Chapter 4
Leading the way was Ares Leonardo, dressed in gray casual wear.
The Leonardo family was a scholarly household from River City.
Three generations of their family, including Ares himself and his son Eric Leonardo, were professors at the city’s prestigious university of law and politics.
While they had never pursued politics or business, they were revered educators, with countless disciples spread across the country.
Their network of influence was formidable.
I met Ares during one of my morning runs when I saw him playing chess in the park. Impressed by his skill, I challenged him to a game, and we gradually became chess buddies and close friends.
He didn’t know I was married and had been trying to introduce his son to me.
As for his son, Eric Leonardo, on the surface, he was a sunny young professor. In reality, he was a thrill–seeking daredevil who rode motorcycles, drank heavily, and lived recklessly.
“Uncle Leonardo, you’re finally here!”
. Elsie immediately slipped on her shoes and rushed to greet him.
The others, including Troy, also went to meet them.
Jace Arden shot me a vicious glare.
“You think you can control me through business? Let me tell you, the Leonardo family’s connections are beyond your imagination, and the mysterious owner of Swift Manor is incredibly powerful. Once I establish a connection, you’ll be finished!”
“I’ve already told you–Swift Manor is mine. Why don’t you believe me?”
I sighed helplessly.
By then, Elsie had already brought the Leonardo father and son over.
“Ares Leonardo, with his poor eyesight, didn’t recognize me at first.
Our Daughter Almost Killed For His Mistress’s Christmas
But Erie Leonardo’s sharp eyes immediately spotted me, a hint of surprise flickering across his face.
Dressed casually as always, with slightly messy yet perfectly styled hair, Eric exuded a natural, sunny charm.
Even I had to admit–this man was like a born seducer.
Without any deliberate effort, even a casual glance could effortlessly captivate a woman.
When Elsie saw that I was still seated, she immediately scolded me, “Rachel Swift, you insolent thing! Don’t you see that Mr. Leonardo is here? How dare you remain seated instead of standing to
greet him?”
Troy quickly chimed in, “Rachel, get up right now!”
“I’ve known Mr. Leonardo for years; there’s no need to be so formal.”
I smiled and casually retrieved a chess set from beneath the tea table by the pavilion.
Then, I effortlessly placed the tea set back in its original position, my familiarity with the setup
unmistakable.
Elsie Alison shot me a glare before turning to Ares Leonardo. “I apologize, Uncle Leonardo. Rachel Swift is just a lowly nobody who doesn’t know her place. Please don’t take offense…
“Whose ancestors weren’t lowly nobodies?”
Ares Leonardo interrupted her sharply, casting her a cold glance before turning to me.
His expression immediately softened, and he rubbed his hands together like an excited old fox. “Rachel, my dear, if I can’t beat you today, I’ll give you my son!”
Eric Leonardo rolled his eyes, and so did I.
Meanwhile, Troy Kayden, Elsie Alison, and Jace Arden were completely dumbfounded.
Elsie watched in disbelief as Ares sat across from me and began setting up the chessboard. She hurried over, stammering, “Uncle Leonardo, do you… know her?”
Without lifting his head, Ares replied, “You used your grandfather’s name to ask me to introduce you
to the owner of Swift Manor.
She’s right in front of you, yet you insult her as a lowly nobody. The Alison family has truly lost its Fanch.”
¿
What?”
Elsie was struck dumb.
The others, too, were at a complete loss for words.
Troy stared at me, his face a mixture of shock and disbelief. Like the others, he couldn’t fathom that I might actually be the owner of Swift Manor.
After a long pause, Elsie finally muttered, “That’s impossible. I heard the owner of this manor has close ties to several powerful heirs in the Capital City circle. Someone like Rachel, with her humble background, couldn’t possibly…”
Ares, clearly irritated, snapped, “I wouldn’t know about that. But one thing I’m certain of–Rachel is the owner of this manor. Now that I’ve made the introduction, consider our dealings done. Don’t bother me with your family’s affairs anymore.”
“I..”
Elsie looked like she had suffered a massive loss.
I glanced at her, casually placing a chess piece on the board.
Your confidence in making me lose everything relied on the owner of Swift Manor. Since I am that owner, isn’t it laughable that your confidence was misplaced?”
Elsie’s lips trembled. She could never have imagined that the person she desperately wanted to ingratiate herself with was the very person she looked down upon.
At that moment, several staff members approached.
The one leading them was a young man exuding an air of authority and elegance far beyond his
years.
Elsie froze at the sight of him. After a moment, she quickly stepped forward, bowing slightly as she asked, “Excuse me, are you from the Leonardo family in the Capital City?”
