Office Dynamics: Leon & Valeria
The air in the office was thick—not just with the usual tension, but with something else, something that crackled between them like static before a storm. Leon leaned against Valeria's desk, arms crossed, watching her with an intensity that would have unnerved anyone else. But Valeria was scribbling notes with exaggerated focus, her pen moving in sharp, deliberate strokes, as if she could carve her indifference into the paper.
Leon smirked. You know, he mused, voice low and teasing, for someone who claims to despise me, you're awfully comfortable throwing insults my way.
Valeria didn't look up. And for someone who acts like he's above it all, you're awfully entertained by them.
He chuckled, the sound rich and warm, and she hated how it made her stomach tighten. Maybe I just enjoy watching you get worked up. It's cute.
That made her pause. Her pen hovered over the page, ink bleeding into a tiny black pool. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, meeting his with a glare that lacked its usual fire. Cute? Is that the best you've got? I expected more from the great Leon Royale.
His grin widened. Oh, I've got plenty more. But I'd hate to ruin your delicate sensibilities.
She rolled her eyes, but a reluctant laugh escaped her. You're insufferable.
And yet, here you are. Suffering me.
For a moment, the hostility between them faded into something lighter—something almost playful.
Then the scent of food wafted between them, pulling them b oth back to reality. Leon had brought lunch—two takeout containers, one slid toward her without a word. Valeria arched a brow but didn't refuse. They ate in silence for a while, the clink of chopsticks the only sound in the room.
Leon studied her, the way she chewed thoughtfully, the way her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks when she looked down. What are you obsessed with? he asked suddenly.
Valeria blinked. What?
Everyone's obsessed with something,he said, shrugging. Power, money, validation. What's yours?
She tilted her head, considering. Silence, she said finally. And food. And… smiling.
Leon burst out laughing. Smiling? You?
Valeria's lips twitched. What's so hard to believe?
You barely even grin,he pointed out. And when you do, it's usually because you're imagining stabbing someone.
She took a slow sip of water, watching him over the rim of her glass. Maybe you just don't know how to make me smile.
The air between them shifted. Leon's gaze darkened, just for a second, before he leaned back in his chair, stretching lazily. Challenge accepted. He wonders how beautiful she would be if she smiled
Valeria rolled her eyes again, but this time, she didn't hide the small, genuine curve of her lips.
Then the door swung open, and Claire walked in, her presence slicing through the fragile peace like a knife.
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Claire's Interference
Claire's smile was saccharine as she approached Leon, deliberately ignoring Valeria. Leon, I was hoping we could have lunch together she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. There's something I wanted to discuss.
Leon hesitated, his gaze flickering to Valeria, who had suddenly become very interested in the last grain of rice in her container.
Sure, he finally said.
As they walked out, Claire lowered her voice just enough for Valeria to catch the edges of her words. Honestly, I don't know how you tolerate some people in this office. So unprofessional… always causing unnecessary drama.
Leon didn't respond, but his silence was answer enough.
Valeria's grip on her chopsticks tightened. She shouldn't care. She didn't care.
But when Leon returned hours later, the office was thick with silence. Neither spoke a word for the rest of the day.
A Brother's Call
Valeria's phone buzzed with an unknown number. She almost ignored it—until the voice on the other end froze her in place.
Val… it's me.
Her breath hitched. Daniel
Yeah. A pause. It's been a while.
A lump formed in her throat. Years. It had been years since she last spoke to her brother. After the Royales took her in, she had cut ties with her past—with him. She told herself it was for the best.
But now, hearing his voice, the walls she built crumbled.
I— Her voice cracked. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
Don't, Daniel said softly. Just… can we meet? Please?
Tears spilled over. Yes
Julian & Roger: A Marriage at War
My mother was right about you, Julian hissed, her voice dripping with venom. A pest who slithered into this family and snatched everything. All you do is sit, watch, and eat like an imbecile
Roger didn't even look up from his newspaper. If I'm such a burden, file for divorce.
Her nails dug into her palms. You'd love that, wouldn't you? To walk away with half of what's mine?
Then stop complaining, he said coolly. You made your bed.
Julian seethed. Divorce wasn't an option—not when it would cost her so much. No, she needed another way.
Leon.
If she could manipulate him into trusting her, she could use him as an alibi—a shield against Roger and her mother, she could also get his share from the company even if Ariana didn't say it loud she can guess wall that the position of the CEO would go to Leon and almost half of the empire she has built because he carries the blood of some one special . And Leon, ever the aggressive type, would want to refuse. But Not when she could dangle the one secret she held over him—the truth of his birth.
A truth no one else knew.
She smiled to herself.
This was far from over.