Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Through her tears, Jenny’s voice wavered with indignation. “The new president of that company? She’s a woman, a mother. I thought she would be compassionate. But no, she chose to humiliate me. How can one woman treat another so poorly?”
Leila’s eyes sparked with fury as she retorted sharply, “Who has ever behaved so disgracefully? Pointing a camera at someone else without hesitation? Who really wants to use their power to bully others?”
Jenny clarified her actions, stating, “Had you not gone too far, I wouldn’t have reacted this way.”
Facing the camera calmly, Leila responded, “Let’s clear the air. Today, I met Miss Patterson intending only to have a calm discussion about why she didn’t let us go. Right off the bat, she declined any advantages we might offer and refused to drop her complaint, urging us to abandon the idea. All I did was assure her that there were no bribes or hacks involved.”
Leila paused before adding, “Then she got angry, accusing me of insulting her. But did I? Did I really insult her?”
Jenny’s expression stiffened. She shot back, “That’s not how it happened. You told me to wait, and then you demanded that if I stayed in Halstead, I must kneel and apologize to you.”
With a slow nod, Leila remarked, “Is that so? It’s unfortunate then that this room is under surveillance. Keep lying. I’ll just have to get the manager to pull the surveillance footage to clear my name.”
Upon hearing this, Jenny was caught off guard. Realizing her blunder, Jenny quickly ended the live stream, her face a mask of guilt.
Leila, slightly amused, stood up and walked over, patting Jenny on the shoulder. “I was bluffing. There’s no camera here, Miss Patterson. Isn’t it telling how guilty you seem now?”
Disturbed, Jenny’s features twisted slightly. “Are you trying to provoke me?”
Leila spoke in a measured tone. “Don’t mind me. Anyway, the company has become like this. You know well that I’m not short of money. If the company can’t be saved, we might as well shut it down. I don’t need such a company either.”
Jenny clenched her teeth, anger mixing with defiance in her eyes.
Leila continued, “The reason I wanted to meet today was to inform you that I am going to officially take legal action against you. You’ve been spreading rumors and tarnishing my company’s reputation through public opinion.”
Jenny’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re going to sue?”
“Yeah.” Leila nodded, a smile flickering across her face. “But don’t worry. I won’t bother you in the days to come. I’ll see you in court.”
With that, Leila took Sophie’s hand and walked away. Watching Leila’s retreating figure, Jenny felt a surge of panic she had never experienced before, resentment burning within her. “Bitch!” she exclaimed, unable to contain her fury.
In a fit of rage, she hurled the porcelain bowl nearby to the floor, where it shattered. She swept off anything in her sight in a bid to release her anger.
Once she finally calmed down a bit, she had shattered quite a few items. The clatter drew the waitress, who hurried over. She surveyed the chaos in the room with a hint of displeasure. “Miss, if something’s bothering you, please feel free to discuss it with us. There is no need to lash out like that.”
Jenny’s patience had worn thin. With her arms folded, she retorted sharply, “Can’t you be a little more understanding? I came here to eat. Does it really matter if I break a few things?”
The waitress inhaled deeply, maintaining a professional smile. “Miss, I must ask you to settle your bill now.”
Jenny’s eyes bulged in astonishment. “What? I have to pay? Wasn’t this supposed to be a treat?”
“Do you mean the group that left earlier? They mentioned that everyone was paying separately. Considering the half meal you consumed and the damages, your total comes to three thousand.”
Jenny felt a sting in her chest, and her anger surged anew. “Are you trying to scam me? Just wait and-“
The waitress retorted icily, “Miss, if you’re short on cash, we can offer you a line of credit. But the amount must be covered within three working days.”
Jenny, already seething, snapped further at the waitress, raising her hand and striking her. “Shut up! Do I look like I’m broke?”
The waitress masked her frustration with a scowl and stepped aside, biting her tongue in silence. Jenny, scathing with anger, settled the bill. As she left, the waitress who had been slapped had to clean up the mess on the floor.
At that moment, the manager approached and gently tapped her on the shoulder. “Come on, dry your tears. We can’t have other customers see you upset.”
The waitress’s voice trembled with injustice. “I was only reminding her to settle her bill. Why did she have to react so violently? Just because she’s a customer doesn’t give her the right to go overboard. I’m going to expose her actions online.”
The manager’s face grew stern as he interjected sharply, “Don’t you dare! Do you have any idea who she is? She is a well-known philanthropist in Halstead, praised for her character and scholarship. The mayor even presented her with an award.
Now, she’s taken in numerous children and elderly folks. We ought to overlook her faults. Cross her, and you won’t find a place for yourself in Halstead.”
The waitress clamped her mouth shut, her eyes brimming with resentment and defiance.
Meanwhile, Jenny left the restaurant in a fury, and, as luck would have it, the rain started up again. Jenny teetered along the roadside, phone in hand, yet she made no move to call a taxi or a friend.
