Chapter 327

Chapter 327

Leanne felt an inexplicable emotion welling slowly in her chest.

Curtis had once confessed that he had loved her from a very early age. At that time, she had no concept of how early this “very early” was, nor any real grasp of his love.

She had thought Curtis was just a troublemaker at school, getting into fights with the likes of Johnny and dragging her into the mess to get scolded.

But it turned out, he did it all for her.

To the young Leanne, living with the Richardson family was just a temporary arrangement, slightly better than the foster homes she’d been shuffled between.

She knew she was an outsider, and when bullied, she wouldn’t seek anyone to stand up for her.

The incident where she was dragged into the boys’ restroom had made her the butt of jokes for a while, but once Johnny dropped out, it was never mentioned again.

She had never imagined Curtis had defended her from behind the scenes.

Had he never mentioned it to protect her pride?

Curtis watched from a distance as she laughed and chatted with someone else, his gaze casually sliding over Leanne’s face. “What are you talking about?” he asked, as he approached, draping his jacket over his arm.

Leanne glanced at him. “None of your business.”

Not wanting to tick her off, Curtis swallowed his jealousy and put on a show of bein chill. “Alright. Should I give you some space?”

Making peace like a diplomat, Jeremy replied smoothly, “Nothing much. We’re done talking.”

Just then, Joy’s phone rang, and Leanne took it to her, walking towards the restroom.

Curtis watched Leanne’s disappearing figure, then casually pulled out his card to settle t bill with Devin, remarking, “Southtown’s air must be good for your throat. You’ve been quite chatty since you stayed there.”

“The air is indeed pleasant there, a bit more humid than Stonebridge, nice environment,” Jeremy replied, ignoring the slight edge in Curtis’ voice and sincerely suggested, “You should take Leanne there sometime.”

“Really?” Curtis’ voice held a note of forced interest as he pocketed his hands in his trousers, “So good, huh? Why didn’t you stay longer?”

Jeremy was left speechless.

1/3

09-14

Soon, Leanne returned with Selina and Joy, rounding the corner.

Curtis’ mood flipped faster than a page in a book, slapping Jeremy on the shoulder in a friendly manner, “Thanks for the invite. I’ll make sure to take Leanne to Southtown sometime.”

Jeremy just nodded awkwardly.

1

Austin, having paid the bill, joined them, “Let’s go.”

Joy linked arms with Leanne. “Come on, we’ll walk you out.”

Curtis slipped his hand around Leanne’s wrist gently, “Everyone’s pairing up, and here are, third wheeling?”

you

“Who says she’s third wheeling?” Joy retorted, pulling Leanne back, nodding at Austin, “She’s my soulmate; that one is the odd one out.”

Leanne stammered, “I…”

“I’ll join too!” Selina exclaimed, grabbing Leanne’s other arm and turning to Jeremy, “Jeremy, let mom know I’ll stay at Leanne’s tonight.”

The girls, arm in arm, led Leanne away.

Austin apologized on behalf of Joy, “They’ve planned a girls’ night out. No offense meant, please bear with us.”

“Like

you need to tell me,” Devin scoffed, chin up, “She’s offended Curtis plenty of times, and she’s still safe and sound.”

Austin gave him a polite smile, “She’s straightforward, gets comfortable around you Thanks for looking after her. We rushed today, I’ll arrange something soon for us al hang out.”

His words showed a maturity far beyond Devin’s.

Devin frowned as he watched Austin leave, muttering, “Acting all high and mighty, they just started dating. With Joy’s goofy antics, let’s see how long he can tolerate.”

Curtis raised an eyebrow meaningfully, patting Devin on the back of his head, “Sounds I someone’s jealous.”

Devin-grumbled, “Jealous my foot.”

Curtis chuckled and walked out into the night.

Outside, Jake waited by the car with a beaming smile.

Devin’s Koenigsegg roared past on the street, while Curtis sauntered over, remarking, “Why is he so hyped?”

Jake just laughed, opening the car door for him.

213

09.1

Inside the Rolls-Royce, Leanne turned to look at him.

The city lights brightened the night sky, a thin crescent moon hanging faintly, not as bright as her clear, compelling eyes.

A breeze carrying the bustling noise brushed past Curtis.

He stood by the open car door, asking her, “Did Jake kidnap you, or did you get in the wrong car by mistake?”

Leanne replied, “Should I get out then?”

“Now that you’re here, don’t even think about it”

Curtis got in the car, playfully manipulating her head with his fingers, examining her closely.

Leanne, puzzled by his actions, asked, “What are you doing?”

“Checking to see if someone sent me an Al robot,” Curtis teased, a smile playing in his eyes. “It’s quite realistic. Which company made you? I’m interested in investing.”

Leanne swatted his hand away, murmuring, “Weirdo.”

She had wanted to ask him something, had managed to send Joy away first.

But now in the car, facing him, she didn’t know where to start.

Probably because Jake was there, making it awkward to talk about anything too mushy.

She’d ask after they got out.

Curtis’ phone rang, a client calling. He promptly silenced it, tossing the phone asid pulling her hand towards him.

“What are you doing?”

“Checking your palm?” Curtis joked.

Leanne, slightly annoyed, replied, “Boring.”

But as Curtis’ fingers wove through hers, gripping her tightly when she tried to pull awa

and then relenting, she felt a strange comfort in his hold.

09:14