Chapter 1010 Refusal
Leon was so ticked off by Bronte's words that he actually laughed. He just couldn't wrap his head around her logic; she played dirty, but somehow it was everyone else's fault.
"Bronte, to me and Isabella, you're just an outsider. Stay out of our marriage. I've got a ton of work to do. Pack your stuff and get out!" Leon snapped.
Seeing the cold look in Leon's eyes, Bronte clutched her handbag and started to leave. But then she spun around, glaring at Leon's stern face. "Leon, how can you be so heartless? We've known each other since we were kids. I've almost cut ties with my dad for you. Why can't you see what I've sacrificed?"
"No matter what you do, I can't love you. Bronte, you're amazing in many ways. After all these years, you should've realized your mistakes. Open your heart, and you'll find the right guy. I've said all I can; the rest is up to you." Leon's tone was cool and detached, his face showing no emotion.
Seeing that Leon was truly unyielding, Bronte sneered. "You know what my dad wants with Johnson Corporation. If we confirm our relationship and you become his son-in-law, he won't compete with you for it. But if you stay stubborn, he'll take action, and you might end up with nothing. Are you really willing to lose everything for Isabella?"
Leon didn't budge and replied with disdain, "Your dad wants to take over Johnson Corporation, but he needs the skills to do it. It's not up to him. I appreciate what you've done for me, but think about your future. Don't ruin your relationship with your dad over me; it's pointless."
"You'll regret this. One day, you'll come begging to me!" Bronte spat out, grabbed her handbag, and slammed the door on her way out.
Back in her office, Bronte angrily tossed her handbag into the trash can.
Standing in front of her desk with her arms crossed, Bronte struggled to calm down.
After a while, she glanced at the trash can and couldn't help but pick up her handbag again.
Bronte took out the shirt and tie from the bag, her eyes softening as she looked at them.
Then, she lowered her head to sniff the scent left on the shirt.
Isabella, in her pajamas with messy hair, leaned against the headboard, staring blankly at Milo, who was waving his little arms on the bed.
When she found out about Leon's affair, her world fell apart.
For years, Leon had been her emotional rock. She thought she had found a lifelong partner, but it turned out to be an illusion. He was just another unfaithful man with multiple women.
This morning, Isabella, disheveled and unkempt, couldn't bring herself to wash up, her mind entirely consumed with thoughts of Leon and Bronte.
Even now, she couldn't face reality, thinking she was dreaming. She couldn't accept that the Leon who had always been deeply affectionate towards her suddenly had another woman.
Isabella leaned her head against the headboard, not knowing what to do. She wanted to talk to Leon but was afraid.
She still hoped it was all a misunderstanding, that things hadn't reached the extent she imagined. She feared that if Leon truly admitted it, she wouldn't know how to handle it.
The thought of divorce made Isabella's heart ache, as if it were being torn apart, already a bloody mess.
But if she didn't divorce, could she just pretend not to know and continue living like this?
Over the years, Isabella had seen many women suffer in unhappy marriages.
Many women wanted a divorce but couldn't get custody of their children; if they didn't divorce, they had no dignity.
Isabella's eyes fell on Milo, who was lying on the bed, oblivious to everything. He was only six months old and couldn't speak yet. If she divorced, she knew Leon would definitely fight for Milo's custody.
Milo had become Isabella's emotional support. She couldn't live without him; she didn't know how she could go on without Milo.
Now Isabella could truly understand Susan's pain back then. Taking a woman's child was like tearing out her heart.
And her love for Leon—she didn't know how she would get through the days without him.
Isabella's fingers caressed the gold-plated, gleaming, silver-white cufflinks she had bought a few days ago, understated yet luxurious.
She had planned to secretly put this gift on his shirt sleeves today for Valentine's Day, to give him a surprise, but it had become a gift she couldn't give.
After a long time, she heard footsteps and voices outside.
"Mr. Johnson, why are you back so early today?" Kathy's voice came from outside.
"There wasn't much on the schedule today, so I came back early to check in," Leon replied with a smile.
At this point, Kathy laughed and said, "Today is Valentine's Day; you must have come back to give Mrs. Johnson a gift, right?"
Hearing this, Leon smiled, and he didn't say anything.
"Then I'll get back to work," Kathy said knowingly and quickly went back to her work.
In the bedroom, Isabella heard the conversation outside. Although she was surprised that he came back so early today, she felt no joy, only a reluctance to see him.
The next moment, she quickly hid the cufflinks under the pillow, tidied her hair, and touched her slightly swollen eyes.
Even though she knew he had cheated, she didn't want him to see her in such a disheveled state. It wasn't because she was afraid of looking ugly, but because she didn't want him to look down on her or pity her.
The next moment, the bedroom door was gently pushed open, and steady footsteps walked in.
Leon saw Isabella sitting at the head of the bed in her pajamas, while Milo lay on the bed, waving his little hands and babbling.
Seeing this scene, Leon walked over and touched Milo's little cheek with a smile. "He's having a good time playing by himself."
Isabella gave Leon a cold glance, ignored him, then put on her shoes and turned to leave.
（I highly recommend a captivating book that I couldn't put down for three days and nights. It's incredibly engaging and a must-read. The title of the book is "After Car Sex with the CEO" You can find it by searching for it in the search bar.）
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