Chapter 161: White Family
Leon had always wondered about Selene’s background. There was no way she was from a normal family. Otherwise, how could she be friends with people of high status like Gwen and Reymond?
Although he thought hard about it, he never came to the answer. Or, more specifically, his mind subconsciously avoided a renowned family name that matched hers.
Seeing his shocked expression, Selene nodded. "Yes, I’m from THAT White family."
This time, Leon really couldn’t keep his cool. When he heard of Gwen’s background, he was surprised, but still managed to compose himself. This time, it was different.
’The White family...’
It was more proper to refer to them as a powerful clan in America. The number of important companies and facilities under their control were not limited to America alone. They were the only power capable of ordering the President of the United States around like a servant. And if the president dared to show dissatisfaction... No, they didn’t dare to.
After all, the consequences would be too high.
’To think I’d meet someone from that family,’ Leon sighed, and he couldn’t help but look at Selene again.
Suddenly, he frowned. "If... you’re really a part of their family, why hasn’t anyone come to get you? I know the Patriarch has enough power to mobilize their forces to come get you, even in this chaos."
This time, Selene’s expression darkened slightly. "You’re right. I’m one of the Patriarch’s daughters, but you’re wrong about something."
Leon’s eyes narrowed as he tried to keep his heart cool. A daughter of the Patriarch...
"My father would not come to rescue me or any of my siblings and step-siblings."
"Huh?" Leon blinked, confused. "Why?"
Selene shrugged. "Because he believes those with abilities should be able to thrive in this kind of world. My father always wanted to build the perfect heir, and that is why I hate him."
Leon’s expression slowly hardened, and he realized her life might not have been as colorful as he had thought.
"Build the perfect heir..." He muttered. "Does that mean he never treated you as his daughter?"
Selene nodded indifferently. "Although he provided everything we needed, he only cared about training us and making us perfect."
Leon nodded slowly, finally understanding the whole story. But there was something he was curious about.
"Is he the reason you hate men?"
This time, it was Selene’s turn to look at him in confusion.
"Do you think I hate men?" She shook her head. "No, I don’t. I despise them, and I feel a sense of repulsion whenever I’m close to one."
’Uh...’ Leon’s lips twitched as he glanced at her. The distance between them was almost negligible, probably just a few inches. Was she feeling repulsion for him too now?
As if reading his mind, Selene shook her head. "No, I can tell you’re different."
While Leon’s expression kept changing, she continued, "The primary reason I despise men is my father, but he’s not the only one who contributed. In the political circle, everyone is disgusting. They’re always hiding their true thoughts and feelings, while doing anything they can for profit."
She paused, her eyes flashing with coldness.
"This wasn’t even limited to the adults. By the time I was fourteen, the marriage proposals I’d received were enough to make even a flowing river turn stagnant. There were even some company CEOs who wanted me as their spouse. Not just because of my beauty, but because of the connections I could help them forge with my family."
As he continued to listen to her, Leon’s frown deepened. When he thought about Clara in her position, all he felt was burning anger.
Selene wasn’t done, as she continued speaking. A frosty expression appeared on her face, as if she were glaring at an imaginary figure.
"And the most ridiculous part? My father considered every proposal with seriousness. He spoke with each one of them, weighed their value, and what they could offer. Unfortunately, it seemed none of them could meet his standards."
Leon sighed, a pale smile on his lips. Perhaps he had it easier, after all. It was better not to have a father figure at all.
Selene glanced at him, and as if she could glimpse something in his expression, she asked, "You have an issue concerning your father too, am I right?"
Leon wasn’t surprised that she could read him, so he nodded calmly.
"Unlike your father, mine simply abandoned us. I don’t even think I can remember what he looked like. That’s why I don’t have any impression of him at all."
"Abandon?" Selene was surprised. "That means your mother alone raised you?"
Leon nodded. "Yes. Sadly, she later died in an accident, leaving Clara and me behind. She’s the person I’m most grateful to, because she did everything she could to provide for us."
"I see..." Selene nodded slowly, her thoughts unknown.
The two remained silent for a while, then Leon asked, "Why do you think I’m different from other men? I don’t really think I am."
The silver-haired lady shook her head. "I believe I am right. Do you know why I only have two friends?"
Leon shook his head.
"That’s because I am very keen on sensing the true feelings of the people around me. No disguise or pretense can fool me. Reymond is quite a nice person. He was my second friend, and things only got complicated when he started developing feelings for me. Gwen, on the other hand, is what I’d call the definition of pure. I sometimes envy her heart."
She paused, smiling faintly. "I can tell that while you aren’t as pure as Gwen or as nice as Reymond, you’re honest, at least."
"Oh? Does that mean you consider me your friend?" He tilted his head, curious.
"Mn," Selene nodded. "You’re the third genuine friend I’ve made."
Leon wasn’t really surprised, as their interactions recently were definitely different from the past.
"Friends, huh..."
A smile slowly appeared on his face. "I guess I can consider you a friend too. Though my first impression of you wasn’t exactly the best."
Selene released a short laugh. "Of course, I noticed. That’s why I said you’re different. Besides, it wasn’t like I had a good impression of you either."
Leon rolled his eyes. "You say that so proudly. You’re shameless."
"Believe me, I don’t flatter people."
Before Leon could reply, their expressions changed rapidly.
BOOOOM!!!
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