Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Cody’s expression shifted as he shot her a look.
“Reconciliation? That’s not my goal. You’re overthinking it. I just figure that if Landon sees this, he’ll never trust you again. Would you like to test that theory, Miss Payne?”
Lacey’s heart sank. She couldn’t afford to let that happen. She had spent years earning Landon’s trust, and their relationship was finally progressing. If Landon saw this, all her efforts would be in vain. It was far too late for second thoughts now.
Swallowing her pride, Lacey looked at Cody, fighting back tears.
“Isn’t there any other way besides agreeing to your terms?”
Cody nodded, his voice calm.
“I don’t need money or anything else. Just your cooperation.”
“Don’t worry. Together, we could make a powerful team.”
Lacey closed her eyes, a wave of resignation washing over her. In her heart, she silently apologized to Landon.
Lacey and Cody finalized the details and signed the contract. Lacey walked away, her shoulders slumped, her eyes devoid of any hope.
Just then, Gerald Todd, the elderly man working for Cody, returned, a look of displeasure on his face.
“Mr. Hopkins, why do you insist on cooperating with that woman? She’s nothing but trouble.”
Cody calmly put the contract away. “You’re right about her. Although she and I share some of the same ruthless and calculating traits, she’s too clumsy and inept,” he said.
Gerald snorted. “If I hadn’t handled the loose ends for her three years ago, Landon would have seen through her.”
Gerald frowned. He added, his displeasure evident, “Why are we working with her? She’s such an idiot.”
Cody let out a hearty laugh. “You don’t see the big picture, Gerald. I chose to work with her solely because her ambition has consumed her. Her delusional thoughts are clouding her judgment, making it easier for us to manipulate her. Besides, she knows a bit about medicine and is close to Landon. If she becomes Landon’s wife, we’ll have the Kensington Group wrapped around our little finger.”
Gerald’s eyes widened in understanding.
“Brilliant move!” he exclaimed, nodding eagerly.
Elsewhere, Lacey returned to Landon’s place, only to find him absent. Lacey suddenly remembered that Landon had gone to the Kensington Group to reclaim control from Leila. So, Landon and Leila had met again today. Why hadn’t Landon returned yet? Did they get back together? Lacey felt it was possible, especially considering how cold and distant Landon had been on the phone earlier. He showed little regard for her safety. He had never acted like that before. Maybe he was with Leila right now.
The thought of being under Cody’s control filled Lacey with a sense of dread and restlessness. Overcome with fear and anxiety, Lacey frantically called Leo Barton, Landon’s assistant.
“Where’s Landon?” she demanded. “I need to see him right now.”
Leo glanced at Landon, who was nursing a drink. He decided not to tell Lacey the truth.
“Mr. Kensington is busy with some important matters. Since you’re no longer in danger, please don’t disturb him,” he said evasively.
Lacey’s blood boiled. “Leo, what do you mean I’m disturbing Mr. Kensington? I’m practically his most trusted confidante!” she retorted, her voice laced with indignation.
Leo’s brow furrowed in displeasure. From the moment he’d started working for Landon, he had harbored a distinct dislike for Lacey as he found her demeanor to be condescending and arrogant. Plus, he could see right through her facade of superiority. More importantly, Landon hadn’t treated Lacey differently, always maintaining a polite demeanor.
Leo knew Landon had softened his demeanor around Lacey only because of the life-saving favor. However, Lacey had misinterpreted Landon’s gratitude as romantic interest and genuinely believed she held a special place in his affections.
Right now, Leo could tell Landon was clearly in a foul mood and wasn’t in the mood to entertain visitors. Lacey’s shrill tone caused Leo’s expression to harden.
“I said Mr. Kensington doesn’t want to be disturbed,” he stated firmly. “Miss Payne, if you continue to cause a scene, you’ll only anger Mr. Kensington.”
Lacey was well aware of Landon’s temperament. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t have persisted, but today was different. She desperately needed reassurance, a confirmation that she held some significance in Landon’s life. Suppressing her frustration, Lacey forced a note of panic into her voice.
“I wouldn’t insist if it wasn’t important. I’m facing a difficult situation, and it’s urgent. I need to see Landon immediately,” she pleaded.
Leo massaged his temples, feeling a surge of exasperation.
