Chapter 69 – Shadows Closing In

“Blade, any updates? What did William discuss with Dimitri? Does it have anything to do with Clovies?” Leonel asked.

Blade gave a short nod and handed him a black folder. “I managed to intercept part of their private conversation. William and Dimitri were indeed talking about Clovies. It seems they’re planning a move to obstruct you, Sir.”

Leonel opened the tablet in his hand, his eyes scanning each slide of photos and transcripts quickly. His jaw tightened. “They’re desperate—bringing in outsiders, even.”

“Not just outsiders,” Blade continued grimly. “Dimitri reached out to someone from the Valchev family. Apparently, they have evidence that could take you down. William agreed to fund the operation.”

The Valchevs were a corporate mafia clan, Leonel’s rivals both in the underworld and in international business. At first, they had tried to approach Jefran through Dimitri, but when that failed, they turned to William—Leonel’s own uncle.

Leonel closed his eyes for a moment, then let out a low, humorless laugh. “Evidence? I’ll make sure they never get the chance to show it to anyone.”

“William doesn’t realize how rotten Dimitri and Jordan Valchev really are,” Leonel said coldly. “Looks like we should prepare ourselves now.”

He shut the tablet with a sharp click that echoed in the room.

“Blade, assemble the shadow team. I want every movement of Dimitri, William, and Jordan Valchev monitored twenty-four hours a day. Don’t give them room to breathe,” he ordered, his voice low but heavy with pressure.

Blade nodded. “If they really do have the evidence, it’s most likely in the hands of Jordan’s trusted contact in Bucharest. I can send Alan and his team to infiltrate.”

Leonel stood, slipping both hands into his trouser pockets. His gaze pierced through the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, watching the city lights glitter like a battlefield waiting to be conquered.

“Do it. And make sure we get it first. If necessary, eliminate the person without leaving a trace,” Leonel said with ruthless finality.

Blade glanced at him. “So… we’re playing dirty?”

Leonel’s lips curved into a thin smile. “If they choose to open Pandora’s box, I’ll make sure nothing inside ever sees the light. You know my rules, don’t you, Blade?” His eyes locked sharply on Blade’s.

The room fell silent except for the ticking of the wall clock.

“Yes, Sir,” Blade replied.

“Oh, Blade—has Jeslyn returned?” Leonel asked. It was already late, and he hadn’t seen her since earlier.

“The driver who took Miss Jeslyn out came back, but without her, Sir. It seems she didn’t return with him,” Blade answered.

Leonel paused for a moment. “Alright. You may go, Blade.”

“Yes, Sir.” Blade left, leaving Leonel alone.

Leonel picked up his phone and tried calling Jeslyn.

“Why isn’t she answering?” he muttered, worry creeping into his voice.

He set the phone down on the table, his breathing heavy. Worry and anger churned together inside him.

“Rico!” he called sharply.

The office door swung open quickly, and a man in a black suit entered. “Yes, Sir?”

“Get the car. Now,” Leonel said firmly without looking at him.

Rico nodded and left to give instructions to the garage staff.

Leonel walked to the safe in the corner of the room. With quick fingers, he entered the combination, opened the steel door, and took out a small pistol, slipping it into the leather holster under his jacket. His eyes were cold—ready for the hunt.

Moments later, Rico returned. “The car is ready, Sir.”

Leonel stepped out of his office, the sound of his shoes echoing down the long mansion hallway. At the front door, he paused briefly, looking up at the clouded night sky.

In his heart, he swore—he would find Jeslyn tonight. And whoever dared to get in his way… wouldn’t live to see the morning.

He got into the waiting black car. The engine purred softly.

“To Jeslyn’s parents’ house,” he ordered coldly.

The car sped off into the night, cutting through the city lights like a moving shadow.

The tires screeched to a halt in front of a large ivory-painted house with high fences. The yard lights were on, but the place felt eerily quiet—too quiet for this hour.

Leonel got out, his stride steady yet alert. Rico followed closely, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

Leonel knocked several times. Soon, the door opened halfway, revealing Jeslyn’s pale-faced mother.

“Leonel?” Her voice trembled, as if she were holding something back.

“Good evening, Mrs. Hydra. Is Jeslyn here?” Leonel asked directly, his voice deep and cold.

Mrs. Hydra hesitated, glancing toward the back of the house. “Jeslyn?” she murmured.

Leonel frowned, catching the sense that something wasn’t right.

“She’s not here,” said a voice from behind her—it was Jeslyn’s father. His sharp gaze met Leonel’s.

“She came here this morning, and she hasn’t returned since,” Leonel stated.

“Come in. I have something to say to you, Leonel. It’s about your relationship with Jeslyn,” Mr. Hydra said.

Leonel’s cold eyes locked on the middle-aged man before stepping inside. Rico closed the door behind them, keeping the atmosphere contained. The large living room smelled faintly of coffee long gone cold, and the walls seemed to hold secrets.

Adrian Hydra, Jeslyn’s father, sat in the main chair and gestured for Leonel to sit across from him. Marina Hydra, Jeslyn’s mother, stood to the side, wringing her hands nervously.

“I’ll be blunt,” Adrian began, his voice firm and heavy. “I don’t approve of your relationship with my daughter. From the start, I knew your closeness would only bring trouble.”

Leonel didn’t react—his sharp gaze remained locked on the man, peeling away layers of intent.

“I know who you are, Leonel,” Adrian continued. “I know about your dark dealings, what you’ve done out there. If you want to destroy my life or my business, go ahead. But don’t drag Jeslyn into it.”

Leonel listened in silence.

“Jeslyn is not a pawn in your dirty game,” Adrian’s tone rose, anger flickering in his eyes. “If you truly care about her, leave her alone. Walk away, and never bother her again. Your problem is with me—not my daughter.”

A heavy silence settled in the room. The ticking of the wall clock grew louder, each second stretching out.

Leonel finally leaned forward, his voice low but sharp—an unspoken threat. “If I find out you’re hiding something about Jeslyn… I will come back. And next time, we won’t be talking in a comfortable living room like this.”

Adrian didn’t reply. Their eyes locked—cold and defiant.

***