[67]
“You need to take action, Leonel, before it’s too late,” Chris sighed deeply. His eyes had been observing Leonel, who was carefully reading the report he had given him.
“Aren’t there any leads left in all this evidence? Perhaps linked to something?” Leonel said with a sharp gaze. “I don’t know why, but I’m suspicious of many things here. How does Ester have such control over the media? She’s just a model. You know how difficult it was to find articles about me and Ester. Isn’t that right?”
Chris nodded in agreement.
“While I keep Ester from doing anything and monitor her, I hope you’ll gather more information about the media. It’s the most challenging part for us to break into. Although I’ve asked Josh for help with accessing online media now.”
Chris fell silent. His eyes were still fixed on Leonel, who seemed busy rereading the report. “Leonel,” he called softly. He also adjusted his sitting position to be more serious. “Don’t you feel that Josh might be involved too?”
Leonel gave him a puzzled look. “You… don’t make baseless accusations. I admit that since working with Josh Corp, some doubts about Mountain’s performance and myself arose, but now they’ve turned around. I haven’t heard any complaints after that.”
“Isn’t that suspicious?”
Leonel fell silent. “On what basis are you saying that?”
“I don’t know. I’m a lawyer. I feel like I’m spinning in circles, finding no definite answers, discovering nothing more than what I’ve given you. And yet, it’s clear that I carry the name Grisham. Why does it feel like a dead end?”
“Meaning we have to play the game cunningly.”
Chris smiled faintly. “Do you agree with that?”
Leonel was somewhat hesitant. The initial meeting with Josh could have been more pleasant. Even when he requested a meeting, Josh seemed to avoid him. But as time passed, Josh had several tough conversations with Robby and Leonel about the projects they were developing. The results were quite surprising. Especially, as Leonel had mentioned earlier, many clients approached Mountain again.
Whether it was due to Josh’s help or not, many things revolved around Ester, who was now rising to prominence. It looked strange, right? Was Ester even involved in the business scene? No. Leonel suddenly thought about what Chris had said. Even after the person he trusted, like his father’s aide, left the room, he was still absorbed in those thoughts.
It seemed proper that he should be suspicious. What happened to his feeling as a businessman all this time? Did the divorce erase everything from his mind? And he stupidly followed Ester’s game? That is not entirely true. But one thing was sure; something made him comply with Ester. Apart from not wanting to disturb Chloe with much bad news and acknowledge her happy life, at least that was something Leonel could do to redeem his mistakes.
He didn’t want many people bothering Chloe, who looked healthier and happier now. There were days when Leonel sometimes observed from afar what was happening at Chloe’s old house. She was still the same, loving the flowers she planted with her own hands and smiling as warm as the sun. Her face also became calmer and happier with the decisions she made.
Sometimes Leonel wanted to get rid of his assistant, who was like a wart-always following Chloe wherever she wanted. This way, Leonel couldn’t satisfy his thirst to see Chloe’s face, which now filled his mind. He didn’t want all that beauty to be ruined by old rumors resurfacing. Even if it happened, Leonel never saw it as a problem. He did have an affair. He betrayed Chloe’s, sincere love. His mistakes and sins against Chloe were significant.
It was causing Ester to fall due to past rumors of infidelity that Leonel intentionally suppressed could happen. But Ester was above the clouds. She could freely gather many people on her side. With exaggerated words, even though Leonel provided a lot of evidence. And eventually, Chloe would be the one to find out. It wasn’t impossible, right, if Ester turned the tables?
Why did Leonel have an affair with a beautiful model like Ester? Which ultimately involved Chloe’s personal life. He couldn’t bear to see news about Chloe circulating while he was in a happy state. He wouldn’t let his happiness be ruined. He could still find other ways to bring down Ester. He was sure of it.
His phone rang. Robby’s name appeared on the screen, making him furrow his brow. Wasn’t his father having a meeting with Josh’s people?
“Yes, Dad?” he asked quickly.
“Lunch at Brown Steak. There’s something Papa wants to discuss.”
“Alright, Dad.” There was nothing Leonel could do but comply. He no longer wanted his parents to bear the consequences of his actions. He would take responsibility for everything until things returned to normal and could proceed as they should. Leonel realized that Robby must have been disappointed in him. Although the middle-aged man didn’t express it, Leonel could tell from his gaze that the disappointment was significant.
Maybe he didn’t care about his parents’ feelings before. To him, both of them were obstacles to his love for Ester. But now? He realized that his parents’ approval was based on something. And he only just realized how cunning Ester Gisela could be.
He prepared to leave his room, leaving a message with Deborah for anyone looking for him to return the next day. It was likely that he wouldn’t be back at the office. Before he could even leave the desk, his attention was caught by a file that suddenly caught his eye.
The company logo is stamped on one of the reports from Chris.
Josh Corp.
***
Agatha looked suspiciously at the shameless woman still in her living room. She had been trying to drive her away since earlier, but the woman refused to leave. She sat calmly, enjoying the fruit slices prepared by her assistant. Agatha had ordered all the servants in this house not to entertain Ester during her stay.
Agatha wouldn’t hesitate to call the security of the complex if she dared to misbehave because it seemed that the house security had already been silenced with just a few words.
“I am Leonel’s future wife. No one can drive me away.”
This was also what caused Agatha’s health to fluctuate. She couldn’t stand Ester’s behavior in this house, which only increased her blood pressure. She didn’t want to return to her own home. She felt that Ester didn’t deserve to be here. She refused to accept Ester as her daughter-in-law. For Agatha, the only daughter-in-law of the Grisham family was Chloe. Even if Chloe didn’t return, this evil woman should not inhabit this house.
