Chapter 35 ~ Deceived

Cold water splashed Jeslyn’s face, but it wasn't enough to calm her racing heart. Her eyes stayed fixed on the mirror, staring at the woman who looked strong on the outside but was silently battling deep wounds and overwhelming guilt.

"You’re like morphine to me..."

Leonel’s words weren’t just a metaphor. To Jeslyn, they were a curse—chains that kept her trapped in a cycle of attraction, fear, and helpless submission.

“He’s not just my future brother-in-law…” she whispered, her fingers gripping the edge of the sink until her knuckles turned white. “He’s a poison that makes me want more… and run as far away as I can at the same time.”

The bathroom door creaked slightly. Someone entered.

Jeslyn quickly straightened up and wiped her face with a tissue. She put her professional mask back on—cold, composed, untouchable.

A female employee greeted her politely before heading into one of the toilet stalls.

Jeslyn now felt more refreshed, her heartbeat finally steadying. She glanced at her lips—the same ones Leonel had forced a kiss on. They were no longer swollen. Taking a deep breath, she left the restroom and headed back to work.

As she strolled casually down the hallway toward her office, a message came through. She pulled out her phone and read it.

Jefran: “Jes, come to the office rooftop. I need you right now!”

Jeslyn sighed as she read the message.

“What now?” she muttered. “Am I the babysitter for those two brothers or what?” she grumbled but still headed toward the elevator to meet Jefran.

Jeslyn’s steps were calm, but her mind was a storm. In one single day, it felt like she was trying to breathe in the middle of a warzone—Leonel pulling her one way with his manipulation and threats, Jefran pulling the other with his childishness and impulsive emotions.

What do they really want from me? she wondered silently. But her feet kept moving. She stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the rooftop—the top floor of the building.

As soon as the doors opened, the wind rushed to meet her face. Above her stretched a beautiful blue sky.

In the corner of the rooftop stood Jefran, his back turned to the elevator, hands buried in his pockets, as if lost in thought.

Jeslyn walked slowly toward him.

“Jef…” she called softly.

Jefran turned around with a sigh.

“I’m glad you came, Jes…” he said, walking up to her and pulling her into a hug.

“What’s wrong, Jef?” Jeslyn asked, trying to gently pull away without offending her fiancé.

Yes, Jeslyn had to admit it—ever since spending more time, more nights, with Leonel, she had begun to feel uncomfortable being touched by Jefran.

“Leonel scolded me because of my project with Valchev. He was furious—he thinks Valchev is a direct rival to Clovies. But I did it to build a good relationship with them. Just imagine if Clovies and Valchev joined forces—our company could skyrocket, and the project could generate trillions of dollars, Jes!” Jefran explained with excitement.

“Wait—what project did you agree to with Valchev, Jef?” Jeslyn asked, her tone firm.

Jefran sighed, looking at her as if seeking validation.

“A synthetic bio-energy project. They’ve already developed the technology in Eastern Europe, and I want to bring their investments and tech into the Asian market—through Clovies. I thought if I could bridge the gap between these two giants… Leonel would see that I, too, can make bold decisions as a leader.”

Jeslyn was silent. Her heart began to pound, not from admiration—but from a sinking feeling of dread.

“Jef… do you even realize who Valchev really is?” she said quietly.

Jefran looked confused. “Of course I do. They’re an elite industrial family. Sure, there were some minor criminal issues in the past, but—”

“Minor issues?” Jeslyn cut in sharply. “Do you know why Leonel was so angry? Because Valchev isn’t just a competitor… they’re corporate mafia, Jef. They build tech projects not for innovation—but to mask their illicit businesses. If you keep working with them, Clovies could become their next money-laundering tool.”

Jefran’s face stiffened. “I… I didn’t know it was that bad…”

Jeslyn stared hard at him. “And you’ve already signed the contract?”

Jefran didn’t answer. His silence was the answer.

“Oh God, Jef,” Jeslyn whispered. “That’s why Leonel lost it. You may have just invited a disaster into the company’s core system.”

Jefran looked like he wanted to protest, but guilt locked his lips.

“So you think I made the wrong move too?” he asked softly.

“Do you even know why Valchev has always tried to rival Clovies? Why they keep planting spies in our company? They want to control Clovies, Jefran,” Jeslyn said, her voice rising slightly in disbelief at his recklessness.

“But… Uncle Dmitri said they were sincere and wanted to collaborate. This was the fastest way to land a major project, Jes,” Jefran replied. “I just wanted to be recognized. All this time, I’ve always lived in Leonel’s shadow. He’s the only one Dad’s ever been proud of.”

“I get that you want to be seen and make a big impact on the company. But by opening the door to our enemies, you’re putting everything at risk, Jef,” Jeslyn said firmly.

“You sound just like Leonel,” Jefran scoffed, annoyed.

Jeslyn sighed deeply. She looked at Jefran, her voice soft but unwavering. “That’s because he and I care about you—and about Clovies, Jef.”

Jefran turned his face away, trying to hide the pain beginning to rise in his eyes.

“You think I don’t know what it’s like to live in someone’s shadow?” Jeslyn continued, stepping closer. “Every achievement compared. Every decision questioned. I’ve been through that, Jef. Since college. But when you let your hunger for recognition cloud your judgment, you risk destroying more than just your pride.”

Jefran swallowed hard, his eyes turning red. “I just wanted to prove myself…”

Jeslyn gently touched his arm. “If you want to prove yourself, do it in a way that earns people’s respect. Not by signing a deal with the devil in an Armani suit.”

For a moment, the only sound was the wind.

Then finally, Jefran spoke again, his voice low. “What should I do now? Leonel already suspended me for this reckless move. I’ve been banned from working for a while,” he admitted.

Jeslyn nodded slowly, understanding the panic and fear woven into his voice.

“You can start by showing that you’re capable of fixing your mistake,” she said gently. “The suspension isn’t a death sentence. Leonel just wants you to pause, reflect, and prove that you’re still trustworthy.”

Jefran looked up. “How?”

***