After Making My Life A Living Hell, They Beg My Forgiveness

After a long while, she snapped back to reality and realized something. With trembling body, she asked, "You … you're speaking to my sister …." Leon swept a quick glance at her at the back and sneered, "What? Do you think our marriage contract is still valid? Dream on! From the moment you did that, you've been nailed as a vile woman, now Ella is my fiancée.”  Leah felt as if her heart had been split in half. Her sister used to scoff and label Leon as an immature brat unworthy of her attention and she did not take him in her eyes. Yet, in just three years, everything had changed. "Leah, once you donate your kidney to Ella, your parents will send you abroad. Don't ever return to this country in this lifetime. I warn you, don’t interfere with me and Ella's marriage," he stated. Leah felt as if she was being strangled. If Leon married her sister, what would happen to her child? Her body trembled uncontrollably. Three years ago, when she was thrown in prison, she had no idea she was pregnant. She only found out after she was beaten unconscious for the first time. A prison guard had taken her for a check-up and discovered she was two months pregnant. She had always followed the rules, never acting recklessly. The only time she had let her guard down was the night before her arrest when she had visited the Diakos Villa and drank too much. She had assumed the child was Leon’s. She believed that once she gave birth, he would come for her. It didn’t matter if her parents abandoned her, she was sure Leon would come. She waited and kept waiting. She was still waiting when her belly grew bigger. She even endured near-death experiences to bring her baby into the world, only to hear him call her child a "worthless bastard." She wasn’t worthy of being a mother. Her poor baby had been taken to an orphanage the moment he was born. Leah found that she no longer had tears left to shed. Upon arriving at the hospital, Leon yanked her out of the car without a word. She bit her lips to endure the pain as she was being pulled into the VIP ward by Leon. They were greeted by seeing Ella. She was lying on the hospital bed like a pampered princess with a rosy complexion. Their parents stood by her side, one feeding her apple slices, the other offering water. Jeff Remington did not even spare Leah a single glance. Instead, he barked in annoyance, "Why did you bring her in? She’s bad luck! Don’t let her prison stench taint Ella. Just take her straight to the operating room." Kathy Lennox's face twisted in disgust. "Leon, you know how fragile Ella's health is. Get that filthy girl out of here before she pollutes the air." Leah shrank back into the corner with a lowered head. She did not dare to look at them. These were her biological parents, yet their voices dripped with loathing. They even felt disgusted at how dirty she was. They found her unlucky. However, she clearly hadn't done anything wrong. The weather had turned colder significantly these past few days, yet she still wore clothes that were so thin and tattered that they were not able to hide the scars on her arms. Yet, no one cared about that fact because they did not even see her properly. Leon shoved her toward the exit. Her steps faltered and she nearly collapsed. Fortunately, a strong powerful arm caught her just in time. Leah kept her head down and whispered, "Thank you … thank you." The man had a distinctive scent that entered Leah's nose. She was too heartbroken to think about it. She slowly forced herself to move forward. She actually did not want to go through with this, but she overheard her parents saying that if she donated her kidney, she would receive a sum of money. With that money, she could use it to find her child and escape abroad, far away from this nightmare. However, with this weakened body, could she even survive with one less kidney? Leon’s impatient voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Can’t you move any faster? What the hell are you doing?" "Leon, what are you doing here?" A deep, steady voice rang out. Leah’s head jerked up. That voice … she knows this voice. Yet, where did she hear it before? Leon immediately scurried past her and bowed respectfully to the man. With a fawning face, he said, "Uncle, good evening. I’m here to be Ella. She’s unwell."

