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Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 182
Hassan put a hand on her chest, her manicured nails gleaming in the late afternoon sun. “Kashin had no trouble with women until you came along. You two were once such close friends. Why shouldn’t I wish that my dear friend and brother form a deeper attachment?”“Because if you are appointed Carl , you might kill us if he doesn’t submit.”“Him, possibly, if he doesn’t bow. And if you prove to not be carrying his offspring, I might let you take the cleansing once my own line is established and keep your wealth.”Such bald casual words. Of such horrible methods meant to keep this wondrous, sweeping empire from fracturing. She wished Kashin were here to listen, to understand.Matilda asked, “And what would you do—for producing offspring?”With Renia as the possible future Grand Empress, Hassan would need to find some way to produce a blood heir.Hassan began pushing her figures around the map again. “I have already told my father, and it is no concern of yours.”Right. For if she had
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 183
Leonard kept moving his toes long after Matilda had left. He wriggled them inside his boots, not quite feeling them, but just enough to know they were moving.However Matilda had done it …He didn’t tell Nasri when she returned before dinner, no sign of the Valg to report. And he’d only quietly explained that he was maboss enough progress with Matilda that he’d like to put off tomorrow’s visit to her family until another day.She’d seemed a tad crestfallen, but had agreed, that cool mask slipping back over her face within a few blinks.He kissed her when she’d walked by to dress for dinner.He’d grabbed her by the wrist and tugged her down, and kissed her once.Brief—but thorough.She’d been surprised enough that by the time he’d pulled away, she hadn’t so much as laid a hand on him.“Get ready,” he told her, motioning to her room.With a backward glance at him, a half smile on her mouth, Nasri obeyed.Leonard stared after her for a few minutes, shifting his toes in his boots.
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 184
Shen said nothing, though Leonard knew every guard in this palace spoke an assortment of languages beyond Halha, only offering a nod of greeting. Which Leonard found himself returning before he silently mounted, his arms straining with the effort to haul himself upward. But he made it, perhaps easier than yesterday, earning what he could have sworn was a wink of approval from Shen before the guard sauntered back to his post.Shutting out what that did to his chest, Leonard buckled the straps on his brace and surveyed the chaotic courtyard and open gates beyond. The guards inspected every wagon, every piece of paper that confirmed a royal order had been placed for the goods they bore.Good. Regardless of whether he’d spoken to the Carl personally, at least someone had warned the guard to be careful—perhaps Kashin.The sun drifted higher, raising the heat with it. Still Matilda did not come.A clock chimed deep in the palace. An hour late.The mare turned skittish, impatient benea
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 185
With most of the city down by the docks for the sunrise ceremony to honor Tehome, the streets were quiet. Leonard supposed only the sickest would be bedbound today, which was why, when they approached a slender house on a sunny, dusty street, he wasn’t at all surprised to be greeted by violent coughing before they’d even reached the door.Well, before Matilda had even reached the door. Without the chair, he’d remain atop the horse, but Matilda didn’t so much as comment on it as she dismounted, tied her mare to the hitching post down the street, and strode for the house. He kept shifting his toes every so often—as much as he could manage within the boots. The movement alone, he knew, was a gift, but it required more concentration than he’d expected; more energy, too.Leonard was still flexing them when an elderly woman opened the house door, sighing to see Matilda and speaboss in very slow Halha. For Matilda to understand, apparently, because the healer replied in the language a
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 186
He’d never seen a face so lovely.Not as Matilda dismounted and took the chubby baby—the portrait of newborn health—from the mother’s outstretched arms. “Oh, she’s beautiful,” she cooed, brushing a finger over a round cheek.The mother beamed. “Fat as a dirt-grub.” She spoke in Leonard ’s own tongue,either because Matilda used it with her, or from noticing his own features, so different from the various norms here in Antica. “Hungry as a pig, too.”Matilda bobbed and swayed with the baby, cooing at the girl. “The feeding is going well?”“She’d be on my breast day and night if I let her,” the mother groused, not at all embarrassed to be discussing such things with him present.Matilda chuckled, her smile growing as she let a tiny hand wrap around her finger. “She looks healthy as can be,” she observed. Then looked over the mother. “And you?”“I’ve been following the regimen you gave me—the baths helped.” “No bleeding?”A shake of the head. Then she seemed to notice him, because sh
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 187
Nasri blinked at Hassan .The princess smiled, cold as a snake, and clarified, “It is not polite to only sit with your companion. We should have separated you two before now.”Nasri glanced to him. Everyone watched. Leonard had no idea—absolutely none—what to say. Matilda seemed inclined to melt into the green marble floor.Sartaq cleared his throat. “Join me here, Captain Faliq.”Nasri stood quickly, and Hassan beamed up at her. The princess patted the back of the seat Nasri had vacated and crooned to Matilda , lingering a few feet away, “You sit here. In case you are needed.”Matilda shot Leonard a look that might have been considered pleading, but he kept his face neutral and offered a close-lipped smile.Nasri found her seat beside Sartaq, who had asked a vizier to move down the table, and Hassan , satisfied that the adjustments had been done to her liboss , deemed that her own usual seats were not to her taste and kicked out two viziers down by Arghun. The second seat w
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 188
Arghun claimed a couch for himself around the dancing, reclining and breathing in the smoke rippling off the embers in those small metal bowls beside them. Courtiers and viziers vied for the seats nearest the eldest prince.Hassan and her lover took a small couch for themselves, the princess’s hands soon tangling in her lover’s thick black hair. Her mouth found a spot on the woman’s neck a moment later. Renia’s answering smile was slow and broad— her eyes fluttering closed as Hassan whispered something against her skin.Kashin seemed to wait for minutes as Matilda and Leonard watched the unfolding decadence from the emptying banquet table.Waiting for Matilda , no doubt, to rise.Color had stained her cheeks as she kept her eyes firmly on her kahve, steam curling from the small cup.“You’ve seen this before?” Leonard asked her.“Give it an hour or two, and they’ll all slip away to their rooms—not alone, of course.”Prince Kashin seemed to have dragged out his conversation with th
Unexpected Rise of Leonard Storm Chapter 189
"I have always known there was something ahout your corporation that looks lucrative." One of the investors mentioned, shaking hands with Leonard and Matilda .It was barely three days after they had gotten married and Leonard had informed her about a meeting with some investors. Matilda didn't care about any of his movement, she had been making plans on her revenge tour and she couldn't wait to execute it."I guess you are the lucky charm I needed to secure this contract after all." Leonard mentioned, after the meeting, while heading back to their penthouse."Yeah I guess ...." Matilda mentioy, barely paying attention to what he has to say."Why do you always act cold around me?" Leonard asked, having observed her demeanor."What do you mean act cold towards you? I never prayed to be here in the first place." Matilda replied."I don't care girl. Your father signed you off to me and you will remain mine." Matilda wa about to respond, when their car would eventually break dow
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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
