Chapter 68 – Into the Lion’s Den

“They’ve started to show their tails,” Leonel murmured.

He set his glass down on the table with a soft thud. His fingers tapped the dark wooden surface in a steady rhythm, as if each tap were a countdown to something about to explode.

“Keep an eye on their every move. If you can, infiltrate deeper and find out what they’re discussing,” Leonel instructed.

“Yes, sir.”

His assistant was about to leave when Leonel’s voice stopped him.

“And one more thing,” Leonel’s tone was heavy yet calm. “Make sure they never realize we’re watching. I want everything to seem as if they’re free to move without interference.”

His assistant nodded. “Understood, sir.”

Leonel gazed out the large window behind his desk, where the evening sky was beginning to burn orange-red.

“They think this is their game,” he said softly, lips curling into a thin smile. “But they’ve already stepped onto my chessboard.”

As his assistant closed the door, Leonel took another sip of his drink, his eyes sharp as a blade.

“Morning, Jessy. How was your sleep?” Leonel greeted brightly, his wide smile catching Jeslyn off guard—it was unusual for him.

“What’s going on? You’re acting strange,” Jeslyn said, making Leonel chuckle.

“Strange how? I’m just welcoming you,” he replied, already seated at the dining table, where a full breakfast spread awaited.

Jeslyn pulled out a chair and sat across from him, her eyes scanning the table filled with toast, sunny-side-up eggs, bacon, fresh salad, and a glass of orange juice.

“You’re not usually this cheerful in the morning,” she said, reaching for a spoon.

Leonel spread jam on his toast, glancing at her. “If it makes you comfortable, I can change that habit.”

Jeslyn blinked, momentarily at a loss. “Okay… now I’m even more suspicious.”

He only chuckled, taking a bite of toast. “Sometimes, a small surprise can make the day better, Jessy.”

“But why do I feel like this isn’t just a breakfast surprise?” Jeslyn asked, half joking, half wary.

Leonel didn’t answer right away. He held her gaze a moment longer than necessary before finally speaking, his voice low. “Because today, we’ll be facing something big. And I want you to start it with a smile.”

“So this is your way of giving me motivation?” Jeslyn asked, making him laugh again.

“You could say that,” he replied. “Eat up. My personal driver is ready to take you to your parents’ house.”

“What about you?” Jeslyn asked, taking a bite of sausage.

“Me?”

“Yes, what will you be doing now?”

“I’ll be preparing for our exclusive interview. As for the date, I’ll let you know later,” Leonel said.

Jeslyn set her spoon down slowly, her brows arching. “Exclusive interview?” she repeated doubtfully. “You’re serious about announcing everything to the media?”

Leonel’s eyes locked on hers, his smile thin but resolute. “Yes. So everyone will know you’re not Jefran’s. And so no one dares spread any more nonsense about you.”

Jeslyn let out a long breath. “You do realize… this will shock a lot of people.”

“That’s exactly what I want,” Leonel replied firmly. “I don’t like seeing you constantly linked to Jefran. Besides, Jefran already has the woman he wants. There’s nothing wrong with this.”

Jeslyn said nothing more.

At last, Jeslyn arrived at her parents’ house. Leonel’s driver was dismissed, as she expected to be there for a while.

She stepped inside the large home, only to be greeted by her father’s sharp gaze. Her mother sat beside him in the living room, her posture stiff.

“You’re here, Jeslyn. Sit down,” her father said, his tone flat.

Without a word, Jeslyn sat on the sofa across from them.

“Since when?” her father asked without preamble.

Jeslyn stayed silent.

“I’ll ask again. Since when have you been involved with Leonel?” his voice carried both weight and restrained anger.

She swallowed, her fingers clutching the hem of her skirt. Her mother’s eyes were probing, as if dissecting her every movement.

“A few months ago,” Jeslyn finally answered, her voice calm but firm.

“A few months?” her father repeated, leaning forward. “And you didn’t think to tell the family?”

“Because back then… I wasn’t sure yet,” she replied, steadying her breathing. “I didn’t want to announce something uncertain.”

Her mother’s voice cut in, colder than loud. “So all this time, you were engaged to Jefran… but your heart was already with Leonel?”

“It’s not that simple, Mom,” Jeslyn said, her eyes glistening.

Her father rose, walking heavily toward the window as if to rein in his temper. “You do realize, Jeslyn… this decision doesn’t just embarrass Jefran. It embarrasses our family. All our acquaintances will talk about it.”

Jeslyn lifted her chin, her gaze resolute. “I know the risk, Daddy. But I’d rather face gossip than live a life built on lies.”

Silence settled in the room, broken only by the ticking of the clock. Her parents exchanged glances before her father spoke again.

“How far has your relationship gone, Jeslyn? Do you even know who Leonel really is?”

Jeslyn’s grip on her skirt tightened. “I know who Leonel is,” she said softly.

“Know? Or only what he wants you to know?” her father pressed.

Jeslyn frowned. “Daddy, Leonel isn’t a stranger to me. I—”

“Of course he’s not a stranger,” her father cut in sharply. “He’s Jefran’s cousin. Do you know what caused his parents’ deaths? Or why his grandfather and Jefran’s entrusted Clovies to William—Jefran’s father—instead?”

Jeslyn was speechless.

“Falling in love is normal, Jeslyn, but don’t force yourself if that person isn’t worth loving. I’m not interested in whatever offer Leonel made. We arranged your engagement to Jefran not just for business—yes, that was part of it—but also because I see Jefran for who he is. He may be tempted by other women, but he’s an honest man with a clean path,” her father said. “Leonel Clovies is the most dangerous man I know, and he won’t hesitate to eliminate anyone in his way.”

Jeslyn swallowed hard. Each word from her father felt like a hammer striking her certainty. Yet beneath the creeping fear, a small ember of defiance began to burn.

“Daddy…” her voice trembled, but she didn’t look away. “If Leonel is truly as bad as you say, I’ll find out for myself. And if it’s all true, I’ll be the one to walk away.”

Her mother closed her eyes, as if willing her daughter to change her mind right there. “Jeslyn, you don’t understand people like him. They never lose. And if they do, there’s always a price to pay.”

Jeslyn straightened her shoulders. “I’ve already paid the price for the wrong relationship, Mom. I won’t live my life based on someone else’s decision again.”

Her father studied her for a long moment before letting out a heavy sigh. “Do you think love alone is enough to fight against his bad reputation and enemies? Love is fragile, Jeslyn. It’s not like in fairy tales.”

Jeslyn’s smile was faint, bittersweet, but resolute. “Maybe love is fragile—but courage isn’t.”

The room fell silent once more. Her father leaned back into the sofa, his gaze a mix of concern and an unspoken, reluctant admiration.

***