Chapter 328 Staying in Line?
"Camilla is like that—the greater the pressure, the calmer she becomes," Leopold suddenly remarked.
Azalea smiled. "When we toured the lab, I noticed they designed not just research spaces, but relaxation areas too. They even included a kitchen."
Leopold's expression softened. "That's because Camilla loves cooking—she has a real talent for it. Whenever she tastes something interesting at a restaurant, she'll spend days perfecting the recipe. If she finds contradictions between written recipes and video tutorials, she'll make both versions to determine which tastes better."
"She must be incredibly detail-oriented," Azalea observed.
Leopold's gaze grew distant, lost in memories. "She is. Camilla notices everything. If someone feels unwell, she's always the first to spot it. At home, she knew the exact placement of every item, down to the smallest ornament or dish."
"She organized our medicine cabinet meticulously—fever reducers, antibiotics, antacids, cough medicine—everything labeled and in perfect order," he added.
Azalea watched Leopold's unconscious smile, biting her lip reflexively. "Sounds like you shared quite a remarkable past."
Leopold continued as if he hadn't heard her. "Camilla loves cleanliness—even insists on perfectly aligned slippers. I'm naturally messy and spontaneous, which led to countless arguments. Yet somehow, she always managed to make me admit I was wrong—through debate, playful charm, or sometimes by simply silencing me with a kiss."
The light in Leopold's eyes grew brighter, then suddenly dimmed as his voice trailed off.
These beautiful memories only reminded Leopold of everything he had lost. Nostalgia flooded in, followed by waves of regret that nearly took his breath away.
He looked up abruptly, meeting Azalea's curious gaze, and instantly composed himself.
Realizing he had revealed too much, Leopold fell silent.
Azalea watched as he withdrew from his memories, immediately raising his defenses and transforming back into the untouchable, aloof man she knew.
"I apologize," he said stiffly.
"For what?" Azalea asked.
"For saying too much."
"It's fine. I'd like to think I'm a good listener—whenever you feel like talking."
Leopold paused before changing the subject. "Thank you for today."
"I promised to help you reconcile with Camilla. The lab opening seemed like a perfect opportunity, though it doesn't appear to have worked, does it?"
Leopold lowered his gaze, his profile stern.
"Even if it didn't work," Azalea said, her tone softening, "I still made an effort. Is 'thank you' all I get?"
Leopold looked up. "I'll have my assistant transfer the money."
"I don't want money," she interrupted.
Leopold frowned.
Azalea sighed. "You've given me more than enough already. I should be thanking you. How about dinner instead? I'm starving since we missed lunch."
"Why not take the money and buy whatever food you want?" Leopold asked, puzzled.
"It's not the same! Right now, I can ride in your car straight to a restaurant. With money, I'd have to agonize over what to eat, where to go, how to get there—it's complicated!"
Though he didn't understand her reasoning, Leopold respected her choice. "Fine. But consider carefully—a meal versus money. The latter is clearly more valuable."
"I've decided. Just dinner!"
Leopold instructed the driver: "Turn around. Take us to a nearby restaurant."
"Yes, sir."
The meal proceeded pleasantly enough, thanks to Azalea's deliberately light conversation.
During dinner, Leopold ordered a bottle of red wine.
By the time they finished, Leopold appeared visibly intoxicated, his eyes unfocused.
Seeing his condition, Azalea helped him into the car.
The driver looked surprised. "Is Mr. Wipere...?"
"He's drunk," Azalea explained. "Could you take him home, please?"
The driver hesitated. "Would you like to accompany him?"
Azalea paused.
"I don't mean to presume," the driver clarified, "but Mira has likely finished her shift, so there's no one at the mansion. Mr. Wipere needs someone to look after him in this state, if you wouldn't mind..."
"Of course I don't mind," Azalea replied. "Let's go."
Soon after, the driver dropped them off and departed.
Azalea supported Leopold inside. As the driver had predicted, the house was dark and empty.
She settled him on the living room sofa and exhaled with relief.
Leopold seemed to sleep fitfully, his eyes closed but brow furrowed.
Seeing his discomfort, Azalea removed his jacket and unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt.
This appeared to help; at least his frown disappeared.
Azalea checked the time—nearly ten o'clock. She went to the kitchen, and after some quiet movements, returned with a glass of warm water, placing it on the coffee table.
She tucked a pillow beneath his head and checked his forehead for fever before quietly leaving.
The sound of the door closing echoed in the silent night.
The moment she left, Leopold's eyes snapped open.
He hadn't been drunk at all.
It had been a test of Azalea's intentions.
When she refused his money, Leopold's suspicions had immediately heightened.
He figured that when a woman turned down money, she was after something else entirely—emotional connection, or maybe the security and standing that marriage could provide.
While such suspicion might seem paranoid—and indeed proved unnecessary—Leopold felt it was essential.
He had no desire to become entangled with another Amara.
At least for now, Azalea seemed to be behaving properly.
Harmony College
In the Life Sciences Department, Vice Dean Otis stared impassively at Calliope.
In just one night, exhaustion had etched itself across her face.
With downcast eyes, she bore little resemblance to her previously arrogant self.
"What did President Bobby say, Mr. Jenkins?" she asked.
Otis exploded. "You have the nerve to ask? Yesterday, in front of colleagues and reporters, you publicly confronted Camilla! Did you want to announce to the world that you've been sabotaging her?"
"I never imagined Camilla actually had the approvals."
"Never imagined? Did you think they couldn't build that lab? Yet they did! Not only that, but they drew support from everywhere. That should have been your warning sign—proof that Camilla wasn't bluffing but genuinely capable!"
"But what did you do? You've made a complete mess of things! You've put me in an impossible position! Now this has gone all the way to the president. What could have been handled discreetly is now common knowledge. Even if I wanted to cover for you, it's too late for that!" he continued.
Calliope's eyes narrowed with sudden intensity. "What are you saying? What's the administration's position?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
