Love's Bitter Edge (Eva and Leonard)

Chapter 102 Innocence

"Leonard, stop it!"

I tried to push myself out of bed, but my body felt like it was made of concrete. Zack probably felt just as drained.

Just as Leonard's fist was about to land, Julian appeared out of nowhere and seized his elbow. I didn't even catch the move, but Leonard yelped and yanked his hand back.

Julian's expression was as cool as ice. "Mr. Harmon, it seems you're suffering from impotence. You should really get that checked out."

"Impotence? You're the impotent one! Your whole family is impotent!" Leonard shouted, completely losing his grip.

"I'm not impotent. I get annual check-ups and maintain a moderate sex life. It's people who constantly swap partners that'd be impotent," Julian shot back.

I stared at Julian, my eyes wide. His face was impassive, but the slight smirk at the corner of his mouth made it clear he relished that jab.

Before Leonard could say another word, Julian cut in, I saved Mrs. Harmon. Mr. Harmon, you should watch your words."

"You?" Leonard's voice dripped with disbelief.

Julian adjusted his glasses, his demeanor as cool as ever. "Yes. Both of them were drugged, and Jill and I stepped in just before things got worse. The drug has a potent effect on normal people, let alone someone like Eva..."

"Dr. Pope!" I interrupted, shooting him a warning look.

He glanced at me, his expression still flat, then pushed his glasses back up. "Mrs. Harmon is rather thin, so the drug hit her fast. Luckily, I had the antidote. In a way, I saved her life-and yours too, Mr. Harmon." Hearing that, a wave of relief washed over me.

Leonard seemed poised to ask something, but just then, his phone rang. I caught a glimpse of the caller ID

-it was Mr. Harmon Senior.

A wave of dread washed over me; I knew what was coming. Sure enough, Mr. Harmon Senior's voice blared through the speaker, ordering us to return to the Harmon residence immediately and together. Jill peeked out from behind Julian, her worry palpable. You're still weak."

I was already swinging my legs over the side of the bed, hastily pulling on my shoes. "I'll be fine. Leonard will take care of me. And please, I need your help gathering more evidence. The video alone isn't going to cut it."

Jill nodded eagerly. "Do you have any enemies? What about Zack?"

Zack just looked at me, his expression unreadable.

I turned to Leonard, swallowing hard. "Lily, maybe, I can't think of anyone else."

There might be others-like Luca-but that was a secret I couldn't voice.

Leonard was silent, his grip on my arm firm as he led us out of the room.

Once we were in the car, he finally spoke up, "How can you be so sure it was her?"

I managed a small, bitter smile but stayed quiet. How could I not be sure? This wasn't my first rodeo with Lily.

But Leonard trusted her implicitly, and I felt a sigh escape me. It made sense, given they had a child together. In his eyes, she was still the innocent, wronged party.

He looked furious, but when he saw how completely uninterested I was, his anger seemed to deflate. I slowly closed my eyes, steeling myself for the confrontation that was about to erupt.

As I expected, when we arrived at the Harmon residence, the whole family was gathered. And sitting right next to Mr. Harmon Senior was Lily.

"I knew it! No wonder you've chosen to stay childless all this time! How else could you have any fun when you're tied down by kids?" Ivy was the first to strike, her voice sharp and mocking

Bob and Luca quickly jumped in, their comments dripping with disdain, making it clear they thought I was completely out of line.

Lily stood up, hand on her hip, her posture oozing disdain. "Eva, even the Harmon family can't protect you this time. Your face is all over that video. You and Zack in that private room at the restaurant... How could you do this to Leonard?"

Her attempt at a sympathetic expression was undermined by the smug glint in her eyes.

"That's not me in the video." My voice was flat, each word edged with defiance.

Lily shot back instantly, "If it's not you, then who is it? You think the video's fake?" Ivy stepped in front of me, finger jabbing toward my face like an accusation. The body and the face are both yours! It's all over the Internet, and you've humiliated the Harmon family! Leah pulled Ivy aside, her expression shifting to something softer as she looked at me. "Eva, I know you're a good person. You'd never do something like this. Could there be a misunderstanding? Or... were you set up?" Her eyes

darted to Lily.

The truth was, everyone in this house knew what was really going on, they just had their own agendas to protect.

Mr. Harmon Senior remained silent, his gaze unwavering, Leonard stood next to me, mouth opening, yet no words escaped.

I let out a bitter laugh. Who would've thought the only one willing to she had her own motives, hidden behind that sympathetic smile.

"I can prove my innocence."

Stand up for me was Leah? And even

Lily's voice came with a sneer. "Eva, really? You think a couple of witnesses or some half-baked evidence. is going to change the fact that it's you in that video?"

I pushed down the nausea rising in my throat, taking a steady breath. Without saying anything. I unbuttoned my jacket and started on my shirt.

Leah's hand shot out, gripping my wrist. "Eva, what are you-?"

She stopped when her eyes landed on the surgery scar peeking out from my collarbone. Her grip loosened, and she threw a hard look in Lily's direction before letting go completely. I pulled the

shirt open just enough for everyone to see,

A gasp rippled through the room, and I heard one of the housekeepers inhale sharply. Ivy pointed at me,

3.2

struggling to form words, while Mr. Harmon Senior clenched his eyes shut like he couldn't bear to watch. Leonard took his time, staring for a beat too long before rushing to throw my jacket back over me. I scanned the room, my voice flat. "You've all seen the video. Now, do you still think it's me?"