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Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 111
Not bothering to say good-bye to Roland or the girls, he strode out of the Great Hall. He had better, more important things to worry about than what Matilda felt for his friend. He was the Crown Prince of the largest empire in the world. His entire existence was bound to the crown and the glass throne that would someday be his. She’d ended things because of that crown and throne— because she wanted a freedom he could never give her.“Leonard,” someone called as he entered the hallway. He didn’t have to turn around to know it was Matilda. She caught up to him, easily matching the brisk pace he hadn’t realized he’d set. He didn’t even know where he was going, only that he needed to get out of the Great Hall. She touched his elbow, and he hated himself for savoring the touch.“What do you want?” he asked.They passed beyond the busy halls and she tugged on his arm, slowing him down. “What’s wrong?”“Why would anything be wrong?”How long have you been yearning for him? was what he really
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 112
His training with the assassins must have paid off, because Leonard was across the carriage and brandishing a hidden dagger between them before she could blink. “Please,” he breathed, his chest rising and falling in uneven patterns. “Please, Laena.” She opened her mouth, ready to explain everything, but he was gasping down breaths, his eyes wide. “I can pay you.”A small, wretched part of her was fairly smug at the sight of him cowering. But she held up her hands, showing him she was unarmed—at least as far as he could see. “The king thinks you’re part of a rebel movement that’s interrupting his agenda.”A harsh, barked laugh—so raw that none of the smooth, lovely man was even recognizable in the sound. “I’m not part of any movement! Wyrd damn me, I might be a whore, but I’m not a traitor!” She kept her hands where he could see them, and opened her mouth to tell him to shut up, sit down, and listen. But he went on. “I don’t know anything about a movement like that—I haven’t even hea
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 113
She knocked once, then opened the door to Bolton ’s bedroom just wide enough to peer in. He was standing frozen before the fireplace, as if he’d been in the middle of pacing.“I thought you’d be asleep,” she said, slipping inside. “It’s past twelve.”He folded his arms across his chest, his captain’s uniform rumpled and unbuttoned at the collar. “Then why bother stopping by? I thought you weren’t coming home tonight, anyway.”She pulled her cloak tighter around her, her fingers digging into the soft fur.She lifted her chin. “Turns out Leonard wasn’t as dashing as I remembered.Funny how a year in New York City can change the way you see people.”His lips tugged upward, but his face remained solemn. “Did you get the information you wanted?”“Yes, and then some,” she said. She explained what Leonard had told her (pretending that he’d accidentally given her the information, of course). She explained the rumors surrounding the lost heir of Terrasen, but left out the bits about Vaness
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 114
It was one of the longest nights of Benjamin ’s life.Every second had passed by with horrific clarity—every agonizing second as Matilda lay there on the floor of his office, her bodice covered in so much blood that he couldn’t tell where she was bleeding. And with all the stupid layers of frills and pleats, he couldn’t see the entry wounds.So he’d lost it. Utterly lost it. There was no thought in his head beyond a roaring panic as he shut the door, took out his hunting knife, and ripped open her dress right there.But there were no wounds, only a sheathed stiletto that clattered to the floor and a scratch on her forearm. With the dress ripped away, there was hardly any blood on her. And that’s when the panic cleared enough for him to remember what she’d whispered: gloriella.A poison used to temporarily paralyze victims.Everything from then on became a series of steps: quietly summoning Ress; telling the young, talented guard to keep his mouth shut and to find whatever healers wer
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 115
Not feeling at all inclined to go into California after last night, she’d opted to spend the day digesting what she’d learned in Davis’s office and searching for any connection between that book of Dark Knight s and the king’s plans. And since she’d only seen one hint of something being amiss in the castle … Well, she’d steeled her nerve to try to learn what that thing had been looking for in the library. Or if there was any hint of where it had gone.The library looked as it had always had: dim, cavernous, achingly beautiful in its ancient stone architecture and endless corridors lined with books. And totally silent.She knew there were a few scholars and librarians about, but they mostly kept to their private studies. The size of the place was overwhelming; it was a castle in itself.What had that thing been doing here?She craned her head back to take in the two upper levels, both bordered with ornate railings. Iron chandeliers cast light and shadow throughout the main chamber in
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 116
