Sebastian and Brayden, lounging by the pool, were taken aback when they saw a familiar face passing by the entrance. Curious, they fixed their eyes on the entryway to see what was going on. With bated breath, they heard slow, quiet footsteps approaching. Their jaws dropped as they realized it was Leander. Spooked by his presence, Sebastian turned to Brayden and asked urgently, "I thought Leander was expelled. What is he doing here?” "This guy is crazy. He still thinks he can do whatever he likes after being expelled. I'm sure he doesn’t know he’s playing with fire," Brayden said with a nod. Leander, standing a few meters away, pretended to look elsewhere while eavesdropping on their discussion. With a stern face, Leander confronted them. “Who is playing with fire? Why are you both biased?” he demanded boldly. “Rex initiated my expulsion and ruined my career. Don’t tell me you weren’t aware of the attack on me when I went to deliver a food order!” Sebastian lost his temper u
Leander finally went to meet Camila, who had been waiting for him. He saw the frustration in her eyes. With concern on his face, he asked softly, “Am I late?” Letting out a nervous sigh and a deep smirk, Camila said, her lips pursed in dissatisfaction, “You knew you were late. Ahh, I’ve been here for the past thirty minutes” “My apologies. I don't have a watch or a phone, which is why I was late,” Leander muttered, a warm look in his eyes. However, he was still skeptical. Was this truly the same Camila who had insulted him for being poor and chosen a rich campus playboy over him? The one who had called him a loser? Memories flooded Leander’s mind, causing him pain and filling him with anger. Despite feeling humiliated and on a suicide mission, he ultimately chose to hear what Camila had to say after reflecting on it. “Oh… no problem. Honestly, I don't dispute that,” Camila responded, her voice trailing off with confidence. She raised her head, searching for the right words. “Ca
Deep in thought, Leander was puzzled over Camila's words, questioning if there might be a hidden motive behind her sudden visit. Could she simply be probing for details about his wealth for Rex, or was there more to it? “This is ridiculous!” Leander thought to himself. *** Leander, smirking, joined his father for dinner. Entering the dining room, his eyes darted around, taking in the opulent surroundings. Soft light bathed the golden candlesticks and tableware in a warm glow, and the chandelier sparkled like stars above. The mahogany dining table, adorned with intricate gold filigree, commanded attention. Leander sank into the plush gold-upholstered chair, eager for the meal ahead. The table beckoned with trays of succulent turkey, its aroma mingling with fresh herbs and creamy mashed potatoes. Crusty artisan breads, soft rolls, and vibrant salads created a feast for the eyes. Dessert options ranged from rich chocolate tortes to delicate fruit tarts, catering to all tastes. Cry
The long-awaited wedding day of Daxton and Sophia had finally arrived. Excitement buzzed in the air as guests flooded the venue. From the lavish decorations to the impeccable service, every aspect of the event displayed opulence. In fact, the Goldstein family had spared no effort to create a celebration reflecting their power and status.Royal guards, in crisp formal uniforms adorned with badges and insignias, stood like statues throughout the hall. Delegates from King Alexander IV, the ruler of the kingdom, were accompanied by escorts, enhancing the event's formidable aura. The unease and anticipation in the regal chamber were palpable. Surrounded by the grand party, Leander’s eyes roamed the elegantly decorated hall. The memory of his parents' impending marriage brought back the same disbelief he had felt before. "Could it really be true?" he muttered, shaking his head. There was no denying it now; his parents were uniting.Leander walked confidently towards the stage where a popul
The air remained tense as Rex stood firm on his words. But then, the royal guards loomed nearby, a silent threat palpable. However, Leander remained unfazed and showed no sign of readiness for submission. Rex's ultimate desire was for Leander to kneel before him, no matter what it took. "You can never be a leader because you don't even know the responsibility it carries. Why should I kneel for no reason?" Leander's frustration bubbled over, his words flowing like a rapid stream. The onlookers gasped at his confidence. And suddenly, a young lady shot up from her seat, her eyes ablaze with impatience. Instead of putting an end to the clash, she fueled the rift: "Rex, can't you hear the disrespect in his tone? This man should be held accountable for his words." Rex sighed softly, noticing the displeasure clouding the woman's face. With unwavering composure, he spoke, “I know what I’m doing. Don't worry; I will surely show him the consequences of his actions.” Rex's smirk deepened
"Dammit! They've frozen my bank account," Leander exclaimed, his fists clenched in frustration. "Is it really that serious? Why would they freeze your account if you weren't involved?" Sophia's eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Uh, we need a lawyer to fight this," she suggested, a deep concern creeping into her voice. She pushed her hair back and reached for her phone, fingers trembling slightly. As she dialed the lawyer's number, doubt gnawed at her. Could Leander be capable of such a crime? Were there secrets he was hiding? "Leander, you need to prove to me you're not tied up in this fraud mess. Just hiring a lawyer won't cut it if there is more behind the scene." Doubt and worry filled the room as Sophia laid down her terms. At her words, Leander felt a chill run down his back. Clearing his throat nervously, he started, "I understand how hard it is for you to trust me right now but I've come clean. Rex and his group singled me out, assuming my poor lifestyle would make me an eas