Leah's bags had fallen over her eyes so it was difficult for her to see clearly.  What she saw was a tall and imposing man. He dressed in a custom-tailored black suit. His entire presence exuded an aura that warned strangers to keep their distance. Was he the one who had just steadied her? Judging from Leon’s reaction, he was clearly afraid of this man. Leah racked her memory to search for any recollection of him and then it hit her. He was the head of the Diakos Family, Nico Diakos. He was a man that was shrouded in mystery, all that people knew about him was his reputation. Leah had heard about him a few times from Leon. However, Leah had always assumed he was in his fifties. Seeing him now, she realized he was only in his early thirties with a well-preserved, sophisticated and power oozed from his body. “Leon,” Nico's voice was calm yet commanding, “I recall your engagement three years ago was to Leah. Who is this ‘Ella’?” Leon stiffened, caught off guard. His uncle had never meddled in his personal affairs before. After all the engagement had been arranged by his parents, so why was Nico suddenly asking about it? When Leah heard her name called, she raised her eyes and looked at Nico. Their gazes met and for a brief moment, she caught a playful smile on his face. Startled, she quickly looked away. She was unwilling to have anything to do with the Diakos Family anymore. From the moment she learned that Leon had framed her, all she felt for him was hatred. However, she was powerless against them. It was so hard to protect herself, what was more she had another child. Leon said, “Uncle, don’t you remember? Leah was convicted of intentional assault and sent to prison three years ago.” Nico’s brows furrowed. “She went to prison? She doesn’t look like someone capable of that, she is so weak and fragile.” Leon scratched his nose, he looked embarrassed. “Well, as you know, appearances can be deceiving. You’ve been overseas for years, so it makes sense you wouldn’t know.” Leon’s sharp eyes fell on Leah. He had already noticed the scars and wounds on her. If Leon was here for Ella, then why was Leon walking with Leah? She remained silent and leaned against the wall. She did not want to join their conversation. Her pale, gaunt face seemed to evoke a flicker of pity in Nico's heart. He had never been nosy before. "I know the hospital director,” he said coldly. “Take her for a check-up first.” Leon immediately panicked and blurted, “That’s not necessary. She’s going into surgery soon to donate her kidney.” Nico raised his brow. "Surgery for kidney donation? Leon, donating a kidney requires that the donor and recipient perfectly match. Also, has she been deemed medically fit for it? Has she been properly tested for compatibility? You do realize the donor must be in good health, don’t you? With her condition, are you still taking her to have an operation?" Afraid Nico saw something was wrong, Leon blocked him from seeing Leah. "Of course! They’ll run tests before the procedure.” Leah, who had stayed quiet until now, finally spoke up, her voice soft yet firm. “Thank you, Uncle.” The word ‘Uncle’ sent a jolt through Nico. A long-buried memory resurfaced. Three years ago, during a rare visit home for his father’s birthday, a woman had handed him a drink. He had taken a sip and immediately felt dizzy, his mind clouded. Someone had drugged him. When he stumbled back to his room, he found a woman there. He had been furious and wanted to push her away but her soft voice made him lose control.  A fragment of memory suddenly flashed in his mind. That woman who was in the bed at that time also called him uncle and begged him not to do it. The next day, before he could investigate what had happened, he had been called away on urgent business overseas. The overseas company had a problem and he directly took a plane to go there. As for that woman, he only thought it was a one-time mistake. It wasn't until now that he realized he might have done something wrong that night. Before he could say another word, Leon shoved Leah forward. “Stop running your mouth! Who the hell you are? How dare you call him uncle? He is mine! He has nothing to do with you! Don’t go calling him that like you have any connection to him.” The man Leon scared the most was Nico. He held the fate of the entire Diakos Family in his hands, whether it was his and his parent's life or death. The reason they currently had shares and got dividends was all because of Nico.

