Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Undeterred by Gracelyn’s sharp retort, Clayton calmly took a seat next to her and met her gaze with earnestness.
“Mrs. White, you know that’s not what I mean. This partnership isn’t about money. You want to settle scores with Landon, right? I can help you.”
Gracelyn paused and her frown deepened.
“What rubbish are you saying? Those issues are long past, and I am too old for such conflicts. I seek only peace now. I have moved on.”
With a subtle smile, Clayton gestured toward the portrait of Gracelyn’s grandson.
“If you had truly moved on, you wouldn’t have kept his portrait so prominently displayed. You and I both know that over the years, your disregard for Landon isn’t due to forgiveness but helplessness. You’ve been nursing a silent grudge but have been unable to act.”
Gracelyn’s heart twisted with pain as she glared at Clayton with bitterness. She even started to cough violently.
“Mr. Morgan, it’s clear I’m just a frail old woman. What have I done to deserve your mockery?”
Clayton maintained an innocent facade as he said softly, “I sincerely want to help you because we share the same enemy. Landon took someone very dear to me. I want justice, just as you do. Why don’t we work together?”
Clayton’s voice was smooth and persuasive, and Gracelyn began to relax, albeit a little. She didn’t fully understand the complicated relationships and feuds between these wealthy families.
After a brief pause, Gracelyn asked, “Is Leila the one you love?”
“Yes,” Clayton admitted.
“Leila and Landon aren’t happy together, but Landon won’t let her go. They have three children together, and it would be a huge blow to his ego if she left him for me. Landon and I have been fighting over her for a long time. I know she’s here with you. If you agree to give her back to me, I’ll help you deal with Landon.”
Gracelyn didn’t respond immediately. She narrowed her eyes, thinking carefully. Clayton pressed on, sensing her hesitation.
“Think about it, Mrs. White,” he continued.
“You have no other choice but to cooperate with me.”
Gracelyn took a deep breath, realizing the truth in his words. But something about him unsettled her. He seemed far too cunning. She didn’t want to make a deal with the devil.
“What do you mean by ‘return Leila to you’?” Gracelyn asked, pointing toward the door.
“She chose to stay here. If you don’t believe me, ask her yourself. You can’t force her to leave with you.”
Clayton cursed under his breath. Gracelyn may have been old, but she wasn’t stupid. She knew that Leila was her bargaining chip. Keeping Leila here gave her leverage over both him and Landon.
“Don’t you want revenge, Mrs. White?” Clayton asked, unwilling to give up just yet.
“This has nothing to do with you,” Gracelyn replied, closing her eyes.
“Besides, I’m too old for this.”
“Alright then,” Clayton said softly. He looked up at the portrait hanging on the wall and sighed.
“It’s a shame your grandson died so young. He never got married, never had children. But Landon is different. Even without Leila, he still has three wonderful children, and his company just keeps growing. He’s already incredibly successful. Once his kids grow up, the Kensington family will be unstoppable, and challenging them will become a daunting task. And your grandson is dead, unable to do anything about it. The person who killed him is living the good life.”
Gracelyn remained silent, but her hands betrayed her inner turmoil, trembling slightly.
Clayton knew swaying Gracelyn would not be an easy feat. He sensed she had other motives for keeping Leila here, secrets she held close. Clayton aimed to needle Gracelyn, forcing her hand and making her choose between the options he’d presented.
Sensing the moment was right, Clayton rose to his feet, a smile playing on his lips.
“Since you’re not in the mood for a chat, I won’t disturb you further. But I can see you’re lonely. I’ll be sure to visit again soon.” He turned and walked toward the door. As he opened it, he nearly collided with someone entering. It was none other than Landon. Landon’s eyes narrowed, instantly hardening with murderous intent, a chilling coldness settling over him.
Clayton, on the other hand, looked pleased with himself, even offering a smile.
“Well, well, look who it is,” Clayton said, a smirk on his face, pointedly not using Landon’s name.
Landon kept his composure, though his hand clenched into a fist at his side.
Just then, Gracelyn rose, her eyes narrowed with suspicion as she looked from Landon to Clayton.
“Do you two know each other?” she asked. Clayton nodded smoothly.
“Yes, we go way back.”
“Is that so?” Gracelyn asked. Her gaze lingered on Landon, a flicker of suspicion in her eyes. She knew Landon had been trying to climb the social ladder, desperate for money. But why would someone like Clayton be associated with him?
Sensing he was about to be exposed, Landon forced a smile at Clayton.
“Clayton, you have a good memory. You helped me out that time the security guards were about to kick me out. I don’t think you even remember my name,” he lied.
Clayton just smirked, saying nothing.
Landon’s palms were damp with sweat, but he maintained a facade of calm. He knew Clayton wouldn’t blow his cover just yet.
Sure enough, Clayton pretended to have a sudden realization.
“Oh, now I remember!” he exclaimed.
“My apologies. I thought you were someone else. I didn’t expect to see you here. You really are scraping the bottom of the barrel, aren’t you?”
Landon knew Clayton was taking every chance to belittle him. He wasn’t bothered by the insults. There was no point in arguing with Clayton. His only focus was getting Leila out of there.
Seeing their exchange, Gracelyn seemed to dismiss her suspicions about Landon. She’d originally wanted to have a word with Landon, but Clayton’s provocative words had soured Gracelyn’s mood. She waved her hand dismissively at Landon.
“You can go now.”
Landon nodded and turned to walk away, with Clayton following closely behind.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, Landon knew Clayton was right behind him. He lowered his voice, a dangerous edge to his tone.
“If you want Leila out of there in one piece, you’d better watch your mouth.”
Clayton scoffed.
“Mr. Kensington, that’s not how you ask for a favor.”
Landon’s disdain was palpable.
“Why the hell would I ask you for help? This is simply a reminder.”
Seeing that his threats were falling flat, Clayton’s displeasure was evident. He walked up to Landon, his voice laced with malice.
“But consider this. If I reveal the truth to Gracelyn, you’ll be stuck here indefinitely. Sure, Leila will be trapped too, but who cares? As long as she’s not with you, that’s all that matters.”
Landon let out a chilling laugh.
“And then what? Even if you expose my true identity, I’ll still find a way to get Leila out of here. Besides, the White family can’t hold me. And when things get ugly, I won’t hesitate to drag someone down with me.”
Landon fixed Clayton with a knowing half-smile.
“Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Morgan?” he asked, the question laced with a clear threat.
Landon meant his words.
Clayton gritted his teeth, feeling utterly helpless. He had to concede that the Kensington Group was now far too powerful for the Morgan Group to challenge. Otherwise, he wouldn’t find himself in this humiliating position.
All of a sudden, Landon halted and gave Clayton a deep look.
Landon drawled, “Actually, there’s one more thing I know. I’m aware that you tracked Leila down here because you sensed something off about Calvert, who was used by Leila to get your attention.”