Chapter 87

“So, she’s the woman you like, Leo? Your cousin’s fiancée?” Clarissa asked, turning to Leonel.

Clarissa gazed at him with a look of satisfaction, as if she had discovered the greatest weakness she could exploit anytime. Her tone sounded light, yet it was laced with a poisonous sweetness.

Leonel turned slowly, his eyes cold, making his lips tighten slightly. “Don’t speak carelessly,” he said flatly, though his tone carried more weight than usual.

Clarissa gave a faint smile, unafraid. “Why? I’m just guessing. But seeing the way you looked at her earlier… I don’t need to guess too far.” She chuckled softly, then leaned closer to Leonel’s arm, as if to assert that she was the one by his side now.

Leonel stopped walking, jaw tightening. “Clarissa,” his voice low and warning, “never bring that up again.”

For the first time, Clarissa’s expression shifted slightly. A flicker of surprise crossed her face, though she quickly masked it with a thin smile. “Alright, if it makes you angry, I won’t mention it again,” she said coquettishly, clearly enjoying how strongly Leonel reacted.

“And why do you keep coming to my company? Shouldn’t you be preparing your next project? Don’t disappoint me—I’m the main investor in the project your father is so proud of,” Leonel said sarcastically.

“I’ll only be here for a short while, Leonel. What’s wrong with spending some time with you?” Clarissa replied.

“I’m uncomfortable,” Leonel answered with a flat expression.

“Why? Because of that woman named Jeslyn?” Clarissa tried to read Leonel’s thoughts. “And it seems… she doesn’t like you.”

Leonel stopped once more. Clarissa’s words this time cut deeper than he expected. He turned sharply, his dark gaze piercing her until she froze for a moment.

“Never bring her name up again,” Leonel said, his voice low and intense. It wasn’t just a warning—it was a threat.

Clarissa stayed silent for a moment, then smirked. “Oh, so I’m right, aren’t I? Jeslyn does have a special place in your heart. But unfortunately, she’s chosen someone else. More precisely, your cousin. Ironic, isn’t it?” she said, seemingly indifferent to Leonel’s anger.

Leonel clenched his fists until the veins in his arms stood out. Anger and pain mixed together, yet he didn’t let Clarissa see more than necessary. “Stop your games, Clarissa. If you still want your father’s project to succeed smoothly, never meddle in my affairs.”

Clarissa’s smile faded slightly, though she quickly covered it with a small laugh. “Alright, alright. You’re always cold, Leo. But that’s exactly what makes you attractive.” She tapped Leonel’s chest lightly, then gracefully strode toward the meeting room as if nothing had happened.

Leonel stood still for a moment, taking a deep breath. The image of Jeslyn’s gaze in the elevator still haunted him, mingling with Clarissa’s words like a knife in his chest.

“She doesn’t like me?” Leonel thought, feeling the tightness in his chest. He had seen Jeslyn’s eyes just a fraction of a second ago, and he knew—there was hurt, longing, and something undeniable.

“I just want to remind you of one thing, Leo. When you’ve gotten over heartbreak and finished playing with hearts… come back. I’ll always be waiting,” Clarissa said, smiling sadly. Leonel didn’t pay any attention to her words.

“Mr. Leonel, you have a visitor,” his secretary announced via intercom.

“Who?” Leonel asked.

“It’s—” the voice hesitated for a moment. “Mr. William Clovies,” she replied.

Leonel exhaled slowly. “Let him in.”

The door to Leonel’s office opened slowly, revealing William Clovies stepping in, dressed in a sharp suit with an unreadable diplomatic smile. His movements were full of authority, though his eyes still held the fire of ambition.

Leonel glanced at him from behind his desk, remaining seated with fingers interlaced. “Uncle William.” His tone was flat. “I’m quite surprised you came to meet me. What brings you here?”

William gave a faint smile, then sat down without being asked, across from Leonel. “I’m here to discuss something far more important than a mere board meeting formalities. A big opportunity, Leonel.”

Leonel raised an eyebrow, expression unchanged. “An opportunity?”

