“What?” Camila's lips parted in disbelief as she shouted, holding her breath so as not to shriek. “Is this some kind of play, Mr. Campbell?” Caught off guard, she asked, still unable to believe what he said.“No, Ms. Jennings, it's not. To be sure of what I’m saying, he wore the same leather jacket he came with at that charity gala.” Mr. Campbell hinted at Leander, his expression steady.Leander, who stood in front of Camila, looked at her with a triumphant gaze as she couldn't say a word, her legs shaking weakly in the same spot.But then Camila turned to Mr. Campbell, lamenting, “Why didn't you reveal that Leander was the mysterious investor, the owner of the private equity firm I was looking for?” She wore a deep frown, her expression gloomy, as she blamed Mr. Campbell.However, Mr. Campbell didn't hesitate to wave off her accusation, as he stated, “Ms. Jennings, I told you the other day that I was informed the man wore a leather jacket, so I didn't know it was young master Goldste
That moment felt like a nightmare to Camila as her gaze roamed over the documents on the table.She looked at Leander pitifully, hoping to earn some kindness from him. But Leander didn't hesitate. “Sign it, Camila.”Her hands shook, and as she reached to sign, the pen slipped from her grasp. A mixture of uncertainty and disdain shrouded her face.“If you would give me one last chance, I would be very happy, Leander. Honestly, I didn't mean... I didn't mean all those abuses and insults,” she whispered softly.Leander's lips twisted into a bitter smile. “Too late for that, Camila. The damage is done.” He turned away from her, walking toward the door. “You’ll continue to receive my support, but not because you begged for it. Just consider it a parting gift, from me to you.”She reached out again, her fingers brushing his sleeve. “Leander, please—”He pulled away, his voice final. “Enough, Camila. Sign this; otherwise, I won't leave.” He walked out after getting a call, leaving her standi
Sharing her thoughts with him,Leander made it clear that she would not withdraw the funding, even in the absence of a documented agreement.Leander held his breath for a moment, glancing around the corners of the office before returning his stare to Camila.He then presented the condition. “Like I said the previous time, I’ll be funding your business personally on a monthly basis. But it's not going to be free this time around because I will be giving it to you as a loan, which you will pay back with 40% interest. Also, uh, I will be taking 30% of the profit made by your business.”Camila found his offer unfavorable and frowned as he finished speaking.Agitated, she let out a heavy sigh and shook her head in refusal. “Leander, that's not a good deal because, at the end of the day, I won't gain anything.”“Gasps!” Leander leaned back, crossing his arms. “Then what do you think?”Camila paused, as she suggested. “How about this? You fund the business without interest, and I’ll give you
“Leander,” Arthur began, his voice steady, his curiosity piqued. “How do you feel about meeting with our extended family?”Leander grabbed the glass in front of him, his eyes widening in amazement. “Well, I think, I think, it's nice meeting you all. You know, it's a pleasurable moment to meet our entire great family.”Arthur let out a soft chuckle as he looked at Leander. “It’s a pleasure to have you as a great man here.”With his expression unwavering, Elder Arthur Carnegie leaned forward slightly. “Uh, you might have been wondering why you were invited to this place.”Leander nodded, setting his glass back down. "Yes, the thought has crossed my mind."Arthur glanced around the room, making eye contact with each family member, before turning his attention back to Leander. "Since assuming the role of CEO at Veritas Conglomerate, we’ve been avidly tracking your professional journey. Your business success and commitment to integrity have left a strong impression on us.”Leander, impress
Following the completion of the camera shots, Antonio gave the signal to wrap up the session, and everyone moved away from their positions, exchanging smiles filled with delight.Leander approached Arthur Carnegie, his expression filled with gratitude. “Thank you once again for this incredible honor and the opportunity. I’ve had a great time with you all.”Arthur gave a nod of acknowledgment, his eyes warm. “It’s been a pleasure, Leander. We’re thrilled to have you here with us.”Leander shifted his attention to Emma and Robert, who were among the family members and elites standing nearby. With cordial smiles and his eyes gleaming with excitement as he raised the trophy. “Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Emma, and the entire Carnegie family, this wouldn't have been possible without each and every one of you.”William looked at Leander, nodding in affirmation. “You're welcome, Master Goldstein.”Leander’s thoughts were racing. The award, the leadership role, the equity stake—everything was hap
Leander, who has always valued his daily routine, decided to make another attempt, as usual. Despite his hectic schedule, he always made time to go to the gym. It was his sanctuary, a place where he could push his limits and clear his mind as well. Today, he decided to bring Lindsey along. She enjoyed working out, and Leander liked having her by his side, even in the gym.The gym they headed to was exclusive, catering to high-profile clients who value privacy and a top-notch facility. Upon entering without his security details, Leander was met with the familiar sights and sounds - the hum of a treadmill, the clinking of weights, and a low murmur of conversation from a group of athletes nearby.Lindsey, who is not used to visiting a gym, looked around, impressed by the installation in the facility. Realizing she was not matching his strides as their hands clasped tightly, Leander turned to look at Lindsey, grabbing her attention. He let out a soft sigh as he raised her chin towards h
In the car, Lindsey reached over and touched his cheek gently. “I’ve never seen you fight that before.”Leander gave her a rueful smile, his hand covering hers. “Yes. I've never been pushed like that before. The guy is an idiot. But I won’t let it happen again.”As they walked towards the exit, Lindsey looked up at him, her eyes filled with admiration and a hint of amusement. “You handled that man well.”Leander smirked, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “Well, I tried.”Lindsey brushed stray hair behind her ear, her brows knitting together with concern. “Why should that man fight someone like you? It seems unusual.”Leander shrugged, glancing around to make sure they were still alone. “You know, I’m less popular. I just decided to live a low-key, billionaire lifestyle. Not revealing my status on the internet has made many not know me.”Lindsey nodded thoughtfully, her fingers tracing idle patterns on his arm. "It’s probably for the best. Less drama, more privacy."Leander chuckled so
In his room, Leander had a custom-made Apple MacBook laptop on the bed in front of him. He was busy monitoring the market activity of the Veritas Conglomerate.But then a thought seeped into his mind. Since Lindsey had mentioned Brianna Taylor, he couldn't stop thinking about her. From remembering the moments they spent together to the day Brianna decided to return to Chesterham City, everything felt connected. He tried to avoid these thoughts at all costs as his hatred for the royals grew. This hatred stemmed from the actions of stakeholders like the royals and the government, who had conspired against his inheritance.Leander sighed and closed his laptop. He stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. The memory of Brianna’s smile lingered in his mind, making it hard to focus. He remembered the times they laughed together and the way she looked at him with those bright eyes. But then the anger would creep in. The royals, with their power and influence, had always meddled in his life, ma
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.