Mr. Whitman’s face reddened as he felt a combination of shame and frustration. He had never asked anyone for a favor in his entire life, much less for something personal. Swallowing his pride, he dropped to his knees, his eyes pleading. "Leander, please," Mr. Whitman implored, his voice trembling. "I need your help. I can't afford to lose my company. I'll apologize to Lindsey, however she wants. Just... help me." For a moment, Leander observed him, a slight look of satisfaction crossing his features. Seeing Mr. Whitman humbled left him with a curious notion of what justice meant. But he knew this wasn’t just about revenge; it was about making things right. "Just get up," Leander ordered, his tone firm. "Groveling won't fix this. Your action will, okay?" Mr. Whitman hesitated, then slowly rose to his feet, dusting off his knees. "I'll do it, Leander. I'll apologize publicly and personally." Leander's gaze remained hard. "Good. You better mean it. If I sense you're insincere, I'll
Taking advantage of his leisure hour, Leander entered an upscale electronic store and immediately became the center of attention. He had decided to get a new work tool to replace the one he was already using.Upon entering the electronic store, you are greeted by a spacious, well-lit environment. Overhead LED lights create a reflection on the floor’s sleek, polished tiles. Various electronic devices create a soft hum in the air.Despite this, the store manager promptly recognized Leander as a significant customer. With a mix of respect and enthusiasm, he rushed over. “You’re welcome to the best electronic store, Mr. Goldstein. How may I help you?”Leander offered a polite nod. “Good afternoon. I'm here to get a new laptop and a phone. I need the best models you have in stock.”The store manager replied, “Uh, of course, sir. You can get any model of your choice in our store.”“Well, I would prefer an Apple or Samsung product,” Leander said, showing little enthusiasm.“Alright, sir. Rig
Leander was sitting in his office at the penthouse headquarters of Veritas Conglomerates. Half of the working day had already passed. He felt less busy as he leaned back in his chair, his head resting limply. Staring at the Apple MacBook in front of him, he decided to turn it off and find something else to do. Something interesting. Still pondering, he closed the lid of his computer. Taking a deep breath, he looked around and glanced at the time again. He then stood up and reached out to the espresso machine nearby to grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Returning to his seat, Lindsey began ringing in his mind. He felt that, if she were with him, there was no way he would be bored. But he couldn’t leave his office because he needed to supervise some new projects before he left. Leander grabbed the cup on the table and sipped gently, taking a deep sigh of relief to shake off the feelings and thoughts. Still, they kept coming back, leaving him with no choice but to open his laptop ag
In the evening, Leander decided to leave his office. This was after he had completed supervising the early phase of the project preparation, ensuring everything was progressing as planned. The thought of Veritas Conglomerate, his inheritance, soon celebrating its fiftieth anniversary was reeling through his mind. Shaking off the thought, he quickly packed all the books spread across the table, arranging them into a folder. His laptop, too, went into his expensive, custom-made bag. He picked up his access card and crept towards the door. Walking out of his office, he swiped his card against the reader, sending a signal to the lock mechanism to lock the door. Before turning into the passageway, Elaine, his assistant, approached and helped him with his briefcase and laptop bag, carrying them alongside him. “Follow me, Elaine!” Leander urged, his voice hurried as he glanced back at her. As he began to walk away, she quickly followed suit. Weaving through the passageway, they arrived a
After they finished their meal and discussed the main reason for organizing the charity dinner, Leander slumped in his seat, trying to relax and bring some comfort to himself by sipping on whiskey. More than half of the guests had moved away, leaving scant seats everywhere, except for a few. Grabbing the cocktail glass on the table, Leander turned around, observing the environment before glancing at the time. He then caught sight of Vivian, who sat alone opposite the long table. He quickly looked away, feeling like he didn't have any business with her. Moments later, Leander realized none of the Hawthorne family had come to greet him. How could he not meet with those who invited him? Unbelievable. His gaze fell on Vivian again, who was discussing it with some ladies nearby. Giving her an intense gaze, Vivian faltered in her conversation, constantly lost for words. Leander didn’t stop there. He started giving charming, seductive smiles to draw her attention while still staying in h
“Yeah, it's now left to you, Vivian,” Leander said, looking up at her, his voice serious.Vivian’s words came out in a rush as she fidgeted with her dress. “Hold on, please, Leander. I will get back to you in the next five minutes. I need to meet my parents.”Leander leaned back, raising an eyebrow, a hint of impatience in his gaze. “But what should I do if you don’t arrive on time?”“Well, I don't know. You just have to be patient with me, and I am sure you will because I trust you,” Vivan stammered, her breath escaping with every word she said. The next moment, she turned away from Leander, walking quickly, her heart racing with fear that he might leave before she returned.She found her parents on the bohemian couch in the living room, deep in conversation. Her sudden entrance caught their attention, breaking their discussion.Vivian paused, guilt washing over her. “Mom, Dad, I’m sorry for the interruption.”Her father’s eyes narrowed, his voice sharp. “Why did you rush in like th
Leander flinched at Richard’s response before declaring, “Oh, alright. No problem. I won’t impose on you an apology. His voice hardened. “But I guess I’m justified in not integrating myself into your family because I’m not ready to do so.” Aria’s gaze dropped, unable to meet his eyes. “Don’t do that, Leander. It’s just... complicated.” Leander’s expression was twisted with scorn. “Complicated, huh? You abandoned me without a word, and now you call it complicated?” Richard’s jaw tightened, and his face flushed with indignation. “Leander, we don’t owe you an explanation.” Leander’s eyes narrowed with unyielding resolve. “Alright then. If you won’t apologize, I’ll take that as my cue to leave. But remember this—I won’t forget what you all did. I won’t forgive it.” Aria reached out, her voice trembling. “Leander, please—” Leander cut her off, his tone as cold as steel. “No, Mrs. Hawthorne. I’ve heard enough. You had your chance.” Turning to Vivian, who stood frozen, eyes wide with
Camila and Marcella, still watching from the sidelines, exchanged amused glances. “It looks like Mr. Perfect doesn’t have all the answers,” Marcella exclaimed. “He can’t even handle a simple ticket, let alone a relationship,” Camila added with a sly grin. Leander finally stopped scrolling, realizing he wasn’t going to find what he was looking for. He turned back to the bouncer, frustration etched across his face. “There must be a mistake. We purchased them.” The bouncer held up a hand, cutting him off. “Look, uh, if you don’t have the tickets, you’re not getting in. Please, step aside and let the others through.” Leander clenched his jaw, his frustration reaching a boiling point as he and Lindsey were forced to move out of the way. “Uh, I guess money can’t buy everything, after all,” Marcella whispered, her voice dripping with satisfaction. Camila shook her head in mock pity. “Especially without a clue on how to keep a relationship—or even get into a club without making a
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.