Chapter 282
Chapter 282:
This performance marked her triumphant return, a milestone she approached with meticulous care and unwavering seriousness. After distributing the elegant invitations, she excused herself, mindful not to overstay her welcome.
The moment she stepped out, Austin wasted no time and dialed John. He knew Yelena needed her rest and decided to message her later.
As Monica exited the imposing Barton family villa gates, a sleek luxury car glided through the driveway. She hesitated, her curiosity momentarily piqued, but the gates sealed shut behind her, leaving the vehicle—and its occupant—a mystery. Who could it be?
Austin paused mid-step as the hum of a car engine echoed through the courtyard. Turning toward the source of the sound, his gaze locked on the figure stepping out of the sleek vehicle—his uncle, Leonel. Instantly, a chill settled over Austin’s expression. What was Leonel doing here?
Still, Austin masked his unease with practiced indifference, heading toward the living room with a measured pace. Moments later, Leonel entered, a calculated smile on his face. “Austin, I happened to be in Eighfast for business today, so I thought I’d stop by. How have you been?” Austin met his uncle’s gaze with a polite nod, his tone clipped. “Thank you for asking. I’m doing well p>
“Glad to hear it,” Leonel replied smoothly. “Your grandmother worries about you. You should visit when you have the time p>
Then, with an air of feigned nonchalance, he added, “And perhaps consider settling down soon. You’re not getting any younger p>
Leonel’s eyes, sharp and observant, flicked toward the door, where he had glimpsed a woman leaving moments earlier. Though he hadn’t seen her clearly, her presence intrigued him. Leonel’s curiosity only deepened. Who was that woman? And why had she been at the villa?
He prided himself on staying one step ahead of Austin, yet this visit revealed a gap in his knowledge. Could there be something—or someone—Austin was keeping from him?
“I see,” Austin said, his tone calm and measured, the perfect facade of respect expected of someone addressing a senior family member.
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“I’ll be in Eighfast for a little while,” Leonel remarked, the hint of a calculated undertone in his voice. “I thought I’d stop by the company tomorrow. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask. You’ve just recovered—it’s best not to push yourself too hard.” Leonel’s smile was smooth, almost practiced, as he nodded.
To an observer, the exchange would have seemed like an endearing moment between uncle and nephew, marked by care and familial warmth. But beneath Leonel’s congenial demeanor, Austin detected the shadows of ambition.
His uncle’s interest in the company wasn’t born of altruism—it was the veiled curiosity of a predator circling its prey.
Austin’s response was a picture of composure. “Thank you, Uncle Leonel. I appreciate it p>
“We’re family,” Leonel said, his voice rich with feigned sincerity. “No need for such formalities p>
But his eyes betrayed him, sharp and searching, as if trying to peel away Austin’s veneer of strength.
The poison that had nearly claimed Austin’s life was said to be unstoppable. Was Austin pretending to be fine?
By all logic, he shouldn’t be standing there, appearing healthy and unscathed. And yet, he was. That incongruity dug at Leonel’s confidence.
He had been meticulous—every step of his plan had been calculated to perfection. How could this be?
Whatever Austin was hiding, Leonel was determined to unearth it. The key to staying ahead, after all, was to know the enemy better than they knew themselves. But Leonel underestimated Austin. The younger man’s poised exterior was no act; it was the armor of someone who had already seen through the game.
Instead, Austin would wait—wait for Leonel to grow impatient and reveal the true cards he was playing.