Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

She had nearly completed a loop around the entire villa area when she finally spotted Leighton, sitting all alone in the children's
play area, his gaze fixed on the rocking horse that had been the center of kids' attention.
With hardly any children in the neighborhood, the play area stood deserted, devoid of any activity.
Leighton's long legs made him appear rather awkward sitting there.
Half of his face was obscured by shadows, lending him a desolate air, like a forsaken puppy, pitiful and alone.
Having discarded his outerwear, he sported only a thin white short -sleeved T-shirt.
As the night's chill set in, Nicole felt a shiver despite her coat, imagining how uncomfortable Leighton must be in just a T-shirt.
He rubbed his arms, seemingly annoyed, and kicked away pebbles at his feet.
Sensing a presence at his shoulder, Leighton jolted for amoment, then glanced up to find Nicole standing beside him with a
warm smile, whispering, "Let's go inside; it's getting cold out here." Suddenly, Leighton felt a surge of injustice.
Even when Noah Hall had wet his bed and he took the blame, leading everyone to think he was still wetting himself in his teens,
it didn’t feel as unjust as it did now.
Why was it such a big deal that he punched that obnoxious, bossy guy who had made the first move on him? Who asked her to
apologize for him? Who asked her to make up for it? It made it seem like he was the one at fault, when it was clearly the bossy
guy's fault! Leighton was livid.
He turned his head stubbornly.
"I don't need you to meddle!" Nicole whispered, "I'm not stopping you from defending yourself.
He's had heart surgery and is still on medication.
If you land a punch now and seriously injure him, what then? Are you willing to jeopardize your career and future for him?"
Leighton hesitated, his words faltering before he murmured softly, "You didn't tell me." Nicole chuckled softly.
He had acted so swiftly she hadn't had the chance to explain.
This argument probably didn't make much sense to him either, judging by how subdued his voice had become.

Nicole, unusually patient, said gently, "It's my fault.
I didn't explain it clearly." Taking the opportunity, the top-tier male god cleared his throat lightly and chimed in, "It's not entirely
your fault.
Blame it on that bossy guy with a big mouth!" "Bossy guy?" Nicole looked puzzled.
Leighton clarified, "Your cheap brother.
Don't you find his way of speaking disgusting? He's just like those bosses in those dramas." Always acting superior, speaking in
a domineering manner, constantly spouting bossy lines, oily and disgusting.
Nicole found it amusing.
"I hadn't noticed until you pointed it out, but now that you mention it, I guess he is a bit like that.
Maybe he's been like that since he was young, and I've just grown accustomed to it." Leighton sneered, "No wonder he bullies
you, jerk!" Feeling a twinge of irritation, Nicole resisted the urge to snap back.
Seeing Leighton shivering like this, she decided to be forgiving today and let it slide.
She simply reached out and patted Leighton's shoulder.
"Let's go." Leighton donned his coat and rose to his feet, buttoning it up as he sneezed.
Then he grumbled discontentedly, "Why did it take you so long to find me? I'm almost freezing to death!"