Chapter 9

Leslie was momentarily frozen by Broderick's fierce "Get lost!" - the pressure in his voice was enough to keep her rooted. But instead of stepping back, she strode forward resolutely, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. Connor stiffened instantly. That was bold. He had seen Broderick lose control before, and it never ended well. Anyone who dared get close usually got thrown out - literally. He tensed on Leslie's behalf. He'd sensed something off about her from their first meeting this morning. Like she was head over heels for Broderick. Now, that feeling was practically confirmed. She clearly wasn't against marrying him - more like couldn't wait. As Broderick instinctively tried to shake everything off, he found himself strangely resisted - Leslie's grip was impressively strong. Her voice was soft and sugary but steady. "Hey Ricky, does your head hurt again? Hug me, okay? Just hug me, and the pain'll go away." Connor was dumbfounded. Wait, was that actually working? Broderick winced and pressed a hand to his temple. Without a word, Leslie lifted his hand and discreetly checked his pulse. Her expression subtly shifted - just slightly, but it was enough. That reaction... he might've been poisoned. After dying at the hands of Samuel in her previous life, Leslie's soul had landed in another world, merging with a girl who shared her name - a notorious villainess who was a total poison and antidote expert. When she came back to this life, that otherworldly skillset had stuck with her. This little toxin? Please. Child's play. But her mind raced: who had poisoned Broderick? Without hesitation, she pressed her slender, soft fingers against his temple. Broderick stared down at her. That wild flare in his gaze started to dull. He didn't know what she had just done, but the violent energy in him suddenly vanished - as if someone had flipped a switch. His breathing evened out. His eyes, always stormy, locked onto her with a strange calm. Alfred finally let out a breath of relief and motioned for the staff to clean up the mess. The room looked like a war zone. Connor also relaxed. His gaze toward Leslie softened a little. Broderick had had these episodes before. And every single time, it took a ton of effort to pull him back. But this time? He was calm within minutes. Whatever Leslie did, it clearly worked. Connor couldn't help but look at her differently now. He stepped up. "Mr. Ackerley, your meeting with Novastar's CEO is coming up." Time to head out. Broderick gave Leslie one last long look, then gave a nod and started toward the door. But, surprise - the little clinger by his side didn't budge. She stuck to him like glue, trailing behind every step he took. He paused and looked down at her, his tone cool. "Miss Green, why are you following me?" There was the slightest tug at his sleeve. He glanced down and saw her dainty fingers clinging to his shirt hem. His throat bobbed slightly. That gentle touch from earlier, still lingered on his skin somehow. Her peachy eyes glimmered as she looked up at him, his reflection tiny in her gaze - but sharp. She didn't blink. Her voice was soft and laced with something he couldn't quite name. "Ricky... you sure you want to keep calling me Miss Green? Maybe... just call me Leslie, yeah?" The way she looked at him, it wasn't just trust - it felt weirdly intimate. Unnervingly warm. Honestly... what the hell was this?