“Mom,” Chloe called out, interrupting Agatha’s thoughts. The irritation on the middle-aged woman’s face was evident, although she smiled when she looked at Chloe. “Don’t bother yourself with Ester’s presence, Mom. It’s only making you tired. Just think of me. I came here to meet no one but you. Oh, and Aunt Rossa, of course. I miss her fruit juice.”
Agatha could finally smile even more comprehensively. “Even so, that woman is still very annoying.”Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
“Oh, about this house.” Chloe straightened her back. “According to the inheritance division, this house belongs to me, right?”
“Correct!” Agatha nodded quickly. “Unfortunately, you refused it at the time, didn’t you? Leonel won’t change his decision about this house. It belongs to you, my dear. Take it.”
“That’s what I wanted to discuss with you today. I hope you agree with my decision.”
“Please.” Agatha gently stroked Chloe’s head, her eyes filled with affection. “Whatever you want to talk about, I will listen. Who knows, I may still be useful to you.”
Chloe pouted. “Don’t say that, Mom. You will forever be valuable to Chloe. It is you who extends your hand to embrace Chloe. It’s not just about being useful, Mom. You make Chloe able to move on with life.”
Since Agatha didn’t continue her words, Chloe cleared her throat briefly. She initially didn’t want to bother with the house matter. The amount of money Chloe received from her divorce was substantial. She could still afford to buy another house but chose not to. Agatha had delivered some of her collections the day after the divorce papers were finalized. Not to mention other luxury items. All of Chloe’s rights stated in the divorce papers had been handed over to Chloe, except for this large house.
Chloe had heard Agatha repeatedly complain about Ester’s audacious presence here, acting like she was the new mistress in absolute power. Initially, Chloe didn’t want to intervene, but after hearing Agatha repeatedly say that what belongs to Chloe should be in Chloe’s hands, nothing should be left behind, or it would end up like this. Ester, who was behaving as she pleased.
“But where will Leonel live if I ask for this house?”
Agatha chuckled. “You’re asking this?”
Without hesitation, Chloe nodded. “Is there something wrong, Mom?”
“No.” Agatha shook her head quickly. “You’re still so innocent. Leonel has his apartment, dear. I’m sure Leonel will go there if this house returns to its rightful owner, which is you. But I’m afraid I have to disagree.”
Chloe furrowed her brow.
“I’ll make sure Ester keeps coming to Mama’s house. She’s the future daughter-in-law of the Grisham family, right? You’ve taught her a few things about the Grishams, right?”
Chloe understood now. Unavoidably, a laugh escaped her lips, tinted with a soft pink. “I didn’t expect it to turn out like this. I agree with that.”
“We’ll wait for Leonel to come home then. He’ll definitely come home with Dad. You should meet Dad, Sa. He often asks about you. I’m sure he also wants to see his future daughter-in-law, who has regained her sight.”
“Chloe is no longer a Grisham daughter-in-law, Mom,” she corrected the middle-aged woman’s statement.
“For Mama and Papa, you are still our daughter-in-law.”
They had been talking about various things for who knows how long, completely ignoring Ester’s presence as she coughed and glanced at them cynically. Finally, Leonel and Robby arrived home.
Chloe could have used more time. She greeted them and observed how disgusting Ester’s behavior was. Did Chloe feel jealous? Not! There was no way Chloe would have those feelings again.
“Get to the point, Leonel,” Chloe said once they gathered in the living room. The snake-like woman clung to Leonel, who appeared uncomfortable and displeased. He was forced to endure Ester’s behavior. Weren’t they the most compatible affair couple? Why was it like this now? Chloe felt like laughing out loud at them.
“I want to claim my rights to this house.”
Not only Leonel but Ester also looked shocked. She even stood up, releasing her grasp on Leonel’s hand. “You can’t! This belongs to Leonel! Shameless woman!”
“Oh?” Chloe chuckled. She took out a document containing the points about the ownership of the house. “At first, I didn’t want a house with so many damn memories that I couldn’t just erase, dear honorable Ester.” There was a thin smirk on Chloe’s face now. Her eyes also stared sharply at Ester, who appeared irritated.
“But it turns out I can’t bear to have you here. How convenient. This house was a gift from Leonel when we got married. In case you forgot, Leonel, let me remind you.”
“I haven’t forgotten that day, Chloe,” Leonel quickly interjected. “When I handed you the keys and you gue-”
“No need to continue. I don’t want to remember old memories.” Chloe waved her hand dismissively. “Now, legally, this house is mine. All of you, get out.”
“What?!!!” Ester widened her eyes in shock. “No, Darling!” She immediately clung to Leonel again. “That’s not true, right? This is the house we were supposed to live in. There will be children’s laughter as decoration in the house. It should be your parents who leave!”
“Ester!”
Chloe smirked. Robby frowned disapprovingly. Agatha felt an intense desire to slap Ester across the face.
“I’m right, aren’t I? The ones who have been causing trouble in our relationship since the beginning are your parents!”
“So… this is the woman you want to marry and replace me?” Chloe asked softly. “At least, Leonel, even if the one who replaces me as your wife isn’t as beautiful, she still respects her parents. Regardless, I have a great deal of respect for Mama Agatha and Papa Robby. So…” Chloe approached Ester, fearlessly challenging her with an equally sharp gaze.
Chloe delivered a hard slap to Ester. Her smooth white cheek turned red, and the corner of her lip was injured. Ester’s ears had a bothersome ringing, but she ignored it. She attempted to retaliate, but her hand was held back.
“Enough!” Robby restrained Ester’s hand. “Is this my future daughter-in-law?” He glared at Leonel with anger.