However, Leander took his eyes off him nervously and still couldn't process what he was trying to figure out. Rather than struggling, he maintained his composure. Moving closer to the Rolls-Royces, Leander stood just a breath away from two striking models: the classic Phantom and the exclusive $420,000 Ghost Prism, a limited edition celebrating Rolls-Royce's 120th anniversary. Running his hand over the glossy exterior, he was captivated by its elegance. "Which of these cars catches your eye, master? The Ghost Prism seems to have drawn your attention," Jeeves, specific, requested as he noticed that Leander doesn't look ready to select. "Mm-hmm, yeah... The Ghost Prism," Leander rushed his words, his gaze examining other cars nearby. Ambling forward hastily, he circled the custom-made Rolls-Royce, scrutinizing every inch. Letting out a breath of relief, he asked eagerly, "Where's the key fob for this car?” Jeeves sucked in a sharp breath and shot Leander a quizzical look. Disr
Racing through the city's skyline, Leander finally arrived at Brianna's residence. However, he was shocked to find Brianna in his rearview mirror, standing at the entrance of the opulent mansion. She was dressed in a chic outfit with stylish sunglasses perched on her face.Sighing nervously, Leander tapped the brake and lowered the tinted windows. Until Leander waved frantically, Brianna had no idea what was going on.Stepping closer, she squinted to identify him. Seeing Leander in a limited version Rolls-Royce car model struck her with awe, hands covering her mouth. “Wow!” She was so excited.Leander winked, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "Are you off somewhere, dear?"Brianna exhaled and said, "Um, my friend had a crash and has been hospitalized since yesterday, so I wanna go visit her, but my driver isn't here""Do you need a ride? Trust me, I will perform better than your driver," Leander replied with sarcasm. With a smile forming on her face, Brianna nodded, “Ah, I’m sure y
Leander stretched his legs as the private jet descended toward the coastal paradise of Montevia. The turquoise waters sparkled below, and lush green islands dotted the horizon like emeralds in the ocean. Beside him, Brianna leaned back in her seat, her sunglasses perched atop her golden hair, radiating effortless elegance."This was overdue," she said, her voice soft yet teasing.Leander turned to her with a smile. "Blame the whirlwind of deals, auctions, and diplomatic dinners. But now, I’m all yours."The jet landed smoothly, and they were greeted on the tarmac by a motorcade of luxury SUVs. Montevia was known for its breathtaking landscapes and exclusivity—this wasn’t a place for casual tourists. Only the most elite found themselves vacationing here, and Leander and Brianna fit that bill perfectly.---The villa was a marvel of modern architecture, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a panoramic view of the endless sea, while the infinity poo
Leander stretched his legs as the private jet descended toward the coastal paradise of Montevia. The turquoise waters sparkled below, and lush green islands dotted the horizon like emeralds in the ocean. Beside him, Brianna leaned back in her seat, her sunglasses perched atop her golden hair, radiating effortless elegance."This was overdue," she said, her voice soft yet teasing.Leander turned to her with a smile. "Blame the whirlwind of deals, auctions, and diplomatic dinners. But now, I’m all yours."The jet landed smoothly, and they were greeted on the tarmac by a motorcade of luxury SUVs. Montevia was known for its breathtaking landscapes and exclusivity—this wasn’t a place for casual tourists. Only the most elite found themselves vacationing here, and Leander and Brianna fit that bill perfectly.---The villa was a marvel of modern architecture, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a panoramic view of the endless sea, while the infinity poo
As the evening wound down at the Evans estate, Leander found himself reflecting on how smoothly the dinner had gone. The partnership with the Evans family held tremendous potential, and for the first time in years, the idea of forging alliances felt more natural than adversarial. He was about to leave when Walter extended a hand and stopped him.“Leander, a word before you go?” Walter asked, gesturing toward his study.Curious but composed, Leander nodded. “Of course.”The two entered the dimly lit study, where walls were lined with shelves of leather-bound books. A vintage globe stood by the window, and the scent of aged wood filled the room. Walter closed the door behind them and motioned for Leander to sit in one of the plush chairs by the fireplace.“What’s on your mind?” Leander asked, his tone measured.Walter sat across from him, a serious expression settling over his face. “I need to ask for your discretion, Leander. This partnership we’ve discussed—it’s as much about necessit
