"I''m not sure," Aurora admitted, "but Leonard has certainly been cold to metely."


    Leonard was known for his ruthless methods and extremist personality. Skyler and Jonathan had always disapproved of Aurora''s association with him, a sentiment that only intensified after he destroyed Ste''s hand.


    Aurora decided to use the recent turn of events as an opportunity to draw a clear line between them. She knew that with Joshua Gardner''s interference, her rtionship with Leonard could never return to what it once was. Besides, she had other friends.


    However, she had to admit that some things only Leonard could aplish. Coleman Williams also realized that they couldn''t afford to discard Leonard just yet. "Aurora, I''m afraid you''ll have to bear with him for a while longer."


    Aurora shook her head. "It''s just a misunderstanding. Things will be fine once it''s cleared up."


    ...


    Three dayster, Ste received a call from Leonard.


    "I''ve had all the materials and parts gathered. When should I get them to you?"


    Ste paused. She had been searching for theseponents for a long time and still hadn''t found them all. Yet, Leonard had managed to procure such rare items in just three days. It was no wonder Aurora was willing to associate with a man like him; his efficiency was truly remarkable.


    "Anytime is fine," Ste replied. "Just give me a location, and I''ll have my assistant pick them up."


    Leonard''s voice was icy. "These materials are hard toe by because they''re both valuable and rare. If I send my assistant and something gets damaged or lost in transit, who takes the me? That''s why I only do handoffs in person. If that doesn''t work for you, then no deal."


    Ste fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Joshua needs someone to look after him, so I can''t get away right now. I''lle get them once he''s feeling a little better."


    Leonard stood by the window, watching Ste sketching through his binocrs, and let out a sinister chuckle. Is it that you can''t leave Joshua, orare you afraid of what I might do to you? Weren''t you the one who acted so tough, iming you weren''t afraid of me?What happened to that?"


    Before he could finish, the line went dead. Leonard''s gaze turned cold. When he raised the binocrs again, he saw that Joshua, who had been asleep, was now awake. Ste was pouring him a ss of water.


    Through his recent observations, Leonard had noticed a pattern: whenever Joshua needed anything, no matter how small, Ste would drop everything to attend to him. Even if he was just thirsty.


    ...


    One monthter, thanks to Mr.


    His constitution is


    Burton''s expert care, Joshua made a full recovery and was discharged from the hospital. His constitution was as robust as a wild animals; despite the severe injuries, he was back to his vibrant self.


    A lot had happened during that month. Bowing to the pressure of public opinion and subsequent


    maneuvers by the Yancey familyet


    Israel Williams had temporarily announced his engagement to Violet Yancey to quen the spandal Although it was apromise, an engagement wasn''t a marriage. Once the public forgot about it, there would be plenty of room to operate. All they needed to do was find Violet and let Leonard handle the rest.


    The day Joshua was discharged, Haynes brought Keen to the hospital to pick him


    up. Nowadays, Keen seemed even closer to Joshua than to his own father. He threw his arms around Joshua. "Mr. Joshua, I''m so d you''re okay!"


    Joshua smiled and ruffled Keen''s hair. "See? Told you I was unbeatable. I didn''t lie, did I?"


    Keen gave a firm nod.


    Mr. Burton had actually wanted Joshua to stay for another week for observation, but Joshua refused, insisting on being discharged.


    In two days, it was Ste''s birthday.