Ch. 1041..1050

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1041-Sounds Fun Meanwhile, Alec’s home was much quieter than Evan's. He had made several dishes, and though they weren't as fancy, it was still nutritious and homey enough for the three of them-grandparent, grandson, and butler.

"Come join us, Mr. Duncan," Alec called to Warren, who was standing in the doorway.

Warren used to be dismissed during the holidays in order to join his family to have New Year's dinner, but ever since Old Mr. Faust's condition worsened, they could no longer afford to leave the old man alone at home.

To Alec, Warren was part of their family. The man had taken care of him since he was a boy, after all. In fact, it wouldn't be too strange to treat the man as a second grandfather.

Warren fidgeted awkwardly. "I'm afraid that might be…"

"Eat with us, Warren. You've always been family, now is no different," Old Mr.

Faust spoke up.

Warren had no reason to refuse now. He sat down with Alec and the old man while Alec gave them each a cup of warm tea instead of wine. "Here, let's put our glasses together. It's customary, after all.’ The old men shared a gaze and smiled, putting their cups up to Alec's.

This warm scene replayed across Clusia as families and friends dined together on New Year’s Eve, marking the end of the fruitful year.

While Jenny swallowed her food, she recalled what Alec had told her in the garden. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "Alec actually invited us over to have dinner at his place later…what do you guys think?” She glanced at her brothers, then at Evan, whose opinion she was most worried about.

As if sensing her worry, Evan shot her a smile. "Sounds fun. Why don't we head over in the evening?"

"I'm fine with it, too," Gilbert said.

"So is Janet and I," Zack piped up. It was obvious Alec was a much more preferable brother-in-law than Evan right now.

Jenny beamed. "Alright. I'll let him know later."

Her bright smile was genuine for all to see. It made Evan feel sad. If it weren't for his injury right now, he likely wouldn't be having this meal with Jenny.

But he kept those feelings hidden, as usual.

After lunch, Jenny and Zack were about to wash the dishes when Janet came over. "Why don't you leave the cleaning up to Zack and me, Jenny? Go and take a break in the living room."

"Yeah. Let us handle it. Go rest.’ Zack agreed, secretly hoping Jenny would approve of Janet.

Jenny shrugged. ’Thanks, then."

"Not a problem, really. We didn't help much with the cooking," Janet said. She knew how to cook, but she didn't want to stay in the same space as Gilbert alone, so she hadn't gone to help him.

Jenny then went back to the living room, where Gilbert and Evan were.

She suddenly felt a tension between them that hadn't been there before.

Though, she could already guess the cause. Gilbert was the one who brought Evan back—if it weren't for her, things wouldn't have come to this.

"Gilbert, Evan, wanna go for a walk?’ she suggested. It had stopped snowing outside, and the neighborhood looked gorgeous layered in the snow.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1042-."

"I'm up for it, too,’ Evan said.

Howard then came to wheel him out along with Jenny and Gilbert. They didn't linger in the garden; instead, they strolled around the neighborhood.

It was a high-end location with prime real estate everywhere, so the public facilities and landscaping were masterfully done. A snowplow had already come to clear a path in the snow for people to walk on.

"You don't get to see a lot of snow, right?’ Jenny asked Gilbert. He often had to travel overseas for work, so he likely missed out on a lot of winter seasons.

Gilbert nodded. "I did a lot more when I was younger, but never to just stop and admire the scenery like right now."

"What about you, Evan?’ Jenny asked the man in the wheelchair.

"I was lucky." Evan grinned. "It always snowed overseas. We even had snowball fights every year."

Jenny laughed. She couldn't imagine Evan getting into something so playful with Gilbert.

"If only—' Jenny said but quickly stopped. She had nearly said if only Evan wasn't injured, they could have a snowball fight too. But that was too insensitive.

Evan seemed to know what she wanted to say, though. "If only I weren't in a wheelchair. We’d be able to play together.' It would be a very interesting occasion, indeed.

"We'll have more chances in the future," Jenny said.

