Abandoned by All I Took It All Back novel Chapter 496

It was as if they could all see a future where West was constantly being pushed around by Leda.

Grace instinctively glanced at her other children.

They all looked constipated, like they wanted to laugh but didn't dare.

Her gaze shifted to the right, where she saw West staring at Leda for a long moment before suddenly breaking into a smile.

Grace’s heart skipped a beat.

Oh no.

Don't tell me West is actually going to be a kept man!

Just as Grace was concluding that her son was about to live off a woman, West's calm voice cut through the air.

“Miss Renata, my principles haven't changed. If I'm going to get married, it will be to someone I love. It's quite clear you are not that person. If you're looking for a husband, I can tell you unequivocally that I am not your best choice, and I will not choose you.”

West's rejection was direct and without a single wasted word.

He had sat and talked with Leda for so long for two reasons. First, she had come from a long way, and it was the New Year; he didn't want to embarrass his parents or her. Second, it was a matter of basic respect for a woman. He had patiently listened to her finish speaking, which he felt was more than enough courtesy.

But Leda had pushed her luck, acting as if he had no other options and looking down on him, making it sound as though he was lucky to even be in her presence.

Even if he were marrying up, she didn't need to announce it in front of everyone, especially since it was their first time meeting.

He finally understood why a 35-year-old woman like Leda still had to go on blind dates.

With her credentials, she must have plenty of suitors, but her personality was clearly a roadblock for any man who tried to get close.

She was far too self-important.

At this point, West couldn't even be bothered to pretend anymore. He just wanted to end this pointless blind date as quickly as possible.

The friends had discussed it and decided to secretly pool some emergency funds for Wendy. With her moving to Dawnhaven, they weren't sure what her situation would be like. Being far away, they couldn't be there for her physically, so money was the most reliable support they could offer.

The original plan was for Janina to return to Clayborne City the day after tomorrow, spending the remaining days with their friends to see Wendy off properly.

She pressed the answer key. “Hello—”

“Nina, something terrible has happened! At Wendy’s… there’s been a homicide! You need to come back, quickly! Melody and I are on our way to the hospital right now.”

The moment the call connected, Maggie’s urgent, panicked voice came through.

“A homicide? What are you talking about? Tell me clearly, what happened to Wendy? Is she… How is she? Don't scare me…”

Janina’s words tumbled out incoherently. The phone nearly slipped from her grasp as she staggered back a step, her voice trembling uncontrollably.

Although the others in the room couldn't hear the other end of the conversation, seeing the look on Janina’s face and hearing her mention a homicide, they could all guess that something awful had occurred.