Nica watched as Leon furiously berated Leah. As he frowned, he pulled out his phone and made a call. Leah was quickly wheeled into the operating room without undergoing any preliminary tests. Several doctors in surgical scrubs entered and before she could react, a syringe of anesthesia was injected into her arm. Her consciousness faded almost instantly. In her hazy state, she seemed to catch fragments of conversation. "I've never seen a family like this. The girl is perfectly healthy, yet they're insisting on a kidney transplant and even faking surgery." "Haven't you heard? The two sisters are fighting over the same man. The older one obviously wants to punish the younger." "What? Are they really sisters? I heard she’s an illegitimate daughter. So, which is it?" "Shush, don’t talk too much. We can't talk about rich family's issues. We’re just here to do our job and take the money." The cold touch of the scalpel against her skin sent a chilling realization through her. It turned out her sister was truly healthy and all of these were just a test to determine Leon's true feelings for Ella, she deliberately wanted to take Leah's kidney. Was she not her parents’ biological daughter? Whose illegitimate daughter was she? Despair swallowed her whole. She was going to die on this operating table because everyone wanted her to die. *** Leah thought she had died. How else could she explain the vast expanse of white before her eyes? "Is this heaven?" she murmured weakly. As soon as she finished talking, Nico who had just finished reading a medical report, set the paper down and strode over to her bedside. "Are you awake? Do you feel any discomfort?" It took Leah several seconds to register who was speaking. Seeing him up close for the first time, she realized Nico was far more striking than Leon. His sharp, well-defined features exuded an air of authority and strength. He had an intense presence that was almost suffocating. "Uncle... you saved me?" she asked hesitantly, instinctively shrinking back and avoiding his gaze. Nico chuckled. "Your body is in terrible shape. You’ll need at least a month to recover. Even if you wanted to donate a kidney to save your sister, there was no need to rush into it so recklessly." Leah didn’t know how to respond to his statement. She also did not have any idea how she had ended up here instead of on the operating table. However, it seemed Nico had saved me. Still, he was a man constantly occupied with business. How many times could she expect him to intervene in her life? She had relied on herself. "Thank you," she said simply. After that, she remained silent. Nico vaguely recalled seeing Leah years ago when Leon was still a student. He had picked his nephew up from school a few times and noticed that Leon always walked alongside a lively, talkative girl. How had she become like this? "Rest well. I have work to do. Nico will take you home," he said. Leah wanted to refuse. She did not want to have anything to do with Leon. However, compared to him, she was even less familiar to anyone in Diakos's family. "Is ‘thank you’ all you can say?" Nico asked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. For some reason, he found himself unusually invested in this frail, battered young woman. When he saw the scars on her body, a rare flicker of anger stirred within him. Leah averted her gaze. Nico didn’t press further. He set the report down and left the room. Leon stormed in not long after and pointed his finger at Leah's face. "What the hell did you do to my uncle? How did you get him to take you off the operating table?" Leah jerked her head up and looked at Leon incredulously, “He carried me away?” She had only met Nico once before. He didn’t seem like the type to meddle in others' affairs. Leon couldn’t stand Leah's feigned innocence. To him, she was manipulative and always acted like she was the victim. Fury surged through him as he stepped forward and raised his hand. He was ready to slap her across the face.

