Chapter 231
"You're not one of this competition's investors, are you?"
Though the Percy Group's business covered the globe, they couldn't possibly know the competition process in such detail.
I couldn't think of any other explanation.
Leopold chuckled. "Kiss me, and I'll tell you."
Seeing that he still refused to say, I ignored him in frustration.
"Since you won't kiss me, I'll have to take the initiative." Leopold's tone held a hint of helplessness.
But in one swift motion, he'd flipped me beneath him and kissed me.
This kiss was as domineering as the man himself, instantly stealing my breath.
My breathing gradually became rapid and chaotic, my mind going completely blank. I could only follow instinct and respond to him.
His body pressed tightly against mine, his scorching temperature making all the blood in my body begin to boil.
Just as we were about to cross the line, I suddenly spoke. "Wait, there are people here."
Leopold buried his face in my neck and laughed softly. "You think they're idiots? They pulled over ages ago and got out to stand guard."
I immediately looked toward the front seats, only then noticing the partition between front and back had been raised at some point.
The car really wasn't moving either. Not even the sound of the engine.
"Cindy, may I?" He kept his head lowered, looking at me with restraint.
But his exhaled breath carried the scorching heat of desire about to explode.
We'd come this far, and he was still asking me!
I didn't answer. I simply hooked my arms around his neck.
Leopold's eyes instantly lit up as he drew close again.
Burning breath wove into a net, completely enveloping me.
There was no escape.
After a thorough session, Leopold took me directly back to Pansea Heights.
I'd been thoroughly worn out, my entire body weak and sore. I let him carry me upstairs without protest.
Only after my body had soaked in hot water did I let out a heavy breath.
Half an hour later, my body had clearly recovered. I got up and changed into a bathrobe.
Just as I'd put it on, my dad suddenly called.
As soon as I answered, my mom's voice came through, brimming with joy. "Sweetie, your dad and I heard you made it to the finals! We're so proud of you. How long until you get home? Let's have a little celebration?"
Hearing my mom so happy, I smiled, too. "Sure! I'll be home in an hour."
My mom agreed enthusiastically while my dad urged her to go prepare.
I was about to hang up when I heard my dad call my name. "Cindy, are you alone right now?"
Hearing that he wanted to say something privately, I quickly walked to the bathroom door and carefully opened a crack.
Seeing Leopold wasn't outside, I closed the door again. "Yes, what did you want to tell me, Dad?"
"Didn't you mention before that Dr. Moore developed a new drug from compounds in your body? Well, I attended a gathering recently and happened to discuss it with a friend who does pharmaceutical research. I sent him screenshots of the compound analysis from your report, and he said he'd have news in a couple of days."
I hadn't realized my dad had been secretly having people analyze the drug compounds. I quickly said, "Dad, Ethan came to Silverlight City again. His side has developed a more detailed analysis of the drug compounds. Let me send it to you so you can show him."
"Great, send it right away. I'll forward it to him immediately."
After hanging up, I immediately sent my dad the report Ethan had given me.
One more person researching meant one more hope.
Just as I walked out of the bathroom, Leopold came looking for me.
"I heard your voice just now. Who called you?"
"My dad. He heard I made it to the finals and wants me to come home early for dinner with them."
"Alright, give me a few minutes to change."
I wanted to say my parents hadn't invited him, but seeing his hurried steps, I held back.
Five minutes later, we set out for Bayview Villas.
Halfway there, Leopold suddenly received a phone call. His expression instantly darkened.
"I understand."
After hanging up, he looked at me with some difficulty. "Cindy, something urgent came up at the company. I might have to miss tonight's celebration dinner."
I was long accustomed to this.
"It's fine. Handle your business. You can join us next time."
Seeing me so composed, Leopold looked somewhat dissatisfied, raising his hand to gently caress my face.
"You're being so agreeable, it makes me feel like it doesn't matter whether I'm there or not."
I looked at him, confused. "Didn't you say the company needs you? What would happen if I didn't agree?"
I couldn't exactly force him to come with me.
Leopold's breathing deepened. "Forget it. I'll finish up as quickly as possible and come over. Wait for me."
I looked at his serious expression and nodded gently.
Seeing him open the car door to get out, I couldn't help rolling down the window. "Who's picking you up?"
Leopold turned back, resting his arms on the window frame. The darkness in his eyes receded, replaced by flowing tenderness. "Barry's already on his way. He'll be here in a few minutes."
Hearing this, I finally relaxed. "I'll head out first then."
Leopold reached out to touch my face. "Alright. See you later."
I didn't resist. Only after he let go did I say, "See you later."
As the car pulled away, I watched Leopold in the rearview mirror. Seeing that he too kept watching my direction, an indescribable feeling suddenly welled up in my heart.
I knew clearly that I hadn't let him go, but I also knew I couldn't find it in myself to forgive.
We'd just have to take things as they came.
After arriving at Bayview Villas, Teddy drove off.
"Cindy's home!" The moment I entered, my mom pulled me over for a thorough examination. Only after confirming I was fine did she relax.
After sitting down, I didn't see my dad and asked about him.
"Your dad got a phone call earlier and rushed out. Said he'd be back in half an hour."
My dad rarely rushed around like this. I couldn't help asking, "Was it about the company?"
My mom shook her head. "He seemed to be meeting some researcher, but I didn't hear clearly."
A researcher?
My dad was most likely meeting that researcher friend of his.
The guy must be pretty capable to have made progress so quickly.
So my mom and I chatted in the living room.
We talked and talked until dinner was ready, but my dad still hadn't returned.
My mom couldn't help worrying. I quickly reassured her. "Don't panic. I'll contact him right now."
I immediately called him.
But no one answered.
I called three times in a row. No one picked up.
Just then, Teddy suddenly called.
"Ms. Wipere, has Mr. Percy arrived at your place?"
I was confused. "No."
"But Mr. Percy left over an hour ago. He said he was making a detour to Central Park to pick up your father and bring him to Bayview Villas together..."
My heart sank heavily.
The Percy Group to Bayview Villas normally only took half an hour. Even with a detour to Central Park, there was no way it should take over an hour.
Just as I was thinking, my mom's phone suddenly rang.
My mom quickly answered.
A few seconds later, her face went completely pale, and she swayed unsteadily.
Hearing someone still talking on the line, I steadied her while taking the phone.
"Keep talking."
"...The patient's condition is critical. Surgery must be performed immediately. Please come to the hospital as soon as possible!"