With a warm and genuine demeanor, Leander made his way to other staff and directors from multinational countries. "I really appreciate all of your efforts in making this possible, despite not being fully prepared for it," he said gratefully. As he shook hands with the gathered individuals, one of them chimed in, "Master Leander, we are pleased to have you here as our new CEO and president of the Veritas Conglomerate. I guess you are now the youngest CEO in one of the largest companies in the world" Surprised by this information, Leander replied with a grateful nod, "Is that so? Thank you all. I assure you that everyone will benefit from my new position” “Best wishes, Master Leander,” a clear voice cut in. Without hesitation, Leander veered away from the group post-handshake. He however made a beeline for the Chief Operation Officer, Edward Robinson, who was engrossed in conversation with several directors nearby too. "Mr. Edwards, can we have a quick word?" Leander's soft
But then, he couldn't believe what he saw.Leander exhaled sharply, snatching a compact rectangular object and swiftly scrutinizing the body. Recognizing it as a hard drive, his eyes widened in astonishment at the label. He whispered the words on it, "Goldstein's Assets," his heart racing.Uncertainty ate at him as he traced his finger over the label. Was this truly the real hard drive? Could it have been switched out or tampered with?Glancing around, Leander's chest tightened with anxiety. His eyes locked onto a sleek monitor resting on the table. Without hesitation, he plugged in the hard drive, eager to verify its authenticity through a quick test.Plugging the USB cable into the hard drive and computer, the monitor instantly flashed with a notification, indicating an external device was recognized. Dancing across the keyboard, his fingers swiftly accessed the drive.The screen flashed a list of documents pertaining to Veritas Conglomerate and some other entities which are subsid
"Get the security guards over here," Leander ordered.He strode towards Mr. Parker, his eyes flashing with menace. "I knew you were working for them," he whispered darkly, instilling fear in Mr. Parker."That fake termination letter was a dead giveaway. Thanks for outing yourself," Leander's words dripped with satisfaction.In unison, unknown voices emphasized, "No, master. It's not a prank. You already stamped your name on it," “We don't want him anymore!”Leander sucked in a sharp breath. "If you weren't such a pain, why would everyone be telling me to boot you out? I'm on their side, so pack up and leave"Mr. Parker exclaimed, “They all conspired against me.” In a swift motion, the security guards burst into the office and swiftly escorted him out.Leander, radiating confidence, redirected his attention to the assembled directors in the office. With a quick nod, he launched into a succinct address, "Hello everyone. Apologies for the commotion earlier. I was just investigating some
The sun edged above the horizon as Leander swiftly disembarked an American airline flight that touched down smoothly at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Navigating the busy terminal, he tightly held onto his carry-on and headed straight for the information desk.Leander was met by a smiling attendant at the desk. His eyebrow shot up, eyes brimming with eager anticipation and nervous energy. Urgently, he asked, "Sorry please, where's the quickest taxi route to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital?"The attendant provided clear direction on the best route to the hospital via taxi as it would be quicker than public transport.Leander expressed his gratitude and swiftly headed outside the airport to hail a taxi. Stepping into the sultry summer air, his senses were overwhelmed by his first time stepping his foot on the American soil. His eyes darted from one marvel to another - the grand natural landscapes, striking architectural wonders, bustling crowds of pedestrians, and sleek road netw
Leander's first day as President at Veritas Conglomerate kicked off the workweek. Anticipation buzzed through the headquarters, signaling imminent management restructuring.Leander settled into his father's office, a temporary sanctuary. Sitting on the edge of an office chair, he faced a glowing laptop screen, his fingers poised above the keys.He swiftly unlocked his briefcase, retrieving the secure hard drive he safeguarded. With careful precision, he linked it to his laptop, diving into the encrypted documents and files that kept his father’s assets.The first secret company he established was FusionTech Dynamics, TerraQuest Mining Co. He quickly uncovered that these companies boasted a combined market capitalization of $650 billion. The staggering wealth rendered Leander speechless and on edge. Curiously, he wondered why his father hadn't included these entities under Veritas since they are supposed to be subsidiaries of the conglomerate.Spending nearly two hours meticulously dis
Brianna let out a sigh of relief, her heart racing as she spotted Leander's return. With a furrowed brow and a quick stride, she confronted him, her voice tinged with agitation. "Leander, where have you been? I couldn't reach your contact"Leander's eyebrow shot up in a silent apology as Brianna clasped his hand. He exhaled softly, "I'm sorry for that. I was away; traveling to the States”Brianna's breath hitched, her eyes narrowing in confusion. "Okay, and where did you travel, Leander?"Leander's heart raced as he blurted out, "I went to visit my father in the United States""Really?" Brianna's surprised tone crackled with energy. She continued, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "How has the journey been? But Leander, you are meant to inform me that you won't be around. I was just worried all day and night”Leander mumbled an apology, then swiftly added, "Honestly, the sudden news about traveling to the United States caught me off guard. Once it sunk in, I knew I had to move qui
Camila took the jacket from Leander, her heart pounding. She shot him a quick glance, mumbled a rushed "Thanks," her voice tinged with unease.Leander couldn't help but nod slightly before turning away from her. "Let's return back to our seats," he said, and Brianna followed him as they made their way back.As Rex approached Camila, he noticed the displeased and frustrated stare in her eyes. With curiosity etched into his forehead, he taunted, "Babe, are you okay?" "I had an accident with the wait staff," Camila lamented, her voice demanding and glum. She pointed to her stained dress before continuing, "It's ruined”"I'm sorry how did you get this jacket? Did you bring it?" Rex's eyes widened as he helped Camila adjust the jacket swiftly.Camila let out a soft sigh before responding, careful not to reveal that Leander was the one who had given her the costly jacket. She didn't want him to react negatively, so she simply said, "Someone among the guests gifted it to me. I didn't own i
Frustrated with himself, Leander cursed for giving into Brianna’s insistence. He regretted handing his jacket to Camila. Yet, the deed was irreversible now, leaving him no room for second thoughts.Leander was met with mocking laughter from Rex, who had been lurking in the shadows. His eyes sparkled with delight as he saw Leander’s brow furrow in a scowl. Rex interpreted this humiliation as a triumph over Leander. Little did he know, the real journey had not even begun.As the party was coming to an end, Leander couldn’t help but notice a gorgeous young lady. Her beauty was intoxicating—smooth, spotless light skin and standing at 5'9". She caught Leander's eye immediately, and any man would be lucky to have her as their dream woman.He didn't hesitate, quickly grabbing his jacket and weaving through the crowd to approach the ethereal lady before she left the hall.But as he tried to catch up with her, the moving crowd blocked his path. He knew if she disappeared from his view, he migh
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.