Leon POV
I stood near the wide glass window of my study, a half-filled glass of whisky in one hand, the amber liquid swirling in rhythm with my thoughts. The city lights reflected in the glass, but my mind was occupied by something else—someone else.
Her.
That woman.
No matter how much I tried, her image kept lingering in my head. The delicate curve of her face, the vulnerability in her eyes, the way she clung to me last night, trembling in my arms. I could still feel her.
She had done something to me. Something I couldn't explain.
For years, I had avoided women. I had turned my back on emotions. Since Gladise, I had believed all women were the same—beautiful traps cloaked in sweetness, carrying daggers behind their backs. She took my heart, my trust... my generosity. And then disappeared, leaving behind bitterness and betrayal.
But Cielo—she seem not like her she seemed to be the opposite of Gladise.
I sipped the whisky, feeling its warmth trail down my throat, then reached into my pocket and took out my phone. I dialed Jim.
"Did she get home safely?" I asked, my voice as cold and flat as always.
"Yes, sir. I confirmed it myself," Jim responded promptly.
I didn't say anything more. I ended the call.
She was home. Safe.
Still, I couldn't shake off the fury I felt when I thought about last night. The sight of those men hovering over her—laughing, touching, like they had the right to take whatever they wanted.
My jaw clenched.
What kind of punishment is enough for men like that who rapped women ? What justice could ever be enough to erase the kind of damage they leave behind ? The kind of trauma they left to their victims.
For the first time in years, my thoughts weren't revolving around business, legacy, or the empire. They were centered on a girl who entered my car on a rainy night—and somehow was walking right into my guarded heart.
And that terrified me more than I could admit.
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Cielo – POV
I sat in the back seat of the car with Hazel, the wind gently brushing past us as we cruised along the quiet road. Our conversation drifted from the ordinary to the personal.
"I heard Ryu is somehow neglecting you these days. Is it true?" I asked, hesitantly. I didn't want to upset her.
Hazel glanced down, her voice soft. "Yeah… I think he wants to break up with me. But why not just throw it at me directly?" Her eyes sparkled with the threat of tears.
"No, don't say that. He's probably just overwhelmed or distracted with something," I said, trying to comfort her even though I wasn't so sure myself.
Wanting to lighten the mood, I changed the topic.
"Hazel, I've decided—I'll return CEO Le clothes today. I hope… he'll at least accept me as a friend."
"Good luck, dear," she said, gently squeezing my hand. That one small gesture gave me a surprising amount of courage.
The day went smoothly. I stopped by the laundry press to pick up the perfectly packaged clothes, all fresh and folded. Then, I booked a car and made my way to CEO Le mansion.
As I entered the house, the staff—this time a mix of formally dressed male aides—bowed respectfully and greeted me warmly. One of the housekeepers stepped forward and guided me to the living room.
"Would you like anything to drink, miss?" he asked.
"I'll just have tea, thank you," I answered with a polite smile.
Minutes later, Jon, the ever-composed butler, appeared and said, "Miss, we have informed Master. He will arrive shortly." With that, he bowed slightly and exited the room.
Now it was just me, the silence, and the soft clinking of porcelain as I sipped my tea. My heart beat just a little faster.
Was I nervous?