With each passing second, Leander’s expression darkened as he contemplated Sophia’s words. "But it won't still be enough. These people are more formidable than you think, Leander," Sophia said with a soft sigh, her face etched with a disdainful frown. Leander was deeply contemplative after hearing her words."I'll consider it, but I don't trust anyone," Unaware that he was speaking aloud, Leander muttered with doubt and dissatisfaction evident in his voice."Leander, I'm not saying you should trust them, okay? But understand, they have an edge over us. Their weapon is more potent than you realize," Sophia countered, her voice filled with confident resolve.Leander's curiosity was piqued, and he furrowed his brows. "What weapon?" he asked sharply."Influence," Sophia replied, her eyes narrowing. "These politicians have mastered the art of cooperation and teamwork. None of them could single-handedly seize Daxton's assets. They devised this plan together, backed by a few corrupt high-ran

Opulence radiated from the gala hall, where elegantly dressed figures mingled amidst the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. Leander, dressed in a tailored tuxedo, smoothly made his way through the crowd, his eyes searching for familiar faces. Spotting a group near the bar, he made his way over."Rex!" Leander greeted warmly, extending a hand. "Good to see you here."Rex, with a perpetual smirk, shook his hand firmly. He was surprised to see Leander as he muttered, "Likewise, Leander. Didn't think you'd make it to something like this"A trace of disgust appears on Leander’s face as he fakes a light chuckle. "Oh, you know how these things are. Couldn't resist"While engaging in small talk, Leander couldn’t ignore the presence of a glowering figure by Rex’s side - Sebastian.. Sebastian acknowledged Leander with a barely perceptible nod, his cold eyes locked onto him."So, Rex," Leander began, attempting to break the tension, “how’s your thesis coming along?”Rex gave into a detailed expl

That was three weeks ago. Since then, there have been no calls, no texts between Leander and Brianna. Just silence. Her absence left a huge void in his life. Every part of his day seemed incomplete without her. He missed their late-night talks, the way she could make him laugh with a single word, the way she understood his unspoken thoughts.Leander stood up and walked to the window, staring out at the rain-soaked streets. He found himself trapped in a tempest that he had brought upon himself. Over and over, he replayed the argument in his mind, hoping for Brianna to give him another chance. His chest tightened with displeasure, a physical pain that made it hard to breathe.Taking a deep breath, Leander picked up his phone. His fingers trembled as he typed out a message, deleting and rewriting it several times. Finally, he settled on simplicity."Can we talk? I'm sorry"He stared at the screen, his thumb hovering over the send button. What if she didn’t respond? The thought was un

Despite the late hour, the triowas abuzz with activity, Rex, Sebastian and Brayden murmuring about the recent turn of events.Rex paced back and forth, his face flushed with anger. "I can't believe he did it. He actually bought this university?"Brayden limped back to his chair, shaking his head. "We should have seen this coming. I think it's all our fault for relying secretly on Brianna. This isn't what we agreed on. Her friendship with Leander was supposed to be our buffer”Sebastian, seated on a dusty chair, looked up at the two. "This is more than just unexpected. It's a power play. He's got us exactly where he wants us"Rex stopped pacing and turned to Brayden and Sebastian. "We can't let this stand. We have to stop him before he starts his revenge. We should know what he's capable of"Before either of them had a chance to answer, the door to their temporary meeting room opened, making a creaking sound. Brianna’s serene demeanor was a striking difference from the tense ambiance i

The pulsing beat of electronic music and neon lights brought the club to life. Leander and Lindsey stood at the entrance, Lindsey adjusting her dress and Leander straightening his collar. The excitement of the night hung in the air. "Are you sure this is your scene?" Lindsey asked, raising an eyebrow at him.Leander grinned. "What, you think I can't handle a little dance?"Lindsey laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Well, you do seem more like the quiet dinner type""Hang on, I guess you might find this surprising," he said with a wink.As they made their way through the crowd, the music intensified. Inside, the atmosphere was electric. Lost in the music, people moved and swayed to the rhythm as he cheered. "Uh, drinks first?" Leander suggested, nodding towards the bar."Hmm, lead the way," Lindsey replied.They made their way through the group of dancers to reach the bar. Leander motioned for the bartender and ordered a pair of cocktails."So," Lindsey said, leaning in closer to be heard