Orlando and the entire panel jumped to their feet in a single, startled motion. Chairs scraped loudly against the floor as every executive and expert stood up straight, bowing their heads almost in unison towards the doorway.The CEO, Sophia Harrington, had never once bothered to attend a routine recruitment drive in all the years she had been involved with the company. She left such mundane tasks to her trusted department heads.Yet here she was, storming into the room like a force of nature, and the shock on everyone's faces was impossible to hide.How could the heiress herself be here, and why was she defending the very man they had all been mocking moments ago?More shocking than her sudden appearance was the way she had referred to Leonard. "My honored guest."How was this possible? The construction worker they had all been mocking moments ago was apparently someone Sophia Harrington knew personally and held in high regard.The panel members exchanged wide-eyed glances, their ea

Leonard surveyed the scene and muttered, "I suspected so."Several of the foreign girls clustered near the back wall stiffened at once. Their eyes darted to Sophia, recognition flashing across faces marked by exhaustion and apprehension.One girl with dark curls muttered something in what sounded like Spanish to her neighbor, only for another to clamp a hand over her mouth. Most of the frightened murmurs were in foreign languages.Leonard closed his eyes for a fraction of a second, drawing on the reservoir of knowledge unlocked by his legacy.Giuseppe Mezzofanti's memories surfaced like clear water. He was the nineteenth-century cardinal who mastered over seventy languages. Now, Leonard could understand the foreign words easily."Mr. Davenport will find out if we talk...""Don't say anything, not with the CEO right here...""Orlando will tell the boss, who doesn't forgive loose lips."The murmurs died quickly, smothered by the weight of shared dread.Leonard watched the exchange witho

"That's him! That's Leonard!" Orlando cried out, his voice cracking as he pointed a trembling finger from where the guards held him.Luciano leaned back on the couch, a slow smile spreading across his face. He studied the young man at the entrance with open amusement, his eyes flicking briefly to Abigail beside him."Well, well, well. What do we have here? So you are Leonard? Your reputation precedes you.""I assume you came here with Abigail as a gift? You want to replace Orlando as my underling in the Harrington company? Is that your play?"Orlando's mind reeled. The words hit him like ice water. Was that really what Leonard wanted all along?The guy was obviously smart enough, and he seemed chummy with Sophia. He would make the perfect go-between, someone who could keep the girls flowing without the mistakes Orlando had made.No. Orlando would not allow it. Not after everything he had sacrificed."NOOO!" Orlando screamed. He lunged forward, breaking free from the guards, and charge

Luciano cackled hysterically, the sound echoing throughout the hall as he leaned back against the couch with the full weight of his supposed victory. He believed the situation had swung completely in his favor after the earlier chaos."Your martial arts is splendid, I will give you that. And Orlando praised how smart you are. I gave you a chance to join me. Unfortunately you turned it down and chose death."He gestured towards the growing sound of approaching boots with a lazy wave of his hand. "They'll kick you to death. And Abigail will have so many men taking turns on her she will die of shock."Abigail's body shook uncontrollably, her knees threatening to buckle as the vile promise settled over her like a suffocating blanket. Her breathing came in short, panicked bursts, and her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Leonard rested a steady hand on her shoulder. The contact grounded her enough that her trembling eased slightly, though her face remained pale and her eyes stayed w

There were three seven-star luxury establishments in Nexus City. One of them was Starlight Supper, owned by Ronnie Baldwin. The other two were Magenta Dreams, a high-end disco pub known for its exclusive guest lists, and Nirvana Gardens, the roosting house for lovers.Initially, Nirvana Gardens had been frequented by elite couples seeking privacy and refined service. Over time, however, it became a regular destination for billionaires who brought their mistresses and escorts.Suites were often booked for private parties that stretched well beyond simple dinners. Despite the shift in clientele, entry into the hotel remained quite difficult. Security was tight, and only those with the right connections or verified wealth were allowed past the front desk.Sophia waited at a corner table near the tall glass windows that overlooked the private gardens. The arrangements had been made with care.A white tablecloth covered the surface, and a small vase holding fresh white orchids sat in the c