She saw it only because it was the sole bit of decoration she’d encountered along the wall. Considering how the last six months of her life had gone, part of her just knew that it had to mean something.There was no depiction of Eleanor , or a stag, or anything lovely and green.No; this tapestry, woven from red thread so dark it looked black, depicted … nothing.She touched the ancient strands, marveling at the hue, so deep that it seemed to swallow her fingers in its darkness. The hair on the back of her neck rose, and Matilda put a hand on her dagger as she pulled the tapestry aside. She swore. And swore again.Another secret door greeted her.Glancing around the stacks, listening for any footsteps or rustle of clothing, Matilda pushed it open.A breeze, musty and thick, floated past her from the depths of the spiral stairwell revealed by the open door. The light of her torch reached only a few feet inside, illuminating ornately carved walls depicting a battle.There was a thin g
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 117
Matilda touched the Ruffle Pistol , scanning the door again. It yielded no answers about what might be behind it, so she clamped a hand around the handle and pulled.It was locked. There was no keyhole in sight. She ran a hand along the grooves. Perhaps it had rusted shut?She frowned. No sign of rust, either.Matilda stepped back, studying the door. Why put a handle on it if there was no way of opening it? And why use a lock unless there was something worthwhile hidden behind it?She turned away, but the amulet warmed against her skin, and a flicker of light shone through her tunic. Matilda paused.It could have been the flicker of the torch, but … Matilda studied the slender gap between the door and the stone. A shadow—darker than the blackness beyond—lingered on the other side.Slowly, drawing out her thinnest and flattest dagger with her free hand, she set the torch down and lay on her stomach, as close to the door as she dared. Just shadows—it was just shadows. Or rats.Eithe
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 118
“I think he values his life more than he values anything else.” “He’s a courtesan; how can you be sure you can trust him?”Matilda slipped back into her chair, Fleetfoot curling between her feet. “Well, you trust me, and I’m an assassin.”“It’s not the same.”Matilda looked to the tapestry along the wall to her left, and the chest of drawers in front of it. “While I’m telling you all the things that could get me executed, there’s something else that I should bring up.”Jeremy followed her line of sight to the tapestry. After a moment, she let outa gasp. “Is that—that’s Eleanor in the tapestry, isn’t it?”Matilda smiled crookedly and crossed her arms. “That’s not even the worst of it.”As they walked down to the tomb, Matilda told Jeremy about everything that had occurred between her and Eleanor since Samhuinn—and all the adventures that had befallen her. She showed her the room where Cain had summoned the ridderak, and as they approached the tomb, Matilda winced as she remem
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Chapter 271
The tension in the air was palpable as Matilda prepared herself for what Leonard had in store for her. Richard 's eyes shone with a dangerous intensity, his intentions unclear but menacing. Matilda's mind raced with horrible possibilities, each more horrible than the last. She felt a shiver run down her spine as Richard 's laughter echoed in the dimly lit room. Despite her fears, Matilda remains defiant, refusing to show any sign of weakness in the face of Richard 's twisted desires. "I can do more than you imagine and make you hot!" Leonard smiled as he read the expression on Matilda's face. It's really fun teasing Matilda at the moment. Her lips trembled, hoping she wasn't thinking anything. "Are you making me hot?" Would it really roast me alive or burn a part of me? Matilda asked stupidly Although she is a stripper who must know a lot about the tactics of men, unfortunately she is a l
Chapter 270
"How dare you?" Leonard roared like a lion as the champagne spilled over his dress and poured freely into his trousers. Matilda was shaking terribly as she searched for towels to clean Leonard clothes and shoes. He had just poured himself a glass of champagne. "I'm so terribly sorry! I was---sss" stammered Matilda , trying to finish her words when Leonard pulled her hair and picked her up. "You are here to pay your brother's debt, but you are clearly unable to do so! Leonard said in a very intimidating voice, letting the lumps fall on Maris's neck. "Please, I feel weak!" He had never felt this way in his entire life as he searched for ways to survive. He felt his strength leave him and let his body fall into Richard 's grip. Everyone's eyes in the VIP room widened. "This girl is really doomed," commented one of them and motioned for Leo
Chapter 269
They'd been able to not only beat Broadway Enterprise's weakness but also strengthen theirs. "To say the least, I'm quite impressed with this proposal, and so is everyone here today, as such, we wouldn't have any other company partnering with us other than F and A. Congratulations, Richard and Matilda , your intelligence is meritorious. I see why you're a couple now," he added with a smile. "I'll have my lawyer get the agreement ready for you for your signature in the next 48 hours. Congratulations again."With that, Leonard left, and a few others commented about Matilda 's intelligence, and how lucky Richard was to have her by his side, one of whom was Ryan Porter."From the day I saw you at the party, I knew you were one intelligent woman. Congratulations, Matilda . Richard also, you got yourself a gem. If she weren't hooked with you, I might have stolen her away. Good luck with the project." Richard 's jaw hardened at Ryan's words. His heart sank also. R
Chapter 268
