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6. Leonard’s Scheme

Leonard’s Scheme

“Are you sure this is the same number?” Stella asked, glancing at the report of the phone number Eirene had given her a few hours earlier.

“Yes, she called, and we spoke for about seven minutes,” Eirene replied. It wasn't unusual for Stella to inquire about the phone number, but she was puzzled by why she hadn't received any answers until now.

They met at a café near the police station. Eirene had many questions but struggled to reach the owner of that number.

“It’s a fake number; we can’t pinpoint its exact location, dear,” Stella said, looking at Eirene with sympathy. “Sweetie, I think you need some rest,” she added, subtly questioning Eirene’s mental state.

“She told me not to be with Robin, and that she is fine. Also, some rich man has fallen for her…” Eirene recounted what she remembered. “I’m telling you, it was as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t…”

Before Eirene could finish her thought, her phone rang again. It displayed a series of strange numbers with a different country code. “Put it on speaker,” Stella instructed as she messaged her senior to connect Eirene’s phone.

“Mom?” Lucy's voice came through the speaker.

“Baby, why did you disconnect the call earlier?” Eirene asked, feeling anxious.

“That rich man asked a doctor to check on me. He’s been here for a long time, and then the lady was also here,” Lucy babbled. She wanted to contact her mother after feeling isolated, but they refused to leave her alone.

“Lucy, do you know that rich man’s name?” Stella asked intently.

“No, they just call him ‘Boss,’” Lucy replied, recalling Victor and Mrs. Park.

“Is there any chance you can tell me about your surroundings or even the names of people around you?” Stella pressed again.

“The doctor called him Samuel…” Lucy said, struggling with the pronunciation.

“The cleaning lady is here again. Mom, I’m fine and will call you tomorrow,” Lucy reassured her mother before hurriedly disconnecting the call once more.

Soon Stella’s phone rang, it was her senior, after receiving it she hesitantly looked at Eirene while answering on the phone, “Sure, I’ll be there”

Eirene watched Stella's retreating figure, a sense of unease settling in her chest.

Samuel, on the other hand, found himself subconsciously working late, a habit that had developed over the years. Initially, he had planned to drive to his penthouse apartment near his office, but thoughts of the little girl prompted him to head towards his villa instead.

By the time he arrived, it was past 9:30 PM. The dim light inside was uninviting; Samuel preferred solitude and typically ensured that his workers left before he returned home. Even Mrs. Park, a long-time acquaintance, never lingered overnight since he reached adulthood.

The house was silent and dark. Assuming Mrs. Park had put the girl to bed, Samuel made his way toward his bedroom. As he stepped quietly across the room, he noticed a small figure curled up on the corner of the sofa.

A little girl was sleeping peacefully, her blanket discarded on the floor. He gently draped it over her before hesitating; she was merely a temporary guest and unrelated to him. Remembering his rule of avoiding attachments, he left without looking back.

The Next Morning

Samuel descended the stairs, fully dressed for work, and found Lucy already at the breakfast table. She had an early rising habit.

“Good morning, rich man,” Lucy greeted him with a bright smile that revealed a small gap where a tooth had broken, making him chuckle.

“Good morning, Lucia,” he replied, unaware that her innocent smile had significantly lifted his spirits.

“Ah, how do you know my name?” Lucy asked, her big eyes wide with curiosity.

“I’m rich; I have access to information,” Samuel joked as he playfully tapped her nose.

Lucy’s expression turned serious as she asked, “Did you also check on my mother?”

“Yes, and I plan to take you to her in a few days,” Samuel replied while starting his breakfast, oblivious to Lucy's emotional turmoil.

“Didn’t you bring me here for money? Are you going to ask my mother for money?” she questioned. Lucy was aware that places like hers often sold children for large sums; how could her poor mother possibly repay him when she was already struggling with Beatrix?

Samuel fell silent, unsure how to respond. Guilt washed over him for having taken a five-year-old girl from such a grim environment. He knew he needed to return her before his reputation suffered irreparable damage.

Lucy broke the silence with determination: “I can clean and dust; I can fold clothes and make beds. You can hire me, and I will pay you back by working for you.” She had already grasped that Samuel meant well and was not a predator, unlike that big belly man from auction.

Samuel laughed at Lucy's cleverness, filled with innocence. “All right, not now but when you grow up, you’ll have to work for me,” he said jokingly.

“Sure, but I charge high! You’ll have to give me…” she counted on her fingers before replying, “three thousand and a big house with two bedrooms.”

This genuinely amused Samuel, leaving him momentarily speechless. He left after reminding Mrs. Park to take care of Lucy.

Leonard arrived soon after. As usual, Lucy was looking for an opportunity to call her mother. “Hey, beautiful!” Leo said as he sat beside her.

“Why are you here again? I’m not sick,” Lucy retorted, glaring at him.

“Your personality is very similar to one of my friends—always ready to bite,” Leo laughed while examining her wounds. Despite her continued glare, she obediently showed him her injuries.

“Great! Here are some chocolates for you.” After checking her, Leo offered her chocolates once more and gently touched her head. Noticing that Lucy was unresponsive, he left.

Samuel was completely absorbed in his work when the door to his office swung open without a knock. Other than Victor, only Leo dared to enter without permission.

“What do you want?” Samuel glanced at Leo and then resumed working, ignoring him.

“That girl is completely fine,” Leo said as he settled into the chair across from Samuel.

“So?” Samuel replied curtly, wondering if he should have called Leo. Given Leo's laziness, it was clear he had something else on his mind.

“Victor said you’re planning to send her back?” Leo asked. He waited for Samuel’s response, but Samuel continued to glare at him. Looking at Leo's face reminded him of the little girl's eyes, causing him to smile slightly.

“I just wanted to say that while she might be physically fine, she’s not mentally ready. You should let her rest for another week—send her back after your birthday so she can enjoy some good food,” Leo suggested with a mysterious smile.

Samuel had already planned to let her stay a few more days; however, seeing both Victor and Leo advocate for her extended stay made him frown.

“Fine. I’ll assign someone to take care of her; I can’t drive there regularly,” Samuel conceded. Although he was unhappy about their interference, it seemed easier to let it slide than argue with those two childish men.

Leo left with a triumphant smile as if he had won a battle. Before exiting, he approached Samuel and playfully grabbed a handful of his hair with all his might before sprinting away for dear life.

“Leonard Ricci, you’re dead!” Samuel shouted after him.

Note: we will be calling Leonard Leo from here onwards.

And yes, your thoughts are right, it’s going to reveal Lucy’s identity”

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