Betrayed by Blood: My Second Life as a Queen novel Chapter 235

The declaration struck like a lightning bolt, leaving the entire courtroom stunned.

Willow blinked in sheer disbelief, her gaze immediately locking onto Leo.

His expression was deathly still, his eyes devoid of emotion. He stared calmly at Xavier, as if he hadn't just dropped a bombshell.

What did Leo just say? He was leaving the family?

Was he out of his mind?

Xavier's eyelashes fluttered as he asked in disbelief, "What... what do you mean?"

Leo let out a low, hoarse chuckle. "Xavier, I always told myself that Tessa was pitiful for losing her biological parents at such a young age. I thought it was my duty to dote on her, protect her, and give her everything. I convinced myself I was repaying her on Willow's behalf."

He paused, lacking the courage to look at Willow. Keeping his voice soft, he continued, "But that repayment stretched on for over a decade. I've been sitting here wondering—what have I actually done all these years? Oh, right. I repeatedly hurt Willow for Tessa's sake. Whenever Tessa wanted something, I forced Willow to give it up. Toys, dresses... even her marriage?"

"Over time, I just got used to it. I subconsciously started believing that Willow's sole purpose was to sacrifice herself. But initially, all I wanted to do was repay the debt so Willow wouldn't have to carry that burden of guilt!"

Leo's voice choked with emotion. "And what did this supposed repayment accomplish? It left Willow malnourished as a child. It meant I could drop hundreds of thousands of dollars on a custom gaming setup while she struggled to afford a decent meal. It meant she was endlessly humiliated, her life-saving grace toward me was stolen, and I misunderstood and bullied her a thousand times over. I deeply regret ever trying to repay that debt. I'd rather Willow be branded an ingrate if it meant she could just be healthy and happy."

His confession was raw and heartfelt. Even the spectators in the gallery seemed visibly moved.

But to Willow, it was completely absurd.

See? He understood perfectly well what he was doing.

Yet, in her past life, hadn't he tortured her just the same?

Men were always like this—talking a good game when it was too late.

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