"Don't pretend to be innocent in front of me. Three years ago, you ended up sharing a bed with another man and to think I actually believed you wanted a platonic relationship with me." Leah's face burned from the slap. She lowered her gaze while clutching her cheek. Back then, her heart had belonged solely to Leon. She had dreamed of giving herself to him completely after their engagement. However, who could have foreseen the cruel twist of fate that shattered her plans? Who would have thought that she would lose her purity in the Diakos Villa, only the man was not Leon? When she had discovered her pregnancy in prison, she had felt a whirlwind of shock and joy. That feeling would never return. Leon had personally destroyed her love and future. After enduring three years in prison, the man before her no longer had the power to stir her heart anymore because all she felt toward him was disgust. "Leon let me go. I'm begging you," Leah pleaded with a weak humble voice. Leon's hand shot out and gripped her throat, his bloodshot eyes filled with rage. "I told you that's impossible! Leah, you will spend the rest of your life atoning for what you did to Ella!" Summoning a strength, she didn't know she had, Leah shoved him away. Barefoot, she bolted from the hospital room without looking back. She had to escape and find a way to find her child. She could not afford to fall into that hell again. However, no matter how much she had planned, she hadn't anticipated one thing Ella would be standing right outside the door. The moment Leah stepped out, Ella stuck out her foot and sent her crashing to the ground. "What? Are you trying to run? That's not going to happen, my dear little sister," Ella sneered. "You haven't given me your kidney yet. How could I let you leave so easily?" Leah's hand had broken. She tried to prop herself up but slipped across a trace of blood. "Ella, sister … you weren't like this before, why are you ....” "Don't call me that!" Ella snapped. "I hate you! You wear that face and act all innocent while trying to steal the love that belongs to me! If it weren't for you, Mom and Dad would have only doted on me!" Yet even with her existence, hadn't their parents only ever favored Ella? Leah felt her last bit of hope shatter into nothing. Leon stepped out of the room, his gaze cold as he looked down at her curled-up figure. Without hesitation, he kicked her hard. "Stay away from her, Ella. Who knows what tricks she pulled to make my uncle speak up for her? I don't trust her scheming ways." Ella immediately changed her expression and wrapped her arms around Leon’s arm like a delicate vine. "Leon, I'm scared. What if she tries to kill me again? I can’t let her come home." As she said that, she let a few tears slip down her face, she looked so pitiful. When it came to deception and acting, who could compare to this sister of hers? For years, from childhood to adulthood, Ella had played her role flawlessly and earned her sympathy while Leah took every beating meant for her. Leah still remembered the night she was beaten black and blue by their father. It was Leon who had taken her to the hospital in the dead of night. Back then, he had been a sincere, kind-hearted boy, but that boy had died now. Since getting out of prison, he had already slapped her twice. The part of her that wanted to ask him why he had done this to her, had already broken beyond repair. "If you hate seeing me so much, just let me go," Leah said. Leon frowned. "Leave? Not a chance. From today onward, you're coming back with me. In fifteen days, you’ll undergo surgery and donate your kidney to Ella." Ella pouted while clinging to his arm. "Leon, how can you let her stay at your place? We’re the couple, what will people think?" "I’ll send her to the Diakos Villa. She can stay in the servants' quarters." Ella beamed. She leaned in to kiss Leon’s cheek. "Now that’s more like it." Leah found the scene sickening. However, as long as she could stay far away from the three of them, she was more than willing.

One thing that Leah had not predicted was Leon would bring Ella back to the Diakos Villa with him. Once upon a time, she had entered this villa as his fiancée. Now, she was nothing more than an outsider. Her status was even lower than a servant! Leeon led her to the most remote maid’s quarters. "From now on, you are not allowed to leave this room. Meals will be delivered. If I find out you tried to escape, I will break your legs." His words were filled with menace. Leah numbly took the bag from his hands and shut the door with a thud. Outside, Leon loosened his tie, but the stifling frustration in his chest refused to dissipate. Just then, Ella sent him a photo of herself in lingerie and it instantly ignited a fire in his eyes. Whatever frustration he felt because of Leah, someone else would relieve it for him. Ella was three years older than him. When they first mistakenly ended up together, she had still been a virgin. However, ever since then, she had become incredibly skilled, she always left him feeling utterly spent. Leon had to admit that only after he experienced intimacy did he realize how laughable his pure, innocent love with Leah had been. Leah slept for a while and woke up at 2 a.m., her stomach empty. No one had brought her any food. Leah slept for a