Chapter 46 – The Possessive Mafia

The next slide began displaying profit projections and international expansion plans, signaling the next phase of the presentation.

Jeslyn listened attentively, jotting down key points, though part of her mind remained tangled in thoughts—especially with Leonel sitting just a few seats away. The man who might have been involved in Victor’s death. The same man who, just this morning, had cornered her in an elevator and forced her to confront feelings she had tried so hard to deny.

Edric continued with calm composure, “As we move forward, here are our profit projections for the next two quarters, including our plan for international expansion.”

A bar graph appeared on screen, followed by a world map highlighting several target countries. “Our projected growth is expected to increase by 35% by the end of Q4, with the strongest potential in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. We’ve already initiated early-stage partnerships with local distributors in those areas.”

Willie, the foreign client, listened closely, occasionally nodding and taking notes on his tablet.

Jeslyn glanced toward Leonel every so often. He sat calmly at the end of the table, observing the meeting with his usual composed demeanor.

But Jeslyn felt something else in the air—a subtle pressure. Not from the intensity of the presentation, but from Leonel’s gaze. Every so often, it found her again, piercing through the professionalism she wrapped herself in like armor.

“Impressive. Your company seems well-prepared for aggressive expansion. I look forward to discussing the distribution terms later this afternoon,” Willie said, clearly satisfied.

“Thank you, Mr. Willie. And we’re equally looking forward to the collaboration. If there are no further questions, I suggest we move on to the private session to finalize the details,” Leonel replied smoothly.

Several team members nodded in agreement. Jeslyn began organizing her notes, hoping to leave the room and clear her mind.

But then Leonel’s voice returned—calm, deliberate.

“Jeslyn, stay. I’ll need your input for the next part.”

Her head snapped up. For a moment, she hesitated, then nodded slowly, concealing the wave of anxiety rising in her chest.

As the rest of the team exited, only Jeslyn, Leonel, Willie, and Edric remained. The door closed softly behind them.

The atmosphere shifted—no longer a formal presentation, but now a more intimate negotiation space.

Silence settled over the room. The only sound was the faint ticking of the wall clock. The projector's light continued to glow, still displaying the global expansion map before fading to a black standby screen.

Willie loosened his suit jacket and opened his tablet. Edric stood beside Leonel, ready to document every decision. Jeslyn, meanwhile, sat upright, clutching her notebook tightly, trying to appear composed.

“As for the distribution rights,” Willie began, “I’m inclined to sign the preliminary agreement—provided we can ensure product consistency and a brand voice that remains localized yet aligned?”

“That’s exactly why Jeslyn is here. She leads our product integration and localization team,” Leonel said, turning slightly to Jeslyn. “Jeslyn, would you brief Mr. Willie on how we ensure brand consistency across regions?”

Jeslyn gave a small nod, taking a quiet breath before speaking.

“Certainly. We’ve developed a modular content framework that keeps our core brand messaging intact while allowing space for local language, cultural nuances, and seasonal campaign adjustments. Each region will have a dedicated brand liaison reporting directly to our central team here.”

Willie smiled faintly, clearly impressed.

“Good. And what about training the regional reps? Will that fall under your team’s responsibility as well?”

“Yes. We’ve designed a hybrid training program—part on-site, part remote—depending on the region’s infrastructure. The goal is full implementation within eight weeks post-signing,” Jeslyn responded confidently.

Willie nodded, then turned to Leonel with a look of satisfaction. “You’ve assembled quite the team, Mr. Leonel.”

“I’m fortunate to have the right people in the right roles,” Leonel replied lightly—but his eyes remained fixed on Jeslyn, as if his words held a deeper meaning.

Jeslyn pretended not to notice, though her chest tightened again with an emotion she couldn’t quite name.

At that moment, Edric received a message on his tablet and leaned in to whisper something to Leonel.

“Apologies, there’s a conference call with the Japan team. They’re waiting to finalize a partnership contract.”

Leonel gave a small nod. “Understood. Jeslyn, will you stay and assist Mr. Willie if he has further questions? Edric, take the call in my office.”

Jeslyn instinctively turned her head, ready to decline—but she stopped herself.

“Of course,” she agreed quietly.

Leonel stood and offered Willie his businesslike smile. “I’ll return shortly.”

And just like that, Leonel and Edric exited, leaving a heavy silence in their wake.

Even after he had gone, his presence lingered in the room—his scent, his energy. As if the space still belonged to him. And Jeslyn was merely trying to survive within it.

She adjusted her posture, attempting to slow her breath. The sound of the ticking clock was suddenly deafening. It reminded her of that morning, of the elevator. Of being trapped in a confined space, with Leonel’s shadow still wrapped around her thoughts.

Willie, still scanning his tablet, looked up at her. His gaze was polite—but sharp.

“Your English is excellent, Jeslyn. And your earlier responses were very strategic. How long have you been with the company?” he asked.

Jeslyn smiled faintly, keeping her tone professional. “Thank you, Mr. Willie. I’ve been with the team for nearly four years. I started as a junior analyst before moving into integration and strategy.”

“Impressive. You handle pressure well. Not everyone can deliver such a polished pitch under… that kind of gaze,” Willie said, smirking slightly.

Jeslyn turned her head quickly, almost startled by the comment. His words were unusually direct.

“Excuse me?” she asked, unsure if she’d heard him right.

Willie chuckled softly—friendly, but with a hint of mischief.

“I’ve been to too many meetings in my life not to recognize subtle power dynamics. Your CEO has a... distinctive way of focusing his attention, doesn’t he?”

Jeslyn froze for a moment, then looked down, forcing a bland smile. “He’s very dedicated to his role,” she replied.

Willie nodded, eyes back on his screen. “Well, dedication aside, I appreciated the clarity you brought to this session. You’re not just in the right role, Jeslyn. You own it.”

It sounded like a compliment—but it also carried a rare kind of recognition, especially coming from an international client.

Jeslyn nodded politely. “Thank you. I’ll make sure any follow-up documents or clarifications are delivered through Mr. Edric.”

Just then, the door creaked open again.

Footsteps echoed into the room.

That familiar masculine scent returned.

Leonel was back.

But this time, there was something different in his eyes. Not just cool calculation or business precision—but something sharper. Possessiveness.

As if he knew something had just happened in the room—and he didn’t like the idea that someone else might have paid Jeslyn more attention than he ever intended them to.

Because no one, no one, was allowed to get close to Jeslyn.

Except him.

***