Chapter 333
Chapter 333 A Change Of Heart
Leon's countenance shifted as Simone's questions relentlessly bombarded him.
His lips parted, an attempt to articulate a response. Yet, he found himself at a loss for words.
In all honesty, he had already accepted everything Ray had disclosed.
Ever since he had liberated himself from the shackles of familial affection, he had gained a more lucid comprehension of his mother's true nature.
From the outset, Mother had never harbored any affection for Simone. In fact, she even held a grudge against her.
Moreover, she treats Jodie with more kindness than Gwen and me, her own flesh and blood.
So, it wouldn't surprise me if Mother would stoop to such levels for Jodie's sake.
He cast several glances at the cafe before turning to Simone, stating, "Later, I'll seek out Banny at the cafe and inquire about it. If my mother is indeed the mastermind behind this, I apologize on her behalf."
However, Simone retorted sarcastically, "Do you really think you have the authority to speak for her? I fear you may be overestimating your influence. Furthermore, do you believe a mere apology can rectify such a despicable act?"
Seeing that Simone had misconstrued his intentions, Leon hastily clarified, "That's not what I intended. Of course, if she is indeed culpable, she should be held accountable. I'll support whatever course of action you decide to take."
His disillusionment with his mother continued to intensify.
Therefore, he would stand by Simone if she chose to retaliate.
After all, it was his mother who had acted recklessly and committed such a transgression.
Moreover, he surmised that she might refrain from causing further trouble after learning her lesson, which would be advantageous.
That way, his father would have one less concern to fret over.
Upon hearing his explanation, Simone nodded and said, "That's more like it."
Melinda, who was watching the livestream, was so incensed that she nearly toppled over.
"What an ungrateful son!"
What kind of son have I raised?! I can't believe he would utter such words on a livestream!
From his tone, it's clear that he already suspects that I am the culprit.
What's worse, not only did he fail to defend me, but he also sided with Simone against me.
At this moment, Melinda wished fervently that she could turn back time and give birth to a son who wasn't as ungrateful as Leon.
Her expression grew increasingly grim.
I have resented Leon and Gwen since the day they were conceived.
As I had anticipated, they were born to defy me. One after another, they disrespect me as their mother and even betray me.
If I had known, I would have chosen to abort them, even if it risked my health.
That way, I could have spared myself this rage.
She couldn't help but click and peruse the live chat in the livestream space.
'Oh my God! I was right when I suspected these two didn't just randomly start a fight. So, it turns out that Mrs. Foster orchestrated the whole thing.'
'Mrs. Foster is indeed malicious. Simone and her son had broken up long ago, yet she still keeps tabs on her!
'Hello. She did it for Jojo's sake, not Leon. Given Jodie's character, Mrs. Foster must also be a manipulative woman. That's why they are so close, like a real mother and daughter! 'No doubt. After all, birds of a feather flock together. I wonder if she's also promiscuous.
'Furthermore, how virtuous can she be when she associates herself with a murderer?'
'Is Mr. Foster blind? How could he marry such a woman?'
'I heard that Mrs. Foster hails from a humble background. She must have used some underhanded means to elevate herself to her current status!
'Mrs. Foster... The live chat was filled with people berating Melinda. Some even disclosed her family background.
This made Melinda feel extremely humiliated. Her face turned a ghastly shade of pale.
Because of this, she believed that the most pressing matter now was to shift the blame onto someone else.
Otherwise, she would no longer be able to maintain her social standing in high society.
Hence, she dialed Banny's number.
Banny, who was standing by the window, was gazing outside with a gloomy expression.
Upon receiving Melinda's call, he was first subjected to a tirade.
Then, she instructed him to shoulder the blame himself and not implicate her.
Since the Steward Family was entirely dependent on Melinda, and he was able to live comfortably due to her support, Banny immediately assured her that he would bear full responsibility. After ending the call, Banny descended the stairs and headed towards the opposite street.
Previously, he was still contemplating whether to take the initiative to go there.
Now that Melinda had urged him, he could no longer evade it.
Moreover, among his two lackeys, one had caused their biological mother to miscarry, while the other had committed murder.
