Shortly after, the chefs whisked away the empty plates from the dining table, seamlessly replacing them with steaming new filled dishes. Brianna's raised eyebrow silently questioned the delay, her impatience palpable.As the chef left, Brianna heaved a deep sigh of relief, a radiant grin lighting up her face. "Awwn, alright everyone..." Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she reached for a plate of beef Wellington, along with the others.As Leander chewed, disbelief gnawed at him; the food was delicious, unlike anything he had ever tasted before. Nonetheless, he pondered how the skilled chefs could possibly make mistakes and serve meals that were not fully cooked. His mind was flooded with queries, causing him to halt his meal.Brianna noticed that Leander wasn’t pleased and sensed his worry. He slouched in his chair, unease clouding his gaze. The situation didn't sit well with Brianna. Frowning, she brainstormed ways to encourage his appetite."Leander, you are feeling off? What
Brianna’s gaze remained locked on Camila as she leaned forward on the couch, a mixture of frustration and disillusionment apparent on her face. The urge to confront Camila gnawed at her. 'Not speaking up could indirectly give Camila the impression that she did something right,’ Brianna thought to herself."Camila, we've been close for so long, and now you decide to play a trick by contaminating the food? It’s an obvious and direct act of attempted murder," Anger and revulsion were evident in Brianna’s voice as it cut through the tense atmosphere. Camila, lacking the ability to defend herself, stared at the ground, her face marked with guilt."What was the reason for your decision to pull that stunt? Your stupidity could cost the chef their jobs. Just think, if I had ingested the toxin you planned for Leander .....," Brianna's tone was fiery and resolute. Frowning in annoyance, she demanded with authority, "Now tell me where the hell you stash the poison?”"I'm sorry; but I would exp
"Why do you doubt that's possible?" With a sharp gasp, Leander’s shoulders slumped in anxiety.Daxton nervously shifted in his seat before answering, “It’s too early and we haven’t made arrangements for his replacement yet,” he said, glancing around the room for support. The silence was palpable as the tension grew between them."But I will surely consult with your mother about it in order to reach a decision," he continued, sighing softly. He however took a deep breath, weighing his options and considering whether severing ties with Jeeves was the only solution after this breach of trust.Daxton pondered silently, his face etched with worry. "Jeeves has been a loyal butler for over years now”He mused, "I can't imagine him being malevolent" Despite his doubts, Daxton's trust in Jeeves had never wavered. "He's always been reliable," he said.Inhaling sharply, Leander’s face became flooded with comprehension as he grappled with inner turmoil over what to do next.Daxton's gaze was sof
Leander's smile strained, his eyes shut in resolve. "Are you convinced that I’m eager to be the new owner of Etherium University?" he declared. McCoy chuckled softly, furrowing his brows. Leander's words hit him like a sudden gust of wind, leaving him incredulous. "Leander, you can't be serious," McCoy said in disbelief. A flicker of annoyance flashed across Leander's face before he regained his composure. He was not about to let McCoy underestimate him. "Hahaha, Etherium University's value is beyond your pocket money," McCoy countered. Leander met McCoy's doubtful gaze and held it steadily. It was clear that McCoy had no idea what he was capable of. Undeterred, Leander persisted. "I'm serious. I can secure this university in weeks if the administration transfer process is expedited," he asserted confidently. McCoy's eyes twinkled as he swallowed, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "You know, our university's got a cool £900 million in the bank," he said with a hint
"Okay, Leander. I'm not overthinking anything, you are just hiding your feelings," Brianna sighed, her eyes glinting with determination. Leander sitting limpy on the couch was rendered speechless by her cryptic words.After a brief moment, Leander responded, his eyes meeting Brianna's with a faint smile, "Yep. I keep it a secret because you might be even better than I thought" "Finally, I've got the truth out of you. Exactly what I needed," Brianna, in excitement, whispered.Sensing a thick wave of desire filling the room, Leander's eyebrow raised. Just as the moment was unfolding, a loud phone ring interrupted, prompting Brianna to rush off to her bedroom to grab her phone.Shortly after, she returned to find Leander waiting.Catching sight of the new phone in Leander’s hand, Brianna’s eyes narrowed. "You promised to meet me last time you were here," she reminded him, trying to mask her rising anxiety. "Why haven't you followed through?" Leander's mischievous grin only added to h
They quickly turned around, fixing their gazes at the door. Brianna stepped closer to the door, her heart racing before she realized it wasn't fully closed. She let out a sigh of relief and then used her biometrics to lock it."Why would a modern and smart door like this creak so audibly?" Leander asked, a bit spooked."Uh, I have no idea," Brianna replied, "but I won't ignore your words because Rex is a cunning guy"Leander followed her into the living room, his expression filled with intrigue. "This doesn't look like a usual bedroom," he remarked, his tone sharp with curiosity."Is that your bedroom? It's kind of empty," he said.Brianna fell silent for a moment before looking up sternly at Leander. "I already told you there are vacant rooms here but that's not my bedroom. It's located on the upper floor," she stated firmly.She exhaled sharply, her gaze icy as she continued, "I've reconsidered giving you that vacant room because of your hesitance and nerves. Were you afraid to work
"Fake again? You’re the most daring and unexpected one in the bunch," Leander quipped, surprised by the bank staff’s accusation. Annoyed, he exhaled sharply, "Put it through a card reader and let’s see who's right" The bank staff swiftly set the card reader on the table and swipe the card over the payment terminal device. A gentle hum filled the room as the screen lit up. Suddenly, a detailed account profile appeared, stunning them both into silence. She muttered a curse, snapping her fingers in frustration. She berated herself for being careless, instantly regretting the slip-up. "She's the one who can't be trusted," Leander told the man, a smug smile playing on his lips. The bank staff's irritation grew, her gaze sharp. "It's crystal clear. Give back his stuff now or do as he said," the man interjected, his tone commanding, his expression fierce. "Wait a minute. The card reader is yet to sort it," the bank staff cut in, her voice sharp. Leander blinked, his expression
Leander parked his elegant Rolls-Royce Ghost Prism in a tranquil park close to the entrance of Etherium University, discreetly checking the time and eagerly anticipating Brianna’s arrival. With a sigh, he turned off the car engine and his self-assured smirk faded. Watching students hauling their bags towards the university, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of anxiety and doubt, causing his shoulders to droop. Had he not been expelled, he would have arrived for the next semester by now. ‘Was this how his life was supposed to play out?’ As a pang of envy shot down his spine, he felt traumatized and lost in his own thoughts. Memories came rushing back, bringing unshed tears to his eyes upon seeing the expulsion letter from Dean Walker. He fought to manage the overwhelming surge of emotions, reliving every detail of that fateful day. Leander's expression turned angry as memories of Rex overwhelmed him. He began to pound his fists against the steering wheel in frustration. "I ca
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.