Gilbert eyed the both of them but stayed silent.

Meanwhile, Alec had spotted the four of them walking outside. He went up to them without even asking if they wouldn't mind another person joining them.

"Jenny,’ he greeted warmly, coming to the woman's side.

"Have you and Grandpa had lunch?" Jenny asked.

"Mhm. It was just the three of us, so it didn't take long."

"You can make mistakes during lunch, Faust, but you better make sure everything’s just right for dinner tonight, especially with us over," Gilbert said. He didn't hate Alec as much as he used to, but he wasn't going to help the man make dinner.

Plus, cooking was tiring.

Alec grinned. "Relax, Gilbert. The food will be delicious."

"Good." Gilbert nodded, then continued ignoring him.

Evan, on the other hand, had nothing to say to Alec, and vice versa. They didn't like each other then, and they didn't like each other now.

"Are you cold?" Alec asked Jenny in a soft tone.

"Nah. I have four layers on." She had put on a down jacket just for walking.

Alec nodded, reassured.

"Take that!" Someone suddenly cried from behind them. Jenny turned back to see Zack swinging a snowball at them.

The next second, it was flung right at her.

Jenny scowled, dodging to the side, but not before Alec pulled her behind him to defend her. "Looks like Zack's challenging you." "Heh. I'll give him a taste of his own medicine!" Jenny yelled, then gathered snow with her mittens, making a giant snowball.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1043-Calm Down When Zack saw Jenny coming his way, hugging a giant snowball in her arms, he felt true fear.

"Calm down, Jenny. We can talk about this!" He yelped, stepping back. Janet giggled off to his side as the scene unfolded.

"I am very, very calm right now, Zack," Jenny said, grinning like the Devil herself.

Zack regretted throwing the snowball at her.

When Jenny stopped in front of her brother, she handed him the snowball." Do you wanna do it yourself or have me do it for you?"

'TH do it myself," Zack grumbled, taking the snowball. He'd at least survive without a neck injury with this choice.

He raised the giant snowball above his head, then threw it downwards. Snow covered his face and shoulders as the ball disintegrated.

Jenny laughed out loud at the silly sight. Just then, another snowball hit her back. It was a gentle toss, but Jenny still searched for the culprit.

Janet was eyeing her carefully, another snowball in hand. "Zack isn't alone in this anymore, Jenny."

"So this is how it's gonna be, huh? Wait till I snowball all of you!" Jenny cried and went to gather more snowballs to toss at Janet. Zack hurriedly went up to his girlfriend, and just like that, a snowball fight began to brew.

Alec soon joined in-no way would he let Jenny fight alone.

Meanwhile, Gilbert and Evan stood by the side, watching them have fun.

"Aren't you joining?" Evan asked.

"Nah. I'm not a kid anymore." Gilbert shook his head.

Evan disagreed. You didn't have to be a kid to want to have fun.

Like right now. If he could join in the snowball fight, he would've already.

"Boss, can I go too?" Howard asked, jumping on his heels.

Evan smiled. "Yes, yes, go on."

"Thanks, boss!" Howard beamed, then ran over to join in the snowball fight.

Gilbert snorted, amused. "Interesting kid you have there."

"Everyone has an inner child." Evan understood that all too well; he just found it embarrassing.

As if the snowball fight had triggered some delayed fight response in the entire neighborhood, the neighboring children and adults soon came outside to participate in their own snowball fights, creating a large snowy battle arena in the middle of the small town.

A distance away were two security guards, watching the scene unfold. They shared a look. "Is this…am I hallucinating?"

People from the first-class neighborhood were either wealthy or influential or both, most never showing a hint of emotion in public, hence why the guards were questioning their reality right now with the snowball fight.

"Maybe…maybe they're just taking the chance to have some fun and relax a little,' the other guard answered.

The snowball fight went on for two long hours. Afterward, the group went straight to Alec's place.

