My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 99: No Appointment Needed

Leonard felt oddly light as he drove through the streets. His hands rested firmly on the steering wheel, but every few seconds, he glanced into the rearview mirror—not at the road behind him, but at the two small figures giggling in the backseat.

"Is the seat comfy?" he asked, eyes bright.

"Yup!" Maya chirped, bouncing a little. "It smells new!"

Nathan nodded, adjusting his seatbelt like a grown-up. "It has cupholders. And it doesn’t squish."

Leonard chuckled softly. I picked the right model, he thought proudly. The new backseat booster cushions were top-of-the-line, customized and installed just yesterday. It had taken him a few days to decide—he hadn’t known their favorite colors, or whether their preferred soft leather or fabric—but he guessed.

And somehow, he got it right.

He still couldn’t quite believe it. That Katherine had said yes. That she had let him take the twins to school. He’d walked into the apartment this morning half-expecting her to say no, to slam the door in his face, to remind him—yet again—of all the things he’d done wrong.

But instead... she had stepped aside. Said "okay." Given him a chance.

He didn’t miss the cautious look in her eyes, nor the way Felix hovered just a little too close, like a guard dog sizing him up. But she had still said yes.

He could work with that.

They arrived outside the kindergarten not long after. A line of parents and children waited near the gate, and Leonard parked with care before stepping out and walking around to unbuckle the twins.

Maya slipped her hand into his left palm, Nathan took the right.

His chest ached a little—in a good way.

They walked up to the entrance then Leonard crouched in front of them, lowering himself to their height.

"Alright," he said seriously, placing one hand gently on each of their shoulders. "I want you both to pay attention to your teachers, okay? But also, don’t forget to play. You still need to have fun."

Maya gave him a proud salute. "Aye-aye, Captain!"

Nathan grinned. "We’ll play and learn."

Leonard smiled, then pulled them both into a hug. It was awkward with their little backpacks, but he didn’t care.

"Have a great day, both of you."

They hugged him back with all the force their tiny arms could manage, then turned and darted through the gates with their usual enthusiasm, already waving to friends.

He stood slowly, brushing imaginary dust from his slacks, eyes following them until they disappeared inside. The warmth in his chest lingered.

I should let Katherine know they arrived safely, he thought.

He reached into his coat pocket for his phone. His screen was blank. And that’s when it hit him: he didn’t have her number.

A moment of hesitation passed.

Then, on impulse, he turned, got back into the car, and started the engine. But not to go home.

**

The front desk at Lucent & Co. was pristine as always. The receptionist, a smartly dressed woman with sleek bangs and sharp eyeliner, looked up in confusion when Leonard strode through the glass doors.

He smoothed his jacket, smiled politely, and stepped up to her.

"Good morning," he said smoothly. "I’m here to see Katherine Anderson."

She blinked. "Do you have an appointment?"

"No," Leonard admitted. "But it’s personal. She’s expecting me."

That wasn’t technically true, but Leonard didn’t feel guilty. It’s not a lie if she doesn’t know she’s expecting me yet.

The receptionist gave him a skeptical look, but she knew who he was. Of course she did. And that was enough.

She picked up the phone, pressed a button, and turned her back slightly.

Leonard could hear her low voice. "Miss Anderson? Yes, Mr. Leonard Ford’s here. He’s asking for you. He just—ah. Understood."

The receptionist turned back to him, a touch more composed.

"She’ll be down shortly."

"Thank you," Leonard said, giving her a charming nod.

He didn’t have to wait long. The elevator dinged, and moments later, Katherine emerged—walking fast, nearly jogging. Her heels clacked against the floor, her hair slightly windblown, and her expression...

Furious.

She marched straight to him, grabbed him by the sleeve, and dragged him a few feet away from the reception area, to a quiet corner near a faux plant arrangement.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she hissed in a whisper.

Leonard raised a brow. "Didn’t know you were this eager to see me. You missed me already?"

She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms tightly. "Save the jokes. I’m not in the mood. And, to be clear, I won’t ever be in the mood to joke with you."

Leonard held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I just came to let you know the twins got to school safely."

"You showed up here to say that?" she said, blinking at him like he’d lost his mind. "Ever heard of a little thing called a phone call?"

Leonard sighed. "I don’t have your number."

Katherine let out a frustrated groan and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Unbelievable."

Before either of them could say another word, a sharp throat-clear cut through the tension.

Leonard caught sight of Felix coming toward them, all serious and weirdly intense. He didn’t speak immediately, but the look in his eyes made it clear: he wasn’t happy.

Felix stopped at Katherine’s side, body angled just enough to form a barrier between them.

"Is there a problem here?" he asked, eyes never leaving Leonard.

Leonard lifted his brow with amusement. "Not at all."

Felix’s mouth tightened. "What business do you have with Miss Anderson during office hours?"

Leonard smiled slowly, sensing the heat in the air. "Just updating her about our kids. But don’t worry, I’ve said what I needed to."

He turned to Katherine and gave a small, courteous bow. "Thank you for this morning. It meant more to me than you know."

Before leaving, he leaned in toward Felix’s ear and said in a low whisper, "Relax. I’m not here to steal your secretary."

Then he straightened, gave them both a mock salute, and turned on his heel.

As he walked out of Lucent & Co., Leonard’s smile widened.

Katherine didn’t yell at me in front of everyone.

That was progress.

And Felix? His glare said everything.

He’s flustered.