Chapter 1134

The moment the words left his mouth, he wanted to bite his tongue off. Why did it sound like something straight out of a player’s handbook? He was never like this before.

Hearing his explanation, Megan simply shook her head, brushing away those odd thoughts that had crept in. Look at him—so upright and proper—while her mind was busy coming up with ridiculous ideas.

“It’s nothing. I was just overthinking,” she murmured, pressing her lips together.

She needed to correct herself. She couldn’t keep twisting things in her head. Leonard was such a decent man, and it wasn’t fair to him if she let her thoughts wander in the wrong direction.

Watching her expression shift back and forth, Leonard could tell exactly what was going on in that little head of hers. He couldn’t help but laugh.

“Alright, let’s just get something to eat. I’m starving. No point dwelling on this.”

At his words, Megan’s eyes lit up. A moment ago, she’d been tangled up in how to explain her reaction. But now, with the lifeline he’d tossed her, she knew exactly how to take it. True to her straightforward nature, she wasn’t one to stay stuck on things she couldn’t figure out. Since he’d given her a way out, she was more than happy to take it.

She clapped him on the shoulder with a bright grin. “You’re right. I’m hungry too. Coming to a banquet and not eating would be such a waste. And I happen to know where the best food is.”

With that, she lifted her dress and strode ahead.

Leonard watched her slender figure moving forward, a smile flickering in his eyes. For that moment, Aurora vanished completely from his thoughts—there was only the lively girl in front of him.

A girl like Megan—simple, straightforward, and unguarded—was rare to find. After all, in the circles he used to move in, the women were either scheming against each other or constantly trying to outshine one another in front of him. He’d seen enough of that to find it all terribly dull.

But someone like Megan felt refreshingly different. Aurora’s strength had always drawn his attention, but the girl in front of him, with her simplicity, struck him in a way that was entirely her own.

Realizing this, Leonard also grew firm in his resolve for the future. Since Aurora was living well now, why should he stir up trouble for her or cause her any unease? Better to chase after the happiness that belonged to him, rather than stay tangled up in the past.

His mind suddenly felt clear. With quick strides, he chased after Megan’s figure. “Wait for me!”

Megan turned back, her face blooming with a smile. “What took you so long? Don’t you want food as much as I do?”

“Alright, I’m coming.”

The two walked off together toward the dining area, and the gloom that had hung over Leonard’s face disappeared completely. Once he’d sorted out his thoughts, it felt like a new lightness had come over him.

On the other side, Grace finally wrapped up her conversation. When it ended, the executive across from her glanced around and casually asked, “Madam Grace, why haven’t I seen your younger daughter tonight? I’ve been meaning to ask her a few questions about a project. After all, we’ve all heard the rumors about her in the business world lately.”

“That’s right,” another chimed in with a chuckle. “Quite the promising young talent. I really should have my son learn a thing or two from her.”