“Miss Payne, Mr. Kensington had instructed me to handle any issues you might encounter. Why don’t you explain the situation to me? Mr. Kensington is preoccupied with other matters.”
Lacey bit back a curse, her jaw clenching in frustration.
“Leo, if you don’t let me see Landon, I’ll hurt myself. You know I’ll do it.”
Leo winced. Lacey had never acted like this before. Maybe she really did have something important to tell Landon.
Just then, Landon spotted Leo and beckoned him over.
“Come here.”
Leo approached, noticing Landon’s flushed cheeks and red-rimmed eyes.
“Mr. Kensington, you’ve had quite a bit to drink already. Maybe you should slow down,” Leo said, his voice laced with concern.
Landon’s head was swimming, but he was still clear-headed enough to ask, “What does Lacey want?”
Leo hesitated.
“I’m not sure, but…”
Landon rubbed his temples, trying to ease the pounding in his head.
“I’m feeling better now. If it’s important, let her come over. Lacey doesn’t usually act like this. Maybe something’s wrong.”
Leo nodded and called Lacey back.
When Leo returned to Landon’s side, his expression was complex.
“Mr. Kensington, there’s something I need to tell you, but I’m not sure if I should say it.”
Landon nodded slightly.
“Go ahead.”
Leo cleared his throat.
“Mr. Kensington, it’s pretty obvious that Miss Payne has feelings for you. Your return is solely to get back at Miss Nixon. Yet, I am stunned to find out that Miss Payne actually announced to the public that you are her fianc?. That could cause problems down the line.”
Landon fell silent.
Actually, he’d noticed Lacey’s affections and had turned her down. While Lacey had promised she wouldn’t pursue him and just wanted to work for him, it was clear she had lied. Though Landon sought to remove Lacey from his life, she had made contributions over the years. Plus, she had saved his life. He couldn’t bring himself to dismiss her in such a cruel way.
After a moment of thought, Landon said, “Now that I’m back, I’ll tell everyone Lacey is just a sister figure to me. I’ll even play matchmaker for her.”
Hearing this, Leo finally relaxed. Lacey might have made her contributions, but she wasn’t the right woman to be Landon’s wife. Besides, Landon had no romantic interest in her.
Lacey arrived at the bar a short while later. As she walked toward the private room and surveyed the surroundings, a frown etched on her face. Wasn’t Landon supposed to be occupied? Yet, it seemed he was just here, trying to drown his sulking mood with alcohol. Landon seldom indulged in alcohol. Clearly, he couldn’t let go of Leila. What had happened during Landon’s meeting with Leila earlier today? Lacey knew it certainly didn’t bode well for her. She had to do something. If she didn’t, Landon and Leila would eventually get back together.
Lacey knew she couldn’t stand by any longer. Glancing at the medicine in her hand, she took a steadying breath before opening the door. A strong scent of alcohol permeated the room. Landon wasn’t known to drink much. Even at gatherings, no one ever pressured him into it. But tonight was different. He’d clearly been drinking far more than usual.
With a complex expression, Lacey approached Landon. He sat on the sofa, his eyes closed as if trying to escape the world. When he finally lifted his head, his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. His flushed cheeks gave him an unusual, almost vulnerable look. A soft ache stirred in Lacey’s heart. If she wasn’t mistaken, faint tear stains marked the corners of his eyes. She couldn’t believe this. Was he really crying? Had he shed tears over Leila?
With a hesitant voice, Lacey asked, “Mr. Kensington, are you feeling down?”
Landon raised his head at the sound of Lacey’s voice, his gaze locking onto hers. Landon’s eyes held an intensity that made Lacey feel exposed. In an instant, he seemed to unravel everything she felt. He saw worry, reluctance, and affection in her gaze. Caught by his penetrating look, Lacey quickly averted her eyes, flustered. But it was too late.
Under usual circumstances, Landon wouldn’t have acknowledged his feelings toward Leila. Yet now, he held Lacey’s gaze and nodded, his voice steady.
“You’re right. I can’t let go of Leila. I’ve loved her for years. Even though she’s hurt and let me down, I can’t deny that she still lingers in my mind.”
Lacey felt a sting of bitterness. She asked, struggling to accept his words, “Why? After all this time, can’t you just move on?”