Regardless, the two sides had not reached a breaking point, and Aurora hade away with a significant prize. So, when Leonard announced he was leaving, the Williams family rose to see him out.


    As they reached the top of the stairs, Leonard seemed to remember something. He stopped and turned to Aurora.


    "Aurora."


    At this, Israel shot Coleman a smug look, his eyes screaming, ''See? I told you he couldn''t let her go.''


    The rest of the Williams family also turned to Leonard, assuming he had second thoughts about his decision and was about to go back on his word.


    Israel was already calcting how much more equity he could demand as an apology. Five percent? Ten?


    Aurora''s eyes flickered with a faint light.


    Despite the gift she had received, she didn''t feel as happy as she thought she would.


    Seeing Leonard look at her, a spark of hope ignited in her eyes, and she quickly stepped forward.


    "Leonard, did you call me?"


    Leonard said, "I believe I once gave you a painting."


    Aurora was taken aback.


    Leonard continued, "It was a painting by Summer, of a figure''s back. I was wondering if I could have it back."


    The Williams family had been waiting for Leonard toe crawling back, full of regret. When he didn''t say what they expected, Israel exploded.


    He pointed a finger at Leonard''s face and shouted, "Leonard, you''re asking for a gift back after you''ve already given it?


    "If you didn''t want to give it, you shouldn''t have! How pathetic and cheap can you be? Are you even a man? You''re a disgrace to all of us!


    "You"


    Before Israel could finish, a dark, menacing pistol was pressed against his forehead.


    Leonard''s eyes were cold and merciless. "Israel, say one more word, and I''ll put a bullet in your head. Do you want to test me?"


    Israel had been buzzing in his ear like an annoying fly, and Leonard''s patience had run out. He wanted nothing more than to shut him up permanently.


    200


    Leonard was not a patient man. If he hadn''t been in the middle of negotiations, he would never have.


    tolerated teraet for so long. Content, belongs to ?wnovels>


    Israel wanted to retort, but the words caught in his throat when he met the man''s cruel, bloodthirsty gaze.


    Leonard''s voice was a low snarl. "In


    the past, I showed you some respect


    for Aurora''s sake. Did you respect


    think I was afraid of you? >


    "Now, we''ve signed the agreement. We have no connection.


    "Tell me, what happens to the people who cross me?"


    The Williams family was horrified.


    Jonathan said sternly, "Leonard, put the gun down!"


    Aurora added, "Leonard, let''s talk this through."


    But Leonard, who usually listened to


    ghored herpletely this


    sicy eyes radiated killi


    intent.


    Aurora felt a sense of disorientation.


    ΠΟΥ


    It had been a long time since she had seen this unfamiliar side of Leonard.


    For her sake, Leonard had tolerated a great deal from the Williams family. They had almost forgotten what a brutal man he truly was.


    Now, if Leonard were to shoot Israel, there would be nothing they could say.


    They had just signed the agreement, and Israel had been the one to provoke him.


    By his usual standards, killing Israel would be perfectly in character.


    The Williams family could no longer use their connection to Aurora to manipte him.


    Only then did they realize that the three percent stake was not a gift. It was a price. Leonard was done indulging them.


    Aurora instinctively bit her lip and said softly, "Leonard, let''s go get the painting first."