Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3090

Warren continued speaking.

"While I was pushing the Donovans to sign, the Young Master arrived in Bloomfield. Leila called me again and said I needed to figure out a way to drive him off, otherwise the house would never get torn down. Right on cue, Wyatt came to see me the very next day.

"I played along. I promised the Young Master I wouldn't demolish the B&B, and then, during dinner, I pretended to hand him a bag of tea while someone snapped photos.

"Leila and I had a plan. If the Young Master left Bloomfield, I'd demolish the house immediately. If he stayed, I'd send her the photos so she could accuse him of taking a bribe in front of the Donovans. The goal was to destroy their trust in him and force him out of town."

The Donovans listened in utter disbelief.

Leila's face drained of all color. She pointed a trembling finger at Warren. "You're lying! I have no idea what you're talking about! Why are you trying to frame me? Did Xavier pay you to say this? You're all in this together!"

Warren glared at her coldly. "You were the one who came to me! You promised me ten percent of the payout once it was done. Hell, when the Young Master blocked the demolition crew, you were so desperate to get the money that you forged a demolition agreement yourself!"

Norah's eyes widened in realization. No wonder the crew had stopped pressuring the family to sign—Leila had already forged their signatures.

Mrs. Potts's face shifted through a spectrum of emotions as it finally clicked for her as well. "She... she was the one who sent me the pictures," she mumbled. "She told me Xavier took the hotel's money and that our house was next. She told me to go cause a scene and drag the other neighbors into it."

Dylan stared at Leila, his eyes filled with a sickening mix of heartbreak and betrayal. "Why would you do this?"

Leila put on her best terrified act, panicking wildly. "Dylan, they're setting me up—"

Smack!

Dylan slapped her hard across the face, his expression contorted with rage. "You're the rat! Who gave you the right to sign away our house? Why were you trying to destroy my parents' business? And how dare you scheme with the hotel to frame Xavier! I never realized how vile and calculating you really are!"

Spencer, Howard, and the others immediately stood and followed his lead.

Xavier glanced at the Donovans, his tone polite. "Take your time. I'll be right next door if you need anything."

The Donovans were drowning in guilt and had no idea what to say, so they merely nodded vigorously.

Xavier took Norah's hand and led her toward the door. As they passed Leila, Norah paused and looked down at her.

"If you can't get married without a house, then work hard and earn the money yourself. Scheming for someone else's wealth won't bring you any peace, even if you do buy that house. And slandering innocent people just to line your own pockets? That's beyond pathetic."

Leila bit her lip so hard she nearly drew blood. Tears spilled from her eyes as she stood there, utterly humiliated and thoroughly destroyed.