Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
At this, Clayton’s composure crumbled. His smile disappeared, and his eyes widened in shock. He was astounded that Landon had pieced everything together.
“You…” Clayton stuttered, struggling to find words.
Landon didn’t hold back.
“When I got back safely, Leila was missing. Did you really think I wouldn’t be watching you? I’ve had my eye on you all along. I just didn’t see the need to confront you. Leila tipped you off because she knew you couldn’t do anything to me.”
Clayton’s typically charming face clouded over.
“You’re spouting nonsense! Leila would never treat me like that. She was seeking my help! What do you even know?”
Unfazed by Clayton’s agitation, Landon casually suggested, “Why not verify it with Leila once she’s rescued?”
Clayton scoffed.
“You’re living in a fantasy. I won’t work with you. I’ll save Leila myself. How about we see who can do it faster?”
Landon just laughed in response. He then walked away without another glance at Clayton.
Landon’s arrogance nearly pushed Clayton to the brink. Clenching his jaw, Clayton slammed his fist against the wall. His assistant, alarmed, advised, “Mr. Morgan, the White family’s people are still around. We need to tread carefully.”
A storm of bitterness and frustration brewed in Clayton’s eyes. He berated himself, “I thought I had exclusive knowledge of Leila’s location. Little did I know, Landon was aware all this time. Not just that, but he’s been watching me secretly. He’s so deceptive and cunning. I can’t fathom why Leila is drawn to him.”
Trying to comfort him, the assistant said, “Don’t worry. Miss Nixon will see your efforts. Once we bring her back, she’ll see Landon for who he really is.”
Clayton shook his head, resigned.
“It’s no use. Leila will always side with Landon. Besides, with his manipulative ways, he’s sure to deceive her.”
The assistant didn’t speak further.
A spark lit in Clayton’s eyes as he devised a plan.
“But it doesn’t matter. I’ll make Leila believe in me and see Landon’s true colors.”
Meanwhile, even though Leila and Landon didn’t seem to be on the best terms, Florrie was still determined to bring them together. She was convinced her tactics were working.
Lately, Calvert had been acting strangely, always deep in thought and mumbling to himself. Whenever Florrie asked about his wellbeing, he reassured her that he was fine. But Florrie suspected otherwise, so she investigated and discovered that Calvert had secretly entered Leila’s room one night. Since there was no one watching the door, the specifics of what had happened remained unknown. All they knew was that the next day, after leaving Leila’s room, Calvert seemed to avoid her. It seemed Calvert and Leila had a private discussion that evidently didn’t go well, as Calvert had hurried away in panic.
Florrie couldn’t help but feel proud of her own cunning. She pondered whether it was time to increase her efforts.
So today, Florrie sought out Leila and said, “Miss Nixon, you seem a bit down lately.”
Leila had been anxious about Landon being exposed, which often made her appear troubled. She merely gave Florrie a brief look, neither denying nor clarifying anything.
Florrie continued, “I’m in a different boat. My husband has noticed all the effort I’ve been putting in and suggested we have some time alone together. We’re planning to enjoy dinner and drinks in the garden tonight. Miss Nixon, I hope you won’t suddenly feel ill and require my husband’s attention.”
Although Florrie spoke in jest, the message was clear to Leila. Leila arched an eyebrow and responded with a slight smile, “If I’m sick, am I not supposed to call for a doctor?”
In truth, Leila was indifferent about Florrie and Calvert’s date. She just sensed something was off. If Florrie truly didn’t want her to interrupt, Florrie wouldn’t have mentioned it at all. Mentioning it seemed almost like an invitation for her to disrupt their plans.
Florrie’s expression soured, and she scoffed.
“Then try to take him from me this time.”
Leila sneered inwardly, becoming more convinced that Florrie had intentionally said this to provoke her. Of course, she wasn’t about to fall for such a ploy. She was too smart to be tricked. Florrie’s plan was clear.
However, Leila wouldn’t let Florrie notice her thoughts. She fixed Florrie with a chilling glare, her eyes filled with mock anger and coldness.
“Really, do you think you matter more to Dr. Watson than I do?”
This was the first time Leila had openly confronted Florrie on the subject.
Florrie’s expression twisted momentarily, and she gritted her teeth before responding, “I am his wife. What are you to him? Even if he has feelings for you now, do you really think he would leave me for you?”
Leila tilted her head slightly and said confidently, “Why not? He’s said he’d do anything for me.”
Florrie seethed with anger at Leila’s audacity. She almost lost her composure completely and was about to hurl insults at Leila, but a sudden thought made her restrain herself. She forced a strained smile at Leila.