The warm air inside the house was soothing to those bitten by the cold. Smiles were still bright on their faces, indicating the contagious joy they'd felt from letting their inner children out to play.

Paul came by just then, too, with Melanie Yews in tow. It didn't seem like Paul was with her, however.

"You don't mind if I tag along, do you, Jenny?" Melanie asked Jenny in a hopeful manner.

She had been persistent in coming along with Paul because of wanting to wish him Happy New Year on the dot.

Jenny was surprised to see her, though she quickly got the gist of why she was there. "I don't mind. But you do have to ask what Alec thinks. This is his house, after all."

Melanie then turned to Alec, still hopeful.

Alec smiled and nodded. ’Welcome."

A bright smile instantly bloomed on Melanie's face.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1044-Free Help Just then, Jenny got a call from Stephanie, inviting her to celebrate the New Year together. So, she told her about their gathering at Alec's place. When Stephanie mentioned she might join, Jenny added, "Fair warning though, Paul and Melanie are here."

Though she knew Stephanie wasn't interested in Paul anymore, she couldn't say the same for Paul. Jenny couldn't promise conflict wouldn't happen if Stephanie really came over.

Hearing that, Stephanie was silent for a time before finally saying, 'Don't worry. I just wanna spend the night with you, nothing to do with them."

"Alright. I'll send you the address."

After hanging up, Jenny glanced at Paul in the distance, with Melanie rambling on his side. The man didn't seem too focused on what she was saying.

Jenny walked over to Alec and told him about Stephanie coming over. "I need you to hold Paul back if he does anything stupid later."

"Roger that." Alec nodded. He had long been aware that Stephanie didn't have any feelings for Paul anymore, so he could only hope Paul didn't act too rashly later.

"Aren't you going to start cooking? I can help out," Jenny offered. There were only two hours left until dinnertime, and given the number of people joining that night, there was probably a lot of food being made in the kitchen.

Alec shook his head, smiling. "No need. I won't starve you, don't worry."

Jenny rolled her eyes. "Your loss on free help."

"I know how kind and considerate you are," Alec teased. "But I've already done my preparations."

Why waste his time and effort when he could pay someone else to do it? Plus, the only person he wanted to cook for was Jenny, not the entire group.

"Where's Grandpa?" Jenny asked. "I don't see him around."

Alec pointed upstairs, looking glum. "He's resting."

"Why? Is he alright?"

Alec sighed sadly. "He's not as strong as he used to be. I thought what happened last time was only temporary, but…"

Sometimes he was scared his grandfather might pass away all of a sudden. But he couldn't show fear, so he never did.

"Grandpa will be okay. We can send him to Bardoff Hospital for a checkup after the New Year," Jenny suggested.

Alec nodded, staying silent.

Both knew deep down it was only a matter of time, however.

The doorbell rang suddenly. Thinking it might be Stephanie outside, Jenny went to open it.

But it turned out to be Alfred.

"Isn't this Alec's place?" Alfred asked curiously when he saw Jenny.

"It is." Jenny spotted Mortimer behind Alfred, still in a wheelchair.

Maybe it was because of how long the man had been in a coma, but there was no longer that hostility toward her in his eyes.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1045-They’ll Misunderstand "We heard the old man's in Bardoff, so we thought we'd visit," Alfred explained, glancing at Mortimer.

That look said it all. It was Mortimer who wanted to see his father.

Jenny stood there, uncertain about whether she should let them in or not.

Alec came to the door to her rescue, though his expression darkened the moment he saw who was standing outside. "What are you two doing here?"

"I want…to see…your grandfather, Alec," Mortimer spoke, words still choppy from not having spoken in so long.

Alec's brow furrowed deeply. "He doesn't want to see you."

"I know you hate me, Alec, but that's my father. Would he really feel that way?"

Mortimer asked helplessly.

Alec pursed his lips. In truth, he wasn't sure what his grandfather thought about Mortimer Faust. The old man hadn't mentioned a word of him since he came.

Alfred then said, "He's already come all this way. Just let them meet this once, at least. We can't exactly stop them from seeing each other. It's their business."

