Twisted Fates: A Game of Love and Retribution

Rachel Foster encountered Leo Thompson outside the Silverstone Holdings building.

Though they knew each other, they weren't remarkably close, so it was a surprise to see him leaning against the car hood and greeting her.

She politely approached Leo and returned his smile. "Um, Mr. Thompson, hello."

With his hand on his chin, Leo scrutinized Rachel from forehead to chin. "Skin like cream, a face like a peach blossom, pure with a hint of allure—not bad, but you could find a handful like this on any street. I wonder why Kingsly is interested in you?"

Rachel was taken aback. Kingsly...Kingsly Scott?

Leo continued directly. "Miss Foster, Kingsly says he likes you. Do you like him?"

Rachel nearly lost her balance, stumbling slightly, but Leo caught her in time. Seeing her stunned expression, he teased, "Scared like that? Is Kingsly that terrifying?"

Rachel gently declined Leo's assistance, saying calmly, "Mr. Scott and I are unfamiliar." How could she forget that Leo was Kingsly Scott's close friend in the business world?

Leo chuckled. "This is the first time I've heard someone eager to distance themselves from Kingsly. Miss Foster, you truly are unique."

"Excuse me, Mr. Thompson, I have things to attend to." Rachel turned to leave.

Leo bowed politely, gesturing for her to go, and watched her leave with a carefree smile.

Noon.

Kingsly and Luna came to the Thompson residence for a meal.

Leo's wife, Maggie, was a natural in the kitchen and always cooked for their gatherings.

Maggie was busy in the kitchen, with Luna assisting her. Kingsly, dressed casually, was intently reviewing a document from work on the sofa while Leo, holding a glass of red wine, was staring at Kingsly.

Finally, Kingsly spoke. "If you have something to say, just say it."

Leo quickly set down his wine glass and leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Do you want to know the result of my conversation with Miss Foster today?"

Kingsly's brow furrowed slightly. "Speak."

Leo recounted his conversation with Rachel in detail, then burst into laughter. "You should've seen how pale Miss Foster went... it was priceless."

Kingsly smiled slightly, his lips pressed into a thin line, saying nothing.

"I'm just curious—your standards have always been high, surrounded by beauties like Natalie Lewis. What about Rachel Foster, such an average beauty, that interests you? Is there a special connection?"

Kingsly set aside the document, stood up, took the glass of red wine Leo had poured for him, and sipped it before replying. "This isn't my usual drink, but a change of taste occasionally isn't bad."

"But Miss Foster seems quite proud; she might not be easy to win over."

Kingsly looked out at the golden leaves scattered outside the floor-to-ceiling window. After a long pause, a profound, icy smile appeared on his lips.

Seven years, a full seven years, he had woven a vast web for her, enough to leave her beyond redemption.