Love's Change of Heart

Later, Leanna returned to the private room. When she arrived at the door, she heard a gentle voice coming from behind just as she was about to enter. "Leanna."

Upon hearing the voice, she paused mid-action. Then, she turned around after a few seconds.

The moment Leanna turned around, she saw the owner of that gentle voice. It was Zayn. At the same time, Zayn didn't expect that person he thought was Leanna turned out to be Leanna indeed. Thus, he excitedly walked up and said, "Leanna, what brings you here?"

As for Leanna, she greeted him calmly like he was an old friend. "I… I have a dinner gathering with my friend here. How about you?"

In an instant, a sudden realization hit her as she looked at Zayn. I should've thought of this! I should've expected that Zayn would be here after I saw Anna show up here and barked madly at me.

"I'm here with my friends too. Are you and your friend almost done with your dinner? If it's ending soon, why don't we—"

Before Zayn could finish speaking, someone opened the door to the private room behind him.

Instantly, both of them looked to the door and saw it was Anthony. Likewise, Anthony also saw them. After Anthony saw Zayn, he was stunned for a long time before he could react. "Zayn?"

Retracting his gaze, Zayn nodded politely at him.

Since Anthony and Zoe had been together since they were in college, he also had met Zayn several times. However, they were not that close.

"Hey! We haven't seen each other for so many years." With that, Anthony threw his arm around Zayn's shoulder. "Could it be that we're fated to meet today? Come on, please come in and chat together with us for a while."

Just as Leanna was about to decline Anthony's offer on behalf of Zayn, she saw him smile at her instead. Shortly after, he entered the private room with Anthony.

Once Zayn entered the private room, Anthony immediately introduced him to his friends in the room. "Everyone, come and meet my buddy from college. Not only is he my buddy, but he was also our college hunk during our batch."

As soon as the group of people heard that, they quickly gathered around and gave Zayn a toast.

Suddenly, someone looked at Zayn and asked with uncertainty, "Are you Mr. Barnett from the Barnett Group?"

Upon hearing that, Zayn nodded slightly. "Hello."

As soon as he said that, the astonishment that centered on Anthony began to spread out.

Just like his friends, Anthony was also surprised when he found out Zayn's identity. Having known Zayn for years, he only knew that he came from a well-off family. However, he didn't expect that Zayn was actually someone related to the Barnett Group.

After that, the person who just spoke said again, "Mr. Barnett has been abroad for the past few years, and I only saw you from a distance at an event before. So I thought I might have misidentified. I didn't expect you to be Anthony's friend. This is truly fate."

As soon as these words escaped the person's lips, everyone's gaze on Anthony changed. They were either filled with envy or jealousy.

Anthony is nothing but a mere white-collar worker, yet he's actually buddies with the son of Barnett Group! From everyone's perspective, it was just a matter of time for Anthony to rise to prominence.

In contrast, Anthony was the only one in a state of panic. At this moment, he was tremendously nervous and his heart was beating fast. He feared that Zayn would expose him on the spot by telling everyone that they weren't actually close.

To Anthony's relief, Zayn just smiled and said, "We've known each other for years."

Meanwhile, on the other side, Zoe walked up to Leanna. Seeing Zayn being surrounded by a group of people like he was an A-list celebrity, she asked in doubt, "Why is he here?"

Rubbing the spot between her eyebrows, Leanna answered. "I met him at the entrance earlier, and Anthony invited him in."

Upon hearing that, Zoe tsked. Then, she added, "He's lucky that Zayn has a good temper. If it was—"

Zoe only spoke half of what she wanted to say. Even so, a name appeared in their mind at the same time. Instantly, the both women shivered out of fright.

I can't even imagine what would happen.

Zoe then grumbled, "Do you think there's something wrong with Anthony's colleague? First, she made a scene at the entrance. Then, she came to me and said some inexplicable words moments ago. Oh, someone is trying hard to show me that she's a real b*tch.

Leanna, who was in a trance, came back to her senses. Remembering the purpose she attended the party tonight, she thought for a while before she finally started speaking, "Zoe, I think there may be something wrong between you and Anthony—"

However, Zoe interrupted her before she could say the reason. "Ha! I know Anthony too well. He isn't a lionheart, so he wouldn't dare to cheat on me. Not to mention that the suspect in question is a beauty without a brain. Perhaps I might really have my suspicions if she's smarter."

Upon hearing the affirming tone in Zoe's voice, Leanna became silent. Deep down, she had a feeling that Zoe was already suspecting Jeanette. It was just that Zoe didn't want to confront it yet. Well, I can't blame her, though. It's really hard for anyone to believe that their partner of so many years will cheat on them.

At this moment, Anthony turned around and saw both Zoe and Leanna talking to each other. For fear that Leanna had exposed his cheating to Zoe, the alarm inside him instantly went off. After saying a few words to the others, he walked over to them with Zayn. Hugging Zoe nervously, he smiled and said, "Since we haven't seen each other for so many years, why don't the four of us find a place to sit and chat?"

Bewildered by Anthony's words, Zoe muttered, "What's the purpose of you calling so many friends over tonight? Are you planning to just ditch them like that?"

"Don't worry, they'll be fine. I can meet these friends at any time. Besides, they have enjoyed themselves for quite a while now. Just let them continue to stay here if they don't want to leave. Worst comes to worst, I'll be back later to clean up after them."

"Don't you think it's inappropriate for you to do that?"

Even so, Anthony said indifferently, "What's so inappropriate about it? We're all friends, so they won't mind. What do you think, Zayn? Shall we find a place to sit and chat?"

Zayn inadvertently took a glance at Leanna and he stated, "I'm fine with anything."

"Well, then—"

Before Anthony could say anything more, Leanna voiced out. "It's getting late, so I'll go back first. You all go ahead."

At the same time, Zoe also said, "Then let me send you back. I can take this chance to get some fresh air."

Once Leanna left, Zayn naturally wouldn't stay any longer. After nodding at Anthony, he also followed Leanna and left.

Watching as all three of them left, Anthony subconsciously clenched his firsts and quickly followed.

After leaving the private room, Zayn pursed his lips and said, "Leanna, are you mad at me?"

Leanna was stunned before she realized what he was referring to. "No, I'm not. I'm just… feeling a bit sick."