Suddenly, a figure who appeared to be familiar to Leander approached in front of Leander. It was none other than Camila and Ethan, his boyfriend. Squinting darkly, he was clearly shocked by her presence. He thought she was being detained by the FBI considering the issues related to his assassination attempt.“Aagh, darling,” Vivian stood up from her seat and went to hug Camila and exchange greetings as well.“Happy birthday to you, dear,” Camila smiled at her as she placed her hands on Vivian's shoulders.“Uh, come have a seat!” Vivian ushered both Camila and Ethan to two empty seats, which were beside Leander, her expression cordial and unwavering.Camila sensed a pang of fear in her as she sighted Leander, who was focused on the meal in front of him. That action alone showed that Leander doesn't acknowledge her presence at all. Ethan was eager to sit first, but Camila couldn't do that immediately. Her heart was racing like a car,a wave of fear and unease crashing on her. “Are you o
“Uh, there is an empty seat here, Princess. If you don't mind, come take it.” Camila raised an eyebrow at Brianna, her expression unwavering.“Darling, I’ve got one,” Brianna said with a warm grin as she looked at her.Leander's eyes narrowed as he took in Camila’s dismissive words. Her attitude was unbearable. He realized she still saw him as the ordinary person he used to be, back when they were together. She doesn't respect him now. Fueled by a new determination, Leander promised himself that she would learn differently. He would show her that he had risen far beyond her and Rex in power, wealth, and connections.As everyone settled down at the long, elaborately decorated table, a hush fell over the room. Crystal glasses gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air.Vivian sat at the head of the table, radiating happiness as her family and close friends gathered to celebrate her special day. Beside her, Camila forced a smile, t
As the party came to an end, Leander stepped out of the hall. He thought of getting the gift he had bought for Vivian, which was in his car at the park. But then an idea seeped into his head. He quickly grabbed his phone, sighing softly with determination, before dialing the contact of one of his bodyguards. “Hey! Are you there?” Leander's voice echoed through the phone’s microphone. He waited a moment to get a response from the other end. “Master, I’m listening... How may I help you?” The bodyguard exclaimed, his words energetic. “Hmm,” Leander's breath echoed through the speakers. “I want you to get the box in my car for me. I'm right here in the hall. I'm waiting,” he demanded, his words laced with confidence and authority. “Alright.” As soon as the bodyguard finished speaking, Leander hung up and turned around. He began staring at the crowd in front of him, keeping a close eye on Vivian and Brianna’s movements. Not long after, the bodyguard arrived at the spot where Leander w
“Uh, there is an empty seat here, Princess. If you don't mind, come take it.” Camila raised an eyebrow at Brianna, her expression unwavering. “Darling, I’ve got one,” Brianna said with a warm grin as she looked at her. Leander's eyes narrowed as he took in Camila’s dismissive words. Her attitude was unbearable. He realized she still saw him as the ordinary person he used to be, back when they were together. She doesn't respect him now. Fueled by a new determination, Leander promised himself that she would learn differently. He would show her that he had risen far beyond her and Rex in power, wealth, and connections. As everyone settled down at the long, elaborately decorated table, a hush fell over the room. Crystal glasses gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air. Vivian sat at the head of the table, radiating happiness as her family and close friends gathered to celebrate her special day. Beside her, Camila forced a smil
“Uh, there is an empty seat here, Princess. If you don't mind, come take it.” Camila raised an eyebrow at Brianna, her expression unwavering. “Darling, I’ve got one,” Brianna said with a warm grin as she looked at her. Leander's eyes narrowed as he took in Camila’s dismissive words. Her attitude was unbearable. He realized she still saw him as the ordinary person he used to be, back when they were together. She doesn't respect him now. Fueled by a new determination, Leander promised himself that she would learn differently. He would show her that he had risen far beyond her and Rex in power, wealth, and connections. As everyone settled down at the long, elaborately decorated table, a hush fell over the room. Crystal glasses gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air. Vivian sat at the head of the table, radiating happiness as her family and close friends gathered to celebrate her special day. Beside her, Camila forced a smil
“Uh, there is an empty seat here, Princess. If you don't mind, come take it.” Camila raised an eyebrow at Brianna, her expression unwavering. “Darling, I’ve got one,” Brianna said with a warm grin as she looked at her. Leander's eyes narrowed as he took in Camila’s dismissive words. Her attitude was unbearable. He realized she still saw him as the ordinary person he used to be, back when they were together. She doesn't respect him now. Fueled by a new determination, Leander promised himself that she would learn differently. He would show her that he had risen far beyond her and Rex in power, wealth, and connections. As everyone settled down at the long, elaborately decorated table, a hush fell over the room. Crystal glasses gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air. Vivian sat at the head of the table, radiating happiness as her family and close friends gathered to celebrate her special day. Beside her, Camila forced a smil
“Uh, there is an empty seat here, Princess. If you don't mind, come take it.” Camila raised an eyebrow at Brianna, her expression unwavering. “Darling, I’ve got one,” Brianna said with a warm grin as she looked at her. Leander's eyes narrowed as he took in Camila’s dismissive words. Her attitude was unbearable. He realized she still saw him as the ordinary person he used to be, back when they were together. She doesn't respect him now. Fueled by a new determination, Leander promised himself that she would learn differently. He would show her that he had risen far beyond her and Rex in power, wealth, and connections. As everyone settled down at the long, elaborately decorated table, a hush fell over the room. Crystal glasses gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air. Vivian sat at the head of the table, radiating happiness as her family and close friends gathered to celebrate her special day. Beside her, Camila forced a smil
“Uh, there is an empty seat here, Princess. If you don't mind, come take it.” Camila raised an eyebrow at Brianna, her expression unwavering. “Darling, I’ve got one,” Brianna said with a warm grin as she looked at her. Leander's eyes narrowed as he took in Camila’s dismissive words. Her attitude was unbearable. He realized she still saw him as the ordinary person he used to be, back when they were together. She doesn't respect him now. Fueled by a new determination, Leander promised himself that she would learn differently. He would show her that he had risen far beyond her and Rex in power, wealth, and connections. As everyone settled down at the long, elaborately decorated table, a hush fell over the room. Crystal glasses gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air. Vivian sat at the head of the table, radiating happiness as her family and close friends gathered to celebrate her special day. Beside her, Camila forced a smil
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.