Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Griffin entered the room, his brows raised in surprise at the sight of Leila’s seemingly pained expression.
Griffin didn’t rush to stop Landon. Instead, he casually strolled to the side, as though entertained by the scene before him. He watched them with mild curiosity, a faint smirk etching on his lips.
Leila appeared to be pushing Landon’s hand away, but in fact, she was gripping it tightly, refusing to let him pull it back. They had no choice but to take the risk.
Landon’s heart raced, but he maintained his act, gritting his teeth in silent fury.
Leila’s face grew paler, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. Just as it seemed her strength was fading, Griffin stepped forward and yanked Landon away from her, delivering a swift kick for good measure.
Griffin snapped at Landon, his eyes flashing with contempt, “Do you seriously want to strangle her to death? Are you out of your mind?”
Landon adopted an expression of frustration and hurt. “She just admitted it! She not only planned the last attack but also mockingly said we’d never find the mole. She also told me your father trusts her so much, and that we’re powerless against her.”
Griffin’s gaze darkened as he shifted to Leila, his expression growing colder. Yet, instead of exploding with rage, he sneered, shaking his head at Landon. “You fool. She’s baiting you. Can’t you see she’s purposely provoking you? If my father had come to see her tonight, we’d be in deep trouble.”
Leila, still weak and pale, propped herself up on the bed, her voice soft yet tinged with defiance. “I didn’t say that. I don’t know why White harbors such malice toward me. I was nearly killed. Why would I joke about my life?”
Griffin stepped closer to her, his eyes narrowing. He leaned over her, his voice low and dangerous. “You won’t stay smug for long. Whatever game you’re playing, trying to turn me against my father, it won’t work. Keep dreaming.”
Leila’s eyes flickered, seemingly betraying a brief moment of fear.
Griffin seized her chin, forcing her to look up and meet his gaze.
Despite her frail state, Leila’s spirit remained unbroken. Griffin could see the mockery in her eyes, and for a fleeting second, he almost admired her. He was convinced that she would never bow or beg for mercy even if she was tortured. If their paths had crossed earlier, he might have found himself falling for her.
But the timing of their encounter couldn’t be worse. She was wild and untamable, a force of nature destined never to remain by his side. However, it sparked a flicker of anticipation within Griffin. Something was thrilling about the idea of children born with her fire.
Griffin found himself filled with anticipation. A twisted smile curled his lips, though his eyes remained cold.
“I’ll be honest with you about something. Most of the people around you answer to me. If you want a better life from now on, you’d be wise to behave. Do you understand?” With that, Griffin withdrew his hand. Leila quickly wiped her chin as though she’d been touched by something filthy.
The gesture reignited the murderous gleam in Griffin’s eyes.
Landon, eager to defuse the situation, stepped forward. “Mr. Perry, let’s go. She’s not worth our time.”
Griffin cast one last glance at Leila before snorting and heading toward the door, Landon following closely behind.
As their footsteps faded down the hall, Leila finally exhaled, a shaky breath of relief. She no longer felt as uncomfortable as she had before. She could finally rest easy tonight and have a peaceful sleep.
Landon was undeniably smart.
Griffin had taken several of Landon’s suggestions, and subsequently, his relationship with Ernesto had improved significantly.
Ernesto had even entrusted Griffin with organizing the upcoming gathering of the island’s wealthiest elites, a crucial event.
Ernesto gazed at Griffin with a hint of satisfaction. “You may not be my most exceptional son, but you are definitely clever. Your biggest flaw is not knowing how to balance toughness with gentleness. You always prefer to lean on violence. Now, it seems you’ve made significant progress. That’s a good thing.”
Griffin offered a rare smile and responded respectfully, “I owe it all to your excellent guidance.”
Having coffee with Ernesto, Leila remarked with a hint of sarcasm, “Griffin’s still young. Kids his age tend to go through rebellious phases. Ernesto, I’m surprised you trust him with something as important as this banquet. I think it’d be wise to have someone assist him.”
Ernesto nodded thoughtfully. It appeared he agreed with Leila’s suggestion.
Griffin, standing nearby, glared at Leila, his face twisting with barely contained fury. “I’ve managed the island’s affairs just fine. A simple banquet is a walk in the park. Are you concerned, or do you have a personal vendetta against me?”
