Leon walked briskly down the street, Mia’s files tucked securely under his arm. The morning traffic had begun to thicken, and the cool breeze carried the smell of roasted beans from the café across the intersection. He wasn’t planning to stop, his only thought had been to reach Golden Group as fast as possible, but when he glanced at the cafe, a quiet memory surfaced: the drink Mia always held on stressful days.She never admitted it, but her favourite drink always helped her breathe easier during anxious days, he had watched her sip it while pacing her tiny home office, preparing for presentations with trembling fingers she thought he didn’t notice.He slowed, hesitating for only a second before turning and entering the cafe. It was warm inside, filled with the soft clattering of cups this early in the morning. barista greeted him as he stepped up to the counter and ordered her favorite drink without needing to think. The barista nodded, recognized him from previous visits, and prep

“I can easily provide a change of clothes, you don't look very presentable–”Leon’s reaction was light, as Marina pointed out the coffee stains on his shirt again. “Thanks to you and your staff! But it doesn't matter, I'll be fine. Thanks for your concern though.”She didn’t even breathe. What were these two talking about? How did Leon spill coffee on himself and how on earth did Marina know about?! How long had they been talking downstairs before coming up?That tiny thought curled inside her chest like a snake.Leon gave them both a small wave.“Alright, I’ll get out of your hair. Good luck, Mia.”He left without hesitation, walking down the corridor with long, eager strides, almost excited. But he didn’t see the way Mia’s fingers curled around the folder, or didn’t notice how her eyes followed him all the way to the elevator.On the other hand, Mia watched him go.Then, slowly, she shifted her gaze… to Marina. She was watching Leon leave too, calmly, almost fondly, like she was wa

Aria circled Leon like a judge searching for evidence of guilt, her heels clicking sharply against the stone pavement. Every movement carried arrogance, every exhale a challenge. Her eyes raked over him, lingering on the darkened patches where the morning coffee had soaked into his shirt. “If you want to scam your way in,” she said loudly enough for everyone on the street to hear, “at least CLEAN UP first. You look like you crawled out of a warehouse after dropping someone’s lunch.” Her gaze flicked to the guard. “And you, honestly… how dim can you be? He’s obviously here to deliver a wrong address package or beg for work. Why would you bow to someone who can’t even carry coffee straight?”Leon stayed silent not because her insults were hurting, but because he could feel the bitter taste of impatience rising in his throat. He had endured far worse than this woman’s sharp tongue, and he had endured it without ever letting himself lash out. Today was supposed to be simple. One quie

The manager’s face had already turned cold, but now it dropped to an icy, frigid stillness that made the air tense. He faced Aria Whitlock with the resignation of someone who had finally reached his limit. “Ms. Whitlock,” he said, his voice steady and unwavering, “you need to leave immediately.”Aria looked shocked, as if she couldn’t believe anyone in the entire city—much less a boutique manager—would dare speak to her in that tone. Her eyes widened, her painted lips parted. “Excuse me? Do you know who I—”But she didn’t get to finish. The guard stepped forward, fully backing the manager now. His posture was rigid and determined. Aria’s glare snapped between the two men, disbelief contorting her face. She opened her mouth to unleash another explosion of curses and threats, but before she could do the same, the manager lifted his hand, silencing even her. “If you continue to cause a disturbance,” he said, “we will call security from the entire block. Please leave.”For the first tim

The glass walls of the meeting room reflected everything too sharply. Mia stepped inside with her notebook pressed to her chest, but her mind refused to settle. The moment Leon and Marina entered together, side by side, laughing softly about something only the two of them knew, her breath faltered.She couldn’t hear them through the soundproof glass, but the sight alone felt like someone had tightened a knot around her lungs. Marina’s head tilted toward him, her smile bright and easy, like she had been laughing with him for years. And Leon… he looked relaxed. Familiar. As if her presence beside him was the most natural thing in the world. It stung more than Mia expected, sharp enough to make her fingers tremble.Two colleagues standing near the projector lowered their voices but not enough. “CEO Goldberg never smiles like that,” one muttered, clearly intrigued. “Who’s that guy?”Another chuckled. “Whoever he is, he must be special.”They hadn’t meant anything by it, not really, but th