Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Landon’s hands curled into tight fists, his knuckles whitening with tension.
“Clayton, don’t force me to take action against the Morgan Group. You’re well aware of what I’m capable of.”
Landon’s position might have been shaky at the moment, but toppling the Morgan Group was still well within his abilities. Pushed to the edge, he was prepared to battle it out to the bitter end.
Unmoved by the threat, Clayton responded with cool indifference, “Go ahead, then. Just remember, you won’t be the only one to fall.” Clayton’s voice carried an unsettling certainty.
Landon, however, saw right through him. Born into privilege, Clayton was ill-prepared to part with his wealth, a thought that Landon found all too predictable.
Landon deemed debating with Clayton pointless. Obsession seemed to have taken hold of Clayton, warping his reason to the brink of insanity. What could one possibly…
What could Landon possibly say to a man so detached from reality? Further conversation would only drive Clayton deeper into his delusions. Taking a moment, Landon inhaled deeply, seeking calm.
“Still, give me a moment to think this through. Pressuring me won’t help either of us. You know my temperament.”
Upon hearing Landon’s proposal, Clayton swiftly concurred.
“You’re absolutely correct. You have 24 hours-enough time, wouldn’t you agree? Yet, I must warn you, by this time tomorrow, the effects of Lacey’s poison will have fully manifested. You won’t find any remedy from the local doctors. They’re ill-equipped to handle such a sophisticated poison. And securing a specialist? Twenty-four hours might just be too tight. Still, if you’re willing to risk it, I won’t hinder you. Regardless of your choice, it doesn’t sway my plans. Leila will return to my side, sooner or later.”
With a final flick of his wrist, Clayton ended the call.
His assistant, eyebrows knitted in worry, glanced toward Clayton.
“Mr. Morgan, what happens if Landon chooses Leila over Elma? Wouldn’t that jeopardize our plan and cost us an important piece?” The important piece, of course, referred to Lacey.
Clayton, with a sly grin, appeared unfazed, his excitement barely contained.
“Actually, I prefer Landon picks Leila and lets Elma perish. Leila’s world revolves around her children, a testament to her maternal instincts. Having observed her all these years, it’s crystal clear. If Landon neglects Elma’s plight, even if Elma survives, the rift it creates between Landon and Leila will be insurmountable. Their chances of reconciling would dwindle even further. Besides, this scenario presents an excellent opportunity to sow discord between Landon and Leila’s other two children. If they turn against Landon, my hands are clean of any further meddling. As for Lacey, her fate doesn’t concern me. Whether she lives or dies, my goals remain unaffected.”
It made sense for Clayton to push Landon to do this. It was the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.
Seeing Clayton’s calculated cool, the assistant’s face broke into an admiring grin.
“Mr. Morgan, your strategic depth is truly impressive. With your ingenious planning, we are bound for success.”
Clayton remained silent, but a sudden memory sparked a grave expression on his face as he fixed his gaze intently on his assistant.
“Have you taken care of everything I instructed?” he asked, his voice carrying a weight of urgency.
Without missing a beat, the assistant vigorously nodded.
“Everything’s under control, Mr. Morgan. Our team has secured positions at the hospital without any issues.”
Drawing no attention, the operation will go off without a hitch,” he assured confidently.
A shadow of a sinister smile crept across Clayton’s features, his satisfaction evident.
“This time, I want both outcomes secured-Leila’s heart and Landon’s life.”
“Understood, sir. I’ll see to it personally,” the assistant replied, nodding decisively.
Meanwhile, after a restless night at the hospital, Leila steeled herself emotionally before approaching Landon. She was determined to devise a reason to bring Elma back with her, avoiding further treatments from Lacey’s supposed mentor.
However, Landon preempted Leila, his voice filled with warmth and concern.
“How about we stay here for one more day and head out tomorrow? Would that be okay with you?”
His eyes shimmered with sincere affection as he spoke, momentarily disarming Leila. She hesitated, caught off guard by her own lingering disappointment in the man she knew had deceived her. Avoiding his gaze, she whispered softly in agreement, “Alright.”
