone calls about the past. The new home Sebastian had chosen truly offered a different atmosphere. The backyard, covered in lush green grass, still glistened with morning dew, while sunlight streamed through the large windows of the living room, filling the entire house with warmth.Adele stood in the kitchen preparing a simple breakfast.Over the past few days, many people had offered to help. Even Sebastian's company's private chef had volunteered to come every morning. But Sebastian had politely declined every offer. He wanted this place to be a real home, not simply a house filled with servants.A moment later, the sound of little footsteps came racing down from upstairs."Mommy!"Elena ran toward her, hugging her favorite teddy bear. Her hair was still adorably messy from just waking up.Adele immediately crouch
Leonard’s question made the room feel even more suffocating.“Why is it that every time you get angry at me… it feels like Arabella has come back to life right in front of me?”Adele’s chest tightened harder instantly.Yet she remained standing there without looking away for even a second.Sebastia
That day—Leonard did not contact Adele at all.No calls.No text messages.No possessive tone like usual.And somehow—That was exactly what made everything feel strange.At the hospital, Leonard appeared far calmer than he had over the past few days.He even stayed beside Vanessa almost the entir
Adele’s words made Leonard fall silent for a few seconds.Her tone was calm. Not judgmental. And somehow, that was exactly what made him uneasy.He studied her more closely.“So you already think I’m that terrible?”Adele slowly sipped her coffee.“I’m only stating facts.”“And everyone lies someti
The words sounded like a joke.But both of them knew there was a hint of threat beneath them.Leonard actually let out a quiet laugh. The coldness in his expression softened slightly.“You enjoy using my grandmother to scare me far too much.”“Because it works.”Leonard raised a brow. “Are you sure







