Chapter 5

Broderick's eyes widened in disbelief, and even his assistant, Connor Finch, who was carrying an armful of gift bags behind him, looked completely stunned. What the heck? Wasn't it all over the news that the third daughter of the Green family flat-out refused to marry Broderick? Then what was this? Leslie's fingers brushed lightly against Broderick's skin-it was warm and real. He was alive. There was still time! Lydia frowned, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Mom, didn't you say Leslie was dead set against this marriage? Look at her now-such a hopeless fangirl. Embarrassing." Any second now, he's gonna push her away. Lydia smirked to herself, waiting for the show. But all Broderick did was take a small step back, his eyes unreadable. "Miss Green..." he said. His voice was hoarse, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "You came to pick me up, right? Let's go." Broderick stared at her like he couldn't quite figure her out. She wasn't throwing a tantrum or acting dramatic. She just calmly looped her arm through his, like this wasn't their first meeting at all. "You're not gonna say goodbye to your parents?" Broderick had heard Leslie was doted on at home. And his showing up in person, bearing gifts, was a gesture of sincerity. Wasn't it proper to go in and greet the family? But Leslie crushed the fury in her chest. Invite him into the Green house? They didn't deserve it. "I heard the chef at Starcrest Manor has amazing breakfast. I'm starving. Can we go home now, Ricky?" Ricky? She actually called him that? Not Broderick. Not Mr. Ackerley. But something that sounded almost... intimate. Vivian stepped in quickly, trying to save the situation. "Mr. Ackerley, why not stay for a meal?" Broderick glanced at Leslie. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, rims slightly red. She looked like she'd been wronged. Was the Green family's affection just for show? Was Leslie actually treated unfairly here? His eyes narrowed slightly. Her face showed just the right touch of pitiful charm. Her lips parted. "Please, Ricky, let's go..." Her gaze begged him. Soft and fragile. That look... it went straight to his chest. How could he say no? His expression was unreadable, dark as the night. Just as Leslie thought he might turn her down, Broderick deftly slipped his arm out of hers-but his words surprised her. "Leave the gifts. Bring them back. Start the car, we're going home," he instructed Connor. "Uh... yes, sir." Connor was completely baffled. What was going on? He shot a subtle glance at Leslie. Something's definitely off with this Miss Green. She wasn't as simple as she looked if she could sway Broderick like that. Lydia was left speechless. She watched them walk off together-Broderick didn't even step inside, just turned and left with Leslie. Vivian was fuming, barely able to keep up her polite facade. Her eyes were filled with clear disgust. "Mom! Look at Leslie-she doesn't even care about this family! Claimed she didn't want to marry him, but now? Such a fake!" Lydia growled. Vivian patted her hand with forced warmth. "Don't get upset, Lydia. Just wait, I'll make sure you marry someone even more powerful and influential than Broderick." Suddenly, Vivian's phone rang. One glance at the caller ID, and her face lit up. "Samuel." "Mom, I'm at the airport now. Did Broderick come to pick up Leslie? Did she cause a scene?" "Samuel, she didn't. He already took her with him." Samuel's gaze sharpened, a strange glint flickering in his eyes. No drama?