Crushed Affections

Xavier answered without hesitation, "That's right. The only reason I took you everywhere with me when we were kids was because Dad told me to. I learned early on who held the power and that if I wanted anything, I had to play by the rules. That's all there is to it." Leonard didn't reply. A moment later, Xavier's car disappeared down the road.

The valuable contract in Leonard's hands brought him no excitement whatsoever. Whatever good mood he'd had was completely wiped away by Xavier's attitude.

At that moment, he finally understood-Xavier had genuinely wanted him dead that day at the hunting grounds.

Back in the living room, Leonard signed the contract distractedly. Pierre extended a hand with a polite smile. "Congratulations."

Leonard was tempted to ask if Pierre felt the same way Xavier did, but he kept the question to himself.

The answer would likely be just another slap in the face. Pierre was simply better at hiding his true feelings.

After that night, his role as one of the Sawyer family heirs officially began.

From now on, he'd have to start managing his share of the family business and could no longer live the carefree life of a playboy.

As he left Sawyer Manor, Leonard suddenly didn't feel like going back to his place.

Until dawn, this was his last bit of freedom, and he wanted to spend it where he truly wanted to be-with the person he wanted to see most. A face came to mind-Lia. Casting aside all restraints, he called her, and she picked up quickly.

Her cheerful voice came through the line. "What's up, Mr. Sawyer? Can't sleep in the middle of the night, so you've called me for a scolding, huh?"

A smile crept onto Leonard's lips. "Want to come out and see me?"

Lia nearly dropped her face mask in surprise. "It's almost 11:00 pm, dude. Isn't it a little late for a meetup?"

Leonard couldn't help but smile,

feeling lighter from her playful tone. "We've already shared a room, and didn't do anything to you then. Think I'm going to eat you alive now? After tonight, I won't have much free time to take you out for a while. Want to grab a late-night snack?"

Lia hesitated for a moment, then agreed.

They met at a low-key food stall near her apartment. Leonard's million-dollar luxury car stood out. It was parked on the side of the road, practically glowing against the casual surroundings.

Lia had been getting ready for bed when he called, so she hadn't bothered with makeup after her face mask.

Her hair hung loose over her shoulders, and she wore a cute navy blue headband with bunny ears, looking every bit the girl next door. Next to Leonard in his tailored suit, the contrast was almost comical.

Annoyed by his formality, she

teased, "I came out in my pajamas, but here you are in a full suit, making me look like a slob. Who dresses this fancy for a late-night snack? If you were a woman, I'd hate to compete with you."

Leonard chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind for next time. I'll dress as casually as possible. I just didn't have time to go home and change tonight."

Remembering what he had said on the phone, Lia asked, "You mentioned you wouldn't be free for a long time. Did something happen?"This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

Leonard nodded. "Yeah, family stuff.

My dad's splitting up the family

assets, and I'm officially a CEO. Looks like my days of freedom are over.mever thought this day would come so soon. I'm still not done having fun."

Lia rolled her eyes. "You're almost 30. It's about time you focus on work. Time to get serious and build your career."

Leonard nodded earnestly. "Alright, I will. For the record, I'm only 28."

Lia burst out laughing. "That's almost 29, and then bam-you're 30. Was I wrong to say you're 'almost 30'?"