LOGINLeslie POV After spending the night at the hospital with Mikhail, we left in the wee hours.I didn't get much rest before I prepared for work.After trying everything to mess through company up, my uncle was bound to make a scene since he couldn't get what he wanted legally.I had to be prepared for that. Also, the company needed me there. Having just taken over a big company like Grayson holdings, I could not afford to slack off.I spend the whole day reviewing documents and going through ongoing projects and contracts of Grayson holdings. I needed myself acquainted with everything to the last details.Mercer was also accompanying me at Grayson's Holdings in the meantime.I was still at the office when my phone chimed with a message.Mercer had just left after going over the last integration points for Pearl Jewels, and the floor had gone quiet. I was packing my laptop when my phone lit up.For a moment, I thought it was Mikhail.A wave of disappointment washed through me but I shove
Leslie povI stood in the quiet apartment even after the door closed behind him. The victory from the hearing didn't feel satisfactory. All I could hear was Mikhail’s words repeating and ringing in my ears. “That’s not a marriage. That’s an arrangement with sex.”I sank onto the edge of the couch, elbows on my knees and stared at the floor. He was right. Somewhere between fighting Jared, protecting the company, and proving I could handle everything alone, I had started treating him like a safe place to land instead of a partner. I had taken his strength for granted while refusing to give him the same trust.At that moment, I cursed myself for listening to MGs advice. She would hear it from me. But then again, I had a choice to not listen to her which I did. The hours dragged but I didn’t turn on the lights or make any food despite feeling hungry. I just sat there with the weight of what I had done settling deeper into my chest.It was almost midnight when my phone rang. It was fr
Leslie POV The morning of the hearing finally arrived and for some reason, it felt heavier than the previous ones. I stood in front of the mirror longer than necessary, smoothing the same black blazer twice. Mikhail watched me from the doorway, already dressed in a dark suit and expression unreadable.“You have been quiet today.” He pointed out.“I’m focused.” I replied with a smile. I was anxious…that was the right way to say it.Grayson Holdings was being dragged into some fucked up court battles and honestly, I was starting to worry that the shareholder would start having doubts.Pearl Jewels had been dragged into tax fraud accusations and although I managed to resolve it, that didn't erase the bad publicity that had somehow slipped to the public.Having to deal with lawsuits and drama back and forth wasn't the way I wanted to run my companies.Mikhail didn’t push.He simply walked over, adjusted the collar of my blouse and pressed a brief kiss to my forehead. “Griffin will be th
Leslie POV After two days, the final documents for the merger sat on the long conference table at Grayson Holdings. Mercer stood at my right, the legal team across from us, and the last of the Pearl Jewels board members on the video screen. Everything had been reviewed, corrected, and approved.I signed the last page and Mercer added his signature beside mine. The notary stamped it and just like that, Pearl Jewels officially came under Grayson Holdings.A quiet ripple of applause moved through the room. I didn’t smile widely, I simply nodded once, closed the folder and stood.“Thank you, everyone. We’ll begin the full integration next week after my grandfather signs the agreement.Mercer will send the transition schedule by the end of day.” I explained.People filed out but Mercer lingered.“You did it,” he said quietly and I nodded.My grandfather had given authorization for the merging.“We did it.” I looked at the closed folder. “Grandfather will be glad.”“He will and Jared is g
I woke up to the smell of coffee and the quiet sound of Mikhail moving around the kitchen. For a few seconds I stayed still, staring at the ceiling, letting the events of the previous day settle. The secret room. The CCTV footage. The traitor. Jared’s smug face in the lobby of Pearl Jewels. Grandfather’s weak smile at the clinic.I sat up and reached for my phone. Griffin had already sent a message at 6:14 a.m.*Tax office reviewed the original filings and the restored CCTV. They’re prepared to drop the investigation against Pearl Jewels this morning. Formal clearance should come through by noon. We’re pushing for immediate public correction.*A slow breath left me. One piece was falling into place.Mikhail appeared in the doorway with two mugs. He handed me one and sat on the edge of the bed.“Good news?” he asked, nodding at the phone.“They’re dropping it. Griffin says clearance by noon.”He gave a short nod, satisfaction flickering in his eyes. “And the one who helped Jared?”“I’l
“Leslie.” He stood, already moving around the desk. “I thought you’d go straight home.”Mihkail said, and I smiled. “I rarely visit you in your office, so I thought, why not swing by so that we can go home together?” I informed him. "You came here straight from the office," Mikhail asked, and I shook my head. “I went to see Grandfather first.” I closed the distance between us. “Then I didn’t feel like sitting in an empty apartment.” I explained. The idea of going home to an empty apartment made me realize that silence was not something I craved, especially at this point in life. In the past, I was used to it. Back then, when I was still married to Austin, I would spend the rest of my day at home, taking care of little things. That life kind of excited me. Not anymore, not after learning from Mikhael that I could still be a perfect wife and be who I loved being, a businesswoman. Honestly, Mikhail's company is something I enjoy very much, even if I don't admit it loud and frequently
I choked on the water I was trying to drink to cool my body. Mikhail was beside me in a heartbeat, patting my back. That contact sent something electrifying straight to a part of my body that had no business coming alive. I clamped my thighs, afraid that Mikhail would catch something inappropri
Leslie POV I excused myself from the meeting to make a call.Richard confirmed that everything was set.He tried to inquire why I asked for an additional clause for the contract presented by pearl jewels to Austin.I promised to explain everything to my grandfather when I got home.Richard didn't
I woke up to prepare breakfast for Austin as normal.After last night, I made up my mind to walk away but not without hitting him where it hurts the most.I have to act like his dutiful wife, like his glorified nanny because that's what I am, a woman who only deserves to be a mistress.Austin came
Leslie "Miss Grayson, your grandfather wants to remind you that time is up. If you don't provide proof of marriage, you'll loose your position as his heir."The call had arrived yesterday evening as I prepared dinner.It was from Richard, my grandfather's butler.It had been three years since I re