"What are you doing, Richard ?" She asked the moment one hand cupped her face, while the other slid down the curve of her waist. Her question came out as a whisper, which surprised her. "Helping you relax around me. We can't go to the meeting with you looking like this.""Like how?"Richard leaned closer to her, bringing his lips to her ear and her body jolted as his hot breath fanned her skin. "Like a simple touch from me will send a wave of electricity through you. One simple touch, like this." The hand that was on her waist found her fingers and he intertwined his with hers, which were already clammy. Matilda shut her eyes in pleasure and pressed her lips in a firm line to prevent herself from making even the slightest sound. He buried his face in her neck, inhaling her inviting flowery scent. The impulse to trail his lips up her neck tugged at his heart, but he acted against it. Instead, he just stood there, registering her scent in his mind and trying to decipher w
Chapter 267
Four months went by since that fateful evening, and Richard 's iciness had become even more noticeable. The unbearable emotional gap between us led me to detach from our dying relationship's toxic hold gradually. I kept track of the days until the contract would end. He already possessed the inheritance and the agreements. Our partnership was supposed to be over by now, but it isn't able to.In the meantime, Leonard and I had become even closer, reigniting the strong connection we had maintained since we were kids. We dedicated numerous hours to each other, reflecting on past memories and creating new ones.Melissa came back from her journey overseas, infusing our group of friends with a sense of excitement and joy.In celebration of Melissa 's hard-earned diploma, we opted to meet at a quaint bar located on the edge of the city. I quickly freshened up and then hurried to the bar. I was running behind because I was assisting Richard with organizing his documents."Melissa !" she
Chapter 266
When my time with Leonard was up that evening, I chose to make a decision that could alter my future significantly. I summoned up my bravery and met his gaze, speaking with conviction.Leonard , I appreciate all that you've done. Would you mind giving me a lift?Fear was evident on Leonard 's face as he considered my request. "Are you certain, keeping in mind his possible reaction?" he inquired, worried about how his words may come across.I let out a slow breath, calling upon my inner power. I am able to deal with Richard by myself. "It will all be okay."He nodded in agreement as his eyes softened with comprehension. "Okay, if you're certain." "I will transport you to your residence."While starting the car journey, Leonard grabbed the radio and switched it to a station he knew. The gentle tune of my preferred song enveloped the car, creating a mix of emotions that matched my inner turmoil.While the music played, a query escaped from my mouth. Leonard , when are we able to
Chapter 265
I was frozen in shock, speechless, as Richard 's words lingered in the air like a thick mist. For years, we have been close friends, sharing jokes, secrets, and even playful flirting. However, his unexpected question left me speechless and confused. Is it impossible for him to ever have me? His question's consequences made me shudder.I felt a swirl of confusion in my head while attempting to understand his abrupt question. Before I had a chance to collect my thoughts and reply, Richard appeared to dismiss it, as though he hadn't just posed such a deep question to me. He proposed finishing the day by having ice cream at his house, trying to shift the conversation to a more cheerful subject.Declining his offer politely, I managed to force a faint smile and replied, "Thank you, Richard , but I believe I should leave."He nodded, a brief flicker of disappointment appearing on his face. Noticing the discomfort between us, he proposed to accompany me to the entrance of the amusement park
Chapter 264
With a slightly trembling voice, she spoke up, my words now carrying a hint of confidence. "Leonard , I put on the lingerie like you requested." "Now, please enlighten me, what exactly do you desire from me?"While we glared at each other intensely, I silently vowed to control the situation according to my wants and limits. I had learned that real power comes from accepting my own vulnerability, even when things are uncertain.Leonard continued to hold on to his unfeeling attitude, remaining adamant in his penchant for mocking others.I felt a shiver down my back as his face became stern, his eyes narrowing with a touch of contempt. He clutched my hand tighter, his voice filled with scorn.Leonard mocked, saying, "I warned you it wouldn't look good on you," in a tone filled with bitterness. "You believed that wearing just a lingerie set could make me interested in you... turns out, it didn't work."I felt a wave of disappointment and hurt as my heart dropped, replacing the warmth I
Chapter 263
She tried on the dresses one at a time, with each one more captivating than the previous one. The gentle materials hugged my body's natural contours, as intricate elements shimmered in the light, producing a stunning exhibition. I spun around and looked at myself in the mirror, wishing to see a hint of love in Leonard 's gaze. However, his calm facial expression stayed unchanged as he stood just outside the fitting room, serving as a constant indication of his emotional disconnection.I put on a different dress and gazed at myself in the mirror once more. While fixing my appearance, I noticed Leonard 's gaze in the mirror. His eyes held a gentleness, showing a hint of kindness that was previously absent. The teasing and coldness had become gentler, giving way to a more tender emotion.Leonard spoke at last, his voice lacking any enthusiasm as he commented, "You appear pleasant." "Perhaps this one is overly glittery," he said, pointing to a dress decorated with detailed beadwork
