Chapter 71: Chapter 71

31.146 Chapter 71 Laura’s POV “How are you feeling, Mr. Leo?”

Leo’s deep eyes with crimson specks stared back at me blankly, he looked drained due to sickness. The drastic change in his appearance was indeed shocking.

Now, I understand why his fans were so outrageous.

Silently waiting for his response. I sat on a chair His meek voice made me feel a bit sad.

“I–I am good, Laura.”

Followed by formal pleasantries, the awkward silence prevailed in the room, I found it hard to continue the conversation. Leo’s intent gaze was piercing through my soul, searching for something, it was difficult to perceive what was going on in his mind.

Tapping my fingers in my purse, I remembered the latest development about our collaboration. I got an idea.

“Your fans are eagerly waiting for you to hit the rink, Mr. Leo. So, we have arranged a special ‘Logo reveal party‘ this weekend...

My professional statement was cut short by Leo’s hollow laugh, he struggled to speak up.

“I am afraid that I won’t be able to attend the party this weekend.

You can reschedule it with another player’s logo, I bet no one will notice.

His indirect taunt towards Bright turned my mouth bitter, helping me to get over the rush. of sympathy for him. I couldn’t suppress the annoyance in my tone while stating the facts.

“Please pardon me, Mr. Leo. But you are responsible for this delay. As a grown–up man, you should take care of yourself.

This is the basic responsibility of a player.”

Chapter $19 Leo heard my lecture with a straight face, not rising any objection, but his accusing glare said it all. He was like. “Hey, I hired you for my chedules, not advice, making me feel nervous. So, I concluded this scolding.

“Ok, it’s settled then. I will reschedule the logo launch. Please take a rest and follow the doctor’s instructions, With your strong immunity system, I am sure that you will recover in no time.”

I was about to say ‘Have a nice day‘ to leave when he finally spoke.

“Why do you think I got sick in the very first place, Miss Laura?

Any idea?”

His query hit me out of nowhere, flipping my insides, it took me a moment to compose myself.

“It was sheer carelessness on your part, Mr. Leo. There are many other ways to enjoy the rain...

My feigned ignorance disappointed Leo, he closed his eyes with a sigh.

“What’s the use of arguing when you aren’t admitting it...”

He was also blaming me?

Blimey!

I was going to give him a piece of mind; however, my fury was abruptly halted by Leo’s coughing. The shortness of breath and his habit of retorting back wasn’t a good combination in his current condition, resulting in this attack.

I rushed towards him as he raised his hand.

“Water!”

“Oh, right!”

In a hurry, I even forgot the bell and picked up the glass from the side table, feeding him 171 water. Leo hardly had a sip or two, and laid back, taking deep breaths. I adjusted the pillows behind him for better support.

The faint smell of his cologne invaded my nostrils like a gust of fresh breeze in the strong stench of hospital. That similar perfume paused me for a second, gnawing my mind with the memories. There was a time when I yearned to smell this perfume so badly.

However, the sudden warmth in my hand shattered the delicate connection of the past and present. I flinched and glanced at the magnified view of Leo’s pale yet oddly alluring face.

It felt like the time turned back and rendered that lovesick Laura speechless in this proximity. Even Leo’s voice sounded deeper than usual, “You care for me, Laura!”

The assertion of his tone showed me the mirror of reality which I was trying to avoid relentlessly, turning my world upside down. I couldn’t utter a single word in protest. He leaned in and pressed my hand.

“Then why did Bright stay at your place so late that night, Laura? What are your intentions for him?”

The possessiveness of his tone made me shudder, ringing like a wake–up call in my head. It was sufficient for me to discipline my wayward emotions.

“You are fooled, Laura!” Chuckling inwardly, I pushed back the tide of vulnerability and jerked off his hand.

“It’s Miss Laura for you, Mr. Leo!”

My ablaze glare met his dumbstruck one, not giving into his trickery. I straightened up and countered Leo’s evil tricks. He was an expert in manipulation, using other’s weaknesses for his hidden motives was his style.

“I have told you earlier but let me repeat it for you.

We are business partners only. Our interactions are purely formal.”

I stood at a proper distance from his bed and used my firm and conventional tone, crossing my arms over my chest.

So, please stay within your inits. Don’t overste the boundaries.

Whatever I do in my personal life, it’s none of your business!”

After that, storming out of the room was the only option left, I had to leave before exploding like an angry bird. I didn’t know why, but Leo pushed my buttons every time, driving me nuts, it was so challenging to stay sane in his presence.

My journey back to my office wasn’t a pleasant one as well, the public lash out was getting worse every passing second.

Somehow, an overwhelming sense of unease w