Love's Change of Heart

Chapter 848 This Matter is More Dangerous Than You Imagine

Leanna couldn't understand how someone of Freddie's emotional intelligence could become one of the top lawyers.

She asked, "Have you ever been in a relationship?"

He sneered. "What a joke. Just so you know, I can't count all of my exes with both hands."

She stifled her laughter. "I'll check it with her when I get back. I'll let you know if there's any news."

Freddie primped his cuffs, which were already quite neat. He said, "I'm leaving. Call me if you need anything."

"Okay."

After Freddie left, Zoe looked at Leanna with a puzzled expression. "Does Chloe like him?"

Leanna said, "They haven't met many times, so I don't think so. But I remember the first time they met, Chloe stood up for him. She must have known him before."

At that time, Leanna was almost slandered by Jimmy and his gang at the police station. Chloe stood up for her.

As for the following rumors—including Daphne's incident—Chloe clarified them through Highside Daily.

Leanna said, "Since I have some free time now, I should invite her out for a drink. She has been busy and I haven't had a chance to thank her properly."

Zoe nodded. "Okay, I'll contact a few interior design companies and have them come over to take a look so that we can have some design plans."

The two of them went their separate ways and got busy.

Leanna called Chloe in advance to make sure she was at Highside Daily before going to the cafe downstairs.

Soon, Chloe came rushing in. "Miss McKinney, sorry to keep you waiting."

Leanna shrugged it off. "It's okay. What would you like to drink?" Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Chloe turned to the waiter and ordered, "A glass of iced americano, please."

After Chloe sat down, she asked, "Miss McKinney, what's with the sudden invitation? Is there something you need?"

Leanna took out a box from her bag and pushed it over. "You helped me out so many times and yet, I haven't had a chance to thank you properly."

Chloe pushed the box back. "No, no. Save the courtesy. I'm a journalist, and what I hear and see is what I report. We pursue the truth, and what we report is the truth. Speaking of which, I should thank you too. You've given me so much exclusive news. My boss gave me a big bonus last month."

Leanna beamed. "Please accept it. These are some accessories from our studio. It's nothing valuable.

It's a small token of my appreciation."

Now that she put it that way, Chloe couldn't refuse the gift anymore.

She was aware of how popular 'Starry Night' was. The brand even invited Daphne as its ambassador. Its commercial value couldn't be measured by mere gratitude.

After hesitating for a moment, Chloe accepted the gift at long last. "Thank you, Miss McKinney. If you don't have any plans, can I treat you to dinner tonight?"

"Sorry, I have to go back later." After a pause, Leanna explained the purpose of her invitation, "Actually, I called you this time because there is something else."

Chloe nodded. "Tell me, Miss McKinney."

Leanna took a sip of the milk and organized her words in her head. "It's about... Is there any misunderstanding between you and Freddie? He said that you have been meeting him recently but not saying anything. He wants to know if you hold any grudges against him."

"Oh..." Chloe's expression faltered as she seemed hesitant. She wanted to speak but stopped herself several times.

Leanna cooed, "If you feel uncomfortable answering, it's okay. It's not a big deal either."

"It's not... It's not like that." Chloe scratched her head. "I just don't know how to explain. This matter is actually quite complicated."

Chloe turned serious. "Miss McKinney, can you promise me to keep this a secret? Actually, I should have come to you personally instead of going to Mr. Sutton."

Leanna nodded. "Okay, go ahead."

"Here's the thing. You know about the New Coast project by Pearson Group, right? I'm in charge of keeping track and reporting on this project, but for some reason, I always feel that something's off."

Leanna frowned. "Something's off?"

Chloe lowered her voice. "Yes. Companies of all sizes are being accepted without any background checks during the large-scale bidding process. I checked, and many of these companies either have financial problems or are on the verge of bankruptcy due to poor management. Yet, they managed to join the New Coast project.

"Something like this had never happened to Pearson Group before.

"Plus, I also checked the suppliers responsible for this project. It's a foreign company, but I couldn't find their business license. I asked my foreign friends about the company, but they couldn't find anything else either.

"I went to Mr. Sutton because I wanted to tell him about this in the hope that he can help me investigate the New Coast project. But…"

Leanna was stunned for a moment. "You went to see Freddie because you trust him, but you're also afraid of causing him trouble? The New Coast project by the Pearson Group is related to the latest economic circle in Anan and has far-reaching implications. It could be detrimental if you don't handle it

properly."

Chloe nodded and continued, "The reason I'm telling you all this, Miss McKinney, is because of your husband, President Pearson. He used to be in charge of the Pearson Group and has now joined the New Coast project. With his keenness, he definitely knows that the Pearson Group's current actions are not logical. Could you ask him for consent to give me an opportunity to investigate and gather evidence?"

Leanna knew that Chloe was telling her all this on the ground that it had nothing to do with Aidan. She vaguely remembered Aidan mentioning that Justin would make a new move.

However, she didn't expect that he would target the New Coast project.

After a while, Leanna finally said, "Don't worry too much for now. I have a rough idea of what's going on."

Chloe looked puzzled. "Huh?"

Leanna pursed her lips and reciprocated, "There are some personal grudges involved, but don't worry. With Aidan on board, there won't be any issue."

Now, she finally understood why Aidan had joined this project.

Everything Chloe said was probably apparent to him. That was why he joined the project. He was trying to find a way to keep Justin under control.

The project was a massive one with trillions involved in the financial chain. If Justin made any

underhanded move, it was highly likely to end in mutual destruction.

The situation didn't look too good.

Leanna looked at her and said, "Chloe, listen to me. This matter is far more dangerous than you imagine. You gotta stop your investigation."