Goodbye My Arrogant Ex (Marguerite and Leonard) novel Chapter 99

Edith exploded, her words growing sharper and more vicious by the second, but beneath all that bluster, panic churned in her chest. She was at a loss, completely out of her depth.

If Leonard really decided to take action against them, the consequences would be disastrous. Deep down, Edith knew exactly what kind of person her own son was—but admitting it out loud was another matter entirely.

“Say whatever you want.” Leonard’s tone was icy as he turned to leave, his indifference making it clear that no one could stop him.

He walked straight out, got into his car, and drove off without looking back.

On the road, silence hung in the air. Marguerite sat beside him, unsure what to say. Part of her wanted to ask how things had gotten so ugly in his family—did they have to scheme against each other like this? But then she reminded herself that she was, for all intents and purposes, an outsider now. It wasn’t really her place to pry.

Leonard seemed to sense her hesitation. Without waiting for her to speak, he launched into an explanation.

“My grandmother has two sons—Aaron and my father. But neither of them ever proved capable enough to take over the family business. She’s never really trusted them, so over the years, she’s focused all her hopes on me and my cousin.”

“My cousin’s always been irresponsible, wasting his days on trivial things. I, on the other hand, did everything by the book, tried to be sensible and dependable. That’s why my grandmother favored me, and Edith has never forgiven me for it.”

“But the truth is, my grandmother’s a sharp woman. She knows who’s fit to handle what. The only reason she chose me to run the company is because I’ve earned her trust—not because she has some bias in my favor.”

Instead of holding a grudge, Marguerite found herself wanting to comfort him. She even felt a twinge of sympathy for Leonard; growing up in a family like his, he’d had no choice but to be strong—to protect his mother, to earn his place, to win his grandmother’s trust. Marguerite knew she wouldn’t have survived in his position.

For a moment, the coldness in Leonard’s eyes melted. He turned and looked at her, his expression uncharacteristically gentle. “Do you really mean that?” he asked quietly.

“Of course I do. I know I’m trying to comfort you, but I’m also just telling you the truth. I really do think you’re extraordinary.”

“I’m not the kind of person who says things I don’t mean. You can believe every word I say!” Marguerite grinned, her voice light and sincere.