Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 478

"Leonard!"

Adrian practically exploded at the front gate. "Why are you stopping me? That guy's a fraud-he tricked me! And what he did to my mom..."

He was so angry he could barely get the words out.

Leonard, as calm as ever, simply replied, "Young master, I know I told you before that you could do as you pleased, but not this time."

"Says who?"

Adrian stared at him in disbelief. "Leonard, are you actually taking his side?"

His voice was so loud he was almost shouting. People coming and going through the school gates stopped to stare. Leonard, not one for putting on a show, grabbed the furious, struggling boy and hustled him into the car. Once the doors and windows were shut, the outside world faded away.

Leonard's tone was unruffled. "Your mother's still in the country, Adrian. Do you really want her to get another call about you starting a fight?"

That shut Adrian up instantly.

He clenched his jaw, frustration burning in his eyes. "But I can't stand him! How dare he show up in front of me? I haven't forgiven him for what he did before!"

"Patience,” Leonard said, ruffling Adrian's hair with a practiced gentleness. "You're young, but this is a good opportunity. Listen to me, Adrian-not everyone you dislike has to be an enemy. Try being his friend first."

"What?" Adrian gaped at him. "Why should I?"

Leonard didn't blink. "Didn't you want to learn how to handle problems without making a mess? Resorting to violence is clumsy. If anything happens to him, you'll be the first suspect, and you'll be putting yourself in a bad spot. Remember- smart people don't back themselves into a corner."

what if I do take a swing at him? You could cover for me. Mom would

couldn't

a hand on him, I'll tell

liked and knew well, even

would never believe

Adrian fell silent.

on, "No fighting. Learn to hold back. Get close to him-earn his trust. That'll give you all the chances you need

don't get it,"

said quietly. "But Adrian, this

"We can't tell Mom?"

"Exactly."

"...Fine."

off at school, Leonard didn't leave right away. Instead,

wasn't long before Sophia

lit a cigarette as she walked over, offering Leonard the pack. He refused, and she raised an eyebrow.

a certain respect.

you sure about this?"

replied, taking a drag. "I've never gone back on my word. Do what you have to do. If anything goes wrong, I'll take

sick of my son being so fragile. What kind of man falls apart at the slightest push? d

one for

into a soft, timid thing and after his betrayal, she couldn't stomach it. Nathaniel Pembroke hovered anxiously, interfering with how

her eyes, that caution and coddling had