An unsettling feeling crept over Landon, making him suspect that something was off about Leila. He had considered addressing it the previous day, but the sight of her drawn, weary features had made him hold his tongue.
Today, mustering his courage, Landon closed the distance between them and tenderly captured Leila’s hand in his own.
As he had anticipated, Leila instinctively withdrew her hand. A pang of sorrow struck Landon.
“Leila, have I done something to upset you?” he inquired, his voice laden with concern.
Taking a deep, steady breath, Leila fought to preserve her calm and collected demeanor. Her lips curled into a faint, tired smile as she murmured, “It’s nothing. I’m just feeling a bit off today. It’s a good thing we’re not leaving today-I could really use the rest. Can I go see Elma now?”
Despite Leila’s reassurances, Landon was not easily deceived. A brief shadow of anguish passed through his eyes as he bit back his concerns. Their shared moments these past months had kindled a flicker of hope in Landon, hope for a renewed beginning with Leila. He trusted her implicitly. Even if Leila was harboring unspoken resentments, he trusted that she would confide in him when she felt ready. Forcing the issue wouldn’t help.
With a nod, Landon said, “Elma’s at the hotel, waiting. Let’s go there together.”
Leila’s attempt at a smile grew more strained, her discomfort nearly palpable in the cool air between them.
Leila gave a soft, almost silent cough.
“Don’t bother yourself to go with me. Just tell me the address, and I’ll head over there on my own.”
Landon’s eyes met Leila’s, and his expression was filled with sadness and bitterness.
“Leila, you’re being so distant with me. What happened? Why are you so formal with me?”
Leila knew she had put her foot in her mouth, but she felt trapped. She couldn’t bear to be around Landon at that moment. She didn’t even want to put on an act. Her heart fluttered at his slightest gesture, and those awful memories came flooding back, haunting her.
Looking away from Landon, Leila said, “Please, let me see Elma. I can’t talk about this right now.”
Landon wanted to say more, but he bit his tongue. He looked down, his eyes welling up with tears.
They drove to the hotel without another word.
Leila had been dreading the awkwardness if Landon insisted on accompanying her inside. But she soon realized her worries were unnecessary.
After dropping her off at the entrance, Landon said, “I have something to take care of. You and Elma can catch up here.”
Leila was relieved. Her smile toward Landon held a touch of real warmth this time. The moment Landon drove away, Leila’s smile vanished. She rushed into the hotel.
Elma was in a cheerful mood today, happily playing a video game. At the sight of Leila, she put down her game controller and waved excitedly, shouting, “Mom!”
Leila rushed over and embraced Elma tightly.
Elma giggled.
“Mom, I know you missed me, but this is a bit much! Do you find me too adorable?”
Leila’s emotions were in turmoil. She didn’t reply and just held Elma closer.
Elma sensed something was off and gently patted Leila’s back to comfort her.
“Mom, is Lacey bothering you again? Don’t worry, next time I see my dad, I’ll tell him to give that mean woman a good talking-to. Dad loves you a lot now, and he cares about me too. He won’t let anyone hurt us.”
Elma’s words were meant to reassure Leila.
Yet, Leila’s heart sank at Elma’s words, a sharp pang of pain echoing through her. A wave of pity for Elma washed over her. Elma was such a kind and compassionate soul.
Right now, Elma was unaware of her father’s deception and still clung to the naive belief that Landon had brought her here to heal her.
Leila had intended to reveal the truth to Elma. However, as she gazed upon Elma’s hopeful expression, the words caught in her throat. She resolved to abandon her plan. The truth was a harsh reality, too brutal for Elma to bear. Leila concluded that it would be best to shield Elma from it until she was older.
Leila fought back the tears welling up in her eyes. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she asked, “Elma, would you like to leave with me?”
Elma was taken aback for a moment. Then, a smile lit up her face as she nodded.
“Sure. Mom, where are we going?”