“Yes.” William leaned slightly forward. “I know you’ve pushed me out of this company. But as your uncle, and having once managed the Clovies company, I can’t just walk away.”

“Oh? So what’s your plan this time?” Leonel asked.

“Leonel, I’ve planned a strategic collaboration with the owner of an international distribution network and an investor from Eastern Europe, known for their daring projects. With the three of us, we can multiply Clovies’ value in no time.”

Leonel tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, expression still unreadable. “The owner of an international distribution network and an Eastern European investor?” he repeated coldly.

William smiled faintly. “Correct. A major entrepreneur named Mr. Varga from Budapest, and his partner, Arwin Holt, a distributor dominating the Asian market and parts of Europe.” His words were convincing, as if these names were undeniably real. “They have vast networks, strong funding, and willingness to expand collaboration with our family company.”

Leonel studied him long, his gaze piercing yet composed. “Names unfamiliar to me. But it seems you’re close to them already, right?”

William chuckled lightly, relaxed yet condescending. “I wouldn’t come to you empty-handed. I’ve spoken extensively with them. They trust me, and I’m confident they’ll trust more if I can bring Clovies to the negotiation table.”

Leonel leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “And of course, you didn’t come without wanting something in return.”

“Obviously.” William nodded firmly. “I don’t need a board seat if that makes you uncomfortable. But give me control over the expansion division, and this collaboration will be a major stepping stone for Clovies.”

A tense silence followed. The ticking of the clock seemed loud in the room. Finally, Leonel spoke, his tone low but commanding. “Uncle William, I don’t mind if you want to prove yourself. But one thing you must remember: I never hand control to anyone else. If I join this game, all decisions remain in my hands.”

William’s smile tightened slightly, but he quickly masked it. “Stubborn, just like your father.” He stood, straightening his suit. “Think carefully, Leonel. Mr. Varga and Holt are waiting for an answer. If you refuse, they can still proceed with me. With or without Clovies.”

Leonel only stared, eyes sharp as knives. “Then make sure you’re ready to face the consequences.”

William paused for a fraction of a second, then gave a cold smile before leaving.

As soon as the door closed, Leonel immediately picked up his phone and called someone.

Soon, Marvel’s voice came through the speaker.

“Yes, sir?”

“I want you to investigate two names: Varga and Arwin Holt. Find out if they truly exist,” Leonel ordered.

“Understood,” Marvel replied firmly.

Leonel leaned back, his eyes glinting coldly. “Have you been monitoring William’s movements with Dimitri and Jordan?”

“Our people are watching them. They met again a few days ago. But I couldn’t get any information from that meeting—it was closed and heavily guarded,” Marvel explained.

“No matter. Even without overhearing, I already know what they’re planning,” Leonel said. “Marvel.”

“Yes, sir?”

“Send a bodyguard to follow Jeslyn. Ensure her safety from now on. Somehow, I feel their plan is serious this time. They’ve killed my parents, taken everything I owned. This time, I won’t let them touch my woman!” Leonel emphasized.

“Understood, sir. I’ll assign the most trusted agent,” Marvel replied firmly.

Leonel didn’t hang up immediately. He stared blankly at a glass of whiskey on his desk, fingers tapping rhythmically as he strategized.

“Marvel,” his voice heavy and cold again.

“Yes, sir?”

“If anything happens to Jeslyn—” Leonel paused, jaw tightening, then continued with a threatening tone, “I will hold you accountable. Remember that!”

A brief silence followed, then Marvel answered decisively, “I understand, sir. She will be safe. I swear on my own life.”

Leonel closed the intercom, eyes burning with vengeance. He stood and walked to the large window overlooking the city night. Memories of the dark night his parents were killed resurfaced. The pain never faded, and now, they dared to interfere again, even trying to touch Jeslyn.

“Jordan, Dimitri, William…” he muttered softly, almost a deadly whisper. “You think you can bring me down? I will make you regret ever touching what’s mine.”

His hands clenched so tightly his knuckles whitened.

***