Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
He didn’t answer immediately but turned to Leo.
“Leo, what’s your take on this?”
Leo considered for a moment and reluctantly agreed with Lacey.
“If Elma’s mother truly isn’t taking proper care of her, then keeping her here under your supervision is the safest option.”
Landon nodded, his face serious.
“Make sure Elma is closely monitored.”
“Even if she is to return to Leila, it won’t happen until I’m certain she’s on the mend.”
Seeing that Landon agreed, Lacey’s relief was evident, though she couldn’t resist adding, “Leila might be Elma’s mother, but once she marries Clayton, things could change.
With a stepfather in the picture, she might neglect Elma even more.”
“That’s not true!” Landon snapped, his eyes flashing with irritation.
His tone was firm, almost defensive.
“Leila is a responsible mother.
She may have her faults, but she’s always put her children first.”
Lacey swallowed her jealousy and forced a smile.
“You’re right.
I shouldn’t have said that,” she replied meekly.
Landon rubbed his temples, fatigue settling over him.
“I’m exhausted.
I’m going to rest.
Let me know if anything urgent comes up.”
“Of course,” Lacey said, nodding as she watched him walk away.
Even after Landon had walked away, Lacey’s eyes lingered on his retreating figure, unable to tear herself away.
It wasn’t until Leo stepped in front of her, his expression stern and unyielding, that she finally looked elsewhere.
Lacey’s infatuated gaze hardened into something cold and guarded.
“What do you want now?”
Leo didn’t back down, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
“I should be asking you the same thing.
You’ve always dreamed of being the one by Mr. Kensington’ side, haven’t you?”
“Kensington’ side, wishing he’d cut all ties with his past.
So, why the sudden interest in Elma’s well-being?”
Lacey’s patience was visibly wearing thin.
“I already explained this to you, I just can’t stand the thought of a young girl dying unnecessarily.
I have no ulterior motives.
And yes, I care about him.
I genuinely want him to be happy.
What’s so wrong about that? Can’t you stop being so suspicious?”
Leo shook his head, his gaze unwavering.
“It’s not about suspicion,” he said quietly.
“It’s about protecting Mr. Kensington from anyone who might mean him harm.
If your intentions were pure, or if you stayed away from him, I wouldn’t have to confront you like this.”
“Whatever,” Lacey retorted, throwing the word carelessly over her shoulder as she turned to walk away.
Leo quickly fell into step beside her, his tone taking on a sharper edge.
“While I don’t know what you’re planning this time, I am warning you-if you harm Elma in any way, you’ll answer to me.
Mr. Kensington has treated me well, and I won’t let anyone harm his beloved.”
Lacey let out a cold and mocking laugh.
“Is that so? Yes, I was the one who brought Elma here, but you played your part too.
If anything goes wrong, the blame won’t just fall on me.
You’ll be responsible as well.”
“You!” Leo’s face flushed with anger, his fists clenching at his sides.
Lacey brushed off Leo’s warning with an icy laugh, striding away without a backward glance.
Once out of Leo’s sight, Lacey pulled out her phone and quickly dialed Clayton.
“Did you find him yet?” she demanded, her voice clipped and impatient.
“I’ve done my part.
Elma is with Landon now, just like we agreed.
Don’t mess things up.”
Clayton’s voice came through the line, slow and almost mocking.
“Relax.
You know how efficient I am.
We’ve worked together before.
Have I ever let you down?”
Lacey’s expression soured, and she said, “Don’t act like we’re friends.
This is the last time.
I won’t be helping you again.”