Judging by their reactions, Banny felt that Simone's accusations were likely to be true.
Therefore, he had to whisk them away before the police arrived.
As soon as Banny made his appearance, Ray and his companion's faces lit up with excitement. "Mr. Banny, we're here."
"Mr. Banny, help us!" As they shouted, the bystanders shifted their attention to Banny.
The livestream camera also zoomed in on Banny.
Even though Banny looked quite presentable, everyone had formed a negative impression of him due to the earlier incident.
Realizing this, he inwardly cursed his two lackeys. Incompetent fools! I asked them to stir up trouble and sabotage Simone's business, but they left me with a mess instead.
With a smile plastered on his face, Banny first greeted Leon, "Leon, it's been a while."Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
Leon had always harbored a dislike for his maternal relatives.
After Gwen was sent to Grandma's house, she suffered greatly at their hands.
Since he was young, Banny has been unproductive, always associating with dubious characters.
Being the youngest child, he is pampered by the Steward Family.
With a furrowed brow, he asked, "What's going on? Why did you instruct these two men to harm Simone?"
In an instant, Banny added Leon to the list of people he cursed inwardly.
Leon is truly impetuous.
Shouldn't he try to find a way to defend and clear our names in such a situation? I can't believe he would interrogate me as soon as I arrive. Damn! He's as irritating as ever.
Still, Banny didn't let it show on his face.
Instead, he wore a congenial smile and said, "Leon, it's all a misunderstanding. I genuinely admire Miss Simone, so I wanted to do something to capture her attention."
Then, he looked slightly abashed and added, "I thought about having these two acquaintances of mine stir up some trouble, and then I would swoop in to save the day like a hero. However, I never anticipated that they would botch things up."
Banny didn't attempt to defend himself because he knew no one would believe him if he claimed he didn't orchestrate the chaos.
In addition, it would also implicate Melinda. Therefore, he took the fall himself.
Besides, he figured it wasn't a big deal to admit he was attracted to Simone and wanted to play the role of her knight in shining armor.
After all, it was only natural for men to be drawn to beautiful women.
The worst consequence he could face was public criticism.
Either way, he was cynical. He didn't mind flaunting his wealth or personal life on livestream on usual days, so he definitely wasn't afraid to appear on camera now.
Banny's declaration caused Leon to furrow his brows even deeper. "What nonsense are you spouting?" An unappealing man like Banny aspiring to pursue Simone? Is he even worthy?
Simone arched an eyebrow at Banny. "I didn't detect any hint from your demeanor or gaze that you were smitten with me and wanted to play the hero. It's clear that you're deliberately trying to absolve your aunt of any blame." Immediately, Banny was taken aback. He was surprised that Simone had seen through his ruse.
No woman has ever dared to challenge my authority before. Although he was displeased with Simone's defiance, he couldn't show it.
With a smile, he elaborated, "I have always kept my feelings for you hidden. You used to be Leon's girlfriend, so I didn't want to interfere. It's only now, after you two have broken up, that I dare to entertain such thoughts." He was speaking the truth.
In the past, he had always known that Leon's girlfriend was a beauty.
He believed she would make a great trophy if she were his.
However, he didn't pursue her because he didn't dare to cross Leon.
After Melinda discovered their relationship, she had vehemently opposed Leon's relationship with Simone.
She even asked Banny to find a way to sabotage their relationship and win Simone over.
After that, they could tarnish her reputation by publicly declaring that Simone was his sugar baby before discarding her.
But before he could act, Simone took the initiative to break up with Leon.
And since Melinda didn't bring it up again, he didn't make a move.
Of course, he desired Simone if he could have her, especially when he had the chance to be with her after she had parted ways with Leon.
The thought thrilled Banny and made him feel invincible.
It would be thrilling to toy with her.
Now, conventional methods won't suffice if I want to succeed. I have to resort to drastic measures.
Simone's actions today must have thoroughly offended Aunt Melinda.
I'm certain Aunt Melinda will assist me and ensure Simone will be mine afterward.
By then, I can settle the score with her for undermining my authority today.