The Real Heiress's New Family Adored By All novel Chapter 130

Chapter 130 Beneath His Cold Exterior

Was this really her sharp-tongued, unyielding cousin?

“Maybe he does?” Zora looked confused by Hallie’s reaction.

The first time she’d met Leighton, he’d seemed a little laid-back and unserious.

The second time, he’d come off as awkward and clueless.

On their third meeting, he’d given her a gift, and she’d thought him someone who valued loyalty and kindness.

The fourth time, he’d cooked for her, and he turned out to be surprisingly good at it— definitely the kind of man who’d spoil his future wife rotten.

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Now, on their fifth meeting, he’d stood by her side and defended her. All at once, she saw him for who he truly was-a genuinely good person.

Honestly, Zora had never expected Leighton to actually show up at school.

Deep down, she felt truly grateful he’d come.

She’d already prepared herself for him turning down this messy favor. They barely knew each other, yet she’d asked him to clean up her troubles.

“Zora… I think my cousin really likes you,” Hallie said plainly.

“Huh?” Zora blinked in confusion.

“You have no idea how cold he really is,” Hallie explained. “He’s always got that lazy smile on his face, but hardly anyone ever gets close to his real self.”

For all his easy grins, very few held any genuine warmth behind them.

But today, every smile Leighton wore had been completely sincere.

“Really? Maybe it’s just because Jensen asked him to look out for me,” Zora guessed. “He wouldn’t be rude when someone’s asked a favor of him.”

She thought back to all their encounters. Had none of his smiles been real?

From what she’d seen, his smiles might be quiet, but they never felt cold or distant.

It must be because of Jensen, she decided. That was surely why he’d gone out of his way to take care of her.

“Could be,” Hallie murmured, resting a hand lightly on Zora’s shoulder. She nodded seriously.

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10:48 Sun, May 31

Chapter 130 Beneath His Cold Exterior

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“My cousin’s always been ice cold to everyone. Being around him feels like walking into a chill. Half the time when he smirks, it means someone’s about to have a bad day.

“You two have only just met. He’s probably forcing himself to be nicer just to do Jensen a favor.”

It made perfect sense that way. Jensen and Leighton were close, after all-he’d never outright ignore a request from his best friend.

“How should I reply to him?” Zora held up her phone for Hallie to see.

“Free ride with my cousin? We’d be crazy to turn it down. His car’s super comfortable too.” Hallie nodded firmly.

“Alright, I’ll write back then.” Zora typed out a quick reply.

Leighton messaged back almost right away, “I’ll be there in ten minutes. Find somewhere to wait comfortably till I arrive.”

Hallie was already used to seeing him talk this softly to Zora.

No wonder everyone was drawn to her-she’d even wrapped her cold-hearted cousin around her finger. Perfect.

“Okay.” Zora sent the message.

Neither girl was in a rush, so they waited casually outside the building.

It wasn’t long before a sleek, understated black Bentley pulled up right in front of them.

The window rolled down, revealing an impossibly handsome face.

His side profile was clean and sharp, the car’s interior lighting catching his delicate, flawless features. It was impossible not to marvel at how unfairly perfect he looked.

Zora stared, silently agreeing to herself. He was stunning, utterly flawless from every angle.

A silly thought crossed her mind-she wanted to lock him away in a big cage just so she could admire him all day long.

She shook the idea off right away. That wouldn’t be right. Locking someone so breathtaking away would drain all his life and spirit-and it was that lively spark that made him so attractive anyway.

Even if she couldn’t keep him to herself, getting to glance at him now and then was more than enough to feast her eyes on.

“Zora?” Leighton felt her fixed gaze on him and couldn’t help the faint, amused lift of his lips.

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10:48 Sun, May 31

Chapter 130 Beneath His Cold Exterior

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There was nothing unkind in the way she looked at him-just pure, innocent admiration, tangled with some unnamed longing, like staring at something lovely she both wanted and hesitated to take.

“Leighton,” Hallie greeted politely.

“Leighton,” Zora said, pushing her silly thoughts aside.

“Come on, get in.” Leighton nodded to them.

“Uh… I’ll take the front seat.” Hallie decided after glancing at the empty spots. She had no desire to sit next to her cousin and endure his usual frosty mood.

He’d soften up around Zora out of respect for Jensen’s request, but he’d probably shoot her a cold side-eye if she sat too close.

Hallie knew her cousin well enough to be sure of that.

Leighton said nothing in reply.

“Maybe I should sit up front instead?” Zora offered. She couldn’t help noticing how skittish Hallie seemed around him.

They were family after all-it only felt right for Zora to be the one to take the front.

“No, no, I’ve got it! I like riding up front anyway,” Hallie rushed to answer, already yanking open the passenger door and climbing inside.

Left with no choice, Zora slid into the back seat beside Leighton,

“Don’t stay up too late tonight, you two. Get some rest early,” Leighton said, passing Hallie a small bag of travel toiletries they’d picked up near the neighborhood.

Since Hallie was crashing at Zora’s place last minute, she hadn’t brought any overnight essentials with her.

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10:48 Sun, May 31

The Real Heiresss New Family Adored by All