Alec glared at him. "What's this got to do with you?"

"You think I want to be involved?" Alfred scoffed. He wouldn't have come all the way to be face-to-face with Alec if his father hadn't requested to see the old man.

Still, the half-siblings didn't seem to be as hostile to each other as they used to Alec looked upstairs, hesitating before finally letting the two inside. "I'm warning you-if you upset Grandpa even the least bit, I'll throw you out myself."

He didn't trust Mortimer one bit. The old man was already weak in health. What if Mortimer pissed him off again, and his condition worsened?

After the two went in, Alfred brought Mortimer straight upstairs. Just as Jenny was about to close the door. Max showed up with Jade beside him.

"Hey! Fancy seeing you here~" Max cooed, no longer that cold, distant man Jenny first knew him as.

It looked like love could really change a person.

Jenny ignored him, turning to Jade instead. "What are you doing here, Jade?"

"I didn't plan to. He dragged me over, saying something like the more, the merrier." Jade shrugged awkwardly, especially feeling embarrassed with Max holding her hand.

She had long lost the innocent hope she had in love up until Max came into her life and swept her off her feet again.

"Are you sure it's okay if we join you guys? This isn't your place after all," Jade asked worriedly.

"Of course, it is. You're Jenny's friend, so you're mine too. Happy New Year's Eve," Alec said before Jenny could.

"Looks like you do know how to socialize!" Max scoffed.

Alec ignored him and let the two inside.

Jenny was feeling embarrassed, however. "Don't say it like that. They'll misunderstand."

"Misunderstand what?"

Jenny bit her lip, saying nothing, so Alec said, "I meant what I said. Mi casa es su casa. If you want to, you can even live here for the rest of your life."

"Like hell, I would." Jenny rolled her eyes and left for the living room.

Alec chuckled, amused. He rarely saw Jenny so flustered out in the open.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1046-They’ll Misunderstand "We heard the old man's in Bardoff, so we thought we'd visit," Alfred explained, glancing at Mortimer.

That look said it all. It was Mortimer who wanted to see his father.

Jenny stood there, uncertain about whether she should let them in or not.

Alec came to the door to her rescue, though his expression darkened the moment he saw who was standing outside. "What are you two doing here?"

"I want…to see…your grandfather, Alec," Mortimer spoke, words still choppy from not having spoken in so long.

Alec's brow furrowed deeply. "He doesn't want to see you."

"I know you hate me, Alec, but that's my father. Would he really feel that way?"

Mortimer asked helplessly.

Alec pursed his lips. In truth, he wasn't sure what his grandfather thought about Mortimer Faust. The old man hadn't mentioned a word of him since he came.

Alfred then said, "He's already come all this way. Just let them meet this once, at least. We can't exactly stop them from seeing each other. It's their business."

Alec glared at him. "What's this got to do with you?"

"You think I want to be involved?" Alfred scoffed. He wouldn't have come all the way to be face-to-face with Alec if his father hadn't requested to see the old man.

Still, the half-siblings didn't seem to be as hostile to each other as they used to Alec looked upstairs, hesitating before finally letting the two inside. "I'm warning you-if you upset Grandpa even the least bit, I'll throw you out myself."

He didn't trust Mortimer one bit. The old man was already weak in health. What if Mortimer pissed him off again, and his condition worsened?

After the two went in, Alfred brought Mortimer straight upstairs. Just as Jenny was about to close the door. Max showed up with Jade beside him.

"Hey! Fancy seeing you here~" Max cooed, no longer that cold, distant man Jenny first knew him as.

It looked like love could really change a person.

Jenny ignored him, turning to Jade instead. "What are you doing here, Jade?"

"I didn't plan to. He dragged me over, saying something like the more, the merrier." Jade shrugged awkwardly, especially feeling embarrassed with Max holding her hand.

She had long lost the innocent hope she had in love up until Max came into her life and swept her off her feet again.

