My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 108: A Move Worth Making

Leonard barely registered the sound of his name the first time. It was only after the third call—sharper, more impatient—that he blinked out of the haze of memory.

"Mr. Ford," Becca said, her brows arched as she stood just a few feet from his desk, tablet in hand. "Did you hear what I just said?"

Leonard exhaled and adjusted his posture, the distant weight of old memories slowly peeling off his expression like fog burned away by daylight.

"Sorry," he said, his voice rougher than he liked. "Got a bit distracted. Go on."

Becca hesitated a second longer before launching back into her report about the Rothman account. Leonard tried—he really tried—to focus. Her voice was steady, her tone professional, and her notes well-prepared as always, but the sharp echo of Miranda’s laugh and the sting of betrayal were still burning behind his eyes. The image of her half-naked on another man’s lap, that smug expression on both their faces... it had carved itself deep.

He flexed his fingers once beneath the desk, grounding himself.

Don’t let her ruin your day.

Becca finished her summary with a small glance toward him, and Leonard gave her a nod. "Noted. Send me the report and the numbers. I’ll review them tonight."

She left with a polite smile, though Leonard could tell she was still mildly concerned. He didn’t blame her. He wasn’t exactly the picture of composure this morning.

Just as he leaned back and rubbed at the bridge of his nose, his phone buzzed.

The screen flashed with Claudio’s name.

Leonard considered ignoring it—his patience already worn thin—but something told him the man wouldn’t stop calling until he answered. With a sigh, he hit accept.

"Claudio," he greeted, voice low.

"Where the hell were you last night?" Claudio’s voice came without preamble. "I went to your place. The guards said—and I quote—you wouldn’t be home for a while. What does that even mean?"

Leonard chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. "It means exactly what it sounds like. I moved out."

"You what?" Claudio’s voice cracked through the speaker like a whip. "Where? Why? What’s wrong with your estate? The one with three kitchens and two private cinemas?"

Leonard leaned forward, resting his elbow on the desk. "Let’s just say... I’m on a special mission."

"Oh for—Leonard, can you not do this ’mysterious cryptic agent’ crap right now?" Claudio snapped. "It’s too early for this. Where did you go?"

Leonard smirked and leaned back again. "You don’t need to worry about me. I’m fine."

Claudio made a low sound of exasperation, the kind that meant he was pinching the bridge of his nose while pacing a room somewhere. Leonard could picture it vividly.

Leonard tilted his head back, eyes tracing the faint cracks in the ceiling as Claudio’s voice crackled through the speaker.

"Unbelievable," Claudio said after the silence stretched a beat too long. "Would it kill you to just spill it out already?"

He didn’t answer right away. Not because he was trying to be difficult—or secretive. Just... this wasn’t the way he liked to talk. Not over the phone.

He would tell Claudio everything. Eventually.

Leonard chuckled, low and wry. "Patience, brother."

"I have been patient enough," Claudio shot back.

"And for that," Leonard said, his voice smooth and slightly amused, "I thank you, dear brother."

There was a beat of silence.

Then a distinct gagging sound echoed through the speaker.

Leonard raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching. "Did you just gag?"

"Violently," Claudio replied. "Don’t ever call me ’dear brother’ again like you’re some Victorian ghost with a tragic secret. I can’t take it."

Leonard chuckled. "Duly noted. So, why did you come to my place last night?"

"Oh, yeah, about that" Claudio continued. "Julio wants you at his birthday party. He made it very clear he wants to hand you the invitation himself. That’s why I dropped by last night."

Leonard blinked. "His birthday’s coming up already?"

"Yep. Next Saturday."

Leonard smiled to himself. "He’s growing up too fast."

"You’re telling me. Anyway, any idea what you’re getting him?"

Leonard swiveled slightly in his chair, looking out the window. "Not yet. Any recommendations?"

"Come on," Claudio said with mock offense. "You’re his favorite uncle. Julio will love anything you give him. You could wrap up a stick and he’d be thrilled."

Leonard laughed. "I’ll do better than a stick."

"Please," Claudio said dryly. "I know your version of ’better’ is probably a drone helicopter with a missile launcher."

"...Not a bad idea."

Claudio groaned again. "I’m hanging up before you start Googling toy flamethrowers. But seriously—take care of yourself. And let me know where you moved. For real."

Leonard nodded. "Will do."

He hung up the phone and let the smile linger a little longer. He hadn’t laughed like that in a while. Not since...

He glanced around his office. The walls were glass, the city glimmering on the other side. Everything here was expensive, cold, and powerful. And yet, it was the tiny hallway outside Katherine’s door that now felt like home.

He stood and walked to the window, hands in his pockets, gaze fixed on the skyline.

This... this was a move worth making. Even if Katherine didn’t fully welcome it yet. Even if Felix hovered like a constant rival. Even if Miranda, like a ghost from a decaying past, still lurked in corners with her sickening smiles.

He’d moved for the twins, yes—but also for her.

For the possibility of redemption.

For the hope of healing.

His phone buzzed again. A text. From Claudio.

"You better tell me everything next time we meet. And it better be a damn good thing."

Leonard stared at the screen for a moment, lips tugging into the faintest smile. Typical Claudio—no opening, no sugarcoating. Just the kind of brotherly demand that sounded like a threat but landed like a tether.

He typed back, slowly.

"You’ll get your story. And I bet you it’s a good thing."