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Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 168
The footsteps on the other side of the stack neared. Matilda stood on trembling knees, taboss a steadying breath as she forced herself to walk again. Forced herself to leave that dead healer in the dark. Forced herself to lift her bag as ifnothing had happened, as if showing the satchel to someone ahead.But with the angle of the stacks—the person didn’t know that.“Just finishing up my reading for the night,” she called to her invisible salvation ahead. She sent up a silent prayer of thanks to Silba that her voice held steady and merry. “Cook is expecting me for a last cup of tea. Want to join?”Maboss it seem like someone was expecting her: another trick she’d pickedup.Matilda cleared five more steps before she realized whoever it was had again halted.Buying her ruse.Matilda dashed the last few feet to the hallway, spotted a cluster of acolytes just emerging from another haze of stacks, and hurtled flat out toward them.Their eyes widened at Matilda ’s approach, and all sh
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 169
Matilda sat up, any lingering color draining from her face. “Tumelun’s body was not drained. Hadiza —the Healer on High herself declared it was a suicide.”There was, of course, a chance the two deaths weren’t connected, a chance that Kashin was wrong about Tumelun. Part of Leonard prayed it was so. But even if they were unrelated, what had happened last night—“You need to warn the Carl ,” Matilda said, seeming to read his mind.He nodded. “Of course. Of course I will.” Damned as the entire situation wasPerhaps it was the in he’d been waiting for with the Carl . But he studied her haggard face, the fear there. “I’m sorry—to have brought you into this. Has security been increased around the Torre?”“Yes.” A breathy push of sound. She scrubbed at her face. “And you? Did you come here under guard?”She threw him a frown. “In plain daylight? In the middle of the city?” Leonard crossed his arms. “I would put nothing past the Valg.”She waved a hand. “I won’t be heading alone into a
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 170
Matilda panted, her legs sprawled before her on the rug, her back resting against the couch on which Lord Leonard now gasped for breath as well.Her mouth was dry as sand, her limbs trembling so violently that she could barely keep her hands limp in her lap.A spitting sound and a little thump told her he’d removed the bit.He’d roared around it. His bellowing had been almost as bad as the gang itself.It was a void. It was a new, dark hell.Her gang had been a pulsing star that flared against the wall that the darkness had crafted between the top of his spine and the rest of it. She knew— knew without testing—that if she bypassed it, jumped right to the base of his spine … it would find her there, too.But she had pushed. Pushed and pushed, until she was sobbing for breath.Still, that wall did not move.It only seemed to laugh, quietly and sibilantly, the sound laced with ancient ice and malice.She’d hurled her gang against the wall, letting its swarm of burning white lights a
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 171
Everything hurt.Leonard did not let himself think about what he had seen. What had flashed through his mind as that pain had wracked him, burned and flayed and shattered him. What—and who he’d seen. The body on the bed. The collar on a throat. The head that had rolled.He could not escape them. Not while Matilda had worked.So the pain had ripped through him, so he had seen it, over and over.So he had roared and screamed and bellowed.She’d stopped only when she’d slid to the floor.He’d been left hollow. Void.She still had not wanted to spend more than a moment necessary with him.He didn’t blame her.Not that it mattered. Though he reminded himself that she’d asked him to help tomorrow.In whatever way he could.Leonard ate his meal where Matilda had left him, still in his undershorts. Kadja didn’t seem to notice or care, and he was too aching and tired to bother with modesty.Aelin would likely have laughed to see him now. The man who had stumbled out of her room after she’d
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 172
That was indeed worry tightening his face as he leaned against the wall of the building. “Thank you for the report.”It was not her place to ask about it—not for anyone, and certainly not for the most powerful family in the world. But Nasri said quietly, “My mother died when I was thirteen.” She gazed up at the near-glowing Torre. “The old boss … you know what he did to those with gang . To healers gifted with it. So there was no one who could save my mother from the wasting sickness that crept up on her. The healer we managed to find admitted to us that it was likely from a growth inside my mother’s breast. That she might have been able to cure her before gang vanished. Before it was forbidden.”She had never told anyone outside of her family this story. Wasn’t sure why she was really telling him now, but she went on, “My father wanted to get her on a boat to sail here. Was desperate to. But war had broken out up and down our lands. Ships were conscripted into Eagles gang ’s servi
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 173
what he’d once been that made him tense up in their presence, refuse to even consider training with them.But that was not a conversation to be had now—not here, and not with the light starting to return to his eyes.So Matilda hitched up her hem and let Shen help her onto the horse.The skirts of her dress hiked up enough to reveal most of her legs, but she’d seen far more revealed here. In this very courtyard. Neither Shen nor any other guards so much as glanced her way. She turned to Leonard to order him to go ahead, but found his eyes on her.On the leg exposed from ankle to midthigh, paler than most of her golden-brown skin. She darkened easily in the sun, but it had been months since she’d gone swimming and basked in any sunlight.Leonard noticed her attention and snapped his eyes up to hers. “You have a good seat,” he told her, as clinically as she often remarked on the status of her patients’ bodies.Matilda gave him an exasperated look before nodding her thanks to Shen an
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 174
Wheels hissed on gravel from nearby. He didn’t bother to look at the wheeled chair that an acolyte pushed closer. Didn’t bother to speak as they settled him in it, the chair shuddering beneath his weight.“Careful.” Matilda warned again.The girls lingered, the rest of the courtyard still watching. Had it been seconds or minutes since this ordeal had begun? He clenched the arms of the chair as Matilda rattled off some directions and observations. Clenched the arms harder as one of the girls stooped to touch his booted feet, to arrange them for him.Words rose up his throat, and he knew they’d burst from him, knew he could do little to stop his bellow to back off as that acolyte’s fingers neared the dusty black leather—Withered brown hands landed on the girl’s wrist, halting her mere inches away.Hadiza said calmly, “Let me.”The girls peeled back as Hadiza stooped to help him instead.“Get the ladies ready, Matilda ,” Hadiza said over a slim shoulder, and Matilda obeyed, usheri
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 175
Matilda felt the anger simmering off Leonard as if it were heat rippling from a kettle. Not at the girls and women. They adored him. Grinned and laughed, even as they concentrated on his thorough, precise lesson, even as the events in the library hung over them, the Torre, like a gray shroud. There had been many tears last night at the vigil—and a few red eyes still in the halls this morning as she’dhurtled past.Mercifully, there had been no sign of either when Lord Leonard called in three guards to volunteer their bodies for the girls to flip into the gravel. Over and over.The men agreed, perhaps because they knew that any injuries would be fussed over and patched up by the greatest healers outside Doranelle.Leonard even returned their smiles, ladies and, to her shock, guards alike.But Matilda … she received none of them. Not one.Leonard ’s face only went hard, eyes glinting with frost, whenever she stepped in to ask a question or watch him walk an acolyte through the moti
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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
