Her Humanity had fallen all the way to one.
And it all happened the second she laid eyes on Leonardo.
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Chapter 40
Chapter 40
Regina’s face was blank, her eyes locked on Leonardo. “Can you all clear out for a sec? I need to talk to Leonardo alone.”
Steve’s face turned serious, but he didn’t argue. He stood and left.
Xavier followed close behind.
As he passed the door, Xavier slyly stuck a tiny camera on the frame, aimed straight at Regina’s bed.
Steve noticed his actions, his eyes darkening, but he didn’t stop him.
The rest of the boys filed out too.
Preston was still rattled by Regina’s Humanity crashing so hard. He glanced back at her with worry etched on his face.
Regina tilted her head and gave him a gentle smile. “We’ll talk later.”
There was always a special warmth in the way she treated him.
But it didn’t ease Preston’s nerves. He trudged off, unease gnawing at him.
Roy, noticing the hidden camera on the door, quickened his pace to leave and closed the door behind him.
Out in the hall, Preston couldn’t let it go. “What’s the deal with them? Why’d her Humanity tank the second she saw that guy?”
Roy ignored the remark and turned to Xavier. “You planted a hidden camera, didn’t you? Show us.”
The boys were caught off guard and turned to Xavier in surprise. “Wow, you actually thought ahead?”
Xavier smirked, tilting his head smugly. “Of course. I was curious why the points plummeted so fast, so I had to figure it out.”
He led them to the lounge next door, hooked his phone to the TV, and up popped Regina’s sharp, graceful profile as she leaned against the hospital bed.
Preston’s eyes brightened. “Look at her! She’s stunning–even on a surveillance feed!”
Steve was just speechless.
Roy just stared, at a loss for words.
The boys chimed in unison, “For real?”
Xavier rolled his eyes exaggeratedly. “Preston, stay back. I’m worried your lovesickness might infect us.”
Now Preston was speechless too.
Xavier waved him off, his tone now serious. “Quiet. It’s starting.”
On the screen, Leonardo plopped into a chair, buzzing with excitement. “No way you’re here! Did you move downtown? You know Roy and those guys?
Regina gave him a cold stare, remaining silent. Slowly, she raised her hand and brushed aside her bangs.
Underneath was a faded but bold scar cutting across her smooth forehead.
“Do you remember this scar, Leonardo?” Regina asked.
His grin faded, his face hardening. “Yeah. My foster parents did that. They were almost killed me, and you jumped in and took the hit.”
Regina’s gaze remained fixed on him. “Do you know why I did that for you?”
Leonardo stalled, catching her drift but dodging her gaze. “BeCause we were friends,” he muttered.
Regina’s tone sharpened. “Then why didn’t you show up at Lily’s funeral? I called, texted, and even waited outside your house, but you avoided me, Why?”
Leonardo’s guilt was palpable. “My parents wouldn’t let me!”
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Chapter 40
Regina let out a bitter, mocking laugh. “If you’d really wanted to, you could’ve found a way. You think I’d buy that lame excuse?”
Leonardo froze, throwing his hands up. “You know how bad I had it in the slums. I couldn’t face going back there!”
“Didn’t I suffer too?! Regina’s voice spiked, cutting through the air. “When those slum kids strung you up and wailed on you, who dragged you out of it? Me! And who patched you up? Lily!!”
Just saying Melinda’s name lit a fire in her. “My parents wouldn’t even give her a funeral, so I handled it alone. Nobody came–not a damn person- except me!”
Regina grabbed Leonardo by the collar, her eyes blazing.
She roared. You were the brother she trusted most. Next to me, you were her world. She even wrote in her will for me to say hi to you. So why didn’t you show?!”
Leonardo smacked her hand off, scowling. “You’re messing up my shirt. What’s wrong with you?”
He backed off, putting space between them. “Besides, it’s not like I killed Lily. If you’re so tough, why not go after the ones who pushed her over the edge?”
