The Secret Billionaire's Return

You've made a mistake

Leo was just as surprised to see Elena and Adrian in the Briggs Corp waiting area. His face turned cold. "You flatter yourself," he said to Elena. "I don't know what's giving you the notion that you're the reason I'm here but I'm not here for you. I was invited."

Adrian let out a mocking laugh. "Invited? By who? Did Briggs Corp's security department need a consultant? I suppose a rapist would know a thing or two about keeping the peace. Is that why you're so popular here?" 

Leo ignored the insult and tried to walk past them toward the executive hallway. But Adrian moved quickly, grabbing Leo firmly by the arm. "Don't be in such a hurry, convict," Adrian sneered. "Think about it. The ex-husband of a CEO working as a security guard? If the media found out, it would hurt Elena's reputation. That's just pathetic." He pulled a bank card from his wallet and slapped it against Leo's cheek. "Here's a better idea. I'll give you a welfare allowance every month. A little charity. All you have to do is disappear and stop embarrassing everyone. Evwn your presence here is already a nuisance. Hide your face, will you?" 

A hot wave of anger rushed through Leo. But he pushed it down. Causing a scene wasn't his goal. Instead of pulling away with force, he made a small, precise movement with his wrist, twisting it in a way that targeted a pressure point in Adrian's grip. Adrian gasped in sudden pain and his fingers sprang open, releasing Leo's arm.

Elena's eyes widened. "How dare you! Security!" she started to call out, but Adrian stopped her, clutching his sore hand.

"Quiet!" Adrian hissed. "This is Briggs Corp. Don't make a scene and ruin our chances." He turned his furious gaze back to Leo. "I'll remember this. You'll pay for this double. I never make threats but when I do, I make sure I keep them."

Leo ignored him completely. He looked directly at Elena, a final, cold question in his eyes. "Do you really have to be this heartless?"

Elena only sneered. "What are you going to do about it? Its up to me how I want to treat you and this is how I choose to treat you."

"Then it's over," Leo stated, his voice flat. "There's nothing left between us now. And I mean it Elena. There won't be a second chance." 

The irritation was visible on her face as she spoke. "You have nothing! Absolutely nothing to offer me."

At that moment, a flustered secretary in a sharp suit hurried out of the executive offices. She rushed to the reception desk. "Where is he? The guest here to see Ms. Briggs? He's an extremely important VIP and cannot be kept waiting!"

The receptionist pointed toward the waiting area. The secretary's eyes followed the gesture.

Elena’s face lit up. She turned to Adrian, excited. "They're coming for you! The cooperation must be confirmed! I knew it!" she whispered.

Adrian was puzzled. Chloe Briggs had always looked down on his playboy reputation and considered his family's business inferior. Why the sudden respect? But he had checked her schedule himself. She had a charity gala tonight and no other daytime appointments. It certainly couldn't be for the ex-convict, Leo. He puffed out his chest, deciding she must have finally recognized his family's true influence. It was only a matter of time, he thought.

Emboldened by Adrian's confident silence, Elena stepped forward to greet the secretary. "Hello! We're so grateful for Ms. Briggs's regard. We also value this potential cooperation very highly," she said, her voice sickly sweet.

The secretary was startled to see Adrian and Elena. Her instructions were clear: the important person was highly capable and needed careful attention. She knew both of them, and Adrian had been repeatedly refused for partnerships due to his company's lack of strength. But besides them, the only other person in the waiting area was the very ordinary-looking man in simple clothes. The important guest Ms. Briggs described absolutely could not be him. Though it felt wrong, the secretary gestured toward the VIP room. "Right this way, please." 

Just as they began to move, Leo spoke, his voice clear and firm, causing everyone to freeze.

"Secretary," he said, frowning slightly. "You've made a mistake. I am the invited guest."