Chapter 7

“I know you have suspicion that I’m up to something, but as I’ve mentioned previously, I’m willing to

write a covenant. You can even hire a lawyer and cameraman to witness and record the entire process

when we sign the divorce paper. That will be enough to prove that I’m the one who’s asking for it

without demanding a single penny from you.” Leanna’s determined stance quelled Aidan as he pursed

his lips into a thin line. “Or… are you afraid that I’ll bring up the divorce to ruin your family’s name? You

can put your worries to a rest because I, Leanna McKinney, promise that I will never take advantage of

you on this matter. I’ll be damned if I break my promise.” A couple of minutes later, he finally

responded, “How am I supposed to believe in you?” A vexed Leanna huffed, “What do you want me to

do then? Is it your wish to see your wife and mistress on good terms? Aidan Pearson, I’m telling you,

I’d rather die than raise someone else’s child.” Aidan merely snorted at that. Without words, she knew

well that he communicated contempt as he was certain that she was no less different from Mia,

deeming her to be in no position to comment about others. When she was about to give her last-ditch

effort, he piped up, “I’m going on a business trip tomorrow. Let’s talk after I’m back.” Leanna smiled

instantly. “That’s not a problem. I’ll wait no matter how long it takes. Just inform me once you’re back.”

As her attitude did a one-eighty, his face dimmed before heading upstairs. What a shameless

woman! Time flew as Leanna sent the designs to Harvey just as when the one-week deadline was

approaching. On the night of that very same day, he sent her a text that his boss had approved of it and

she was required to come over tomorrow to sign the contract. While reading his message, she heaved

a sigh of relief as she was afraid that her work would not meet their standard. This project of Lux

Jewelry had been going on for a while now. Ever since they had decided to release their first collection,

a designer was all that they needed. Now that Leanna would be coming onboard, they wished to see

some advances in its progress because the company’s anniversary was just one month ahead. In

conjunction with the celebratory occasion, the magazine intended to hold a press conference to

announce their brand to the press. Aside from Leanna’s necklace, the other mainstay products

included the bracelet and ring. Once the drafts were approved by the magazine, they could proceed

with the refinement prior to the production. Therefore, it would be hectic to finish everything within a

month; they were left with not much time. In order to not ruin the press conference, Leanna was always

on her toes as she had been sketching at home besides choosing the materials for the jewelry. She

needed to make the final product herself before sending it to the factory for mass production after the

press conference. Thus, she was so busy that she had forgotten about the divorce, let alone knowing

of Aidan’s return. Regardless of the circumstances, he did not contact her this whole time. Deciding to

take some rest, Leanna set down the pencil when her phone atop the table vibrated. Her brows knitted

tightly the moment she realized that it was Jethro. She picked up the phone when he called for the

second time. “Leanna, Louis is going to sit for the SAT next year. We need some money for his tuition

fees.” “How much is it?” “Let me recall the amount… The tuition fees are very expensive. Why don’t

you give me thirty thousand? I’ll save the balance for his next semester.” Leanna remained calm. “First

of all, Louis will be taking the exam this year; secondly, he’s the top scholar in town, so he doesn’t need

tuition; lastly, I’ve never heard of any tuition center that charges that much.” As his schemes were seen

through like a glass, Jethro was livid. “Enough of the excuses. Can’t you just give me the money?” “I’m

broke.” “But you got your rich husband. Thirty thousand means nothing to him.” “There’s no free lunch

in this world. No matter how rich he is, it has nothing to do with me. Besides, we’ve signed the divorce

papers, so I have no reason to ask him for money.” “What?!” He flipped out. “Who said that you’re

allowed to divorce? Have you even discussed it with me? Even if you have divorced, he will give you

half of his assets. There’s no way that you have nothing! Leanna McKinney, are you going to let your

father rot to death?! Transfer me the money right this instant! Otherwise, you’ll never get away with it!”

“I have nothing. Not even a cent.” Having said that, she ended the call right away. Soon, Louis rang

her. “Did Jethro ask you for money? Don’t give it to him matter what he says. He went to gamble again

lately and ended up owing a few thousands. He’s hiding somewhere at the moment.” “I know. I’m not

planning to give him anything.” On the day Leanna paid off Jethro’s hundreds of thousands worth of

debt, she had mentioned that she would not give a fig about his matters anymore even if he was dead.

Still, not everyone turned over a new leaf that easily; he had been trying to deceive her all these years

by lying that he needed surgery for his broken leg or to settle a fight involving Louis. Jethro knew her

character well; even though she would ignore him, she would never ignore the issue when it came to

Louis. Consequently, the siblings had fallen for his ruse twice. Now that they had learned their lessons

the hard way, they would not feel a thing in the face of his whining and tantrums. “Have you thought of

which university you want to go to?” inquired Leanna. “Yeah.” She paused a moment before adding,

“Louis, do you wanna study abroad? I still have enough money to pay for the tuition fees. You can also

apply for scholarships—” She wished she could send Louis away from their toxic father, so that Louis

would not be stuck in the gutter like she was. “No, I’m going to stay in the country. I’m not going

anywhere,” interrupted Louis. Knowing his temper, she let out a silent sigh. “You can pick wherever you

want. Tell me when you need money.” “Save the money for yourself. I can earn it on my own.” Louis

suddenly asked, “Has he been nice to you?” The conversation went silent for a while when Aidan was

brought into the topic. “Hmm. Yeah. Louis, I’m going to file a divorce.” Leanna smiled. Louis held his

tongue for a moment as though the announcement was not a surprise to him. “Okay. I’ll take care of

you in the future.” She grinned. “Why do I need that when I have hands and legs to fend for myself?

Just focus on your studies.” After hanging up the call, Leanna went out of her room to see a pale Zoe

slumping on the couch wearily. “Zoe, what’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?” Zoe shook her head

while wheezing, “I’m on my menstruation. I’ll be fine after taking some rest.” Leanna poured Zoe a

glass of warm water. “That won’t do. I’ll buy a hot water bottle and some painkillers downstairs. Would

you like to have something to eat?” At the mention of food, Zoe regained her energy and ordered

something for herself. “Leanna, you’re the best. That b*stard must be blind for not loving you.”