As the evening wound down at the Evans estate, Leander found himself reflecting on how smoothly the dinner had gone. The partnership with the Evans family held tremendous potential, and for the first time in years, the idea of forging alliances felt more natural than adversarial. He was about to leave when Walter extended a hand and stopped him.“Leander, a word before you go?” Walter asked, gesturing toward his study.Curious but composed, Leander nodded. “Of course.”The two entered the dimly lit study, where walls were lined with shelves of leather-bound books. A vintage globe stood by the window, and the scent of aged wood filled the room. Walter closed the door behind them and motioned for Leander to sit in one of the plush chairs by the fireplace.“What’s on your mind?” Leander asked, his tone measured.Walter sat across from him, a serious expression settling over his face. “I need to ask for your discretion, Leander. This partnership we’ve discussed—it’s as much about necessit
The grand hall of the Thornton estate was resplendent with luxury. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a golden glow on the marble floors, while the walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the family’s storied lineage. It was their annual feast—a celebration of the Thornton legacy, a night to flaunt wealth, power, and influence to the elite of society.Leander stood at the entrance, his sharp suit tailored to perfection. His expression was calm, almost unreadable, but his eyes held a glint of quiet determination. He had been invited, not out of goodwill but as a courtesy and a calculated move by the Thornton family to show they had nothing to fear from him. After all, Leander's recent rise in influence had made him a threat, even to the likes of the Thorntons.As he stepped into the hall, the chatter quieted for a moment. All eyes turned to him. He was an outsider in this circle of established power, yet his presence demanded respect."Leander," Albert Thornt
Leander stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out at the skyline. The city below was alive with movement, lights flickering in every direction, but up here, in the quiet of his penthouse, it felt like a different world. He took a slow sip of whiskey, feeling the warmth spread through him. The quiet of the evening was a rare gift, one he appreciated more than he let on.The sound of the door opening behind him brought his attention back to the present. Wyatt walked in, his usual easygoing demeanor at odds with the tension in his posture."What's got you in such a rush?" Leander asked, his voice low but carrying a note of curiosity.Wyatt closed the door softly behind him, walking across the room to join Leander by the windows. "Just came from a meeting with the board. It's about the next quarter." He paused, eyeing the glass in Leander's hand. "You're drinking already?"Leander smirked, taking another sip. "Some days, it feels necessary."Wyatt shook his head but didn't commen
As the evening stretched into night, the two friends returned to their seats, the conversation flowing easily once more. They discussed upcoming projects, potential collaborations, and their shared vision for the future. “You know,” Wyatt said, swirling the last of his whiskey, “we should do this more often. Just sit back and talk, no agendas or deadlines looming over us.” “I’d like that,” Leander said, a rare note of vulnerability in his voice. “It’s easy to lose sight of what really matters when you’re caught up in the grind.” Wyatt nodded, raising his glass. “To friendship, then. The one thing that’s worth more than all the deals in the world.” Leander clinked his glass against Wyatt’s, the sound ringing out like a promise.The conversation deepened as the night drew on, the city lights sparkling in the background. Leander and Wyatt, though often consumed by the corporate grind, rarely afforded themselves these moments of unguarded honesty. This was one of those nights.Wyatt l
As the evening stretched into night, the two friends returned to their seats, the conversation flowing easily once more. They discussed upcoming projects, potential collaborations, and their shared vision for the future. “You know,” Wyatt said, swirling the last of his whiskey, “we should do this more often. Just sit back and talk, no agendas or deadlines looming over us.” “I’d like that,” Leander said, a rare note of vulnerability in his voice. “It’s easy to lose sight of what really matters when you’re caught up in the grind.” Wyatt nodded, raising his glass. “To friendship, then. The one thing that’s worth more than all the deals in the world.” Leander clinked his glass against Wyatt’s, the sound ringing out like a promise.The conversation deepened as the night drew on, the city lights sparkling in the background. Leander and Wyatt, though often consumed by the corporate grind, rarely afforded themselves these moments of unguarded honesty. This was one of those nights.Wyatt l
The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the expansive terrace of Wyatt’s penthouse. The panoramic view of the city was breathtaking, with skyscrapers reflecting the sun’s brilliance and the streets below teeming with life. Leander leaned back in one of the plush armchairs, a tumbler of whiskey resting on the table in front of him. Across from him, Wyatt lounged in his usual carefree manner, his tie loosened and the top button of his shirt undone.“So,” Wyatt began, swirling the amber liquid in his glass, “how’s Brianna handling your new found glory as a corporate savior?”Leander chuckled, shaking his head. “She’s proud, of course, but she keeps reminding me not to let it get to my head. Says she doesn’t want to live with an ego the size of this penthouse.”Wyatt laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “Smart woman. You’d be insufferable if you started taking yourself too seriously.”“Says the man who had a custom portrait commissioned for his office,” Leander shot back, smirking.