Chapter 197: Her Likings

"I won't give you the chance," Nathael said deeply.

Leo smiled, unbothered. He looked away, toward Kevin's well-maintained garden. Vibrant flowers and plants filled one side; fruits and vegetables, the other. The fence blended aesthetically with the neighborhood.

Leo’s gaze was cold. His thoughts remained unreadable.

"I wouldn't fight for her if she liked you," he said. Pausing, he looked at Nathael again. "But are you worthy of her?"

Instead of answering, Nathael asked, "How do you determine that?"

Leo remained silent. No one could definitively say whether Nathael was worthy of Maggie; love was unpredictable. Leo, having witnessed much of humanity's complexities since childhood, hoped only for a smooth life for Maggie.

"Perhaps worthiness isn't judged by words, but actions," Nathael said calmly. Only Maggie could decide. Countless couples separated due to misunderstandings and unmet needs.

"I can assure you I'll do anything for her," Nathael declared.

Leo took a deep drag of his cigarette and grinned. "I hope you won't forget those words," he said, looking coldly at Nathael, a warning not to hurt Maggie. "I'm always there to keep you in check."

Nathael remained unfazed. Leo extinguished his cigarette, murmuring, "Maggie may seem tough, but she has a gentle heart, Mr. Harris. Please be patient with her."

Unlike their competitive kitchen atmosphere, Leo's words were earnest. He seemed to wish them happiness, yet his words left Nathael feeling conflicted. Leo left, leaving Nathael silently pondering his words. Leo's presence felt threatening—not through scheming, but simply through his existence. It was a lingering threat.

Nathael took a puff of his cigarette, understanding the warning. It was unpleasant. Leo hadn't said he'd fight for Maggie, but his presence—as long as he was there for her—would be a constant reminder to Nathael. As long as Nathael loved Maggie, he'd feel threatened, yet he loved no one else. It was frustrating. Meeting Leo today left him suffocated and uncomfortable. Maggie's reliance on Leo further irritated him, fueling his jealousy. Nathael knew Leo was simply stating that Maggie wasn't alone; she had support. Yet, Leo made him feel more uneasy than any other rival. Nathael could never win against Leo because Leo wasn't competing.