Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
A few moments later, Leila stood up straight and gave Saniya a meaningful smile. “You should be thanking me,” she said. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have this opportunity.”
Saniya furrowed her brow. “What are you talking about?” she snapped. “Has your pregnancy made you lose your mind?”
Just then, someone called out to Saniya, saying Ernesto wanted to see her and asked her to go into the room quickly.
As Saniya walked, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about Leila’s smile. It made her nervous.
In the distance, Griffin and Landon watched the whole exchange unfold.
Griffin sneered, “Leila’s got something going on. She even got Saniya on her side. There’s definitely something shady happening there.”
Landon lowered his voice. “Need me to take care of it? I heard Saniya and Ernesto go way back, sharing a unique connection. It might not be appropriate for you to step in.”
Griffin patted Landon’s shoulder reassuringly. “You’re loyal, always looking out for me. But don’t worry about it. Saniya’s not worth my time. The person we’re meeting tonight is the one I need to focus on.”
Landon’s curiosity was piqued. “Who is it?”
Griffin just smiled, keeping the mystery alive.
Soon enough, it was time for the banquet.
Ernesto had invited Leila and Griffin over.
Saniya was there too, thrilled to be given the chance to assist Griffin in handling the banquet.
Saniya’s face lit up at the sight of Griffin. She rushed over to him. “Hi, Mr. Perry!” she chirped.
Surprised by the task Ernesto gave her, Saniya assumed Griffin had put in a good word for her. Though Griffin punished her a few days ago, her assumption of Griffin speaking nicely of her in Ernesto’s presence made her grateful to Griffin.
Griffin just snorted, not even sparing Saniya a glance. Laughter erupted around them.
“Look at her, thinking she’s all that. Mr. Perry doesn’t give a damn about her.”
“She thought she was better than us. Turns out she’s just another worker.”
“What a joke! How embarrassing!”
Saniya’s face burned with humiliation, but she didn’t dare say a word.
Just then, Leila approached and gently patted Saniya’s shoulder.
Saniya’s expression turned even more sour when she saw who it was. “What do you want? Are you here to make fun of me? Even if I’m not appreciated, I’m still a step above you. You’re nothing but a caged animal, waiting to be slaughtered!”
Leila stifled a laugh. “I haven’t even done anything yet, and you’re already this furious?”
“Shut up!” Saniya snapped.
Leila calmly pulled Saniya aside. “Look, we know each other. I know you’re not exactly trustworthy, but out of all these people, you’re the least likely to stab me in the back. I need your protection. Let’s work together.”
Saniya folded her arms, a smirk playing on her lips. “Do I look like an idiot? A few sweet words won’t fool me. You’re a prisoner here, and I’m not. Why the hell would I help you?”
Leila simply pointed at her stomach. “Because I’m pregnant.”
Her tone remained calm, her gaze icy. “As long as I’m carrying my babies, they have to treat me well. Like it or not, Ernesto takes my words seriously. In fact, he only let you help with the banquet because I put in a good word for you. Plenty of people heard it. Ask around if you doubt me. They’ve got no reason to lie for me.”
Saniya bit her lip, hesitation flickering across her face. She had assumed Griffin had pulled strings for her. After all, he was in charge of the banquet.
But Griffin’s attitude today suggested things weren’t as she thought. He clearly wasn’t thrilled about her role in assisting him.
Saniya’s mind raced. Could Leila really have that much sway? Had she actually convinced Ernesto to give her this opportunity?
Leila pressed on. “Griffin hates my guts. If I wasn’t pregnant, he’d probably have offed me by now. He thinks you’re on my side, so he’ll target you as well. Let’s face it-Griffin is Ernesto’s son. If you two butt heads, who do you think Ernesto will back?”
The realization dawned on Saniya, and a flicker of anger ignited in her eyes. “So you set me up today just to make a point to Griffin?” she spat, her voice laced with accusation.
Leila chuckled. “I’m not that capable. It’s quite obvious you can’t stand me. Griffin has already suspected you. Clearly, he’s long harbored dissatisfaction toward you.”
Saniya’s expression hardened, her features turning icy. She couldn’t deny Leila’s words-they stung with painful truth.
While their previous interactions hadn’t been overtly hostile, Saniya sensed Griffin’s disdain.
He had even suggested to Ernesto that they thin out the ranks of the unreliable, hinting that Saniya was expendable.
The memory of that moment still simmered within Saniya, leaving a bitter taste of suppressed fury..
Leila reached out, clasping Saniya’s hand with a sly smile. “Let’s make a deal. I’ll help you get back in Ernesto’s good graces, and you let me live. What do you say?”
Saniya’s eyes darted around, calculating. Then, a smile bloomed on her face. “Sounds like a plan.”
But beneath the surface, Saniya harbored her own agenda. For now, Leila was a pawn in her game. Whether Leila lived or died later on would depend on her whims when the time came. If Ernesto insisted on Leila’s demise after the delivery, she would gladly obey.
Leila appeared delighted with their arrangement.
Saniya watched Leila’s smile with an inward snort. Leila thought she was the smart one? Blah!
Saniya was not reconciled. How had someone like Leila managed to capture Ernesto’s attention?
Suddenly, a wave of commotion swept through the crowd. Everyone knew the moment had arrived. The esteemed guests of the banquet were about to make their grand entrance.
Ernesto’s trusted aides huddled together, their voices hushed in conspiratorial whispers.
“Did you hear? Mr. Perry’s long-lost daughter was found ages ago, but she refused to return. Now, something’s changed her mind.”
“I heard she’s a powerful figure. Mr. Perry wouldn’t be so keen to recognize her as his own otherwise.”
Saniya and Leila exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued.
Saniya, in particular, couldn’t contain her excitement. She stretched her neck, eager to catch a glimpse.
The sound of approaching footsteps drew everyone’s attention. A phalanx of imposing bodyguards entered first, clearing a path.
Then, a vision in an elegant evening gown stepped into the spotlight.
The woman was strikingly beautiful, her every movement exuding grace. Yet, her stunning face remained impassive, a mask of cool indifference. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, captivated by her beauty.
Amidst the group’s admiration, only Leila’s and Landon’s faces contorted in shock.
Leila stumbled, her legs nearly giving way. She grabbed onto a nearby table to keep herself upright.
The crowd was so enthralled by the newcomer that no one noticed the subtle shift in Leila’s expression. The woman who had just entered was none other than Anna.
Leila’s mind raced. What the hell was going on? Wasn’t Anna an orphan? How the hell did Anna become Ernesto’s daughter?
Anna was a far cry from the slightly unhinged woman Leila remembered. Now, she exuded elegance and grace, her warm smile inviting and disarming.
Ernesto beamed with pride, his daughter’s presence clearly a source of immense joy. If his legs hadn’t betrayed him, he would have risen to welcome her personally. “My darling daughter,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Griffin gestured toward Anna.
Anna hurried over, taking Ernesto’s hand in hers. “Dad,” she said, her smile sugary sweet.
“Good girl.” Ernesto chuckled, clearly delighted. His smile was warm and genuine, a stark contrast to his usual chilly facade.
Griffin observed the scene with cold detachment. He reluctantly approached, plastering a fake smile on his face. “Anna,” he said through gritted teeth.