Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Ewing redirected the conversation to the matter at hand. “You didn’t visit today just to chat about my hobbies, did you?”
Landon nodded, his demeanor turning grave. For the first time, the usually proud man had bowed his head in front of someone else. “I really hope you can help me find someone. She might not mean much to me, but I still want her to be found safe and sound.”
Landon’s choice of Ewing for this task stemmed from Ewing’s long-standing residence in Ferelden, where Ewing had minimal social connections in Avalon and led a simple life.
Despite this, Landon held back on divulging the complete truth. He was unaware of Leila’s current circumstances, and revealing too much could complicate things for her.
Ewing shifted in his seat, a subtle smile playing on his lips, though his eyes remained detached.
Ewing replied, “I’m not sure what’s happened, but knowing you, this must be urgent. And to ask me for this favor, a business acquaintance you barely know, that’s saying something. I do sympathize, but I have to leave soon. Besides, you’ve met my grandfather. You saw the state he’s in, and he needs more of my focus now. Oh, and you met my cousin today, right? She’s got a congenital heart condition.”
Landon understood that Ewing wasn’t dismissing him outright. He noted Ewing’s use of the term “business acquaintance” was intentional.
Reacting quickly, Landon said, “I realize you’ve been overseas for a while and are looking to grow your business back home. If you’re interested, I’m ready to commit to a long-standing collaboration with your company in Avalon.”
Ewing raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You… Are you sure she doesn’t mean much to you?” His question carried a hint of skepticism.
Ewing’s business was modest, nowhere near grand enough to consider a partnership with the likes of the Kensington Group.
Ewing preferred a slow and steady approach to business growth, avoiding the use of his influence to pressure anyone. Yet, here was Landon, presenting an unexpected opportunity. Ewing didn’t hesitate to consider it.
Landon’s eyes held a touch of sorrow as he spoke with a steady voice. “Honestly, she’s my wife. However, our relationship has been strained. Now, she’s missing. I can’t spare the time to search for her myself, but I need to know she’s safe. If you find her, just let me know she’s alright. There’s no need to bring her back to me.”
Ewing stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Wife? But aren’t you engaged to the Miller’s daughter?”
Ewing recalled the detailed investigation he had conducted on the Miller family and Sarah due to Tyrone. Naturally, he was aware of Landon’s connection to Sarah.
Landon gave a slight nod but remained silent.
Ewing felt Landon was a jerk in terms of relationships. His gaze on Landon carried a touch of disdain.
However, Ewing had to acknowledge Landon’s formidable presence in the business world.
Even though the Kensington family couldn’t hold a candle to the Nixon family, Ewing never took Landon lightly.
Ewing’s parents maintained a love as fresh as their early days, which he admired.
Ewing disapproved of those who left their spouses, yet he knew that was a personal issue.
Ewing felt what mattered between him and Landon was the business collaboration. If he ever encountered Landon’s wife, that unfortunate woman, he would encourage her to muster the courage to leave Landon.
“In that case, I’ll give it my best shot. Please forward all her details to me later. But Mr. Kensington, I need to be clear with you. I’m not adept at tracking people down, so there’s a possibility I might not succeed,” Ewing said.
Landon had risen to his feet by this time. Hearing this, he responded, “That’s fine. Whatever the result, I’m prepared to accept it. As for our deal, since I’ve committed to it, I’ll honor my part regardless of the outcome.”
At this, Ewing quipped, “Mr. Kensington, don’t you think we should treat today’s agreement as distinct from our usual dealings?”
Ewing was discussing the collaboration between the Kensington Group and his own smaller company.
Ewing had no intention of expressing gratitude to Landon. In fact, this partnership might even result in a financial loss for Landon.
With straightforward honesty, Landon remarked, “This is my way of showing gratitude. I don’t expect anything in return.”
Acknowledging this, Ewing nodded and signaled his men to escort Landon out.
As Ewing watched Landon walk away, he found himself reflecting on Landon’s character.
Despite Landon’s gentlemanly demeanor, Ewing wondered why he was so harsh with his wife.
