Chapter 6 Adopting Her Is A Scheme

Leanna was in disbelief.

"Alright, alright, alright!" Ricky was visibly enraged. "I've already stated that I'd divide the shares equally. When you two brothers get engaged, you'll each get your portion. Your brother has his engagement planned. When it happens, I'll give him his half. But if you're set on marrying that actress, forget about getting any shares."

Leanna glanced nervously at Nate, only to see him nodding casually. "Okay, I don't need the shares."

That represented a ten percent ownership in the company!

Leanna quickly looked down.

He was willing to forsake shares worth billions for Jillian...

Nate Holland, usually so poised, was now completely smitten.

Leanna feigned picking something up, discreetly wiping her tears on her sleeve before raising her head again.

If things were this way, remaining in Elesmond had no purpose. If Nate wished for her to study overseas and exit his life, she'd comply.

She would remain the obedient, sensible girl in Nate's memory. Unable to stand Jillian's smug smile and Nate's defiance of Ricky for her, Leanna went upstairs.

Back at their place, Leanna packed and sought out Nate. "I plan to spend two months in Yulford with Colten. It might be my last chance to spend time with him."

Nate nodded. "Alright, Darren will drive you."

He showed no sign of wanting her to stay. Disheartened, Leanna entered the vehicle to Yulford.

On her last night in the country, Leanna returned to Elesmond, hoping for one final meal with Nate.

She sat at the villa's dining table, gazing at the array of dishes.

The housekeeper approached, urging her, "Miss Powell, the food is getting cold. You might want to start eating."

Leanna adamantly avoided touching her fork and knife. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was already half past ten. This would be her final meal with Nate. She needed to wake up at five tomorrow to catch her flight.

However, thirty minutes earlier, when she called Nate, he apologized, citing an urgent matter.

What could be more important than this? Maybe just Jillian's ten-year milestone in showbiz. It was all over the internet. The photo of Jillian dining with the Holland Group's president had already hit the trending spot.

Nate couldn't spare the time for a meal with her.

Spending four years together couldn't hold a candle to a brief moment with his beloved.

Could Nate really be that indifferent?

She couldn't bear it.

Leanna suddenly got up and dashed outside.

Paula, taken aback, quickly told the driver to go after her.

They pulled up at the Dragon Club's entrance. Leanna recognized it from the photos that were all over the internet.

The club's manager tried to stop her, but Leanna called Nate's private number on her phone, and he picked up.

Leanna coldly slid her phone toward the manager's ear.

After receiving the instructions, the manager politely guided her to the private room's door.

The door was slightly open.

Leanna paused, hand on the door, hesitating as she heard the lively chatter inside.

"Nate, congratulations on your amazing luck. You'll inherit all of your grandpa's shares. And after the engagement, you'll get half of your dad's shares, too. Then, you'll be the head of the Holland Group. Love and career both flourishing. We single people envy you."

"I heard your so-called niece is off to study abroad. She's grown up; she shouldn't need your support anymore, right? Must be a relief to be free of that burden."

"Some people thought Nate was grooming Leanna to be his bride."

"That's naive thinking. Leanna's nice looking but plain next to Jillian, the star actress."

"She's not quite a woman yet."

"But that's not what Nate had in mind. If he hadn't returned to the country and wanted to defy his father and stepmother, why would he have kept Leanna and raised her? Nate's got too much to deal with. He's not out to play the saint."

Leanna felt a chill.

So, this was the reality.

Nate didn't keep her out of pity or respect for her grandfather. It was all a move against Ricky and Kristy.

From start to finish, she was nothing more than a piece in Nate and Kristy's game.

Now that she'd fulfilled her role as a pawn, she was no longer necessary. She could be tossed away and sent overseas.

Tears flowed down Leanna's cheeks.

Nate's heart was always cold. She had once believed she held a special place in it, but now it seemed she was no different from anyone else.

Leanna couldn't recall how she left the club.

She couldn't win Nate's affection, realizing that even their family ties were just her hopeful imagination.

In the private room, Nate suddenly grabbed a bottle and smashed it towards the people who were joking earlier. "Don't fucking talk nonsense."

Amidst the noisy howls, he stormed out of the club with long strides.

Of course, he didn't see Leanna, for she had already gone.