She had hoped to wait until she passed out, hoping that some bystander would then take her to the hospital. Perhaps, she thought, this could even make her the center of a trending topic and pin the blame on Leila.
Yet, Jenny had underestimated the ordeal her body could endure. Despite being drenched in the rain for an extended period, she felt unexpectedly energized.
This realization only soured her mood further. With frustration mounting, she stamped her feet angrily. At that moment, Jenny turned to see a Maybach paused at a red light in the distance. A gleam sparked in her eyes.
Inside the car, the air conditioning created a comfortable environment, yet Edgar couldn’t shake off a chill. Landon seemed to be taking a moment of respite, his eyes closed and fingers massaging his temples, his expression one of clear impatience.
“Mr. Kensington,” Edgar stammered, the nerves evident in his voice. “You don’t need to worry about Miss Watts. Our team has her under control.”
Upon hearing this, Landon opened his eyes and let out a chuckle. “You actually believe what you just said?”
Edgar fell silent, unable to respond. He had recognized Anna’s competence long ago. Not even the genuine Mr. Lando could tame her.
Landon’s brow furrowed as he observed Jenny on the pavement. Despite her frightened state, she managed to lift her head and study him, a sign she might not be severely hurt.
Could she be a con artist? Yet her appearance didn’t suggest she was in need of money. Leaning close, Edgar murmured to Landon, “Mr. Kensington, should I take her to the hospital?”
Landon remained silent, merely glancing at Edgar with a telling look. Obligingly, Edgar stepped out of the car, holding an umbrella for Landon.
On the soaked pavement lay Jenny, looking delicate and vulnerable. Rain streamed down her face, distorting her vision. The sound of footsteps approached.
The first thing she noticed was a pair of pricey, tailored men’s shoes. Raising her gaze, Jenny saw a handsome man with a tall, strong figure, donning a mask. Yet, the mask didn’t detract from his allure; it somehow enhanced it. Jenny’s heart kicked into overdrive. She knew it. The owner of such a luxurious car was surely no ordinary person.
Landon’s brow furrowed as he observed Jenny on the pavement. Despite her frightened state, she managed to lift her head and study him, a sign she might not be severely hurt. Could she be a con artist? Yet her appearance didn’t suggest she was in need of money. Leaning close, Edgar murmured to Landon, “Mr. Kensington, should I take her to the hospital?”
Landon remained silent, merely squaring down to level his gaze with Jenny’s. His voice was cold as he said, “Be honest with me. What do you really want? I’m running out of patience, and you wouldn’t want to lose my temper, would you?”
Jenny realized her scheme had been exposed. She slowly rose from the ground, fighting dizziness. “I’m sorry, sir. I felt unwell and passed out. I appreciate your concern.”
Landon scoffed and turned away, intending to leave. Jenny couldn’t let this chance slip away. She walked up to Landon, looking like she was on the verge of tears. “There’s more to it. I’ve been tormented by a cruel person, and I’m desperate. You seem strong, and I figured perhaps you could help me. I assure you, I can make it worth your while.”
Edgar struggled to contain his laughter. He saw right through Jenny’s intentions. Landon’s annoyance deepened, his tone growing even colder. “Do I really look like someone who would fall for that?”
Jenny was determined not to give up. “The person who tormented me wields so much power. I stand no chance against her. Feel free to look into me. In Halstead, I’m quite well-known, and I have a network of children who help me gather information. I’m well-connected. If you need to track someone down or handle any matter, just ask.”
Landon turned to face her, his expression one of skepticism. “Is that so?”
Jenny nodded vigorously. “Protect me for tonight. That’s all I’m asking for. Just this one night. I’m genuinely frightened. You’re so capable. Why would I deceive you?”
Edgar interjected with caution to Landon, “Mr. Kensington, this woman’s background is a mystery. It might be unwise to assist her.”
Landon smiled. “Perhaps she’s honest. Besides, you know what her fate will be if she’s lying.”
Landon’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. Edgar remained silent thereafter, casting a sympathetic glance at Jenny.
“Miss, please get into the car,” Edgar said, opening the car door for her.
Jenny’s spirits lifted as she climbed in, but she soon noticed Landon remained outside, shielded from the rain by his umbrella, showing no signs of joining her.
“Hey…” Jenny’s smile faded.
Edgar offered a gentle explanation. “I hope you understand.”
Gesturing toward Landon, Edgar explained, “He prefers to keep his distance from unfamiliar women.”
Jenny nodded, her eyes betraying a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite hide. She never imagined Landon would have such self-control.
If their futures intertwined and they ended up together, she knew she wouldn’t have to be concerned about him being tempted by other women. Determined, Jenny glanced at Landon, secretly vowing to win his heart.
Elsewhere, after returning home, Leila began preparations to take legal action against Jenny. Just then, her phone suddenly buzzed unexpectedly. The screen displayed an unknown number. Even before she picked up, she knew the caller’s identity with certainty.