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After Divorce, Billionaire Ex Found Me Pregnant-Chapter 148 Enjoy It While It Last.
Chapter 148: Chapter 148 Enjoy It While It Last.
The look of relief on Gabriel’s face told Leonica all she needed to know.
He was indeed happy, so happy that a subtle smile graced his lips, this in turn, had Leonica questioning internally, if her forgiveness was worth more than millions.
Was he feeling that guilty about all the things he had done? Even though he didn’t remember them all?
Was he really the same Gabriel that suddenly began maltreating her? Or was he forever going to remain this Gabriel, the version of himself who her younger self had fallen in love with?
Shaking her head, she dismissed the thought. She didn’t need to think of things like that, not right now.
"Now that we’ve settled that," Leonica started. "About the contract,"
"I’ll call my lawyers," Gabriel said, pulling his phone out and making a call to his lawyer’s office.
Leonica watched him as he spoke, and couldn’t help but notice the softness in his tone and the relaxed stance his body held.
It was a sight that was long forgotten as it had been a distant time since they both sat together like this, no hostility or hate getting in the way.
For a brief moment, Leonica allowed herself to indulge in the sight of him. He was still as handsome as she remembered him. The Gabriel she fell in love with and the one she would always have a little sore yet spot for, even if she had moved on.
"Mr. Bryce, although were still in the weekend, your request will be carried out. The paperwork will be submitted tomorrow." The lawyer concluded over the phone.
Gabriel ended the call and turned his attention back to her. "Done."
"So fast?"
Gabriel simply gave her a smile. "I have my ways."
Sure he does.
Leonica rolled her eyes at him before standing up. "Well, I’ll get going now."
"Already? Why don’t you stay a little longer? We can talk."
She merely smiled at Gabriel’s words, but he could tell the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. "There nothing to talk about, Gabriel. Please take care of Ashley."
And just like that, she was out, leaving Gabriel in his study alone. She quickly found Margret who then showed her to Ashley’s room. The boy who was playing on his console, quickly jumped up at the sight of his mother.
"Hey sweetheart, how do you like it here?"
Ashley gave her a toothy grin. "I love it."
"That’s nice." Leonica returned his smile. "Mommy has to go now, I’ll come and pick you up Monday afternoon, okay?"
"Okay." He gave her a hug and bid her goodbye.
"Bye mommy."
"See you later."
She kissed his forehead and left. Once outside and seating in the comfort of her car, she pulled out her phone and fetched a tiny phone book that she stored unnecessary number.
Scrolling through the contacts, she searched for the one she needed. When she found it, she dialed the number and waited.
It took three rings for the call to be answered.
“Hello,” A female voice filtered through the line.
“Hello, am I onto Florence Winslow?”
“Yes, you are. May I ask who’s calling?”
“Who I am doesn’t really matter,” A smile graced her lips as she spoke, knowing fully well of the storm that was going to brew in Rodrigo’s plans once she dumped her ‘anonymous’ tip to the journalist she was speaking with. “What matters is the story I have for you.”
Silence took over the other end for a few seconds. “Can I at least have something to address you with?”
“Nica, will do.”
“Okay, Nica. What type of story are we talking about here?”
“Business and money. You’ve heard about Romero Empire’s recent situation, haven’t you?”
“Recent situation?” The noise of scribbles followed after her question. “Care to elaborate?”
“I just called to tip you about the Vice President of Romero Empire, Mr. Rodrigo Romero, word on the street has it that Mr. Rodrigo is brokering a deal with Mrs. Tyche Smith to sell the Empire off.”
“Tyche Smith?!” Florence’s voice held enough surprise to be shown on her face. “And she wants to buy Romero Empire? Oh this good news.” She mumbled the last part to herself, the sound of scribbling getting louder.
“Indeed it is. So, do you find the story worthy to be published by your company?”
“Of course, and it would be a great honor to have you as our anonymous source, Ms. Nica.”
“Great.” Leonica ended the call and pulled off.
It wouldn’t take long before the story was published, and just like she had planned, Rodrigo would be put under pressure to sell the company because of the financial state and the news circulating all around.
And when that happens, Leonica was sure to swoop in and purchase the company at an unbelievably cheap price.
“Oh yes,” She chuckled. “This is gonna be good.”
~•~
The next day, while in the process of getting ready, Leonica came across her tablet and realized, Oh, she was yet to check the message Kennedy had sent her.