while and woke up at two in the morning When she woke up, she was hungry but no one had brought her any food. Following her memory, she headed toward the kitchen for some water, but suddenly, she heard an unmistakable sound of pleasure. "Ah, Leon, slow down." "I can’t." It was Leon and Ella? They were actually doing it in the kitchen… Leah covered her mouth. She was afraid of making any noise. As she stepped back, she bumped into a firm chest. The man’s breath enveloped her and she stiffened like a startled rabbit and instantly pulled away. Nico watched her calmly. "What? Aren't you going in to catch them in the act?" Leah had just woken up so her eyes were misty and they carried a fragile softness. Nico’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. "I have nothing to do with them," she said stiffly before she left.  The kitchen door wasn’t even locked and the sounds of debauchery continued without pause. Just then, Nico grabbed her wrist. "Listen closely. It's quite entertaining, isn’t it?" Leah glared at him. Was he insane? The head of the Diakos Financila Consortium actually had this kind of vulgar fetish. Nico raised his brow and smirked slightly. He unlocked his phone and pulled up the surveillance footage then handed it to Leah. I’ve been staying here for a while and for security reasons I installed cameras. You're welcome to keep a copy and use it as evidence." The footage from the surveillance camera was downright obscene. Leah forced herself to stay calm. "They’re not done yet." "Press that button and it’ll save in real-time." Silently, Leah pressed the red button. When she watched the tangled bodies and scattered clothing on the screen, she felt nothing. Nioc glanced at the footage. "They’re almost finished. Come with me." He took her to a bedroom on the third floor. It was his room. It had a low-key, luxurious and meticulously refined room. "What do you plan to do next?" he asked. Leah stood hesitantly at the doorway. She did not dare to step inside. What she wanted to do and what she could do were two different things. "Tell me, I can help you," said Niko. "Why?" Leah asked. Her gaze was filled with confusion. Nico had already helped her once. Why would he help her again? Nio spread his hands. "Think of it as my good deed for the day. If I don’t help you, you won’t be able to keep your kidney in fifteen days." Leah fell silent. "I’m not offering this for free. You need to agree to one condition," Nico said. "What condition?" A faintly helpless smile played at Lion’s lips. "My parents live abroad and are very concerned about my personal life. If you don’t mind, you could pose as my wife to reassure them."

Leah did not hesitate for a second before she refused. "I'm sorry, Mr. Diakos but I refused." What kind of ridiculous request was this? She had once been Leon's fiancée. For her pretending to be Nico’s fiancée was already absurd enough, let alone playing the role of his wife. Nico took slow, deliberate steps toward her. His imposing presence pressed down on her. When he finally stopped in front of her, she instinctively held her breath. “Why not?” he asked. Leah lowered her eyes to avoid looking directly into his eyes and she stammered as she explained, “You’re an outstanding man … You should have plenty of wealthy socialites eager to marry you. I don’t deserve it. I’ve been in prison .…” Her voice grew weaker and she swallowed back the last part of her sentence she was she blurted out that she had also given birth to a child. Nico’s voice was low and firm. It brushed against her ear like a tangible force. “What if I told you that I have evidence proving you were framed?” Leah’s head snapped up. “Who was it? Who set me up?” Nico did not answer immediately. Instead, he handed her a phone. “Tonight’s video has been synced to this device. Think it over and call me when you’ve made a decision. I’m going to rest now.” As Leah made her way downstairs, she ran into Leon who was coming up the stairs. Their eyes met and he was the first to speak. “Where were you?” Leah answered without hesitation. “I'm getting some water.” “The third floor is my uncle’s space. Even if he doesn’t stay here often, you shouldn’t be wandering up there.” “Oh, okay.” Without another word, she brushed past him. She did not even spare him a second glance. Leon felt the fire inside him blaze even hotter. “Stop right there!” Leah paused and turned back. She noticed the marks on his neck. They were blatant evidence of his recent indulgence. He acted as if he was flaunting a trophy. "What is it?" Leah asked indifferently. “Three years ago … Did you also ‘accidentally’ enter the wrong room?” Leah found his question ridiculous. Without much thought, she replied, “I don’t remember,” and walked away. Leon gritted his teeth, his fingers tightened around the staircase railing as he watched her retreating figure. She was nothing but a disgrace, so why did she still have the power to enrage him? Why did he keep subjecting himself to this frustration? Frustrated, he stormed into his room, where Ella clung to him, demanding another round. However, no matter how rough he was, an image of Leah’s cold, detached expression kept flashing through his mind. *** Meanwhile, Leah lay in bed while staring at the phone screen. The only number saved in the contacts belonged