novelxo Chapter 20
Chapter 20
As soon as Leonard returned to Shoal Manor, he saw a car parked at the gate of his villa.
When Leonard got out of the car, the door of the car opened at the same time, and a tall and beautiful woman stepped out. It
was Marianna
“What are you doing here?
Leonard was surprised at Marianna’s appearance.
Are you here to pay back the money?”
He gave Marianna 60 dollars for the fare when she left that day.
Although 60 dollars was nothing for Leonard, Marianna borrowed it from him, and it was only natural for her to pay him
back
Marianna smiled. “More than that, I’m here to thank you for taking me in. And I want to buy you dinner. Mr. Santos, will you do
me this honor?
“Tll be sad if you say no.”
After speaking, Marianna looked at Leonard expectantly.
Honestly, Leonard hardly ate at Flora’s house today.
At first, Willie, Jarrett, and others were arrogant, but they flattered him after learning he knew Waylon. Leonard was mad at their
changes in attitude.
So, he would love to have another meal.
Besides, he saved Marianna, so she should repay his kindness.
Leonard nodded. “Okay.”
Soon, Leonard got into Marianna’s car and left the villa.
Rex leaned against the car door and smoked a cigarette, looking thoughtfully at the leaving car.
“Mr. Santos is a ladies‘ man,” he thought.
Marianna drove Leonard to a fancy restaurant. Only people in the circle knew this place.
It was beautiful and quiet, shutting out the clamor of the city.
The customers might come here not just for food but to avoid the hustle and bustle.
The owner was a graceful young lady. When she saw Marianna, she greeted her kindly, “Hello, Miss Rodgers.”
At the same time, her eyes quickly moved over Leonard’s face.
It was the first time Marianna had brought a man to the restaurant alone for dinner.
It made the restaurant owner a little more curious about Leonard’s identity.
“Miss Rodgers, the ingredients of the dishes you ordered are ready. Shall the cook start to cook now?” the young lady asked.
“Yes.”
Marianna and Leonard walked toward the box.
People who came to such a fancy restaurant weren’t ordinary.
Leonard couldn’t help but take another look when passing one of the boxes.
He saw two familiar figures. They were Gracia and Arlene.
Leonard was surprised to see them eat together.
He thought of what had happened last time when he met Arlene downstairs in Santos Group.
Arlene seemed to say that she knew the president of Santos Group, so she should be referring to Gracia.
After entering the reserved box and sitting down, Leonard took out a cigarette. He was about to light it when he heard the
conversation between Arlene and Gracia next door.
“Arlene, I asked you here because I need your help,” Gracia spoke first.
“Gracia, we are friends. Just tell me if you need anything. Don’t be a stranger,” said Arlene unhappily, with a little blame in
hertone.
“Okay, my bad.”
Chapter 20
Gracia hurriedly shook Arlene’s arm, acting like a baby.
Seeing a smile on Arlene’s face, she said, “Recently, Santos Group has just won a piece of land in the southside and plans to
build a commercial area.
“A construction company wanted to take on the project, but their quote was too high. So, we rejected them.
“But the construction company is so terrible. They held a grudge against us and sent people to make trouble every day, making
our project unable to proceed.
“I sent someone to negotiate with their boss, and their boss invited me to meet him tomorrow.
“This company is despicable. I asked around and learned they were used to solve problems by force.”
“But I’m a serious businesswoman.”
“You want me to help you out?” Arlene asked.
Arlene was born into a family of generals and had excellent martial arts skills.
“Of course not,”
Gracia hurriedly denied it, shaking her head.
“They are just punks. If you go and deal with them, it will be a waste of your skills.
“And with your identity, it’s not suitable for you to be involved in this matter.
“I just want you to introduce me to a fighter who can intimidate them.
“You have practiced martial arts since childhood and know many good fighters.”
Arlene nodded and said, “I see.
“I should personally take care of your business, but my identity is indeed a bit sensitive,
“I know a master, Mr. Smith, and he is in Newden City.
“He is so powerful that he can subdue them.”
“That’s good. Arlene, thank you. You have gotten me out of a big trouble,” Gracia said happily.
Leonard listened, falling into deep thought.
A construction company actually used such indecent methods.
Santos Group was Leonard’s company, but Gracia didn’t report this matter to him.
But it made sense. As the company’s president, Gracia naturally couldn’t bother Leonard with trivial matters. Otherwise, it would
make her seem incompetent. So, she probably wanted to solve it by herself.
Since he had heard it, he must do something.
Leonard was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn’t notice that Marianna was quietly taking pictures of him.
People said that a focused man was the most charming. At this moment, Leonard was brimming with charm in Marianna’s
eyes.
When Leonard came back to his senses, Marianna had already put away the phone.
The dishes started to be served.
“Leonard, you are distracted while eating with a beauty like me. That isn’t nice,” Marianna said deliberately.
“I’m sorry. I was a little preoccupied just now,” Leonard smiled apologetically.
Leonard was hungry. He picked up the fork and started to have dinner.
“Leonard, do you have a girlfriend?”
Marianna asked suddenly, catching Leonard off guard.
“What? I’m an ex–con. How can I have a girlfriend?”
At this moment, Emily’s figure flashed in Leonard’s mind.
Emily, whom Leonard loved deeply, hurt him the most.
“Okay. Good,” Marianna blurted out.
Immediately afterward, her face was blushed.