Chapter 156: It Won't Happen

Lia grabbed her takeout and began eating. Bella sat beside Diane and whispered, "What's going on? Why do you want her to leave Jovelle?"

Diane sighed. "Do you think I want to? I suspect Leonard has feelings for your friend. I wouldn't mind if he married an ordinary woman; in fact, I'd be happy for him. But his father wouldn't allow it. For your friend's safety and future, it's best to nip this in the bud. I noticed something was amiss when Leonard, always into fighting and sports, suddenly took up wood carving.

"I investigated and discovered he placed two orders with a studio. Also, when your friend grabbed his tie at the office that day, he didn't even retaliate. I knew something was wrong."

Bella was speechless. She'd never seen any indication Leonard liked Lia. It didn't make sense. How could there be feelings between them when they'd only met a few times, and things were always tense? Not to mention the two orders… So, the money Lia earned from her last trip was actually from Leonard…

Seeing Bella's silence, Diane assumed she was upset. "Bella, please don't misunderstand. I'm looking out for your friend. In families like ours, marriage isn't a personal decision. Leonard's older brothers are no different.

"Although I brought him into our family, he's not Truman's biological son. Because our family treats him so well, he can't afford to act recklessly.

"You have no idea how complicated things are. Leonard's second brother loved someone before his marriage, but Truman forced them apart. His brother had to give in. That woman… didn't fare well afterward. I couldn't help her… I don't want your friend to go through that. Do you understand?"

Bella shivered. "Mrs. Sawyer, you don't need to worry. Lia doesn't like Leonard at all. They're more like enemies. You don't have to make her leave Jovelle. As long as Leonard doesn't bother her, nothing will happen."

Diane sighed. "If that's the case, I'll trust your judgment. I'm not unreasonable; it's just my troublesome son. Well, if there's nothing else, I'll be going."

After seeing Diane off, a wave of dread washed over Bella. Looking at Lia, happily eating, she walked over and lightly smacked her head.

"All you do is eat! Tell me, have you had any contact with Leonard when I wasn't around?"

Clutching her head, Lia looked at Bella with confusion and indignation. "What are you talking about? I've been avoiding him! I first met him at Dominic's. Then, we ran into each other at dinner when he was with Amber and Dominic.

"After that, we had a huge argument, I insulted him, and he started bothering me. I went to his office, discovered those orders, and now, here we are."

Bella breathed a sigh of relief. "So, how do you feel about Leonard?"

Lia rolled her eyes. "How do I feel? I hate him! He's a jerk. His mother is nice, though. She offered to help me start a company, but I don't want to leave Jovelle… Wait, where did she go?"

Bella waved her hand. "Don't worry. I refused for you because I know you don't want to leave. Just promise me one thing… don't fall for Leonard. Seriously, don't."

Lia laughed. "Me? Fall for him? He may be handsome, but looks aren't everything. Besides, I don't need his money. I can support myself. The only thing I want is to destroy him!"

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