“It looks like things between you and Calvert have been strained lately. What’s going on? Hasn’t he been treating you well? How long has it been since he last visited you?”
Leila nearly laughed but instead kept up an annoyed facade and replied impatiently, “Why does it matter to you? There’s no issue between us. We’ll sort it out soon enough. Now, leave. You’re annoying.”
Leila’s apparent anger only reinforced Florrie’s suspicions. That night, Calvert must have seen Leila with Landon. Maybe Leila had been unwilling, and Landon had forced his way in. Leila’s subsequent badmouthing of Landon was just a cover-up. After all, how could Leila resist someone like Landon? Though Landon had no power, he was undeniably good-looking.
Though Florrie was reluctant to admit it, she knew deep down that if she could go back in time and choose again, she’d pick Landon without a second thought. Calvert’s situation wasn’t as bad as Landon’s, but neither of them were good men. So, why not opt for the more attractive one?
However, Florrie had invested too much time and energy in Calvert over the years. The thought of giving up was something she couldn’t bear. Moreover, as Florrie aged, she felt she had no better options. Staying with Calvert seemed to be her only choice.
Additionally, Florrie didn’t have a child. She feared that being alone in her later years would leave her miserable. Therefore, she was determined to stick with Calvert regardless of the circumstances.
Seeing that her goal had been achieved, Florrie cast a meaningful glance at Leila, who seemed upset. Florrie deliberately taunted, “Miss Nixon, if you doubt me, why not test it tonight? See for yourself whom Calvert values more-me or you?” With those words, Florrie turned and walked away.
Shortly after Florrie left, Leila dropped her furious facade. She decided she should have a talk with Landon about Florrie’s date with Calvert that night.
Later that evening, when Leila found the perfect moment, she scaled the balcony to Landon’s room.
Landon, startled by her sudden appearance, blinked in disbelief. For a moment, he even suspected that he had seen it wrong. Once he confirmed it was Leila, he quickly strode over to her, pulling her into his arms with a mix of relief and frustration.
“Please, don’t do this again. It’s far too dangerous, especially with your leg still healing. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
In the warmth of Landon’s arms, Leila felt her spirits lift. She hugged him tighter and whispered, “If you keep visiting my place, it’s going to raise suspicions. Don’t worry. I’m notorious for my fierce temper here, and the servants are convinced of my immobility. They wouldn’t guess I’d sneak around. They won’t find out.”
“I don’t want you to be the one always taking the risk,” she added softly.
Even so, Landon couldn’t help but glance at the fourth-floor balcony. It wasn’t extremely high, but the thought of a potential fall made his stomach twist with worry.
He tightened his arms around Leila and hurriedly steered her away from the edge of the balcony. They cuddled for a while.
After so long apart, Landon’s longing for Leila was almost unbearable. He couldn’t help but want to pull her closer, to lose himself in her presence. But the time and place were far from ideal.
With great effort, Landon suppressed his desires, held Leila close, and murmured in a rough whisper, “Don’t move.”
Leila sensed his arousal and immediately froze. She had planned to talk about the events of the day, but before she could start, a sudden knock at the door jolted them both.
Leila instantly tensed up.
Landon acted quickly, hiding Leila in the wardrobe.
No sooner had Leila concealed herself than the door burst open.
Florrie entered the room. She had keys to all the rooms.
Landon’s face fell at Florrie’s intrusion. His eyes were cold as he asked, “What do you want?”
Florrie’s eyes darted around the room, clearly searching for something-or someone. She had heard faint noises as she approached the door, suggesting Landon was not alone. But upon entering, she found the room empty, much to her disappointment. She had thought Landon and Leila might have already progressed to secret rendezvous. But apparently, she had been mistaken. Perhaps she had overthought things.
Putting her suspicions aside, Florrie focused on Landon, who was glaring at her intensely. With a disarming smile, she said, “Don’t be angry, Mr. Collins. I came here to share some very important news with you. You’ll be grateful once you hear it.”
Landon let out a cold laugh. His tone dripped with sarcasm as he spoke.
“You just barge in here without my permission, and now you expect gratitude? I should be throwing you out instead.”
Even though Florrie was displeased with Landon’s cold attitude, she carefully considered her next move. She knew Landon was still useful, and she couldn’t afford to upset him further. With a forced smile, she said, “Calm down. Just listen to what I have to say. It’s about Miss Nixon. I’ve noticed you’re interested in her, and, being the generous person I am, I thought I’d play matchmaker for both of you.”