Chapter 73 – The Throne of Clovies

The long black car stopped right in front of the Clovies Corporation’s main building, a towering skyscraper wrapped in glass that reflected the golden glow of the winter sun. Rows of employees were already lined up neatly in the front lobby, waiting with utmost respect.

As soon as one of the guards opened the door, Leonel stepped out. His tall, commanding figure was wrapped in an elegant black suit, with a long coat draped over his shoulders, amplifying his cold yet authoritative aura. His sharp eyes swept across the surroundings, forcing anyone who met his gaze to immediately lower their head.

“Welcome, Mr. Leonel,” the General Manager greeted with reverence, bowing deeply. The other managers followed suit, showing the same respect.

Leonel only gave a faint nod. Without saying much, he strode inside, flanked by Blade and his personal guards. Each step echoed against the marble floor, radiating the power that had now shifted into his hands.

Inside the lobby, dozens of reporters had gathered, though restrained by security barricades. The flashing of cameras repeatedly captured Leonel’s unshakable figure.

“Sir… the press is requesting a brief statement before the board meeting begins,” one of the protocol staff stammered nervously.

Leonel paused, his piercing eyes cutting through the man. “I will make my statement later. After I sit in my new chair.”

The air instantly grew heavy. The staff member bowed deeply, not daring to say another word.

Leonel moved forward toward the executive elevator, which was already open. Blade followed closely behind, eyes scanning the surroundings with precision.

As the doors closed, Leonel stood tall, his gaze fixed on the reflection in the steel panel. For a fleeting moment, Jeslyn’s face appeared in his mind. A dull ache throbbed in his chest, though his expression remained cold, unreadable.

“Soon, everything will be mine,” he whispered inwardly. “Clovies… and Jeslyn. Both will be in my grasp.”

The elevator opened to the top floor, revealing the grand Clovies boardroom. The spacious chamber, with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, offered a sweeping view of the city. At the center, a long oval table was already filled with senior directors, shareholders, and a few exclusive guests.

The moment Leonel entered, cameras clicked furiously. The exclusive reporters positioned in the room raised their equipment, capturing every step. Silence fell across the chamber, broken only by the sound of Leonel’s polished shoes against the wooden floor.

“Mr. Leonel, we’ve been waiting,” one of the board members greeted stiffly.

Leonel stood at the head of the table, his cold gaze sweeping across the room. He didn’t sit immediately; instead, he placed both hands firmly on the table, leaning slightly forward, exuding an authority that could not be contested. William and Jefran were notably absent.

“Starting today,” his voice was low but piercing, “the position of Chief Executive Officer of Clovies belongs to me. All administrative processes have been legalized, and no one has the right to dispute this decision.”

A murmur rippled among the directors. Some faces turned pale, while others tried to mask their reactions. The cameras captured every second, as though recording the rise of a new ruler.

Leonel finally sat down, his posture confident. His gaze shifted to the reporters. “You are here not only to witness a change in Clovies’ leadership. There is something else I must announce.”

The room fell completely silent.

Taking a deep breath, Leonel spoke firmly, “As of today, Mr. William Clovies no longer works here. He holds no rights whatsoever over this company.”

The room erupted into hushed whispers. Leonel knew William still had supporters, but this was his moment. He would take full control—and eliminate anyone who dared stand in his way.

A reporter at the front row raised his hand. A microphone was quickly passed to him.

“Mr. Leonel,” he began, his tone uncertain yet bold, “there are rumors circulating about your relationship with Miss Jeslyn. But isn’t she the official fiancée of Jefran Clovies? How do you respond to these claims?”

Camera flashes intensified. The directors who had been murmuring moments ago held their breath, waiting for his response.

Leonel’s gaze locked on the reporter, sharp and penetrating. A faint smile curved his lips—not one of warmth, but of sheer dominance and mystery.

“Jeslyn,” he said slowly, his words heavy, “you will have your answer in the next exclusive interview.”

The cryptic reply only stirred more questions.

“So it’s true, then? You and Miss Jeslyn have a special relationship?” another reporter pressed.

Leonel couldn’t answer recklessly. Enemies were watching. If his relationship with Jeslyn were confirmed, her life would immediately be in danger.

He held his breath for a moment, his eyes scanning the impatient reporters. Beneath his calm demeanor, his chest pounded fiercely. No one must know. No one could ever know that Jeslyn was his greatest weakness.

His faint smile returned. “Clovies is about business,” he said coldly, his tone carrying weight. “My personal life is not for public consumption.”

Disappointment flickered across some reporters’ faces, but curiosity only grew. The whispers intensified, the flashing lights relentless, as though they were desperate to strip away Leonel’s icy mask.

Leaning back in his chair, Leonel appeared composed, though his mind roiled beneath the surface. If I admit it, they will hunt Jeslyn. I won’t allow that. Not now. Not until I can truly protect her.

On the opposite side of the table, several directors exchanged knowing glances. They could sense Leonel was hiding something—something far more personal than corporate ambition.

Blade, standing silently behind him, studied his master’s expression. He knew too well: Jeslyn’s name was the only thing that could change Leonel’s piercing gaze from that of an unshakable ruler… to that of a man carrying both scars and longing.

“There will be no further questions,” Leonel cut sharply, his voice like a blade severing the noise. “From this day forward, Clovies is under my control. And I assure you, this company will rise higher than ever before. That is what you will write.”

The room fell into complete silence. Reporters lowered their heads, though their cameras continued flashing, immortalizing the face of the man who now held Clovies in his iron grip.

Leonel’s gaze drifted toward the massive glass window overlooking the city. The world stretched wide before him, but in his mind, only one name echoed—Jeslyn.

Where are you, Jeslyn? If I knew where you were… perhaps today, we could announce our love to the world.

***