Chapter 403
Jaelynn found herself somewhat taken aback.
She hadn’t expected her mother to pose such a question to Leopold.
What relevance could it possibly hold?
Wasn’t it supposed to be rooted in their former familial ties?
Jaelynn pondered, momentarily struck by the thought.
Could it be that Leopold harbored feelings for Zola?
It seemed incredulous!
“No way, Leopold responded with a cold demeanor, asserting. “My personal affairs are not for you to pry into.”
Leopold, I’m your sister, Georgina retorted, her tone edged with anger. “With Dad gone, Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law gone, and even Ethan left, it’s just us left in the family. If we don’t stick together, this family will fall apart.”
“Affection isn’t measured by the length of one’s interference in your life; sincerity suffices,” he replied firmly, resolute in his
stance.
“Do you mean I’ve been too involved with you? If Dad hadn’t asked me to look after you, would I have gone to such lengths for you? Do you realize the effort it takes for someone as morally upright as I am to convince themselves to accept your presence, let alone prepare to share the Hayden family’s wealth with you?”
“I don’t want a single cent of the Hayden family’s wealth,” Leopold affirmed, his tone resolute. “If you cannot accept my identity, I can refrain from coming here in the future.”
“Leopold Cavanaugh! Are you forsaking your family for Zola?” Georgina exclaimed, attributing his indifference to Zola.
“It’s not about her; I simply don’t want to cause you any more distress,” he countered.
“You know what you’re thinking. I won’t accept you marrying Zola. Any woman will do, even one without a family or background. As long as it’s not her, I can arrange a lavish wedding for you, Georgina declared.
“I’ll say it again. My private matters don’t require anyone’s intervention, Leopold reiterated firmly.
Jaclynn was dumbfounded.
Jaelynn was dumbfounded by the exchange, having never witnessed Leopold in such a light, even on set.
It was genuine, her mother’s kindness towards Leopold.
Ir was truly heartfelt.
Their relationship didn’t seem like that of step-siblings; it resembled that of biological siblings instead.
Shouldn’t Leopold be grateful?
Was it truly because of his affection for Zola that he would rather estrange himself from her mother?
Jaelynn couldn’t bear it any longer. “Leopold, please understand my mother Zola’s situation is indeed unique.”
“Yes, your mother is a victim, but has she considered whether Za is a victim, too! What has she done wrong? Why target her?” Leopold’s emotions began to unravel gradually
I
“So now you’re blaming me for being too harsh on Zola? Leopold, you’ve always thought I was wrong from the start. You
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Chapter 403
think I should forgive Zola, forgive her selfish mother, and forgive her shameless father!”
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“You can hate everyone, but you can’t hate Zola. You raised her, and the love you gave her is reciprocated. When you hurt her, did you consider how much she would suffer?”
Georgina was momentarily speechless, overwhelmed by Leopold’s words. “So it’s only right to snatch everything from my biological daughter?!”
“She didn’t take it willingly: you forced it upon her! If you don’t want to give it now, that’s fine. But to aggressively take it back? Have you considered how selfish that is?”
“Leopold Cavanaugh!” Georgina, feeling both embarrassed and enraged, exclaimed
Leopold, Jaelynn interjected urgently. “don’t argue with my mother. She just had a checkup at the hospital a few days ago. Her health is deteriorating, and the doctor advised her to avoid stress…”
Tm leaving,” Leopold announced.
He rose swiftly and paced with purpose, aided by his walking stick, a sense of urgency in his steps.
“Leopold.” Jaelynn wanted to stop him.
Georgina’s face darkened. “Don’t call him!”
Jaelynn was feeling torn.
She didn’t want her mother and Leopold embroiled in such heated conflict.
‘T’ll go talk to Leopold, Joel quickly got up from the sofa and chased after him.
Jaelynn, caught in the tumult of emotions, found herself at a loss for words.
She was unsure of how to navigate the escalating tension.
There was a reason why Joel seemed more attentive to her needs than those around him.
The car journey unfolded.
Joel drove Leopold back.
The atmosphere grew heavy with unspoken words, punctuated only by the hum of the engine.
“I sent Zola back today. She didn’t say you two were back together.” Joel broke the silence in the car.
“Okay” Leopold responded lightly.
“In that case, why engage in such a heated exchange with Georgia?” Joel questioned gently, noting the stark departure from Leopold’s usual demeanor.
It was unlike him to wear his emotions so openly.
“Do you think she’s fair to Zola?” Leopold asked, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability, seeking solace in Joel’s insights.
“Not fair, Joel affirmed, his voice strady.
“That’s why I’ve been holding back for so long”
“But from her standpoint. Joel’s tone slatted, lus sunle betraying a hint of cunning. I must confess, I found today rather liberating. Ive been holding back, too Yes, she’s a victim, but isnt Zola a victim as well? Why must she mflict her pain on
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Chapter 403
Zola? Were she not an elder, I would have severed ties long agor
“Okay,” Leopold responded lightly.
Leopold’s gaze shifted out the window, his countenance tinged with melancholy, his internal struggle laid bare.
His somber mood was unmistakable.
Leopold, you like Zola, right?” Joel’s inquiry hung in the air, pregnant with unspoken implications.
Leopold’s response was measured, his Adam’s apple bobbing imperceptibly.
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“Zola said she felt pressured by me and didn’t like me that much, so she let you put on a show, Joel calmly said as he drove. “And you, you really like her, right?”
Leopold’s silence spoke volumes.
It was a tacit admission of the truth.
“Then why did you push Zola away? Don’t tell me it’s because she was with me that you realized you liked her. You must have liked her from the beginning, right? I saw the scene of you and Zola kissing at the entrance of the Hayden family villa.”
Leopold looked back at him.
“I was going to confess to Zola that day, but you beat me to it,” Joel said somewhat helplessly. “I’ve never seen a woman get close to you all these years. Even when you were with Salma, it was just a facade, wasn’t it?
“I’m just curious. Why did you reject Zola? Because the Hayden family wouldn’t allow you to date her? Honestly, you’re not the type to succumb to such pressure, even though you have a good temper. Otherwise, you wouldn’t argue with Aunt Georgina like this. So what’s the reason you’ve been keeping Zola at arm’s length from the start?”
Joel found himself at a loss, unable to comprehend.
Leopold’s affection for Zola was undeniable.
It was perhaps even deeper than what met the eye.
If that were the case, why would he distance himself from her?
Did the Hayden family wield such influence over him?
From the onset, Joel never perceived Leopold as someone driven by material gains from the Hayden family.
It stood to reason that Leopold wasn’t susceptible to their threats
Besides, Leopold was a man of principles, unlikely to compromise his beliefs easily.
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