to Nico. She had searched for the orphanage’s number and called to inquire about her child, only to learn that the child had already been adopted. She had no power or influence. She couldn’t even bring her own child home. Tossing and turning all night, she finally made a decision. At precisely seven o'clock in the morning, Leah dialed Leon’s number. “Have you made up your mind?” he asked. “Yes. However, I have three conditions.” Leah had thought it through. If playing along with Nico’s act for a short time could buy her freedom for the rest of her life, she was willing to take the gamble. “Alright, name them.” "First, after sixteen days, I want to disappear without a trace from Starry City. Second, I want your help to find a kid named John. She was taken from Harmony Orphanage two years ago." Leon’s fingers tightened around his phone. “A child? You have a child?” Leah let out a bitter laugh. “I told you I don’t deserve this. If you can’t agree, just pretend I never said anything.” “I agree.” His response was immediate. “However, these conditions are too easy. I think you should ask for one more thing.” Leah bit her lip. She already felt like she was asking for too much, what was wrong with him? “What?” Nico who was flipping through Leah’s prison records, suddenly felt a surge of anger burning in his chest. His eyes darkened with a dangerous glint.

"They need to pay the price." Leah had never dared to think about it before. All she wanted was to leave this place and start a new life with John. However, when the opportunity dangled right in front of her, it was like the chocolate cake from her childhood. It tempted her to take just one step closer. "What do you want me to do?" she asked. Nico'ss presence was like a wolf lurking in the shadows. "I'll give you the opportunity, but I won’t act personally." In that instant, Leah understood that since Leon's father was Nico's older brother, he wanted her to step into the light and become the knife he wielded from the dark. What she didn’t understand was since Nico already held a lot of power, why did he have to go that far? However, she quickly understood. She and her sister were blood relatives, yet they had turned into enemies. Family ties meant nothing in the face of betrayal. Just as their agreement settled in her mind, a knock sounded at the door. Thinking it was the housekeeper bringing her meal, she opened the door, only to find Leon standing outside. "What do you want?" she asked. Leon noticed how her once lively eyes instantly turned cold at the sight of him. His chest tightened with frustration. "Come with me to Ella's birthday banquet," he ordered. A birthday banquet? Leah suddenly laughed. Her sunny smile caught Leon off guard. It made him take his eyes off her. "Leon, my sister and I were born on the same day." His heart clenched. He hadn’t forgotten. When they first Leah always seemed gloomy on her birthday. Later, when they got together, he finally learned the reason. Her parents had never celebrated her birthday and she had never gotten a single gift from her relatives. Back then, he had pulled her into his arms and promised, "From now on, I'll celebrate every birthday with you. If they don't cherish you, I will." But now, he had become just like her parents. He was thinking only of Ella on this day. "I'm not going," Leah rejected him outright. "You have to!" Leon’s voice was firm. Ella strutted over in high heels in an arrogant manner. "Leah, the media has been making a big deal about your release from prison. If you don't show up at my birthday banquet, what will people think of our family?" What did that have to do with her? It was true that was her family, but she had never been one of them.  Ella's sharp nails dug into Leon's arm before he finally said hesitantly, "Leah, don't make things difficult." Leah suddenly let out a soft laugh. "You want me there so people can mock me? Leon, thanks to you, there’s not an inch of my body that isn’t scarred."  With that, she shrugged off her coat, revealing only a thin camisole underneath. Her body was riddled with old scars and fresh wounds. Leon's breath hitched. He had never paid attention before so he hadn’t realized how badly she had been hurt. She had always been afraid of pain. How much must she have suffered? Ella quickly stepped between them, her voice sharp. "How shameless can you be? Are you taking off your clothes in front of my husband to seduce him?" Leah chuckled bitterly. "Sister, have you forgotten? He was my fiancé first." Back then, their father, Jeff had wanted Ella to marry Nico. However, when Leon, Leah's classmate, proposed, their father reluctantly agreed to their engagement. Yet, their relationship never even made it to the wedding when something happened. The brutal truth hung between them, but Ella refused to acknowledge it. "You were never officially engaged. What kind of fiancé was he?" "So, you admit you stole your sister’s boyfriend?" A cold voice sliced through the air like a blade. Nico's gaze was so sharp that it seemed it could see one heart and there was a tint of coldness in them. Ella hadn't expected Nico to be home and the suppressing force of his aura made her too frightened to speak. Leon, on the other hand, was clearly flustered. "Uncle, why are you back? Weren’t you staying at a hotel?"

