Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Leila pondered for a moment, still puzzled. “Shouldn’t it be Clayton sitting here? Why is it you?”
Clayton had mentioned an enterprise exchange in Burmoos just a few days prior. Since Leila was returning to Burmoos, they had planned to travel together. With no good reason to decline, Leila had sent Clayton her flight details, and he had secured the seat next to hers. Landon simply smiled, a knowing look in his eyes, and said nothing.
Clayton was on his way back to the Morgan Group at that moment. His subordinates reported that a significant breach had occurred due to hackers. If not addressed, the confidential data of the Morgan Group would be leaked.
The vice president came out to meet Clayton, visibly anxious. Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, he said, “Sir, our internet security is always robust. I have confirmed that our employees are not involved.”
Observing the troubled looks of his employees, Clayton clenched his teeth in frustration. “It’s clear we’re being targeted,” he declared.
The vice president responded with alarm, “Who could it be? We should call the police immediately.” In Burmoos or Halstead, challenging the Morgan family openly was unthinkable. The mastermind was either daring or possessed considerable power. When had the Morgan Group ever provoked such a person?
Clayton quickly intervened to prevent the vice president from making a police call. “Don’t bother calling the police. It would be futile. The person responsible isn’t afraid of our investigations.”
When no one was around, Clayton’s frustration manifested as he began smashing nearby objects. He concluded that Mr. Lando was responsible.
Meanwhile, Landon had just arrived in Burmoos with Leila and Sophie. Landon carried Sophie off the plane and suggested they grab a meal first.
However, Leila wasn’t in the mood to dine. Tyrone had been located, and for reasons unknown, he seemed to cling to Jenny. He followed Jenny everywhere.
While Leila could tolerate Tyrone acting like this, his demeanor toward Jenny made her suspect that Jenny might have drugged him or manipulated him mentally somehow. Concerned, Leila took Tyrone to the hospital again for a thorough check-up. The doctors confirmed that Tyrone was only suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, with no other underlying issues.
In the past few days, Jenny had been under the control of Landon’s men, leading to Tyrone’s irritability. He lost his appetite and interest in activities. Left with no other option, Leila instructed her crew to fetch Jenny and Tyrone back to Burmoos ahead of schedule. Tyrone had arrived earlier and was likely at the villa by now.
Leila gazed into Sophie’s bright eyes and gently pinched her cheek, smiling. “Would you like to join Landon for dinner tonight?”
With a smile and a nod, Sophie clung to Landon’s neck, murmuring, “Okay.”
Landon, initially taken aback, soon felt uneasy. “I’m worried it’s not a good idea. Perhaps it’s best we dine together another time.”
Leila, maintaining a stoic expression, straightened Sophie’s attire. “There’s no need for nerves. My previous concerns were misplaced. You’re quite capable of keeping her safe.”
Determined, Landon responded, “She is my world. Her safety is my utmost priority.” Sophie seemed so tiny and delicate in Landon’s embrace. Now nearly four, she was growing more beautiful by the day.
Sophie had seamlessly blended Landon’s and Leila’s features, exuding grace and natural beauty. Landon always felt a sense of fulfillment whenever he held Sophie. She was his bloodline, the child he would guard with his life.
Landon didn’t insist on Leila joining them for dinner. After asking Sophie to bid Leila farewell, he departed with her. Leila rushed back to the villa, only to find a heated argument underway. She felt slight relief that Sophie hadn’t accompanied her.
Tears cascaded down Trent’s cheeks as he knelt before Tyrone. Leaning on Jenny for support, Tyrone prepared to depart. The living room was a scene of disarray, with numerous items shattered.
Jenny, instead of showing frustration, arrogantly lifted her chin and quickly urged Tyrone to leave, her eyes radiating smugness. She appeared to view Tyrone as merely a pawn in her schemes.
Leila, with a somber expression, assisted Trent to his feet. She surveyed the scene and asked with furrowed brows, “What’s happening here?”
Trent, drying his tears, explained, “Your grandfather wants to leave. He accuses us all of being cruel and says we would torment him and his granddaughter. This confusion is unlike him. In the past, even when ill, he always remembered you. Yet now, when we speak of you, he shows no recognition.”
These words saddened Leila. She sensed something amiss but couldn’t pinpoint the cause.
“Grandpa Tyrone,” she approached gently. “Now that you’re here, we’ll take good care of you. We won’t bully Jenny, but you have to stay here.”
This thinly veiled warning was directed at Jenny. Jenny visibly disliked the implication. “What are you implying, Leila? Are you threatening me? If you wish him to forget you forever, proceed. I’ve lost everything already; I just want to ensure your life isn’t comfortable either,” she retorted.
Leila’s brow furrowed deeply. *What a villain! She snapped inwardly. Now powerless, Jenny could become unpredictable.
Leila inhaled deeply and then addressed Jenny, “What is it you desire? Provided your demands are reasonable, I’ll endeavor to accommodate them.”
Jenny’s demeanor softened, and she settled onto the sofa. As she did, Tyrone joined her, wary and alert. Observing this, Leila’s heart sank.
Jenny crossed her legs and smiled provocatively. “Declare to the world that I am your god-sister and will be living with you from now on. As long as you support me for life, I promise there will be no trouble.”
Before Leila could respond, Trent hurriedly pulled her aside. He shook his head and hastily said, “Please don’t agree. She’s malevolent, and her presence here will only bring problems. Consider this thoroughly. Tomorrow, I’ll inform Mr. Ewing Nixon. He’ll retrieve your grandfather and handle this woman, ensuring no further issues arise.”