Leila’s smile deepened into a sly, mocking grin. “Do you honestly think you’ve managed the island effectively? If it weren’t for my intervention last time, your father would have been seriously injured. He’s not young anymore. Who knows what kind of trouble might have followed if that blade had cut him? Regardless, he was once faced with danger, which reflects your poor management. It’s been ages yet you still haven’t found the culprit.”
Griffin’s fists clenched at his sides, the tension between them palpable.
Ernesto’s cloudy eyes narrowed, and he coughed lightly before speaking with irritation. “Griffin, calm down! Leila has a point. Don’t lose sight of our goal. Going against her won’t serve you well.”
Griffin’s eyes narrowed, a flash of anger crossing his face. Catching Ernesto’s disapproval, he plastered on a fake smile. “You’re right. I was being thoughtless.”
Ernesto smiled at Leila. “Any suggestions for who could assist Griffin?”
Leila wasn’t stupid. She remembered damn well she’d been forcefully taken here. If she suggested anyone, it would indicate she had made some into her men. Clearly, Ernesto still hadn’t fully trusted her.
Leila put on a sweet smile. “Who could I possibly recommend? Besides Griffin, I barely know anyone here. An event this important needs your personal touch.”
Ernesto loved the flattery and let out a booming laugh.
After a moment’s thought, Ernesto turned to Griffin. “What about Saniya? She’s been twiddling her thumbs since she got back. It’s time she earned her keep.”
Griffin bristled. “Saniya? She’s of no use! What does she know? What if she screws this up?”
Ernesto’s expression hardened. “Got someone better in mind?”
Griffin’s first thought was Landon. But then he remembered Landon was here through his friend’s recommendation. Mentioning Landon would only get him scolded again. Griffin had no choice but to agree.
“Fine. I’ll talk to Saniya.”
Ernesto nodded and waved Griffin off. “I need to rest now. You’re all dismissed. Come here tonight. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Ernesto flashed Leila a smile. “You should come as well.” Leila knew better than to mistake Ernesto’s invitation for a sign of genuine trust.
Though her mind was spinning, Leila kept her composure, even managing a smile. “Okay.”
As Griffin and Leila walked, Griffin’s eyes raked over her, a sneer twisting his lips. “You’re quite the actress, Leila. Was all this just part of your plan?”
Leila blinked, feigning innocence. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Without warning, Griffin seized her wrist. “Tell me. When did you and Saniya start working together?” he asked.
Leila showed mock fear. She tried to pull back, protectively cradling her stomach. But Griffin’s grip was like iron.
A flicker of feigned guilt crossed Leila’s eyes, quickly masked by a look of confusion. “Griffin, I honestly don’t know what you’re implying. Everyone knows I don’t get along with Miss Mason. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve fallen for her tricks last time.”
Griffin scoffed. “Drop the act. I spoke to those who escorted you here that day. They said Saniya took good care of you and even threatened people on your behalf. She’s got a nasty temper, so why the special treatment for you?”
Leila’s mock anxiety mounted. “I don’t know,” she stammered.
Griffin’s grip remained firm, prompting Leila to say, “If you don’t believe me, we can go explain everything in front of your dad.”
“Don’t assume my dad will always have your back. Once your babies are born, you’re useless, got it?”
Leila’s eyes welled up, her face contorted in pain.
Ernesto’s men were still within earshot. Worried about causing a scene, Griffin released Leila’s wrist with a final snort.
Leila collapsed on the floor, looking utterly defeated and miserable.
Griffin huffed and stormed off.
Not long after Griffin left, Saniya appeared on the scene. At the sight of Leila’s distress, a smug smile crept across Saniya’s face. She folded her arms and observed Leila with a self-satisfied grin.
“Look who’s down in the dumps,” Saniya sneered.
Leila clutched her stomach, her face pale. “There are so many people around,” she said weakly. “They all care about the babies I’m carrying. Are you really just going to stand there and do nothing?”
Saniya looked around before, with a sigh, she bent down and helped Leila to her feet.
Leila leaned heavily on Saniya, her pregnancy making her heavier than usual.
Saniya struggled a bit under the weight, but she had no choice but to support Leila. A cold glint shone in Saniya’s eyes.