LEGACY OF A BILLIONAIRE SON-IN-LAW

part 008

Leon’s car rolled to a stop under the flickering light of a streetlamp. The rain had passed, leaving behind a faint mist that clung to the pavement. The night air was cold and quiet, with only the occasional distant hum of traffic.

He switched off the engine and leaned back for a moment, letting the silence sink in. This was the spot. The woman had highlighted out before slipping away like a shadow.

Leon stepped out of the car, his boots splashing lightly in the puddles that stretched across the cracked pavement. He glanced around. The area wasn’t busy—just a few late-night wanderers and the odd car cruising by.

His coat shifted as he took a few steps toward the corner of the street. The place felt strange. Not in a dangerous way, but as if something was waiting just ahead, unseen. It was a slum.

He rubbed the back of his neck, puzzled.

Why did the system want him to make her fall for him?

It didn’t make sense. He wasn’t here for romance or games. The mission was supposed to be straightforward, find the woman, get answers. But the more he thought about it, the less clear it became.

As he crossed the street, Leon’s gaze landed on a figure just ahead.

She was hurrying down the sidewalk, the heels of her boots clicking softly against the ground. She wore a long coat that swayed with each step, and her hair, dark and sleek—cascaded down her back in loose waves. Her posture was tense, like she was trying not to be noticed.

Leon’s eyes narrowed.

It was her.

Without hesitation, he quickened his steps, keeping his distance but closing in.

“Hey,” he called out, but his voice barely carried across the street.

She didn’t turn around. If anything, she moved faster.

Leon crossed to the opposite side of the street, tracking her from across the road. She turned sharply down another block. He followed, careful not to lose her.

And then—

A loud crash echoed behind him.

Leon spun around.

A cat had knocked over a trash can, the metal lid rolling noisily into the street. He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. But when he turned back, she was gone.

Leon hurried forward, reaching the corner she had disappeared around. The alley stretched out in front of him, empty except for the shadows of buildings towering overhead.

He swore under his breath.

But before he could take another step—

Riiiiing.

Leon’s phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen. Unknown number.

He hesitated.

The last time someone called him from an unknown number, things got… complicated.

Still, he answered.

“Leon.”

For a moment, all he could hear was breathing.

Then, a woman’s voice cut through the static.

“It’s about the ballroom.”

Leon’s heart skipped. His eyes flickered toward the alley one last time.

“I’m listening,” he said carefully. “Who is this?”

“You need to stop looking for her.”

Leon’s grip tightened around the phone.

“Why?” he asked, lowering his voice. “What’s going on?”

A pause.

“She’s not what you think,” the woman replied. “And neither is the ballroom.”

Before he could ask more, the line went dead.

Leon stared at the phone in frustration, then shoved it back into his coat pocket.

He glanced down the alley once more, but the woman, whoever she was—was long gone. He had thought it was the girl he saved.

Yet, something in his gut told him this wasn’t over.

He stepped back toward his car, but as he opened the door, the system embedded in his watch flickered to life. A blue light projected from his wrist, filling the air with small shifting words.

New Directive: Proceed to the ballroom at midnight.

Leon frowned.

“I thought the goal was to find her,” he muttered.

It is, the system replied with its usual cold, mechanical tone.

“Then why do I have to make her fall for me?”

Because it is the only way she will trust you. Talking about trust. What does the system want?

Leon closed the car door and leaned against it, staring out at the dark streets.

“This better not get messy.”

It already has, the system replied

*******

As he stepped into the grand ballroom shimmered with gold and crystal as Leon stepped through the entrance. The room was alive with music, laughter, and the soft hum of conversation. Men in sharp suits and women in elegant gowns filled the space, their polished shoes gliding across the marble floor. Chandeliers dangled high above, scattering light like a thousand tiny stars.

Leon adjusted the cuff of his black suit, smoothing down the sleek fabric. He wore no tie, leaving the top button of his crisp white shirt undone, giving him an air of quiet confidence. His jet-black hair, neatly combed, caught the glow of the lights, and his sharp gaze swept across the room.

Heads turned as he entered. Some whispered, others stared.

Leon wasn’t just anyone. Not long ago, his family’s name had been everywhere. They owned properties, businesses, and had been the talk of high society. But things changed. Betrayal. Lies. His so-called uncle and his family took everything away from him after hid parents died of food poison—Sophia and her parents—had taken it all from him.

But tonight wasn’t about revenge. Not yet.

His eyes locked onto Sophia. She stood near the grand staircase, dressed in a red gown that hugged her frame. Her long blonde hair was twisted into an elegant bun, and around her neck hung a diamond necklace that caught the light with every turn of her head.

