The Hidden Ledger
The Secret Meeting (Ariana Royale's Office)
Ariana Royale sat behind her mahogany desk, her sharp gaze shifting between Leon and Valeria. The air was thick with tension as she folded her hands.
Ariana:I've called you both here because I trust you—for different reasons. She smirked at Leon's unimpressed expression. Royale Enterprises has a problem. Someone on the board is siphoning funds, and I need you two to find out who—without anyone knowing.
Leon scoffed, running a hand through his hair. Grandmother, you do realize Valeria and I can barely stand each other, right?
Valeria crossed her arms. Yet here we are. If you're not up for the task, say so now.
Ariana chuckled. Good. The client is Blackthorne Holdings—they suspect their CFO, Gregory Voss, is working with someone inside our company. I want names, proof, and silence.
Leon sighed dramatically but nodded. Fine. But if this blows up, I'm blaming you.
Valeria smirked. Typical. Always looking for an escape.
Ariana's eyes glinted. Play nice, children. The future of Royale Enterprises depends on it.
(Leon's Office – Night One)
Papers were strewn across the desk, financial reports glowing on dual monitors. Valeria's fingers flew across the keyboard while Leon leaned back, rubbing his temples.
Leon:You've been at this for six hours straight. Even machines need to recharge.
Valeria didn't look up. And yet, the numbers don't lie. Marcus Wellesley from the acquisitions team has been approving suspicious transfers.
Leon frowned. Marcus? He's been here for twenty years.
Valeria:Exactly. Long enough to get comfortable.
Leon exhaled sharply. You really think everyone's guilty until proven innocent, huh?
Valeria finally glanced at him. In my world? Yes.
Silence stretched between them, the only sound the hum of the computer.
(Leon's Mansion – Night Two, 3 AM)
Leon set a steaming cup of warm milk in front of Valeria, who was massaging her aching stomach.
Leon:You didn't eat. Again.
Valeria waved him off. I'll manage.
Leon's jaw tightened. You're going to collapse before we catch anyone.
She scoffed. Unlike you, I don't have the luxury of slacking off.
Leon studied her—the dark circles under her eyes, the stubborn set of her jaw. Why do you push yourself like this?
Valeria hesitated, then muttered, Because I've been poor, Leon. And I'd rather die than go back.
Something in his chest twisted. Before he could respond, she stood, grabbing her files.
Valeria:Thanks for the milk.
Her fingers brushed his shoulder as she left—a fleeting touch that lingered long after she was gone.
Night 3
The financial team meeting was a powder keg. Sophia Royale, Ethan's wife and interim head of Royale Global Ventures slammed a folder onto the table.
Sophia:The Aurora Project is bleeding money, Valeria. Your team's oversight is unacceptable!
Valeria didn't flinch. The delays are due to your department's inflated budgets. Maybe if you stopped funneling funds into personal ventures—
Sophia's eyes flashed. Careful. You're still replaceable.
Leon, who had been silent, finally cut in. Enough. We're here to fix problems, not create them.
But as the meeting dissolved into chaos, his mind wasn't on the numbers—it was on Valeria. He wanted to know more about her, the things she likes and dislike, why she never smile but it bothered him like this
Why did he care so much?
And more importantly… why did he want her to stay?