My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 69: Good Thing

Leonard reclined on the plush armchair in his hotel suite. In his hand, his phone vibrated softly, signaling a new message.

He glanced at the screen, a smile playing on his lips as he read Becca’s update:

She’s here.

Leonard’s smile deepened, a mix of satisfaction and anticipation curling in his chest. He had always delegated attendance at these conventions, finding them tedious and redundant. But this year was different. The possibility of seeing Katherine again, in a professional setting no less, had been too tempting to resist. And now, with Becca’s confirmation, he knew he had made the right call.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. He rose and opened the door to reveal Becca, her expression composed, as always.

"Hei, Becca," he greeted, stepping aside to let her in.

"Good evening, Mr. Ford," she replied, entering the suite with grace. She carried a tablet, undoubtedly filled with notes and observations.

They settled into the living room area, Leonard pouring himself a glass of water from the crystal decanter in the middle of the table, then nodded toward it. "Help yourself," he said.

"Thanks," Becca said with a small smile, but didn’t reach for it.

"So," he began, taking a sip, "tell me more about Katherine’s presence here."

Becca nodded, tapping on her tablet. "She arrived earlier today, alone. Checked into her room without any company. I observed her attending the opening seminar, taking notes diligently. No signs of any acquaintances or colleagues accompanying her."

Leonard swirled the water in his glass absentmindedly, his eyes fixed on the pale ripples as Becca spoke. As she finished, he glanced up.

"You’re sure she was alone?"

Becca looked up from her tablet, brows slightly raised. "Yeah. So far, everything points to that."

Leonard nodded slowly, his gaze drifting to the decanter again. A beat passed.

"So," he said, keeping his tone casual, "no Felix Crawford in sight?"

Becca shook her head. "No. I double-checked the guest list and arrivals. He’s not registered at the hotel. No sightings, no mentions."

A flicker of something crossed Leonard’s face—a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, gone as quickly as it came. He leaned back into the soft cushions, glass resting loosely in one hand.

"Okay," he murmured.

Becca tilted her head, watching him for a moment. "You were expecting him?"

Leonard didn’t answer right away. He simply smiled to himself, a quiet sort of smile—thoughtful, contained.

"No, just curious," he said finally. So, what’s on the evening schedule?"

"The formal dinner starts at seven in the grand ballroom," Becca replied. "Your attendance would be... advised."

Leonard tilted his head. "Advised?"

Becca shrugged slightly. "You’ve already checked in. People know you’re here. If you’re seen only in your suite, it might send the wrong message. Or worse, suggest you’re avoiding something."

He exhaled through his nose and nodded. "Fine. I’ll go. Thank you, Becca. Anything else?"

"No." She stood, brushing her skirt smooth. "I think I should let you rest for now, Mr. Ford."

Leonard stood, escorting her to the door. "Thank you, Becca. Your discretion and efficiency are, as always, appreciated."

She inclined her head. "Of course, Mr. Ford."

Once alone, Leonard returned to his seat, his mind replaying the details Becca had shared. He appreciated her professionalism, her ability to provide information without overstepping boundaries. It was one of the reasons he valued her as his secretary.

As night fell, Leonard stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the silver cufflinks on his sleeves. The tailored navy tuxedo hugged his frame perfectly, crisp and stately. It had been a while since he wore something this formal for anything other than board meetings or charity galas.

But this wasn’t about business tonight.

This was about her.

The ballroom was already bustling by the time he arrived. Elegant chandeliers glowed overhead, casting golden light onto round tables adorned with crystal and white roses. Servers in black vests weaved silently between guests, carrying silver trays of champagne.

He moved through the crowd effortlessly, nodding politely at a few familiar faces. Small talk was easy, automatic. His mind was elsewhere.

Where was she?

Then he saw her.

Across the room, near the arched windows, Katherine stood in conversation with an older woman. Her dress was a deep forest green that hugged her figure modestly but elegantly. Her hair was down, waves softly brushing her shoulders. She looked composed, but her fingers lightly fiddled with the clutch in her hands.

Nervous. Just a little.

Leonard stayed at a distance. He wasn’t ready to approach—not yet. Let her exist in this room without the pressure of his presence. He could wait. For now, he merely observed. And when she slipped away from the crowd after dinner, heading toward the bar area just off the ballroom, he followed—but not too closely.

And then he saw her.

Katherine sat alone at the far end of the bar, a glass of wine in hand, her posture relaxed yet so elegant. She was dressed in a sleek black dress, her hair pulled back in a simple yet elegant style.

Leonard felt a surge of emotions—nostalgia, curiosity, a hint of regret. He watched as she took a sip of her wine, her eyes focused on the glass, lost in thought.

He stood, adjusting his jacket, and made his way towards her, choosing a seat two stools away. He didn’t want to startle her, to invade her space too abruptly. Instead, he waited, allowing a moment to pass before speaking.

"Katherine," he said softly, his voice carrying just enough to reach her ears.

She turned, surprise flickering in her eyes as she recognized him. A million of emotions crossed her face—shock, confusion, perhaps a touch of annoyance.

He offered a warm smile. "I’m so happy to see you here."

Leonard braced himself, expecting a cold shoulder or a clipped excuse about needing to be somewhere. She had every reason to walk away. After everything, he wouldn’t have blamed her.

But instead...

"Mr. Ford," she called. "I wasn’t expecting to see you here."

Leonard blinked. That formality landed like a soft slap, too formal for his liking, but definitely better than being ignored.

And that, for Leonard, was a good thing.