My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 103: Fresh Lines

Leonard stood in front of the full-length mirror near his closet, whistling softly—low and tuneless, more habit than melody. A crisp white shirt stretched snug across his shoulders, tucked neatly into tailored black slacks. He rolled his tie between his fingers before looping it around his collar and knotting it with practiced ease.

It wasn’t a penthouse. Not even close. No marble countertops or private elevators. The bathroom light flickered if he turned it on too fast. The heater groaned like an old man during the night. But he looked around and, for once, didn’t mind the imperfections. If being here meant seeing the twins every day and maybe, just maybe, getting a bit closer to Katherine again—then this place was perfect.

He pulled on his black suit jacket and gave himself a once-over. "Not bad," he murmured to his reflection before running a hand through his slightly tousled hair. The corners of his mouth twitched upward as he remembered the look on Katherine’s face last night. Not exactly thrilled. Her eyes had gone wide, then flat. And Felix... Leonard chuckled softly. The guy looked ready to choke on his own tie.

Still whistling under his breath, Leonard grabbed his watch and slid it onto his wrist. As he exited the bedroom, he heard a muffled thump from the hallway. Probably one of the neighbors. He paused at the door, keys in hand, and looked toward the apartment directly across from his own—Katherine’s.

For a split second, he considered knocking. Maybe ask if the twins wanted to walk down with him. Maybe... maybe just see her face again. But he shook the thought off. Last night had already been enough of a shock. Pushing it now would be a mistake.

Tone it down, Leonard.

He adjusted his tie again and opened the door, stepping into the hallway. He locked the door behind him, gave one last lingering glance at Katherine’s, then headed for the elevator.

As the elevator doors slid open to the apartment lobby, Leonard stepped out, smoothing a hand down his coat. His eyes scanned the space automatically—habit more than intention.

That’s when he saw him.

Felix.

Felix was just approaching from the main door, dark-haired and immaculate in a dark navy suit, coat buttoned. Leonard’s jaw tightened before he even realized it. Of course he’d run into him eventually.

Felix crossed the lobby with that same composed, calculated stride. Not hurried, not hesitant. Just completely sure of himself, like he belonged everywhere and nowhere at once.

Leonard didn’t need to ask why he was here.

Of course it’s Katherine.

Of course Felix would find a reason to drop by, to linger around the kids, around her. He didn’t need a key or an invitation. The man had long since carved out his place in that space—in her space. And worse, he did it without ever overstepping. Without ever giving anyone a reason to question it.

Leonard’s jaw clenched tighter. That thought—he doesn’t even have to try—rankled more than he wanted to admit. He hadn’t come back to compete. He told himself that again. This wasn’t about territory. He was here for the twins. For closure. For maybe a chance at—

Then their eyes met.

"Leonard," Felix greeted coolly, stepping up beside him near the elevator doors.

"Felix," Leonard returned, equally level.

There was a moment of loaded silence between them.

Felix spoke first. "I have to admit, that move was... bold."

Leonard raised an eyebrow. "Bold?"

"Taking the apartment across from Katherine’s. You really don’t waste time."

Leonard tilted his head, lips quirking with faint amusement. "Didn’t realize you kept track of my real estate decisions."

"Only when they’re less about real estate and more about strategy."

Leonard crossed his arms. "If you’re calling it strategy, then I guess it’s working."

Felix gave a low, humorless chuckle. "You know what I call it? Desperate."

Leonard smiled, slow and unbothered. "Desperate would’ve been begging her to let me stay overnight. I just moved closer to my kids. You call that desperate, I call it... responsible."

"Responsible?" Felix repeated. "After vanishing on her for years, now you want credit for playing house down the hall?"

Leonard’s smile tightened just slightly. "I never said I deserved credit. But I deserve a chance."

Felix stepped a bit closer, his voice dropping a notch. "And what if I told you... she already gave that chance to someone else?"

Leonard’s eyes didn’t flinch. "Then I hope he’s good enough to hold onto it."

Leonard and Felix stood barely a foot apart now, their eyes locked in the kind of stare that said more than words ever could.

Neither moved.

Felix’s jaw was set, his expression calm but unmistakably firm. Not angry—he was too controlled for that—but there was heat beneath the surface. A quiet warning. The kind that said I’m watching you. Don’t give me a reason.

"Kids seem happy," Leonard said finally, smoothing the lapels of his jacket. "That’s what matters, isn’t it?"

Felix gave a short nod. "They are. But it’s not just about the twins, and you know it."

Leonard didn’t respond right away. His jaw ticked, and his gaze shifted away to the door.

"I’m not here to steal her away, Felix," Leonard murmured. "I’m here to earn my place again. That’s the difference between you and me. I’m not pretending to be someone new."

Felix leaned against the opposite wall, eyes hard. "And I’m not pretending to be someone she used to love."

Felix didn’t say another word. His fingers moved with quiet precision as he reached out and pressed the elevator button. A soft chime echoed through the lobby. The doors slid open a second later.

He stepped inside without looking back, but once inside, he turned—facing Leonard squarely as the doors remained open for just a beat longer.

"Enjoy the modest apartment," he said smoothly, stepping out.

Leonard smirked. "Enjoy being the second man to walk through her door."

Felix paused. Just slightly.

The elevator doors began to slide shut between them, cutting through the tension like a blade.

But Leonard saw it. A crack in that perfect composure.