Chapter 67
Chapter 67
‘She used to dislike me?’ Lisa’s words pierced Leonard’s aloof demeanor, causing him to raise his brow.
“Funnily enough, I used to dislike you too,” Leonard said as he unbuttoned his shirt collar with a smirk. He continued, “Lisa, do you know how reckless your actions were tonight?
“Standing up for your friend might’ve felt heroic, but did you consider what might’ve happened if I hadn’t intervened? Do you think Quince spared you because he genuinely thought his sister went too far?”
Lisa gradually paled as she bit her lip, saying, “I know it’s because of you.”
“I’m glad you’re aware,” Leonard sarcastically said, “The Fill family is a long-standing, influential name in Queenston with a century-old legacy. Madison is their precious gem.
“When you smeared the cake in her face, you didn’t just tarnish her but also her family’s reputation. Quince could’ve easily crushed you like an ant if he wanted. You nearly jeopardized your future.”
Lisa finally lifted her head and replied, “If I had the chance to redo everything, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Her swollen face looked unattractive in the moonlight. However, her eyes were resolute and pure, shining brighter than the stars in the sky. “That’s because I’m passionate and will always stand up for justice.”
Leonard became conflicted. Since being in high society for many years, he had long abandoned notions of passion and justice. At that moment, Lisa’s unwavering purity touched him. He said, “Lisa, justice without strength is foolishness.”
“Perhaps, but I’m only 22. Everyone has been reckless during youth. Maybe I’ll become a more polished egoist in a decade or two, but I’ll never regret what I did tonight.
“Why should Madison have the right to mock my friend? She demanded compensation from us and was trying to tra mple on our dignity.”
Anger surged in Lisa’s chest as she suppressed her tears. “If she finds delivery workers dirty, why doesn’t she do the job herself? Besides, what’s wrong with my friend being a delivery person? She earns her own money and works hard to change her life.
“If Madison looks down on the poor, she should have the ability not to rely on their services. Farmers grow the food she eats. The lower class also made the clothes and shoes she wears.’
The more Lisa spoke, the angrier she became. Her slender body trembled lightly in the night breeze as her eyes reddened. Still, she refused to shed a tear. She was angry not only for Celine but also for herself.
It was because she and Celine shared the same fate, but Celine was luckier.
Lisa knew she was impulsive. She envisioned the worst-case scenario before she made a move. She could end up in jail, be expelled from school, or lose the dowry.
She would not starve to death if she had working hands and feet. After all, she could always earn money. However, she could not swallow her pride. She only felt fear when the police arrested and brought her to the station.
Lisa had done what was necessary and would not show weakness. She believed she would lose if she did.
Lisa nearly lost control of her emotions as she finally expressed her grievances. This version of Lisa tugged at Leonard’s heart, and he felt remorse for speaking harshly to her earlier.
“Don’t cry.” Leonard’s voice strained. He instinctively searched for a napkin in his pocket.
“Who’s crying? I’m not going to cry.” Lisa’s voice was raspy as she sniffled.
She felt humiliated for nearly crying before Leonard, which did not match her strong demeanor. Lisa took a step forward and pushed Leonard away. She walked down the stairs, saying, “Thank you for today. I’m going to leave now.”
“Wait,” Leonard grabbed her wrist. “Where are you going looking like a ghost? I’ll take you to the hospital.”
“No thanks.”
“You have to go,” Leonard insisted, pulling her toward his car without another word.