Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1040

Naturally, Sebastian wasn't going to answer any of those questions.

But his patience was wearing dangerously thin, so he forced the conversation back on track.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please don't forget the primary reason we are all here today. This is St. Kingsley University, and we are celebrating a momentous anniversary. I ask that you direct your focus to the event.

That is the true purpose of this gathering. As for your endless questions, I only have one response: In the past, I didn't know how to appreciate what I had, which led me to lose a great deal. Now, I am returning to my original intent."

With that, Sebastian offered a polite bow to the cameras and hurried inside, his eyes searching the crowd for Lillian.

The reporters, sharp as ever, immediately chased after him. "Mr. Blake, when you say 'original intent,' are you referring to your ex-wife?"

Sebastian offered no response.

Behind him, Bella was teetering on the edge of a total meltdown. She looked like she was losing her mind.

How could he blatantly tell the press that he was returning to his 'original intent'?

What the hell did that mean, if not Lillian?!

How could he say something so brazen when they weren't even divorced yet?!

Did he have no shame at all?

A reporter shoved a microphone toward Bella. "Miss Ward, who is Mr. Blake's 'original intent'?"

Bella glared daggers at the journalist, her voice dripping with ice. "Original intent? We are legally married. Infidelity is a moral failing that deserves absolute condemnation."

Lillian had already walked far ahead, naturally oblivious to the chaos unfolding behind her.

Right at that moment, Leonard stepped out of a luxury van, flanked by a massive entourage.

He rarely made public appearances. Despite his staggering background and immense power, virtually no one recognized his face.

But as he walked past Bella, his gaze cut toward her, cold and intensely menacing.

"This way, Boss," his lead bodyguard directed, keeping the crowd at bay to ensure no one bumped into or touched Leonard.

Thankfully, their seats were spaced quite far apart.

The university administration likely had no idea about the complicated history between the three of them, but their foresight in separating the VIPs was an absolute stroke of genius.

If the three of them had been seated together, it would have been an unmitigated disaster.

Their respective entourages were seated directly behind them in the second row.

Ethan, who was accompanying Lillian; the head bodyguard who was with Leonard; and Lester, who was attending with Sebastian, all found themselves seated in a row directly behind their respective bosses.

Lillian scanned the itinerary in her hands. The main ceremony would wrap up around ten. After that, she was scheduled to head to the grand auditorium to meet the current students and give a lecture.

She had no idea if the other guests would be corralled into watching her speech or escorted to the cultural performances instead.

From a distance, Ethan caught Leonard's eye. Master and subordinate exchanged a look, communicating perfectly without a single word.

As Ethan pulled his gaze away, he shot a sideways glare at Sebastian. It was painfully obvious that Ethan held zero respect for the man.