Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Before leaving to attend to something, Irene caught up with Leila, saying, “Brent was planning to come by to discuss something with you.”
Leila had matters to discuss with Brent. Since she had no other commitments, she could simply stay here and wait for him.
Leila nodded before bidding goodbye to Irene.
As soon as Leila stepped out of Jerome’s hospital room, Boris intercepted her.
Leila tensed, anticipating a confrontation, and took a step back, but his expression was one of remorse.
Boris said apologetically, “I apologize. I’ve been anxious about my grandfather, and the doctor’s update wasn’t positive. Thus, I acted rudely toward you. I later found out you are quite close with my grandpa. Your visit really lifts his spirits. I was wrong to be discourteous. I owe you thanks instead.”
Leila was taken aback by his reasonableness. She scrutinized him, noticing the genuine clarity in his eyes. The concern he displayed when speaking of Jerome appeared heartfelt.
Leila’s expression softened. She typed down her response. “I’m glad to hear you’re this concerned for Jerome. I’m not offended. I’d likely have done the same in your situation.”
Boris, slightly embarrassed, flushed a gentle red. “Thanks for being understanding. Could I possibly get your contact details?”
Seeing the cautious expression on Leila’s face, Boris hastened to clarify, “I can see you’re eager to visit my grandfather again. My mom and I have managed everything regarding his stay at the hospital. If we swap contact details, just let me know whenever you’d like to visit, and I’ll make the arrangements.”
This proposition seemed reasonable, and Leila found herself without a good reason to decline. She then gave Boris her alternative contact information.
After exchanging information, Leila felt a need for some solitude, so she bid Boris farewell and headed toward the lounge.
As Leila departed, the smile gradually vanished from Boris’ face as he examined the contact details she had left him.
Just then, Sophia approached with a look of disapproval. “That girl can’t speak. I can’t fathom why my dad is drawing close to someone like her. He’s probably out of his senses.”
Boris gave a faint smile. “Mom, her background isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Anyway, we should back Jerome’s decisions. If he takes a liking to her, then so should we. It’s important to prove that we’re the most prudent among his grandchildren.”
Sophia paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I noticed that girl seemed quite willing. She didn’t hesitate to give you her contact details. Perhaps she’s taken an interest in you. Maybe you should take some initiative?”
Boris’ annoyance was apparent. “Mom, really? You think I’d entertain the idea of dating a woman who hardly talks? It would be awkward to introduce her to our circles. But I might entertain her a bit. We’ll see how it unfolds.”
Sophia didn’t say anything.
Half an hour later, Brent arrived.
Leila emerged at the sound of the commotion, curious about the cause.
Brent had gone to visit Jerome, flanked by a team of doctors and nurses.
Always methodical and decisive, Brent managed every situation with precision.
Boris and Sophia attempted to follow Brent inside but were barred by Brent’s bodyguards.
From her years of honing the skill of observation, Leila detected a brief flash of resentment in Boris’ eyes.
The contents of the conversation in Jerome’s ward remained a mystery to all outside.
Upon exiting Jerome’s ward, Brent appeared even more exhausted and drawn.
Boris and Sophia moved toward Brent eagerly, but something about them seemed to irk Brent.
Brent’s face was impassive, his eyes distant and cool as he stared at Sophia and Boris.
Sophia looked angry, but Boris quickly hushed her with a whisper that seemed to soothe her, leading her to move away.
Noticing Leila tucked away in a corner, Brent brushed past Boris and strode directly toward her.
“Leila,” Brent began, a note of regret coloring his tone as he met Leila’s eyes. “I’m truly sorry for asking you to come here. Work has just overwhelmed me lately, and it’s a particularly hectic period.”
Leila dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand. She typed her response on her phone: “I visited Jerome earlier. He seemed a little off, but it wasn’t anything alarming. Probably just the stress setting in. A bit of rest might be all he needs to bounce back.”
Seeing her understanding, Brent’s expression eased into a genuine smile, softening his typically sharp features.
“Thank you.”
They stepped into a private hospital room.