Leila simply replied, “That’s not an option.”
Recently, Ewing hadn’t contacted Leila as frequently as he once had. Ewing had kept his reasons hidden from Leila, but Leila’s informants within the Nixon family kept her updated, suggesting the Nixon family was in disarray. Abram’s family had seized the opportunity to snatch assets from Ewing’s household during Tyrone’s absence.
Abram’s family seemed to have discovered Ewing’s error-one that could destroy his life if leaked. The situation inside the Nixon household had already demanded most of Ewing’s and Hamlin’s attention. They had too much on their plate, and sending Tyrone and Jenny back wasn’t a priority.
Leila resolved to cope with this on her own. After thinking for a while, Leila said to Trent, “Every time my grandpa has an episode, he would momentarily gain clarity. Let’s monitor him to see why he acts so weirdly this time. Keep an eye on Jenny and accommodate her needs without upsetting her. Practice some patience, and we will certainly find something.”
Trent’s eyes brimmed with tears as he expressed his gratitude. “Miss, your thoughtfulness toward the Nixon family is deeply appreciated.”
Gazing at Leila, Trent said, “Miss, your grandfather might blame himself when he is clear-minded again.” Leila, without uttering a word, simply gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder. The tension seemed to ease after Leila’s words, and Jenny ceased her disruptions.
Having arranged for someone to escort Tyrone to rest, Leila noticed Jenny still seated on the sofa, offering a faint smile. Wishing to avoid further confrontation, Leila turned to head upstairs.
Suddenly, Jenny approached rapidly and blocked her path. “Are you mad at me? It’s hard to believe I have actually turned the tables, isn’t it? Despite my lesser family background, I’m smart and know how to seize every opportunity. Perhaps that’s why you are jealous of me.”
“Seriously?” Leila responded, crossing her arms and arching an eyebrow. “Why would I harbor such feelings toward someone like you? Have you really earned them?” Jenny’s expression hardened as she realized Leila wasn’t as passive as she had assumed.
“Move aside,” Leila stared firmly.
Holding her ground, Jenny glared at Leila menacingly. “Let’s strike a deal: Give me Landon, and I’ll let go of your grandfather.”
Leila couldn’t help but laugh at the proposal. Jenny grew impatient. “You obviously don’t care for Landon. You value your friends more than him. Why not let him go? It will benefit us both.”
Leila’s gaze turned icy. “Step aside. Make any further threats, and I’ll-“
Jenny snapped, “You don’t love him at all! Are you afraid to admit it? Do you just see him as an ATM, a man at your disposal? Your cruelty knows no bounds.” Just then, Landon returned, carrying Sophie in his arms.
Upon hearing Jenny’s nonsense from the stairs, Landon quickly shielded Sophie’s ears. He whispered to Sophie calmly, “Ignore the noise, sweetheart. It’s just a dog barking.”
Jenny’s eyes reddened at the insult. Her frustration evident, she clutched her clothes tightly. “I’m advocating for you! Can’t you see that she’s just using you?”
As the servant hastily escorted Sophie away, Landon’s gaze shifted to the confrontation. Looking at Jenny, his expression was one of disdain and disgust.
Jenny bowed her head, tears streaming down her face as if deeply wronged. Landon turned to Leila and asked, “What’s going on?” Leila, restraining her irritation, explained, “Can’t you see? She accused me of taking advantage of you.”
Landon frowned. “Bullshit! I’d do anything for you.”
Jenny looked up defiantly, gesturing to Landon. She glowered at Leila. “Enough! Miss Nixon, just tell me your decision. This man or your grandfather? I remind you that your grandfather is under my influence, and he’ll do as I command. Make a decision soon, or face the consequences!”
Before Leila could reply, Landon smirked at Jenny and said, “You want me? No need to corner Leila. I’ll agree to your terms on her behalf. What’s your real intention? Are you looking to harm me or leverage me against someone?”
Landon approached Jenny as he spoke.
Jenny, blushing a little, responded, “I mean no harm to you. It just pains me to see you taken advantage of by Leila.”
Landon’s smirk grew more pronounced. “Oh? So, you’re here to defend me?”
Her cheeks flushed deeper, Jenny replied, “I simply can’t tolerate you being mistreated anymore.”
Disgusted by the unfolding scene, Leila turned around and left for the room with a dismissive sneer. Jenny continued to badger Landon for attention, believing Landon showed no interest in her only because of Leila.
With Leila out of the picture, she was convinced that Landon would eventually fall for her charm.
Unbeknownst to Jenny, annoyance was the only emotion in Landon’s eyes. After Leila left, Landon’s patience wore thin. He seized Jenny by the neck. She prattled on, and with a slight exertion of force, her delicate neck seemed almost at its breaking point.
Jenny’s fear was palpable, her eyes wide as she gasped. “What are you doing?”
Landon, with a harsh tone, retorted, “You’re too irritating; I need you to be quiet.” His smile was there, but it sent chills down Jenny’s spine. Overwhelmed, she started crying once more.
In a sudden move, Landon pushed her down the stairs. Jenny tumbled down, her body bruising terribly from the fall, leaving her nearly too weak to cry.
After a pause, Jenny finally said, “Did Leila ask you to do this? She had agreed to let me have you! She treats me like this. Doesn’t she realize what I’m capable of?” Landon’s sneer grew as he advanced toward Jenny.