Meanwhile, Bria arrived at Ewing’s manor and instructed her team to monitor Leila before she went to meet Ewing.
As if fate would have it, Bria encountered Landon, who was just leaving.
Their last encounter at the hospital had made a strong impression on Bria, and she saw Landon as someone trying to gain favor with Ewing.
As Bria walked past Landon, she tilted her head up slightly, displaying a touch of arrogance.
Dressed elegantly and radiating a poised charm, Bria was confident that Landon would take notice of her.
However, just as before in the hospital, Landon walked past Bria without a glance, treating her as if she were invisible.
Bria had never been so blatantly ignored before. She paused, shooting Landon a perplexed look, and then felt compelled to follow him.
“Hello.” Bria intercepted Landon, extending her hand. “Are you here to see Ewing?”
Landon looked down at Bria’s outstretched hand and briefly shook it. “Hello, yes, I’ve just finished speaking with Mr. Nixon. Thanks for asking.”
With that, Landon nodded courteously and began to walk away.
A frown momentarily marred Bria’s usually serene expression. How could Landon simply disregard her presence?
The desire to earn Landon’s attention ignited within Bria. She hurried to catch up with him. “I heard you hail from the Kensington family. Though Ewing can be quite arrogant, someone of your standing deserves his respect. We’ve met only twice, but you’ve left a good impression on me. If there’s anything you need, perhaps I could be of assistance.”
Landon glanced at Bria after hearing that. Bria’s anger simmered down a bit. She expected Landon to plead for her help, but he simply said, “I’ve already handled it. Thank you for the offer, Miss Nixon.”
Bria clenched her jaw, frustrated by Landon’s rejection. “You asking Ewing is totally different from me asking him. Ewing might seem easygoing, but he just hates saying no directly. Do you really not want me to intervene?”
Annoyance creased Landon’s brow. He decided to cut to the chase. “Miss Nixon, we are not acquainted. Are you proposing some kind of business arrangement?”
Bria fabricated an excuse. “I just said that I have a good impression of you, so I wanted to help.”
Landon scoffed, his gaze devoid of warmth. “Miss Nixon, there seems to be a misunderstanding. I’m a businessman. All relationships, in my view, are built on mutual benefit. I only value what each party can offer the other. Otherwise, it suggests ulterior motives.”
Bria couldn’t argue with him. A strange sense of helplessness washed over her. Was this guy clueless? Or was he just not interested in her?
Bria thought she had taken the initiative. Even if she wasn’t his type, she hailed from the Nixon family, for crying out loud.
Plenty of men were dying to meet her and curry favor with her. The Kensington family wasn’t even in the same league as the Nixons.
Bria gritted her teeth, a new plan forming in her mind. She flashed a bright smile. “Well, I won’t bother you then. Can I get your contact information instead?”
Landon eyed Bria with detachment. He found his earlier interactions with Ewing quite normal. But Bria, Ewing’s cousin, seemed a bit airheaded.
To avoid further hassle, Landon was about to give Bria his work-related contact information when Sarah called.
Lately, Landon had been giving Sarah the cold shoulder. He’d brushed her off with the “too busy” excuse.
Sarah seemed to have realized something. Her calls had become a constant buzz in Landon’s pocket.
It was driving Landon up the wall. The whole Leila situation had him a tangled mess of worry, and Sarah’s constant calls were the last thing he needed.
Now, staring at his buzzing phone and Bria’s sly smirk, a light bulb flickered on in Landon’s head. Maybe he could use Sarah as a distraction.
Sarah’s number wasn’t even saved in Landon’s phone.
The way Landon’s face tightened told Bria this wasn’t just some random nobody.
Bria, ever the opportunist, shot her shot. “Who’s that? Your girlfriend?”
Landon responded with a flat, “Yeah.”
Bria wasn’t about to back down without a fight. Her competitive streak was flaring like wildfire. So, the reason for Landon’s frosty behavior was a girlfriend? That just made him all the more intriguing.
The thrill of stealing someone’s man was what Bria craved. Now that was a game she could get behind. No challenge, no reward. Easy pickings were boring for Bria.