Chapter 225 His Dirty Past

Chapter 225 His Dirty Past
Bianca's POV

After the meeting ended at the lounge, I did not go back to the office.

I knew Leon would be a pain in that ass for the decision I made concerning Marcus, but frankly, I didn't care.

Marcus was a monster, yes. But wouldn't I be one too if I sent him into prison when he actually needed psychiatric help?

I had made up my mind to be merciful and I wasn't going back on that.

After leaving the lounge, I took a cab to my favorite boutique which was just in town.

Frankly, I knew the dress wouldn't ideally be my problem. Leon knew I was going with him as a partner and he would possibly make my dress available. But I did not want Leon sending stylists to my house with clothes he paid for. I wanted to choose my own dress and pay for it with my own card.

I walked into the boutique after paying the cab and making a mental note on how to get a car as soon as possible.

Of course I had the money for it, but my priorities was getting my own business open and running and not necessarily a luxury car.

I walked into the boutique and immediately heard a familiar laughter.

I froze and immediately peeked through a display rack where I saw that Kimberly was standing near the fitting rooms, holding two hanger bags while an attendant helped her.

My stomach gave a small twist and honestly, my first reaction was to turn on my heel and leave before she saw me.

I was not ready for a cold encounter with her, last time was pretty awkward.

I picked up a navy evening gown, held it in front of me, and slowly began moving toward the shoe section, pretending to examine a pair of silver heels.

"Hey, what is going on with you?"

Kimberly's voice rang out loudly from right behind me and I winced.

Oops. There was clearly no escaping her.

"Are you really going to act like you don't even see me standing here, Bianca?" she asked.

I turned around slowly, putting the shoe back on the glass display shelf.

Kimberly stood with her arms crossed over her chest, wearing an oversized blazer and sunglasses pushed up into her hair.

"I didn't want to bother you, Kim," I said softly, looking down at my flats. "I know things were rough the last time we talked. I'm just here to pick out a dress for a work gala."

Kimberly let out a long breath and stepped closer, dropping her arms. "B, you didn't have to dodge me behind a dress rack like a petty shoplifter.”

"I'm sorry,” I mumbled sheepishly.

"Look at you, you look like you haven't slept since Thursday."

"I haven't," I admitted, rubbing my forehead. "Everything is moving too fast. I just came from a pre-trial meeting with Leon and the lawyers."

Kimberly's eyes widened. "Already? What happened? Is he finally going to prison like he deserves?"

"No," I said, shaking my head. "I agreed to drop the criminal charges."

"You did what?" Kim gasped, stepping so close I could smell her designer perfume. "After everything he's done to you through marriage, not to talk of when he trapped you in that elevator? Bianca, are you insane?"

"He broke down on the floor, Kim," I explained, my voice dropping so the sales girls wouldn't stare. "He was on his knees, begging and crying like a lunatic. He looked sick and ruined. He swore he would go into a rehab program for an entire year. His lawyer argued it, and even Arthur admitted the firm would take a hit if the trial dragged on through the press. If rehab can keep him away from me and get him clean, that's better than watching him get destroyed in jail."

Kimberly stared at me with her mouth slightly open, then let out a low whistle. "And let me guess. Leon was fine with that because it's his son?"

"No, he wasn't,” I sighed heavily, "Leon said I had lost my mind. He told me I was making a huge mistake, and that Marcus would play me for a fool the second he got the chance."

"Well, for once in his stubborn life, the billionaire is actually right," Kimberly said, crossing her arms again. "Marcus is a master manipulator, B. You let your soft heart get in the way again."

"It's done now, Kim. I signed the paperwork, and I know it might be stupid, but I think he needs help and not prison. If Marcus breaks any rule, the police will lock him up immediately." I looked at her and asked. "Let's forget about Marcus, are you... are you still mad at me?"

Kimberly looked at me for a long second.

"We are not fighting, Bianca," Kim said, reaching out to gently touch my shoulder. "You are my best friend. But you said some really hurtful things that day, and honestly, you are an emotional wreck right now. I think you need some time alone to think and figure out what you actually want before you hurt people that really love you.”

Her words stung a little, but I knew she was speaking the truth.

I had been lashing out at everyone because my life was a mess.

My problem was with Leon but somehow I was fighting the entire world.

"I know," I murmured. "I'm sorry, Kim."

"Don't apologize," Kim said softly. "Just get your head right. It's great that you're already shopping, just pick a stunning dress, handle the company event, and breathe. I'll call you in a few days when you're feeling better, okay?"

"Okay," I said.

Kimberly gave me a small smile, turned around, and walked back to the fitting rooms to pay for her purchases.

I watched her leave, feeling a mixture of relief and loneliness.

Kimberly was a very cheerful and happy person, clearly she wasn't ready for the bad energy and pushing her away didn't help at all.

She was my best friend and I missed her. I missed hearing her funny comments and daring advice.

Sighing, I decided I'd try to fix things as much as I could once all this mess was over.

I picked a simple red silk dress off the rack, paid for it at the register with my own debit card, and took a cab straight home.

By seven in the evening, the house was dark and quiet when I arrived.

I filled the large master bathroom tub with hot water, poured in a generous splash of lavender oil, and sank beneath the steaming surface.

I closed my eyes, resting my head against the rim.

The hot water helped ease the stiff muscles in my neck and back, but my mind refused to quiet down.

Every time I closed my eyes, I kept remembering the way Leon had blown on my burned arm at the office coffee machine, the way his fingers felt wrapped around my wrist.

He looked so concerned when he asked if I was hurt. It made no sense.

How could someone who seemed so gentle and protective also be the man who sponsored the takeover of my father's firm and collected women like trophies?

Suddenly, the ring of my cell phone beside me jerked me out of my thoughts.

I opened my eyes reluctantly and reached for a small towel to dry my hands.

For a second, I wondered if it was Leon or someone from work, but the screen showed an unknown number.

I frowned, swiped the screen and brought the phone to my ear. "Hello?"

"Bianca McIntyre?"

The voice on the other end was a woman's and very unfamiliar.

"Yes, this is Bianca," I answered, sitting up slightly in the bathwater. "Who is this?"

"It doesn't matter who I am right now," the woman replied flatly. "What matters is that we need to meet tomorrow night if you want real evidence on what Leon Steele has been hiding from you."

My heart skipped.

"Did Hilda send you?" I asked immediately. "Because if this is another one of her games with Julian, I am not interested. I told them both to stay away from me. I already know who Leon is."

The woman scoffed "Hilda? Please. Hilda is an amateur who only cares about stealing back her alimony payments. Hilda didn't send me, but I know for a fact that a monster like Leon deserves to pay for everything he does to women behind closed doors."

I swallowed the dry lump in my throat, my pulse racing. "What more evidence do you have?"

"We can't talk over the phone, we need to meet tomorrow night at nine. I can hand you the entire file."

"Tomorrow night is impossible," I said, my voice shaking slightly. "The Steele Tower annual gala is tomorrow. The company is hosting all our international advertising and product partners at the Grand Horizon Ballroom. I have to be there."

"I know all about the gala," the woman replied smoothly, not sounding surprised in the least. "I will be there too. Look for me near the private terrace on the second floor during the main keynote speech. We need to meet, Bianca. Leon is far more dangerous than you think."

Before I could ask another question or demand her name, the line went dead.