It started with silence.
Leonhart's phone remained quiet. No cupcake photos from Kevin, no taunts from Elian. Just the occasional buzz from his office, the usual hum of his controlled empire. Yet beneath that silence, something twisted.
When he arrived home late one evening, the penthouse lights were already on.
He froze.
He hadn't forgotten to turn them off.
Security should have stopped anyone—unless…
He walked in, coat still on.
And there, sitting cross-legged on the plush white sofa with a glass of Leonhart's best scotch in hand, was Elian.
Wearing one of Leonhart's old silk robes.
Like nothing had ever changed.
"Home sweet home," Elian said, raising the glass in mock toast.
Leonhart's voice was deathly quiet. "How did you get in?"
Elian shrugged. "Your spare key. The one you never got around to changing. You always were sentimental."
Leonhart moved slowly, controlled. "Get out."
"Oh, come on." Elian stood and sauntered over, hips swaying, voice dipped in honey. "You don't miss this? Not even a little?"
Leonhart didn't flinch when Elian's fingers brushed his collar.
But he did react.
With swift, practiced violence, he grabbed Elian by the wrist and pushed him back—hard—against the wall. The scotch glass shattered on the floor.
Elian blinked up at him, stunned.
"I told you," Leonhart said coldly, "you were a transaction. One that ended. I owe you nothing. Especially not space in my home."
Elian's voice cracked—just slightly. "You don't mean that."
"I do."
Leonhart released him and stepped back.
"Elian," he added, quieter, "you're not the only one who knows how to perform. But I'm done playing."
Elian opened his mouth, but Leonhart was already walking to the door.
"Security will escort you out in sixty seconds. If you're still here, I'll have you arrested."
And then he left.
He didn't turn around.
Didn't need to.
He'd won.
But it didn't feel like a victory.
---
Outside, Kevin stood under the awning of his café, sipping tea and watching the quiet rain. His phone buzzed.
> Leonhart: He came. I sent him away.
> Kevin: You okay?
> Leonhart: Not really.
> Kevin: Come over.
And for the first time in weeks, Leonhart didn't hesitate