After saying that, Jessica only realized what she had said.
She was a little quick-tempered, but Carl had been very tolerant of her, even when he was pissed sometimes. But Leonardo was another story; he was not going to feel sorry for her.
Jessica gritted her teeth, regretting shooting her mouth off. Sure enough, the next second, she heard Leonardo threatening her with his grim voice.
“I dare you to say that again.”
There was no way Jessica would say that again. She was afraid that if she said that again, Leonardo would throw her out of the window.
Just then, someone barged through the door into Leonardo’s room. Jessica looked back and saw Carl. He was drenched in sweat, seemingly having just hurried back from somewhere. His hair was a mess, and he panted like a pig.
When he saw Jessica, he strode over and pulled her behind him, then told off Leonardo. “Leonardo, I know you are desperate, but please focus on the matter. Why are you bullying Jessica?”
He knew Leonardo’s temperament too well. After Summer left, Leonardo was depressed and would not hesitate to vent his anger on anyone who rubbed him the wrong way. Considering Jessica’s relationship with Summer, Jessica would surely stand on Summer’s side. Also, because of how outspoken Jessica was, she would surely offend Leonardo.
If not for someone telling him that Leonardo was looking for Jessica, he would not have known what happened today.
Leonardo looked at Carl for a while. His stare was getting on Carl’s nerves. He then looked down to hide his emotions as he spoke impassively. “I’m just asking her about Summer.”
Leonardo did not look like he was furious, so Carl became even bolder. “Summer is your wife, not Jessica’s. Your wife, your responsibility. Why ask others?”
What Carl said had a point and no point at the same time. However, it still struck Leonardo like lightning; he realized how little he knew about Summer. Other than her personal details, family background that he had investigated in the beginning, and her dream to become a screenwriter, he knew nothing about her.
After a long while, Leonardo said, “Get out of here.” His voice was soft and devoid of emotion. At the same time, it demanded absolute obedience.
Carl quickly held Jessica’s hand and wanted to bring her out of the room. Jessica tried to resist, but he tightened his grip on her hand, leaning forward to whisper into her ear. “Do you fancy being thrown out of the window by Leonardo?”
Jessica shot him a look, then gave him a good kicking in his leg. He gasped in pain but could do nothing about her.
Out of the room, the two of them cowardly leaned on the door and let out a sigh.
After a long while, Carl looked over at her. “Do you know where Summer is?”
“I don’t know.” Jessica hissed. “I won’t tell you even if I know. Men are good for nothing.”
She had thought that Leonardo was a wonderful man previously. She did not expect things to end up this way. How could it be possible that Summer pushed Grandpa Emerson? She was not an idiot. She then vented her frustration on Carl.
“Men should just get over themselves. Had it not been for Big Boss pressuring Summer’s back to the wall, she wouldn’t have run away.”
“What do you mean by men should just get over themselves?” Carl turned to look at her with his arms folded. “How did Leonardo pressure Summer? Things in the Emerson family are too complicated. It’s not easy to sort them out. But if she didn’t run away, Leonardo wouldn’t let anything happen to her.”
Jessica gave him a faint smile. “Oh, yeah. So Summer should have wagered herself on Leonardo? Just because of an uncertain so-called ‘wouldn’t let anything happen to her’?”
Carl could not find the words to respond. Jessica sneered, then she turned and left.
Carl stood on the spot, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. Earlier, when he knew that Leonardo had summoned Jessica, he was anxious, afraid that Leonardo might harm her. It turned out that she was all right, but he was not. He just wanted to have a good conversation with Jessica, but even that became something too much to hope for.
…
After Carl and Jessica left, the room was completely quiet. Leonardo sat down on the sofa, leaning his head back and staring into infinity. He looked extremely tired.
Summer was stubborn and strong-willed. If she could survive in the Jarrett family for so many years, she could likewise play cat and mouse with him using the same determination and patience.
If he continued to search for her, she would continue to evade him. She was probably already working out her next escape route now.
Thinking of that, Leonardo could not help but smirk. He and Summer were alike in this regard. Both of them were stubborn and persistent.
Recently their relationship had been tense. When he noticed that Summer was unhappy, he felt bad. However, the Grandpa Emerson incident was not what it seemed. He had to tread very carefully because he was afraid that if Summer knew too much, she could end up like Grandpa Emerson.
Once there was a soft spot, people would become too cautious. Since Grandpa Emerson fell and was hospitalized, he had been on the defensive. He could not openly investigate the death of his mom or prove Summer’s innocence. Perhaps her running away was a blessing in disguise. He had one less thing to worry about and could do what he was supposed to do.
There were knocks on the door, and Leonardo stood up, his face becoming impassive again.
“Come in.”
“Young Master.” Coming in was Tim. He nodded and spoke politely. “We have found Mrs. Emerson.”
Tim thought Leonardo would order for Summer to be brought back at once, but he waited for a long while and Leonardo had given no response. He tilted his head, carefully observing Leonardo’s reaction. Yet, he could see nothing. Leonardo seemed to be in a daze.
Finally, after a long while, Leonardo spoke. “Where?”
“Sydney,” Tim said. “If I’m not mistaken, she will be moving again very soon. If we send men—”
Before he could finish, Leonardo cut him off. “Don’t spook her.”
“What?” Tim could not believe what he heard. As far as his knowledge of Leonardo went, Leonardo was supposed to fly to Sydney and bring Summer back at once. But he heard Leonardo say he did not want to spook her.
“Young Master, do you mean we don’t have to send men to bring Mrs. Emerson back?” Tim needed to double confirm.
“No need.” Leonardo gave his affirmation.