Chapter 2 Gifts Taken Back

• Lillian scoffed dismissively, "How could I possibly be privy to the woes of the affluent? And this matter bears no relevance to you whatsoever!"
• Leon sneered inwardly. Nothing to do with me?
• Apart from being the scion of the revered divine healer of Ridge Mountain, Leon harboured another identity—the illegitimate offspring of Ferguson White, the patriarch of the White Financial Group.
• A decade prior, the Whites had unearthed Leon's existence and beckoned him to assume control of the family empire.
• Yet, had Leon acquiesced at that juncture, the Simpsons would have faced dire peril.
• Driven by loyalty to the Simpsons, Leon forsook a life of opulence, dedicating a decade to procuring herbs on the mountain's slopes to sustain them.
• Now that the Simpsons had regained their health and the stipulated decade had elapsed, Leon descended from the mountain, much to the Whites' eager anticipation, prompting immediate contact with him.
• It was Leon who directed the White Financial Group to dispatch a dignified betrothal offering to Yamila.
• Had it not been for Yamila's intervention years prior, Leon would have met his demise at the mountain's base.
• Yet, with each subsequent visit to the Simpsons, murmurs and whispers trailed Leon's presence, the undertone of disdain palpable, hinting at his perceived inadequacy as Yamila's suitor.
• Leon understood that, despite his relative naivete.
• Now that Leon had reclaimed his rightful standing, his utmost desire was for Yamila's happiness.
• However, his actions had inadvertently spawned a huge misunderstanding within the Simpsons' household.
• In a startling twist, the Simpsons had forsaken Leon in favour of a more prestigious lineage!
• For a decade, Leon had braved perilous cliffs daily to secure herbs, all in a bid to mend the future bride's family, only to be met with indifference rather than appreciation.
• A chill crept into Leon's heart, a stark realisation of the caprice of human sentiments.
• A decade of lifesaving efforts paled against the allure of wealth.
• His countenance twisted in bitterness as he declared, "I care not for your choice. My concern lies solely with Mila's wishes."
• From childhood, Leon could never erase the memory of the girl who had carried him on her back for over ten kilometres.
• If Yamila voiced her reluctance to wed him, he would depart without a second thought.
• The collapse of a decade-long affection in the face of material gain bewildered him.
• Lillian sneered disdainfully, "Mila? Do not delude yourself. Leave, and never entertain the notion of laying eyes on our Mila again.
• "Mila has borne the brunt of criticism because of you all these years. Leave! Gather your belongings and vacate this place, lest we involve the authorities!"
• Under the influence of Lillian and Nova, Leon was unceremoniously ousted from the Simpsons' abode.
• His possessions were callously cast onto the pavement, a tableau of tattered garments and scattered medical apparatus.
• Nova regarded him with disdain, her tone frigid as she remarked, "Look at you, in your wretched state, daring to aspire to marry my sister. Be gone!"
• With a whirlwind of emotions swirling within him, Leon gathered his belongings.
• As he concluded packing, a swarm of reporters descended upon him, thrusting multiple microphones in his direction, and bombarding him with inquiries.
• "Are you engaged to Miss Simpson?"
• "After spending a decade on the mountain, do you feel estranged from society?"
• "Are you destitute now? Do you intend to wed into the Simpsons?"
• "Rumours circulate that you were expelled for assaulting your sister-in-law. Is there any truth to this?"
• "Why'd you do it, huh? Lost control? Is your sister-in-law just too irresistible?"
• As the reporters approached, Nova's expression shifted to one of distress, her voice raised in exclamation, "Leon! You brute. Still nursing fantasies about marrying my sister? Outrageous!"
• Several reporters redirected their attention to Nova. "Who are you?"
• "I'm his sister-in-law. Tomorrow's his wedding with my sister, and he pulls something like this! He's a brute!" She cried.
• It was obvious these reporters were working for the Simpsons. Without probing further, they merely listened to Nova's account, depriving Leon of a chance to defend himself.
• Watching this unfold, Leon felt a pang of despondency.
• The Simpsons were evidently willing to besmirch his name to shield their own.
• In the Simpsons' eyes, Leon was naught but a pauper, unworthy of regard. Even if they cast him into oblivion, it would hardly raise an eyebrow.
• Leon retrieved his phone and dialled a number.
• A voice brimming with anticipation greeted him from the other end.
• "It's me, John, Mr. Leon! I'm here! Now that I've finally called, what can I do to help you?"
• Leon's tone was frosty as he issued his command, "Retrieve the betrothal gifts from the Simpsons."
• John was taken aback. "Understood, I'll handle it right away!"
• In less than fifteen minutes, a Rolls-Royce glided to a halt at the entrance.
• Several impeccably dressed young men emerged from the vehicle, striding purposefully towards the Simpsons' abode.
• Nova was caught off guard. "Who are you?"
• At the sight of the Rolls-Royce, Nova stood frozen in place.
• Outside, the reporters, upon spotting the car, exclaimed, "Isn't that the White Financial Group's vehicle?"
• At the mention of this, Nova hurried indoors.
• Meanwhile, Lillian and her kin emerged. Upon sighting the representatives from the White Financial Group, Lillian extended a warm welcome, surpassing even that offered to her own parents.
• "What can I do for you?" she inquired.
• The leader of the young men queried, "Where are the betrothal gifts?"
• Lillian, appearing puzzled, gestured towards the basement. "What's going on?"
• Wordlessly, the young men dashed into the basement, retrieved the betrothal gifts, and departed without delay!
• Lillian stood dumbfounded. "What's the meaning of this? Why are you taking everything? Hey! Those are our betrothal gifts. Put them back!"
• Unfortunately, Lillian dared not contest the actions of the White Financial Group's representatives, and soon, all the betrothal gifts were whisked away.
• Rushing to the door, Lillian watched the Rolls-Royce drive off, her complexion drained of colour.
• Several reporters approached for an interview. "Emery, we heard that the White Financial Group presented betrothal gifts to the Simpsons a few days ago. What just happened? Have they reclaimed the betrothal gifts?"
• "Has the White Financial Group called off the engagement with your daughter?"
• "Is this related to your daughter's fiance?"
• Faced with the barrage of questions, Lillian found herself somewhat overwhelmed. "No comment! No comment!"
• ...
• The morning headlines buzzed with news about the Simpsons, but there was no mention of the alleged assault involving Leon and Nova.
• Instead, the spotlight fell on the previous night's betrothal gifts. 'White Financial Group rethinking marriage alliance with the Simpsons—wealthy family playing games with the Simpsons?'
• As Lillian read the headlines, her face flushed with anger, and she angrily hurled a teacup to the ground.
• "This is all that cursed Leon's doing. He must have caused such a commotion during his recent visit that the White Financial Group changed their minds!"
• Nova nodded vigorously. "Exactly! It's because Mr. White got wind of my sister's engagement and decided to retract the betrothal gifts!"
• "That Leon is nothing but a harbinger of misfortune!"