Sophia’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Winter stood beside her, looking just as smug as ever. Mr. Winter's hand rested lazily on his cane, while Mrs. Winter's sharp eyes scanned the guests as if deciding who was worthy enough to speak to.

Leon approached, his footsteps slow and steady.

Their eyes burned in rage immediately Leon stepped into the ballroom. They had to pretend and withhold their anger.

“Leon,” Sophia greeted with a thin smile. “I’m surprised to see you here. I thought you preferred… simpler gatherings.” She sounded polite

Her parents exchanged amused glances.

“Didn’t expect to get past security,” Mr. Wintersaid, his voice coated in mockery. “Or did you sneak in through the kitchen?, Curse them. They just lost their job”. He muttered under his breath.

Leon smiled politely. “I was invited.”

Mrs. Winter brow arched. “By who?”

Leon held her gaze. “I have my connections.”

Sophia’s smile tightened. “You clean up well, I suppose. But it’s strange seeing you here in that suit. It almost feels like you belong.”

“Almost,” Mrs. Winter added with a chuckle.

Leon remained calm, hands in his pockets. He knew what they were doing. They wanted him to snap, to show everyone he didn’t fit in.

“I suppose I should thank you for the fashion advice,” Leon said smoothly. “But I didn’t come for your approval.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed slightly. Before she could respond, a soft commotion nearby caught Leon’s attention.

A girl—barely in her twenties—stood by the refreshment table, balancing a glass of red punch. She had dark brown hair that curled loosely over her shoulders, and her dress—simple but elegant—looked like it had been worn before. Her eyes darted nervously around the room, as if she felt out of place.

She turned suddenly and bumped into one of the guests, spilling the drink onto the man’s sleeve. The glass tumbled from her hand, shattering at her feet. Gasps echoed as the man—a wealthy-looking businessman—stepped back, raising his arms as if to distance himself from the mess.

“I-I’m so sorry,” the girl stammered, kneeling quickly to clean up the shards.

Leon’s gaze sharpened. It was her. The girl he had been looking for.

Across the room, Sophia let out a small laugh. “Oh, look at her. It’s like watching a lost puppy.”

Mrs. Winter sniffed. “Who let her in? This is hardly the place for someone so… ordinary.”

Mr. Winter shook his head. “She’ll be escorted out soon enough. People like that don’t belong here.”

Leon’s jaw tightened, but he kept his face neutral.

As the girl tried to gather the broken glass with her bare hands, the man she spilled the drink on stepped back with a glare. “Careful,” he snapped. “You’ll ruin the floor.”

Leon moved.

In a few strides, he was beside her, kneeling to help. He gently took her hand, pulling it away from the shards before she could cut herself.

“It’s okay,” he said softly. “Let me handle it.”

The girl blinked up at him, surprised. “I… I didn’t mean to—”

“You’re fine.” Leon stood, signaling one of the waiters. “Someone will take care of this.”

Sophia’s voice floated over. “Leon, really?” she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. “I didn’t know you were taking charity cases now.”

Laughter rippled through the nearby guests.

Leon glanced at Sophia, his expression calm. “Is that supposed to impress someone?”

Sophia’s smile faltered, but Mrs. Aldridge stepped in. “You’re wasting your time, Leon. You won’t win anyone over by playing the hero. It doesn’t change what you are.”

“No,” Leon agreed. “But it says a lot about what you are.”

The crowd murmured softly.

Sophia’s eyes narrowed. “Careful with your words.”

Leon smiled faintly. “Or what? You’ll take more from me?”

The air tensed, but before anyone could speak, Leon turned to the girl.

“Come on,” he said gently. “Let’s get you out of the spotlight.”

The girl nodded, following him toward the far end of the ballroom, away from prying eyes.

“Thank you,” she said quietly once they reached the quieter corner. “I really didn’t mean to make a scene.”

Leon glanced at her. “Don’t worry about them.”

She shifted nervously, brushing her hair behind her ear. “I think I’ve embarrassed myself enough for one night. I should probably leave.”

Leon shook his head. “You’re not leaving.”

She blinked. “I’m not?”

“No,” he replied simply. “You’re here for a reason, just like everyone else. Don’t let them scare you away.”

Her eyes softened, and for the first time, she smiled.

As they spoke, Leon noticed Sophia watching from across the room. But instead of annoyance, her expression was thoughtful—almost curious.

The system flickered on his wrist.

Directive Update: The girl will play a key role. Do not let her leave.

Leon frowned slightly. This wasn’t just about Sophia or her parents anymore.

It was about her.

And whatever was coming next, Leon was ready to play the long game.