Chapter 16

Sure, marriage might be in the cards someday-and if she had to choose, better someone like Leander than a sleaze like Peter. At least he was powerful, clean, and came with a sweet old grandpa. As for love? After what she went through, Vanessa was numb to that word. No love? Even better. Maybe then they could just be polite strangers under the same roof. "Of course I'm willing. It's just... my uncle and aunt..." Vanessa cast a cautious glance at John and Grace, like a silent complaint in disguise. She didn't even need to say more-Leander could probably tell she wasn't exactly pampered at the Wallace house. "They don't agree? Why not?" Leander's expression chilled a bit, his eyes darted over to John with a smirk that wasn't quite a smile. "Mr. Wallace, I heard you've been dabbling in real estate lately..." John's knees nearly gave out. "N-no, Mr. Steele, I agree! Vanessa marrying you, that's a blessing she must've earned over three lifetimes. We just hesitated because... well, she was ki