"Are you sure it's okay if we join you guys? This isn't your place after all," Jade asked worriedly.

"Of course, it is. You're Jenny's friend, so you're mine too. Happy New Year's Eve," Alec said before Jenny could.

"Looks like you do know how to socialize!" Max scoffed.

Alec ignored him and let the two inside.

Jenny was feeling embarrassed, however. "Don't say it like that. They'll misunderstand."

"Misunderstand what?"

Jenny bit her lip, saying nothing, so Alec said, "I meant what I said. Mi casa es su casa. If you want to, you can even live here for the rest of your life."

"Like hell, I would." Jenny rolled her eyes and left for the living room.

Alec chuckled, amused. He rarely saw Jenny so flustered out in the open.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1047-Everyone Knows When Stephanie arrived, the sight of the house so packed with people took her by surprise.

"Uh…" Jenny squinted at Leonard, who was standing behind Stephanie.

Stephanie didn't bring him here to get back at Paul, did she?

As if anticipating Jenny's thoughts, Stephanie shook her head. "He came to find me right before I left, so I figured I might as well bring him along. You don't mind, do you?"

"Is that so?” Jenny asked, not buying her words whatsoever.

Stephanie rolled her eyes. "What do I get from lying to you, huh?"

Jenny huffed but let the two inside the house.

Melanie, Jade, and Janet were already getting along in the living room while the rest of the men were huddled around playing cards. The atmosphere was delightfully cheery.

"Steph!" Melanie waved happily when she spotted Stephanie, gesturing for her to head over.

That call instantly invited Paul's attention, who then noticed Leonard by Stephanie's side. His expression turned stormy in a split second.

Stephanie was about to ask if Leonard wanted to go with her when the man said, "Go ahead. I'll go join the cards table."

That was exactly what Stephanie was worried about because Paul was right among the group of men in the corner, eyeing both of them.

"Don't worry about me," Leonard assured her, even patting her gently on the head in an intimate gesture.

Stephanie blushed, then hurried over to Melanie.

Seeing that, Jenny grew amused. She said to Leonard, "Go on. Holler if you need help."

"Do you underestimate me, Miss Walter?" Leonard smiled. It wouldn't come to that extent, would it?

Jenny grinned. "You can’t promise anything on New Year's Eve.’ "Don't worry. I wont hurt anyone even if they throw the first punch.’ He was a police officer. Getting involved in fights was not part of his discipline.

Provided they didn't cross any lines, of course.

Jenny nodded and watched as Leonard went over to the cards table.

The moment he sat down, Max turned to gaze curiously at him. "Have we met, stranger?"

"It's possible. I've arrested a few Pearsons before." Leonard grinned. It made Max snicker fondly.

So this was the city's new Deputy Commissioner. Max's men had gotten into trouble because of him before.

Alfred reached out a hand to Leonard. ’Nice to meet you in person, Deputy Sullivan."

"Mr. Faust." Leonard nodded, returning the handshake.

"Ah, don't need to be so formal. Just call me Alfred." Alfred shrugged, wanting to build a connection with Leonard as well.

"Then you should drop the Deputy too. Just Leonard is fine.’ Just then, Paul scoffed. "Trying to climb your way up, Deputy?"

Everyone turned to look at him, most knowing why he was so pissy already.

It came as no surprise, of course, as Stephanie had come there with Leonard.

"You have a wild imagination, Mr. Wagner. There is no difference in ups or downs here-just ensuring everyone gets what they want in the end,’ Leonard casually responded, having already known the man and what went on between Stephanie and him.

There was no way he'd let her get back with Paul now.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1048-Pretend I Said Nothing Jenny and Alec had bore witness to the drama from the second-floor landing.

"Do you think…do you think Melanie has a chance?" Jenny asked with a sigh.

Melanie was a kind, sweet girl. Of all the other men in Bardoff City, why did she have to fall for Paul?

Alec sighed as well. "An incredibly slim one. Paul doesn't grow affection for someone that easily, and it's even harder for him to lose it."

