Chapter 34

Yvonne frowned, her expression shifting as she interrupted him. "Leroy, I know what you're trying to say," Yvonne began, her tone steady but tinged with concern. "But your mom told me about your recent hospital stay. Was it because of her?" Her gaze softened as she studied him. Leroy looked thinner, more fragile—like someone who'd been carrying a weight far too heavy for too long. "For your ex-wife? You'd really let yourself fall apart for someone like that?" she asked, her brows furrowed. Leroy sighed, his hand tightening around his teacup. "Yvonne, this is my own issue. And no, it wasn't because of Scarlett," he said firmly, though his voice lacked conviction. Just then, the restaurant door opened, and Yvonne's eyes darted toward the newcomers. She froze when she saw who it was. "Leroy, are you sure it's not because of her?" she asked, raising her voice just enough for the approaching guests to hear. Scarlett, who hadn't noticed Leroy sitting in the corner, suddenly