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
With composure regained, Leander started the car and set off, determined to locate Lindsey. But no matter how hard he tried, she was nowhere to be found. The sense of failure weighed heavily on him, leaving him anxious and deeply troubled. Leander could hardly believe the drama unfolding around him. “Something must have gone wrong,” he muttered, his expression a mix of disbelief and confusion. Gripping the steering wheel, Leander’s knuckles turned white as he pressed harder on the accelerator. His mind raced with thoughts of what had just happened. The gravity of the situation pressed down on him, making it difficult to breathe. He had seen Lindsey upset before, but never like this. Her pale, stricken face replayed in his mind, alongside the damning photos—those haunting images looping endlessly in his thoughts. How could this have happened? How had he let it happen? A wave of nausea hit Leander, forcing him to pull over. He gasped for air, his heart pounding in his chest. With a f
Finally, Leander and Wyatt made it to Lindsey’s residence, successfully executing the plans they had made together. Leander’s heart raced faster as they got closer to the entrance, but he was fully prepared for what lay ahead. As anticipated, they encountered Lindsey, who warmly welcomed and accepted both of them. He turned to Wyatt, whispering, “Uh, let’s hope this goes well.” Wyatt took a deep breath as he settled into a couch, staring at the corners of the room before finally landing his gaze on Lindsey, who was bringing with her bottles of rich red wine and three glasses. After everyone was seated, Lindsey turned to face them with a warm, welcoming smile that belied the tension of their past. Leander's breath caught in his throat, but he steeled himself and stepped forward. “Hi Lindsey,” Leander began, his voice steady but with an underlying pool of emotions. Lindsey looked at them, her eyes softening, and she nodded slightly. “Of course, Leander. It's good to see you bot
Wyatt’s expression tightened with concern as he leaned forward. “Lindsey, please,” he urged, his tone sharp. “It would help if you could tell us who sent you those photos.” Lindsey met his gaze, hesitating before shaking her head, her brows knitting together in a mix of confusion and caution. “I’ll tell you later. For now, it’s safer if I keep it to myself, especially since you look so eager to find out.” Leander’s frustration bubbled over, and he couldn’t hold back. “Lindsey,” he shot back, his voice hardening as he locked eyes with her. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll find out the truth myself if I have to.” Lindsey’s eyes slightly widened, but she remained firm, her silence saying a lot as the tension escalated. “Till that day comes, goodbye!” Leander stood up, his chair scraping against the floor as he pushed it back. The finality in his tone left no room for argument. Her face held a blend of regret, anger, and something unsaid as she watched him. Without uttering a single word
Leander sighed, clearly in a hurry. “I’m not interested in chatting right now,” he replied curtly. The man, sensing the urgency, persisted. “Please, I’m begging you. I need some advice, and I’ve heard you’re the best person to ask.” Leander stopped, his frustration wavering. He assessed the man’s earnest expression and decided to listen. “Fine, what’s this about?” The man explained his business struggles, detailing how he was on the brink of a major deal but lacked crucial guidance. Leander listened with a growing sense of empathy. After a moment, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his business card. “Here, take this. It’s my card and an exclusive pass to visit me at my office. We can discuss this further there, okay?” The man’s eyes lit up with gratitude. “Thank you so much, Mr. Goldstein! I really appreciate it.” Leander nodded curtly. “Just make sure you’re prepared. I don’t have time for casual talks.” With that, he turned and headed towards his car, the man watching
Sophia sat at the dining table, savoring the rich flavors of the meal. She laughed while chatting with the former female mayor of Etherium City, Mrs. Anderson, and a few close friends. “Wow, this roast is delicious,” Mrs. Anderson said, taking a bite. “You must share the recipe with me, Sophia.” “I’d be happy to,” Sophia replied, smiling. “It’s one of my favorites.” Laughter and conversation filled the room as they enjoyed their meal. The TV in the corner was tuned to a news channel, but it played softly in the background, barely noticed. Suddenly, the tone of the newscaster’s voice changed. “We have breaking news coming in. Reports and eyewitnesses are confirming the tragic incident that the son of the owner of Veritas Conglomerates, Leander Goldstein, has been shot dead at the train station. His body was taken by unknown gunmen before security could intervene.” Sophia’s fork froze mid-air. Her eyes widened in shock as she heard the news. The room seemed to spin around her. “No…
After about thirty minutes, Mrs. Anderson and her convoy arrived at the hospital where Sophia, Leander's mother, had been admitted. The atmosphere was tense as the vehicles rolled to a stop in the parking lot. Mrs. Anderson, ever composed despite the frustration inside her, stepped out of her Range Rover, adjusting her dress with a swift motion before striding purposefully towards the hospital entrance. As she entered the reception area, her sharp eyes scanned the surroundings. In the air, the scent of antiseptic mingled with whispered conversations and the steady beeping of medical devices. Mrs. Anderson’s heart tightened with worry as she approached the front desk. A nurse noticed her presence and quickly stepped forward. “How may I assist you, ma’am?” the nurse asked, her tone respectful, recognizing the former mayor immediately. “Sophia Goldstein,” Mrs. Anderson said briskly. “She was brought in not long ago. I need to know her condition.” The nurse nodded, quickly checking
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.