Seating down, she took a moment to open her Gmail account, and just as she had expected, there was a message from the man.
It was short and simple.
Kennedy: Here are the details you wanted.
Attached was a document, the contents of which had Leonica raising her brow in slight surprise.
“Wow, this is impressive. I can’t believe he actually planned on doing this.” She mumbled to herself.
In the document, were all the information regarding Rodrigo’s latest plan. She had to admit, it was quite genius the way he planned to take over the company after using Melvin to secure it only to boot him out.
But alas, his plan’s would eventually fail and as for Melvin, he could thank her when she saves the company from its demise, once again.
“Madame,” The sound of Grace’s voice had her looking towards her door to find the caretaker standing there. “Mr. Lee just arrived.” She announced.
Owen’s here already? Glancing at the clock, she realized she had been engrossed in her own world to realize the time ticking by.
“I see. Please tell him I’ll be down in a minute.”
Grace bowed and turned around to deliver the message.
With a few seconds window, Leonica examined herself in the mirror, nodding in agreement to the gown she had worn which matched the shade of her eyes.
With that, she made her way downstairs.
She was just on the last stairs when Owen saw her and he seemed speechless.
“Wow luce mia,” He breathed out almost inaudibly, his eyes trailing from the top of her head to her feet, admiring the sight. Leonica smiled at the name and the reaction she had gotten. “You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” She said as she finally joined him, smiling when he placed his hand on her waist and cheek and pressed a kiss in between her brows. “You also look handsome, Owen.”
“Really? Do I now?” He teased.
“Yes, you do.” Leonica playfully swatted him and Owen’s chest rumbled in laughter.
“Thank you. Let’s get going, shall we?” Stepping back, he offered her his arm and she took it, linking her own arm through his.
“Where exactly is your family’s vila?” She questioned, casting a glance at him as they both settled in his car.
“About an hour and thirty minutes drive from here, you’ll see once we get there.” Owen flashed her yet another smile.
Leonica nodded at his words, while Owen moved onto another topic. “How’s things going with the company? Any development?”
“Well, no and yes.”
“No and yes?” He arched a brow.
“No as in, there been no notable development in the company and yes as in, I’ve finally thought of a way to fix this little loophole.”
“Is that so?” Owen responded, intrigue clear as day in his voice.
For the next hour and a half, he asked her to explain and Leonica happily did. By the time she was coming to the final stage of her well thought out plan, Owen had already pulled into the drive way of his family Vila.
“We’re here.” He announced.
Looking through the windshield, Leonica took in the sight of the mansion.
“Beautiful.” She whispered.
“Yeah, my grandfather built this with his own two hands right before he passed away.”
“So you moved here after leaving the neighborhood?” Leonica asked as he held the door open for her to step out.
In response to her question, Owen shook his head. “No, I went to go stay with my mother in Italy, her birthplace.”
“Ah, I see.”
As they walked inside, Owen explained the history behind the mansion and the meaning of the different decorations that were used to beautify it.
They had just walked past the main sitting room, when a man voice caught their attention.
“Owen, it was about time you showed up.” Taehyun walked towards his son, his steps slowing a but when he realized there was an... Unwanted guest. “And who do we have here?"
Although Leonica didn’t really like Owen’s father from the stories she had heard, she placed a smile on her lips and responded as respectful as possible. “Hello sir, I’m Leonica. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“Finally meet me?” Taehyun snorted. “Are you implying that Owen has spoken about me? Bad things I assume, after all, he takes after his mother.”
“Father,”
“Don’t ‘father’ me, boy. The least you can do after showing up an hour late is keep your damn mouth shut.”
Leonica’s brows furrowed. That was certainly some way to speak to your son.
“You’ve once again disgraced me in front of my guest.” Owen remained silent as he spoke, but from the way his hand constantly squeezed around Leonica’s, she could tell he was holding himself back from punching his father square in the jaw. “And this,” He pointed towards Leonica. “Why did you bring her along?”
“Because I wanted to, father.” Owen answered calmly.
Taehyun laughed humorlessly. “Wanted to, huh?” He turned towards Leonica. “I bet you feel so special. Well, best enjoy it while it last.”
He said and turned around. Owen knew it was a silent signal for him to follow. But he hesitated, pissed at his father.
“Hey,” Leonica’s soft voice had him turning his head towards her. “It’s okay. It’s just one dinner, how bad can it be.”
With a deep sigh, he nodded. “You’re right. Let’s get this over with.”