Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 707

Hugo's mother, Clara Jillson, was the only daughter of the Jillson family of Norchester.

Her decision to become the second wife of Leon's father stemmed from her upbringing. She had been indulged to the point that she viewed the world through a lens of romantic feelings, with little else to ground her.

She had dismissed every suitable match in Norchester without a second thought and fixed her heart on becoming Leon's stepmother.

The Jillson elders resisted for a time. She was their only child, and in the end they gave in.

Hugo declined the Kingston inheritance for two reasons. First, Leon's engagement to Diana had already secured it. Second, and perhaps more honestly, he had never wanted it that much.

In most matters, Hugo's support carried real weight.

A divorce, however, was another matter.

Diana let out a quiet laugh. "I'll thank you for it all the same."

She didn't need it. In these circles, sincerity was rare.

In Brimcrest, Hugo heard her laugh and felt something tighten in his chest.

He assumed it was because of the divorce, and his brow drew together. "Diana, Leon doesn't deserve you. You deserve someone better."

He was younger and wore his warmth openly. That made it easy for her.

Diana smiled again, without meaning to. "You're right."

Leon had secured the Kingston inheritance because of her. What did he truly have to stand on?

Hugo caught the warmth this time, along with the steady pride beneath it. His dark eyes curved slightly at the corners. "By the way, Diana, when are you coming back to Brimcrest? I'll take you out for—"

"Oh." A faint smile edged Diana's voice. "The chief secretary to the CEO of the Kingston Group, and she can't find work without your company behind her. Tell me, what has she been relying on, her own ability or your generosity?"

Leon fell silent. His jaw tightened, and his voice dropped. "Whatever the reason, you had no right to go after her."

"You're wrong." Diana rested her fingers lightly on the terrace railing and kept her voice even. "Before you went to either family about the divorce, you should have handled her situation yourself. Leon, you knew when you entered this arrangement that I am not someone you can push around. I wasn't going after her. I was going after you."

She would not pretend that Helen's outcome had been accidental.

The switched DNA sample and the repeated interference in her marriage were debts Helen had brought on herself.

Leon's brow furrowed. "What exactly are you saying?"

"Without this engagement, the Kingston inheritance could go to anyone," Diana replied flatly.