My Beloved Has Risen from Death's Embrace novel Chapter 124

Leonard chuckled when he heard her words, his face breaking into a 'you must think I'm a fool' expression. How incredibly convenient it must have been for Orion to bump into the woman he'd been dreaming about for years right on the street?

Even if it were a coincidence, it surely was a planned one.

But observing their interactions, Leonard thought that their relationship wasn't as he had speculated. After all these years, Orion hadn't even dared to step closer to Xanthea, let alone date her.

"Hello, I'm Leonard."

He strode towards her with a beaming smile and introduced himself.

"Hello, I'm Xanthea."

"I've heard so much about you, Ms. Nightshade, but seeing is truly believing." Leonard's eyes traveled up and down her figure as if admiring a fine piece of art, unable to stop himself from exclaiming, "Ms. Nightshade, your beauty is simply otherworldly, far more stunning in person than on any screen. No wonder you're the muse of so many."

As he delivered the last line, he glanced meaningfully at Orion, catching a warning narrowing of the man's eyes.

Really?

Just a look and Orion's jealous?

Seeing the normally stoic Orion showing signs of thawing, treating a woman like his prized treasure, Leonard couldn't miss this.

"Thank you, Mr. Marlowe, you flatter me," Xanthea responded, puzzled by his effusive praise on their first meeting but replied politely nonetheless, "You yourself are quite the accomplished young man, well-renowned."

"Ms. Nightshade, please, let's keep it casual. We're all friends here. No need for formalities. Call me Leo, 'Mr. Marlowe' just ages me."

Leo?

Xanthea raised an eyebrow and thought it was interesting.

After his comment, Leonard sneaked a peek at Orion and indeed saw his expression darken visibly, then he opened his arms wide, moving to embrace Xanthea, "I grew up abroad and I'm quite fond of the greeting customs there, may I have the honor of a hug, ah!"

"You're here!"

"Leo didn't tell me, and I've been waiting upstairs all this time!"

She made a beeline for Orion, and upon reaching him, looked up with big, bashful eyes, sparkling brightly.

Xanthea watched her expressions, enjoying the drama unfold.

That wide smile, those fervent, glowing eyes – she must be Orion's little fan.

With her round face, big eyes, small cherry lips, and a cute nose, she looked like a pristine doll from a shop window. Orion indeed was a lucky man!

"Hmm."

Orion responded indifferently, then turned to Xanthea, "I need to discuss some business with Chairman Marlowe shortly. It'll take about two hours."