Chapter 78 – Shadows Behind the Numbers

“The profit margin dropped by 8% this quarter,” the Finance Director said cautiously. “This is due to delays in project execution, mostly because management documents are still incomplete.”

He began presenting graphs, figures, and projections. Yet with every pause, the air in the boardroom grew heavier.

Almost instinctively, all eyes shifted toward Jeslyn. She bit her lip and lowered her gaze deeper.

Leonel straightened in his chair, his voice sharp but controlled. “The absence of core management is one of the biggest causes of this setback. Starting today, I don’t want to see any more delays. If anyone cannot fulfill their responsibilities—” his gaze sliced toward Jefran and Jeslyn, “then leave Clovies now.”

Jefran let out a short, mocking laugh. “Such harsh words. Do you think everyone here can be intimidated by your threats? Don’t forget, Leonel, they didn’t come just because of your position, but also because of the trust my family has built for years.” His tone dripped with sarcasm.

Leonel turned slowly, his eyes like knives. “Trust can crumble in a matter of seconds if the leader fails, Jefran. Don’t hide behind your family name. The business world doesn’t care whose blood runs in your veins—only who can truly survive.”

The room tightened instantly. Several directors lowered their heads, pretending to focus on documents, while secretly catching every word.

Jeslyn exhaled softly, fighting back tears. She knew those words weren’t just aimed at Jefran, but at her as well. Still, she chose silence. A single word could add fuel to the raging fire.

“Shall we proceed, Sir?” Blade asked carefully, watching Leonel.

“Yes,” Leonel replied curtly.

The General Manager quickly resumed the presentation, though his voice carried a stiff edge from the tension in the room. Slide after slide appeared, financial graphs filling the screen.

But every word felt like a faint echo—because everyone’s focus remained on the two men at the table, Leonel and Jefran.

“The expansion strategy for our new branch in Europe has been delayed by three months,” the General Manager said carefully. “The contract documents remain unsigned.”

Leonel’s gaze darted sharply toward Jeslyn. “Who is responsible for those documents?”

Jeslyn flinched, her fingers gripping her pen tightly. “I am,” she answered softly.

Every pair of eyes turned to her.

Leonel tapped the table lightly, but his voice carried a chill that raised goosebumps. “And why is it delayed?”

Jeslyn bit her lower lip, forcing strength into her trembling voice. “Because the CEO has not approved several points, so I couldn’t process it further.”

Jefran immediately jumped in, his tone casual yet provoking. “There, you heard it yourself. The delay isn’t just because I wasn’t in the meeting—it’s also because many things need adjustment. Besides, I won’t sign any contract that could harm the company.”

Leonel smirked faintly, his stare piercing. “Or that could harm you personally, Jefran?”

The room fell into silence once again. Jeslyn closed her eyes briefly, fighting the turmoil inside her chest.

“Enough!” the General Manager raised his voice, desperate to break the tension. “We still have many agendas to cover. I hope everyone can restrain themselves for the sake of this meeting.”

Leonel leaned back, his expression cold. “Fine. Continue.”

Though his words sounded like concession, everyone in the room knew—the storm was only postponed, not ended.

The General Manager swallowed hard and rushed through the next slides. “Next, regarding the evaluation of the merger project with our Japanese partner. Negotiations remain stalled—”

But once again, his words faded into background noise. The directors pretended to take notes, while secretly waiting for one of the two men to finally explode.

Blade shifted slightly, standing tall like a looming shadow, his sharp gaze flicking to Leonel as if to signal: Not yet, sir. The time isn’t now.

Jeslyn felt a cold numbness spread to her fingertips, as if the air itself was crushing her. She could feel both Leonel’s and Jefran’s eyes pressing their weight onto her shoulders.

“If there are no further comments, we will conclude the quarterly financial report,” the General Manager finally said, hastily trying to close the session.

Leonel leaned forward slightly, his voice low but commanding. “Make sure the next report comes without the slightest delay.”

Everyone nodded quickly, as though his words were law.

Jefran gave a thin smile, lounging casually in the CEO’s chair. “Very well, President Director.” His tone was mocking, a thinly veiled challenge.

Leonel turned his head slowly, his eyes gleaming. “I don’t need that chair to control Clovies.”

The words froze the air in the room.

Jeslyn exhaled a long breath, her head bowing deeper.

One by one, the directors left the room, following after Leonel, who had already walked out first.

“Jefran?” Jeslyn called softly, making him halt and turn back to her.

“What is it, Jes?” he asked.

“Can we talk for a moment?” Jeslyn asked quietly.

“Talk?” Jefran paused, then let out a dry chuckle. “I don’t think there’s much left to discuss. Oh, unless you want to explain why Leonel’s tone toward you earlier sounded so… bitter and sarcastic. Do you two have some kind of problem?” His gaze lingered, sharp and probing.

Jeslyn bit her lip harder, clutching the black folder she hadn’t let go of all day. “There’s nothing you need to worry about,” she whispered, masking the storm inside her.

Jefran narrowed his eyes, stepping closer. “Jes, I’ve known you for a long time. You’re not the type who can hide things well. Leonel’s look at you wasn’t just about work.”

Jeslyn’s chest tightened. She knew he wasn’t wrong, yet her tongue was tied.

“If there’s something personal between you and him, tell me.” Jefran’s voice grew deeper, carrying a tone that wavered between concern and veiled threat. “I won’t allow that man to use you as a pawn in front of the board.”

Jeslyn lowered her head further, her eyes burning. “I can take care of myself.”

“Really?” Jefran chuckled dryly, leaning closer so their eyes met. “Or are you just afraid of me finding out the truth?”

Jeslyn’s body went rigid. His words struck her harder than a scream.

Before she could respond, heavy footsteps echoed from the far end of the corridor.

Leonel appeared, his expression cold, his gaze instantly locking onto them.

Jeslyn froze. Jefran turned, a thin smile curling on his lips, as though fate had just handed him a golden opportunity.

“Well, well. Since when did the boardroom turn into a place for romance?” Leonel sneered. “I only came back because I left my phone behind—didn’t expect to see this kind of sight.” His words dripped with both irritation and jealousy.

Jeslyn’s face burned hot, her words stumbling. “It’s not what you think,” she said quickly, desperate to calm the situation.

Leonel’s eyes hardened. He stepped forward, closing the distance, his presence suffocating. The air between the three of them grew so thick, it was ready to explode.

“Then tell me, Jeslyn,” Leonel asked, his voice like steel, his eyes fixed sharply on hers. “Exactly what is it that I’m thinking?”

***