He wouldn't give up even if Stephanie and Leonard ended up dating.

"Why don't you talk to him?" Jenny didn't want him to continue being a nuisance in Stephanie's life. Plus, Paul would be lucky to have someone like Melanie.

Alec shook his head. "You can't force people to like or dislike each other, Jenny."

"Alright…fine. I just hoped you could convince him to let it go."

Alec nodded. "In that case.J'll try my best."

But even he knew his best would amount to nothing.

Jenny glanced at the room Old Mr. Faust was staying in on the second floor. It had been some time since Alfred and Mortimer went inside. “…Do you think they're doing okay?"

"Yeah. Warren's in there watching out for Grandpa." Alec hadn't gone downstairs just in case something happened.

Just then, the door opened. Alfred wheeled out Mortimer. "You don't mind us sticking around for dinner later, do you?"

He'd helped Alec back then. One dinner together was reasonable, right?

"Whatever." Alec waved his hand nonchalantly. He'd just ignore them during dinner.

Just like that, two more people were added to the list of dinner attendees.

Five minutes before dinner, Alec was still lounging outside. Jenny guessed what he'd done at that point. "Did you order food already?"

"Mhm. No way could I cook for so many people all by myself. I'm not that capable." Alec grinned. 'Plus, I only like cooking when it's for you, not for anyone else."

Jenny rolled her eyes for the nth time tonight. "As if your cooking's any good."

"Oh? I thought I heard someone smacking their lips when I made dinner for her on several occasions.’ Jenny pouted, refusing to admit it out loud. Alec's cooking really was delicious.

But she wasn't going to let him have the win right now.

"You should go tell Grandpa it's time for dinner. I'll go tell the others."

"Alright."

Jenny went downstairs, sidling right up to Stephanie. "Are your parents celebrating New Year's Eve on their own?"

"Yeah. We already had New Year's lunch, and they know we get more active at night." Stephanie grinned. Her parents had literally pushed her out the door so she'd spend more time outside.

She wasn't getting younger after all. All they hoped was that she'd find a nice young man to settle down with soon.

"When will you bring Leonard over for dinner with your parents? I'm sure they'll love him." Jenny thought Leonard was the kind of guy all parents wanted for their daughters.

Stephanie scoffed. "What are you talking about? Why would I do that?"

"You could let them meet him and see what they think. They're spot on when it comes to reading people, you know," Jenny teased.

"And you're older than me. So if you're not in a rush, then I shouldn't be too."

"Fine, fine. Pretend I didn't say anything.' Sadly, Jenny was indeed getting old.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1049-Celebrate Next Year As the sky darkened and stars lit up among the clouds, Alec's food orders were delivered to his doorstep one after the other, to no one's surprise. It would be unreasonable to expect him to have cooked single-handedly for so many people.

The usually-quiet villa was now colored with movement and cheerful sound. The guests all sat together in the dining room around two tables. Old Mr. Faust was pleased by the sight. He had been worried Alec might end up lonely after he passed away, but that worry had now dissipated.

It looked like Alec had both friends and those he loved. Old Mr. Faust knew his grandson was in good hands then. The old man seemed to relax just like that, no longer having to burden himself with those worries.

As everyone conversed while eating, the warm, bubbly mood continued into the night.

Alec, who sat beside Jenny, said, "I hope we can celebrate like this next year too."

"Me too." Jenny nodded.

Though the future was unpredictable, they both held high hopes for what was to come in the new year.

Evan saw them speaking to one another, hushed below the cries and laughter of the guests but said nothing. Sadness clouded his heart at the sight. He started wondering if Howard's suggestion could be put into action.

At the other table sat Stephanie, wedged between Paul and Leonard, respectively. Melanie had wanted to sit beside her, but Paul had swiftly stolen the seat, much to her displeasure.

Paul didn't give a damn, though. He gave Stephanie some black-eyed peas.

"Here. They're your favorite, right?"

The atmosphere instantly grew awkward.

