Old Dreams No Return (Serena) novel Chapter 171

Chapter149.

But I realized then that simply avoiding the inevitable wouldn’t bring about the closure I craved.

As Leland moved towards me, a palpable nervousness warring with a flicker of undeniable joy in his eyes, he spoke, his voice thick with emotion, Kay… you’re Kaylie, aren’t you? You didn’t leave San Francisco after all!”

His grip on my arms was hurting, his feelings raw and volatile. I managed a small, detached smile, gently prying his hands away. My voice was soft, almost polite. “Mr. Pearson, hello. Please call me Anya. I am Allen’s sister from the Zenith Group. This gentleman is Mr. Tyrell Vaughn, a professor at the University of Oxford, and he is my fiancé.”

My words hung in the air, a verbal bombshell that left the three men utterly stunned.

Tyrell’s face broke into a wide, almost boyish grin of relief and excitement. But my gaze remained fixed on Leland, cold and unwavering.

There was no warmth, no flicker of recognition-only absolute clarity. I wanted him, and everyone else, to understand: I was no longer connected to Leland in any way.

Tyrell wasted no time, his expression one of eager relief. He immediately moved to my side, smoothly looping his arm through mine.

Leland violently shoved Tyrell aside, his eyes fixed on me, wide with disbelief and desperation.”Kay, I know I was wrong. I truly do. Please don’t leave me. We grew up together, depended on each other. I can’t live without you. You should know that.”

1:

I offered a faint smile. “Mr. Pearson, I am Anya. The former designer of the ‘Fire Youth’ clothing line. The one you accused of plagiarism.”

Leland shook his head frantically.”No, no! I was wrong. Caitlyn poisoned my mind. I… I just thought you were always spoiled since childhood. I didn’t mean it like that. I honestly had no idea you were such a talented designer!”

A sharp sneer twisted my lips.”And then? So, I was the plagiarist, but your mistress wasn’t?”

Leland drew a ragged breath.”I’m sorry. When I found out you’d erased your identity and bought tickets to leave for six different countries… do you know how much that devastated me? It doesn’t matter if you’re Kaylie or Anya. You can’t leave me. I truly know I was wrong. Please, just give me one chance. Let me take you home, okay?”

“No!” I stated firmly, my gaze meeting Leland’s with unwavering coldness.”I am Anya. Your company, the Leslie Group, now belongs to the Zenith Group, as does the Perez’s villa. Mr. Pearson, rest assured. I have no claim to the 500 million dollars. And I will pay the 200 million for the Perez’s villa as agreed. With your business acumen, combined with the 500 million dollars from selling those two hospitals,1.2 billion dollars should be more than sufficient for you to rebuild. So, I owe you nothing.”