My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 75: Uninvited Conversations

Katherine stood by the tall window of her hotel room, a steaming cup of tea nestled between her palms. Outside, the city was already alive. But all of it felt distant, like white noise.

What really grounded her this morning wasn’t the convention outside—it was the familiar sound of her children’s laughter through the phone just an hour ago.

Nathan had been excitedly telling her about the hallway so long it was "like a race track," and Maya had shown her a drawing of Felix with what suspiciously looked like cat ears. Katherine had laughed through the screen, unable to hide the affection softening her entire face.

Felix’s voice, warm and slightly raspy from sleep, had done something to her too. Grounded her. Settled her.

They’re okay. The twins were safe and happy, and Felix—of course—was incredible with them. He had always had that ability to make children trust him without trying too hard.

She exhaled deeply and took another sip of her tea, allowing herself just one more moment before the storm.

This whole trip wasn’t just about the convention anymore. It was also about Leonard Ford.

And unlike everything else, he required armor.

She braced herself inside—running through every possible scenario in her head. What to say if Leonard cornered her. What to say if he apologized. What to say if he didn’t.

As she slipped on her blazer and gave her reflection one last glance, her expression was calm. Controlled. Her heartbeat was steady. She had to stay strong.

Katherine made her way down to the hotel’s breakfast hall. People were already seated in groups and she scanned the room discreetly. Her eyes flicked past every tailored suit and familiar silhouette, heart giving a small jump every time she thought she saw him.

But—nothing. Leonard wasn’t there.

Good.

Katherine released a breath she didn’t realize she was holding and made her way to the buffet line. She grabbed whatever she wanted to eat before heading to a corner table near the window.

She sat down slowly, placing her purse on the empty chair beside her, keeping her back straight. Her fingers gently tore at the croissant, dipping a piece into her coffee before bringing it to her mouth.

And just as she began to chew—

Scrrrrch.

The unmistakable sound of a chair being pulled back across the marble floor.

Katherine froze.

She looked up—and her stomach dropped.

"Good morning," Leonard said, settling himself across from her like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Her jaw tightened before she gave a curt nod. "Morning, Mr. Ford."

His eyes, that used to pull her in without effort, crinkled slightly, amused. "Back to ’Mr. Ford,’ huh? That’s cold. Especially after I got to hear you say my name again last night."

Katherine didn’t answer. She took another bite of her croissant, forced herself to chew, then sip her coffee, all while keeping her gaze pointedly away from his face. The heat in her chest wasn’t from embarrassment, it was from irritation.

Just eat quickly and leave. Don’t give him space to dig.

"Are you okay?" Leonard asked suddenly, his voice softer this time. "How’s your foot?"

She glanced at him, just briefly. "It’s fine. Nothing for you to worry about."

Leonard tilted his head. "How could it be nothing when you’re the woman I care about?"

Katherine stilled.

She exhaled slowly, her eyes narrowing. "Just don’t."

"I’m just saying the truth."

She set her fork down with a quiet clink. "We’re not doing this. I came here for work. Not to rehash whatever you think we still have."

Leonard looked at her for a long moment. His expression didn’t shift with annoyance or offense—only a slight dip of his brows, a quiet calculation behind his gaze. He leaned forward, clasping his hands on the table. "I’m not trying to fight with you."

"Good. Because I’m not here to entertain you either."

Leonard gave a small sigh, like a man too tired to play games but still clinging to hope. "Katherine, I’m not your enemy."

"You might as well be," she said, voice quiet but firm.

He flinched. Just barely.

Silence settled between them like fog. The clatter of dishes and distant conversations filled the room, but it all seemed muted compared to the sharp tension that hovered at their table.

Katherine picked up her coffee again, now lukewarm. She took another sip simply to have something to do. She focused on her food, chewing, swallowing, forcing the routine to continue. Just finish breakfast. Stand. Walk away.

Leonard remained seated across from her, watching.

When her plate was empty, she dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin, stood up slowly, and reached for her purse.

She didn’t expect his hand.

It reached across the table and gently wrapped around her wrist—not harsh, not demanding, just a touch to hold her in place.

"Katherine," Leonard said, voice low and steady. "Please. Just give me five minutes. That’s all I need."

She stared at him.

At the way his fingers curled softly around her wrist. At how his thumb hesitated, barely grazing her skin like he was afraid she’d disappear if he held too tightly.

Her heart gave a painful thud, and she hated that it did.

His gaze was locked onto hers, no arrogance there. Just something raw. Earnest. Something that made her breath catch against her will.

"I’m not asking for everything," he said quietly. "Just a proper talk. No accusations. No defenses. Just... you and me. Like we used to."

Her eyes dropped to his hand, still holding hers.

And she hated how familiar it felt.

How warm.

How part of her still remembered what it was like to be held by him when the world felt like it was falling apart.

But that part had also cried itself to sleep.

Katherine didn’t pull away.

Not yet.

But she didn’t answer either.

She just stared at their hands, her breath shallow, her mind spiraling with everything she didn’t say out loud.