Before Stephanie could speak, Leonard immediately swapped his plate with Stephanie's. "Why don't you take care of your companion instead, Mr. Wagner?

I can look after Steph. Plus, she isn’t as fond of this anymore." With that, Leonard shoveled the portion of peas into his mouth.

Paul clenched his jaw, suddenly wanting to punch the man in the face." You think you know Stephanie?"

"Was I wrong, Steph?" Leonard asked gently.

Knowing it was his way of helping her, Stephanie shook her head. She looked at Paul. "He's right. I don't appreciate this dish anymore, Mr. Wagner. N In other words, I don't like you anymore.

"If your plan was to piss me off with him, Stephanie, then you've succeeded, "

Paul sneered contemptuously.

"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean.’ "Steph!" Paul growled out.

"Do you want to switch seats with me, Stephanie? That way, you can enjoy your meal in peace.’ "Okay." Stephanie nodded, then swapped places with Leonard.

It was a pretty amusing sight seeing the two men shoulder-to-shoulder with one another.

While Leonard was nonchalant about it, it was evident Paul was near boiling point.

"Alright? You better watch out!’ he hissed, glaring at Leonard. One could see the desire to kill in his eyes, and so could Leonard.

He didn't mind. "Oh? I'll be sure to wait and see what you have in store, Mr.

Wagner."

If Paul really did try to do something to him, it would be Leonard's greatest chance to arrest the man for his crimes once and for all.

To Be Yours Again By Taylor Chapter 1050-I Don't Want to Lose You If Paul really did do something illegal, no way would Leonard hold back.

This dinner wasn’t sufficient for them to make peace yet.

Knowing that, Paul shot the man a final glare before leaving the table.

It looked like someone lost their appetite.

No one else said anything as he left, all knowing the feud between him and Leonard.

Alec was about to leave the table and check on his friend before Jenny pulled him back down to sit. "He's taken care of for now."

Sure enough, Melanie rose from her seat and went after Paul. Clearly, Paul had his share of those who cared for him now.

Dinner then went on, Paul's absence not seeming to affect it.

An hour later, when dinner was over, everyone helped clean up, though no one left afterward. Alec had arranged for an outdoor barbecue session, and since it was New Year's Eve, it didn't make sense to leave before the clock struck midnight now that they were all there.

In the study, Alec was staring fixedly at Paul. "You want to do what to Leonard?"

"He deserves to die!’ Paul hissed, not bothering to hide his intention in front of Alec.

Alec rubbed his aching temples. This was not good. "You know who he is. Are you sure you want to sacrifice the rest of your life just to get back at him? In jail, too?"

Paul snorted, "You know what the rest of the police force in Bardoff City is like.

As long as he's the only one dead, no one else would bat an eye."

To Paul, money could solve everything.

"You can't do this. He's important for my endeavors, you know this, Paul.” Leonard was the only person Alec could rely on when it came to official business. Things would only go south if Paul insisted on killing him off when they hadn't produced any results yet.

Paul shot him a look. "There are better candidates than Leonard Sullivan. You cant control him, nor can you bribe him. It'll only get you in trouble."

"Paul-"

"I know why you're saying this. Jenny thinks he's compatible with Stephanie, so you're going to support her till the end, aren't you?" Paul wasn't an idiot.

Alec didn't refute, so Paul continued, "I'm not asking you to help me do this, Alec. You just need to stand back and not interfere. I don't want to lose you as a friend."

Alec's temples were throbbing now. "You want to kill Leonard so Stephanie will be with you again, but did you ever consider if that'll actually happen if you do this?"

At that point, it'd be the death of a human life that connects them.

Paul stayed silent, clearly considering it.

"I'm just saying maybe it's time to let go of Stephanie. You have Melanie, and she's a good choice. She genuinely-"

Paul glared at him instantly, making Alec stop what he was saying. "Look, if you really don't want anyone but Stephanie, then you shouldn't even be considering killing Leonard. Stephanie would only permanently end things with you."