Chapter 11

What was his name in the news just now? Leander Steele-that's right. The younger heir of the Steele family in Halewick, and the guy in charge of Prosperity Group's jewelry branch. The Steele family of Halewick... Now that's a household name. Prosperity Group practically wrote the book on business empires. Back when she was still the Livingston heiress, Vanessa had already heard plenty about them. And this second son? Definitely someone people look up to-even admire. No wonder he looked so familiar last night... must've been someone she saw in past news or something. Vanessa stared blankly at Leander's confident face on the big screen. Regret started bubbling up. If she'd known that man last night was worth that much, she would've clung to him for dear life-not let him go so easily. Sticking with someone like that... getting her revenge on Victor might've gone way smoother. While Xander had gone to get her a bottle of water, Vanessa kept pacing down the hallway, thoughts tangled up like earbuds in a pocket. That stupid check she left behind... Total headache. Someone like him... he probably wouldn't bother going back to check the room, right? Maybe he didn't even notice the check. She might still have a chance to fix all this. Just as she was working herself into a spiral, she looked up-and there came an older gentleman walking toward her with a grin. "Hey there, young lady! I wondered if my eyes were playing tricks on me... but it really is you! Ha!" Vanessa froze, then softened. "Sir, it's you! Are you here about your health?" With a wave, the white-haired yet spry gentleman chuckled. "Not me, no. It's that worried grandson of mine. Heard I nearly got clipped by a car, and dragged me here for a checkup. Honestly, I've got the constitution of a racehorse! Probably better off than most young folks these days." Vanessa couldn't help smiling. "He's just being thoughtful. Got to give him credit for that." "Yeah. He's a good one-very caring. And you know what they say: a man who's good to his family'll be even better to his wife. Seriously, kiddo, think about giving my grandson a shot?" "I..." Vanessa hesitated, clearly stuck in an awkward spot. Not far off, Leander had just gotten off a call. His assistant told him that nobody had arranged for a woman that night-meaning the woman he spent the night with was a total coincidence. He had no idea where to even look for her. He was still chewing out his assistant when his eyes landed on the girl chatting with his grandfather. His lips curled into a quiet grin. Wow. Speak of the devil. The assistant, meanwhile, was bracing for more scolding-only to hear Leander say calmly, "Clear my schedule tonight." Then came the click of the call ending. The assistant blinked in confusion. Wait... was he off the hook?? "Sir, I..." Vanessa was about to politely decline when she caught the excitement sparkling in the old man's eyes. He waved eagerly at someone. "Leander, over here!" Leander narrowed his eyes slightly, gaze shifting to Vanessa. So, she knew his grandfather? Was last night all part of some plan? Even if it was... so what? He wasn't the type to back away from a game. "Grandpa," he greeted warmly, stepping up, "what's up?" "Leander, this is the young lady I mentioned to you. If it weren't for her that morning, I wouldn't be here now. So, what do you think? Not bad, right?" Reginald Steele gave his grandson a knowing wink. Vanessa froze on the spot. So... the grandson he had been raving about this whole time was Leander? Realizing that, she nearly kicked herself. If she'd known Leander was the guy that morning, why was she in such a rush to leave for John's place? She should've just gone home with Mr. Steele right then and there, played the gracious lifesaver card, and asked Leander for whatever she wanted. He probably would've agreed to anything. Had she done that, she wouldn't have gotten drugged by Xander, wandered into the wrong room, and ended up losing her virginity to Leander. Right now, her expression was seriously a mess-staring at Leander, clearly conflicted, switching between regret, slight joy, and total disbelief. Leander had never met a woman so expressive. Couldn't tell if she was pleased or pissed. And the memory of that check with her scribbled note from the bar suddenly made his smirk deepen. "Well, Leander?" Reginald looked a little anxious. His grandson had been living like a monk for years. "Pleasure to meet you. May I ask your name, Miss?" Leander flashed a devil-may-care smile and reached out his hand. Vanessa looked at that hand-long, straight fingers, smooth skin, clean lines... Didn't think a guy's hand could be this attractive. "I... Vanessa." She placed her hand in his. The moment his warmth touched her palm, memories of the night before came rushing back. Her cheeks lit up like a firework. "Vanessa... such a lovely name." Leander leaned in close, his voice low and soft right by her ear, making her heart skip half a beat. Her face turned even redder. Was this really the "hard-to-sell" bachelor Mr. Steele was trying to pawn off on her? Because he sure knew how to flirt for someone supposedly desperate. "You saved my grandfather. That makes you family in our eyes. Would you care to join me for dinner tonight?" Leander suddenly turned formal again, asking politely like a true gentleman. Considering everything-the favor, the timing, and her need for payback-Vanessa had no good reason to say no. Plus, she was looking for someone powerful to back her up. "Sure..." "Vanessa-" Xander was only gone a few minutes to grab a drink, and when he came back, he saw her standing way too close to a guy who clearly screamed money and class. He was instantly fuming. Storming over, he yanked Vanessa behind him protectively, throwing Leander a sharp glare. "Sorry, sir. Vanessa's got plans tonight." Though Xander was the same age as Vanessa, he'd shot up like a beanstalk to 6'0. Still a bit shorter than Leander, but he carried himself with a presence that said don't mess with me. Leander's smile froze, and something dangerous flickered in his eyes. "And you are?" "I'm her-" Vanessa peeked out from behind Xander, about to speak, but he cut her off quickly: "I'm her boyfriend." Vanessa looked like her jaw might hit the floor. What the heck was Xander talking about? Leander's face darkened even more, his tone like ice as he said, "Boyfriend? Hah. Did this boyfriend of hers know he got cheated on last night?"