Leila posed her question on her phone: “Mr. Hayes, was there something specific you needed to talk about?”
Brent outlined the situation succinctly. The Hayes Group had experienced a mishap in which a shipment of goods was damaged in transit. The complication was pinpointing whether the fault lay with their transport or the third-party company responsible for the port’s export duties.
Leila furrowed her brow, puzzled. She expressed her bafflement on the phone: “I’m not sure how I can be of help with this.”
Brent shifted uncomfortably. “We’ve had a longstanding relationship with the client. The shipment was crucial to him, and now that it’s compromised, he’s contemplating severing ties with us. He has a particular fondness for antiques. I’ve spent days locating a piece he’s long desired, but now it’s damaged. You’re the only restorer I trust to handle this.”
Leila was taken aback to learn that this was the problem for which Brent sought her assistance. She then typed her reply on her phone softly: “This is what I do. Why call it a favor?”
Brent shook his head, his expression solemn. “He’s extremely picky. Unless everything is flawless, he rejects it. It can be a bit of a headache. Though restoring might seem simple for you, meeting the client’s expectations is certainly not straightforward. My advice for you is to stick with the Hayes Group. If you’re unhappy in your current position, I’ll help you find a different one.”
Leila fell into a thoughtful silence. She realized Brent must be truly desperate to approach her for help, knowing well about his resources. Thus, she gave him her reply: “I’ll accept the job.”
Brent visibly relaxed at her reply. He smiled, his eyes twinkling with relief. “Thanks for being so understanding,” he said sincerely.
After departing, Leila couldn’t shake off a nagging suspicion, prompting her to text Irene. She sensed Brent had omitted important details and wasn’t fully transparent with her. Normally, she wouldn’t meddle in other people’s affairs, but her desire to help was genuine this time.
After some persistence, Irene reluctantly divulged the truth. “Actually, this involves your husband. Mr. Hayes didn’t want me to tell you. It wasn’t my intention to keep this from you.”
The mention of Landon made Leila’s heart flutter.
After Irene shed some light on the situation, Leila’s confusion cleared up. She learned that the company the Hayes Group had cooperated with was actually a subsidiary of the Kensington Group.
Known for its expertise in international logistics, the Kensington Group efficiently managed the transportation of large and hazardous items without previous complications.
The Hayes family had long relied on their services.
Yet, this time, something went awry for reasons unknown.
Both parties were quick to deflect blame, each denying any responsibility.
The conflict didn’t stay contained for long. The client soon caught wind of the problem.
To make matters worse, someone with a hidden motive began spreading distorted stories, manipulating the facts.
Rumors circulated that the Hayes Group had deliberately sabotaged the shipment to force the Kensington Group into paying damages.
This portrayal of the Hayes Group as deceitful fueled further allegations.
Amidst the growing scandal, Jerome’s sudden illness only added to the chaos enveloping the Hayes Group.
Leila sent a text to Irene: “Even though this mess involves the Kensington Group, I doubt Landon had any part in it. He’s probably oblivious to the whole thing.”
Leila felt a flush of warmth in her cheeks as Irene commented: “You still have feelings for him, don’t you?”
Leila texted back: “It’s not that I care. I just know Landon. He’s tough on his team and would definitely investigate if something like this happened. Whether the issue involved the Kensington or the Hayes, he’d have looked into it. He wouldn’t just sit back and let public opinion spiral out of control, damaging the Hayes family!”
This argument did seem reasonable. Landon wasn’t the type to throw the Hayes family under the bus to dodge blame. Pinpointing the root of the problem was essential.
Irene couldn’t help but remark: “Leila, I know it’s a big favor to ask, but having you assist the Hayes family would be a great help. Jerome is getting on in years and can’t manage this stress. I’m wary of leaving everything in Sophia’s and her son’s hands at the hospital, but there’s really no one else in the Hayes family who can step up. You’re aware of the situation.”
That much was certain.
Jerome had been a prudent man and had brought up Brent well, but the rest of the Hayes family were just freeloaders, adept at neglecting their duties.