Nico's gaze locked onto Ella and his eyes were even colder than before. "What? Do I need to report to you when I return to my own home?" Leon’s heart skipped a beat. Without another word, he grabbed Ella’s hand, preparing to leave. If Nico found out how he had been behaving at home, next month’s allowance would be gone for sure. "Uncle, today is Ella's birthday. I’m taking Leah with me." Nico’s sharp gaze swept over the bruises on Leah’s body. "Oh? So, where is this event being held? Once I’m done with work, I’ll stop by." Leon felt a chill run down his spine. "I’ll send you the address." The moment Leon and Ella left, Leah moved to shut the door, but a polished leather shoe wedged into the gap, stopping it from closing. A long, slender hand followed, reaching through the doorway. The wristwatch alone was worth eight figures and the cufflinks were custom-made. "Open the door." Nico's voice broke no argument. Leah quickly pulled her coat tighter around herself and asked warily, "What do you want?" Niko let out a low chuckle. "I'm peaking to my future wife, isn't that a normal thing to do?" Leah’s grip on the doorknob tightened. "If you’re asking me to attend her birthday banquet, a message would have sufficed." Nico’s expression darkened. "Come upstairs with me." "What for?" "To change clothes." His tone wasn’t exactly gentle. The young woman before him was frail, yet she had grown sharp and defensive. Just how much suffering had she endured in prison to be left with so many scars? The sight of them unsettled him in a way he wasn’t used to. He hated feeling out of control, so his expression turned colder as he spun around and strode away. Leah hesitated only a moment before following him. They reached the study, but just before stepping inside, Nico suddenly stopped. Leah wasn’t paying attention so she bumped straight into his back. He turned slightly to look down at her. "Leah, direct all that defiance toward Leon. Prove to me that you’re worth my investment." Leah met Nico's eyes without hesitation. She had known all along that there was no such thing as a free lunch. Nico was a businessman. He wouldn’t strike a deal unless it were profitable. A slow smile curved on Leah's lips and there was a glint in her eyes. "Fine. Just don’t forget what you promised me, Mr. Diakos." Dressed in the latest Belladonna-brand gown, Leah looked stunning. The silk lace gloves and fur stole concealed every trace of her injuries, leaving only an air of elegance. Ella’s birthday banquet was an extravagant affair. It was attended by the elite of high society. While the Diakos Family was at the pinnacle of the social hierarchy, the Remington Family was barely considered as the second tier. The moment Leah stepped into the grand hall, murmurs rippled through the crowd. "Who’s that?" "Who else? The Remington Family’s other daughter. The one who went to prison. Stay away from her." "I heard she was originally Leon’s girlfriend, but her sister stole him." "Honestly, what’s the point of marrying Leon? The Diakos Family belongs to Nico now. I’d try my luck with him." "You don’t get it. Leon is still the eldest grandson of the Diakos Family. Whatever happens, everything Nico has built will eventually go back to him." "That’s still not certain. What if Nico has a child of his own?" ***