After Divorce Billionaire Ex Found Me Pregnant

"Oh Leonica, you did wonderful!" Cassandra exclaimed the moment she laid her eyes on her daughter for the first time in two days. "You handled those reporters like a true Romero." "Thank you mother," Leonica soaked in her mother's praise, pulling her into a tight hug before facing her father. "Hi dad."

"Leonica," Benjamin walked up to his daughter, placing his hand on her shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry for having put you through something like this."

Shaking her head, she offered him a smile. "Don't be dad. And besides, I choose to handle the press conference, it's the least I can do during this situation."

Hearing her words, Benjamin couldn't help but mirror his daughter's smile. "Thank you."

"What's family for. Shall we?" She pointed towards the door which led to a hallway leading to the main Hall where the party was being held.

As they walked, Leonica asked. "How's Irene fitting in?"

Cassandra scoffed. "That child is proving to be more of a pest than you'd think. Just the other day, she came back with a dozen shopping bags, and began ordering the maids around like she owned the place." Shaking her head, obviously not trying to hide her displeasure with Irene's existence, Cassandra added. "Why again are we letting her stay at OUR house? And why the need for this introduction party?"

"Mother," Leonica began, patting the woman on her shoulder as a sign to calm down. "You need to calm down. Besides, we discussed this, Irene needs this introduction party as a way to make her debut, thus helping us spread the news that the Romero family has finally welcomed their illegitimate child. It'll help clear any doubts the press may have had and furthermore, it'll help the Romero's gain some of the respect we've lost during this whole shenanigan."

"She's right." Benjamin agreed as they got closer to the entrance, spotting Melvin who had already been waiting for them. "This is the best way to handle this. Now, let's drop this matter. How's Owen and my grandson?"

"Owen's in Germany for movie shooting," Leonica answered as she waved at her brother. "And Ashley's doing fine."

"His health?"

"...Doctor Bailey said it had improved." She lied. Seeing her parents get worries over Ashley's health right now, with everything going on, is the last thing she wanted.

"That's good. But don't lower your guard. You and Owen should start making preparations for the wedding and another child as soon as possible." He said, but when Leonica remained silent, he glanced above his shoulder and added. "That is if you're over that ex husband of yours."

Leonica chuckled. "Things with Gabriel is in the past, father." She turned to Melvin who was walking beside her and asked. "Where's Leonardo."

"The Philippines," Came his answer. "He's there for a research."

"I see,"

The moment they stepped foot in the Hall, the people gathered turned their eyes towards the Romero's and began to murmur.

"Mr. Romero has finally arrived."

"Along with the First Lady, their son and daughter."

"Isn't that Leonica Romero, I heard she's the one who helped her family accept the illegitimate child."

"Ms. Romero has such an amiable personality."

just before he parted from them, having his

paid him no mind, surveying the interior of the room as she took a glass of white wine from a nearby server. Then she

as he approached them with a wide smile on his lips. "Ever so popular, even during times

Romero party, especially one where something hot is happening," He turned his gaze to Leonica and Cassandra, the former giving him a court nod of acknowledgement. "Cassandra, looking as beautiful as always and Leonica, you've grown into a fine

offered him a gentle smile, equally responding

empty space behind them. "I don't see

be noticed. "Irene," She scanned the crowd, finding

tipped her glass in Irene's direction

can see the resemblance. A

nod from her was all it took to have his

her over

a forced

not sure if she

and briskly cut in. "This is Mr. Larsen, a business partner

to him.

she still go by that name?" Noah

now." Came Benjamin's reply, not bothering to translate for Irene who looked like a lost puppy as they conversed

This, Leonica said in English. Irene's eyes twitched, clearly offended by the older female's words, but she couldn't do anything, seeing as Benjamin had a look of shame

I see. What a

it is." Leonica agreed, flashing Noah a smile, which he returned. "But worry not, I'm here to teach my dearest sister the ropes, even if she was previously a commoner." "Well, isn't that a blessing." He commented,

it was just what she wanted. Because the moment Irene makes a mistake and messes up, her accomplice was sure to show some type of reaction. That was her goal

I should

"Please do."

Benjamin, what

was it?" The

into the family? Word has it that she had been married to Senator Richardson before he became Senate and had set up a few businesses for her. Surely you have

of course, we'll do our best to

had a smile gracing Irene's lips. He was going to aide her, she thought and glanced at Leonica, did she hear it? She wasn't

smile however, disappeared the moment she

was she to

seeing you," Pecked the lady on her cheek. "Leonica, continue to impress me, I look forward to the day when you'll stun the world once again, and of course, Irene." Noah turned his attention towards the girb "I hope we can work together in the future. Now, please

man a good night before he disappeared into

some other guest."

you."

don't disgrace the Romero name." And walked off. Irene

Leonica spoke up, catching her attention.