As the auction wound down, Leander and Wyatt stepped outside, basking in their victory. The evening air was crisp, and the gleaming Napier Gordon Bennett was parked out front, its polished surface reflecting the ambient lights of the city. Leander felt a surge of satisfaction looking at the car—his latest acquisition, both a piece of history and a message to anyone daring enough to try and undermine him.Just as they were about to head back, the familiar figure of Walter Evans appeared, his expression strained, with Lucas trailing a few steps behind, his face tense but visibly contrite. Walter took a deep breath, straightening his tie, and approached Leander and Wyatt.“Leander,” Walter started, his voice low, “may I have a word?”Leander exchanged a glance with Wyatt, a flicker of surprise passing between them, before giving Walter a polite nod. “Of course, Walter. I’m all ears.”Walter hesitated, as though searching for the right words. Finally, he said, “I want to apologize for ear
The dining room of the Evan estate was a blend of classic charm and modern elegance, reflecting the family’s esteemed reputation. Leander took a seat at the long, polished mahogany table, its surface reflecting the warm glow of the chandelier above. Walter and Lucas Evans sat across from him, with Margaret Evans, Walter’s wife, beside them, her welcoming smile adding a layer of comfort to the room.Margaret leaned over with a smile. “It’s wonderful to have you here, Leander. We’ve heard so much about your achievements, and it’s a pleasure to finally sit down together.”Leander nodded, his expression courteous. “Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Evans. I’m glad to be here. And please, just call me Leander.”“Of course, Leander,” Margaret replied warmly. “Tonight’s meal is a special one. I wanted you to feel right at home.”Walter gestured toward the plates. “Then let’s dig in, shall we?”The table was lined with a variety of dishes, each meticulously prepared, ranging from grilled sal
The next morning, Leander arrived at a sleek office tower that gleamed in the early sunlight, casting long shadows on the bustling streets of downtown. Today was a pivotal day in his plans, and he felt ready. This was not just any meeting; it was an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a project that could define Veritas Conglomerate’s footprint in the luxury real estate market.He entered the lobby and was immediately greeted by the building's opulent design—marble floors, minimalist art on the walls, and soft lighting that gave the space a modern yet inviting feel. The receptionist, a young woman with a bright smile, directed him to the 24th floor, where he was to meet Grant Foster, a seasoned real estate dealer with a reputation for finding exclusive, prime properties.Leander stepped into the elevator, adjusting his cufflinks as he felt a surge of anticipation. He had done his research on Grant; the man was known for his instinct for spotting hidden potential in properties that o
The next morning, Leander arrived at a sleek office tower that gleamed in the early sunlight, casting long shadows on the bustling streets of downtown. Today was a pivotal day in his plans, and he felt ready. This was not just any meeting; it was an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a project that could define Veritas Conglomerate’s footprint in the luxury real estate market.He entered the lobby and was immediately greeted by the building's opulent design—marble floors, minimalist art on the walls, and soft lighting that gave the space a modern yet inviting feel. The receptionist, a young woman with a bright smile, directed him to the 24th floor, where he was to meet Grant Foster, a seasoned real estate dealer with a reputation for finding exclusive, prime properties.Leander stepped into the elevator, adjusting his cufflinks as he felt a surge of anticipation. He had done his research on Grant; the man was known for his instinct for spotting hidden potential in properties that o
In the early morning light, Leander drove through the winding road that led to Crestwood Estate. The sun cast a warm glow over the property, making the lush, untouched landscape come alive with colors. Next to him, Brianna was silent, but her gaze took in every detail as they approached the new estate he had acquired. She hadn't seen it yet, and he was eager to show her the land that was now a key part of his vision for Veritas Conglomerate.As they reached the top of a small hill, Leander stopped the car and parked. “Here it is,” he said, gesturing with a smile. “What do you think?”Brianna opened the door and stepped out, her eyes wide as she took in the sweeping views of the estate. “It’s… breathtaking, Leander. I can see why you fought so hard for it.” She turned to him, a soft smile on her face. “It’s everything you described and more.”Leander joined her, hands tucked into his pockets as he looked out over the land with her. “I wanted to show you this first before the work start
In the days following their visit to Crestwood Estate, Leander and Brianna settled into the rhythm of planning their future. Each day brought a new detail, a new idea, and together, they found themselves diving into every aspect of the project. From layouts to materials, every decision felt like a shared vision taking shape.One morning, as Leander sipped his coffee at the kitchen counter, his phone buzzed with a text from Wyatt, his billionaire friend who had become a close confidant. It read, “Lunch at the Club? I’ve got an idea to run by you.”Leander grinned and shot back a quick response: “See you in an hour.”He glanced over at Brianna, who was skimming through a binder of design inspiration. “I’m meeting Wyatt for lunch. He says he has an idea for the estate,” Leander said.She looked up with a warm smile. “Sounds intriguing. Wyatt always has something up his sleeve.”“True,” Leander replied, laughing. “You sure you’ll be alright without me for a few hours?”Brianna chuckled, r
At the grand Avalon Theater, the red carpet rolled out, cameras flashing as celebrities made their way toward the glamorous venue. The night buzzed with excitement, as attendees speculated who would win the evening’s prestigious awards. Among the crowd, Camila strutted down the carpet, her dress glimmering under the lights, her confidence radiant. This was her moment—her chance to claim the Best Actress award, a title she had pursued relentlessly.Inside, the theater was magnificent, with gold chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and plush seats filling every corner of the large, dimly-lit room. Camila took her seat near the front, crossing her legs and flashing a smile for the cameras. She could almost taste victory. She had poured herself into this role and made countless sacrifices. This award felt like it was hers.Meanwhile, in the back of the theater, Leander observed the scene with quiet intensity. He wore a tailored suit, his gaze focused on the stage as if he could see throug
He met her gaze, calm and steady. “No, I don’t think it’s funny. But I do think it’s reality. Not everything is guaranteed, Camila.”She crossed her arms, her anger flaring. “What would you know about it? You wouldn’t understand what it’s like to work so hard and still lose.”Leander raised an eyebrow, his voice sharpening slightly. “Oh, I think I know more than you realize. I just learned to handle it differently.”She scoffed, her eyes flashing with resentment. “Of course. You’ve always been so ‘resilient,’ haven’t you?”Leander held her gaze, his expression unfazed. “Camila, maybe if you’d focused on more than just appearances, you’d see that setbacks are a part of success. You don’t always win, but it doesn’t mean you don’t deserve better.” Camila’s face softened, just a touch, as she searched his eyes, perhaps looking for the man she once knew. But then her pride flared up again, blocking any hint of vulnerability. “I don’t need advice, Leander. I know what I’m doing.” “Do you?