39. Ben's incitement

Ben knocked on Leonardo's study door, and he called politely, asking permission to enter. Leonardo was busy, so he didn't want to be disturbed. However, thinking that this was related to information about Caterina's whereabouts, he was forced to give Ben permission.

Ben entered with a sweet smile on his lips. He sat in the chair opposite Leonardo's desk. The man looked a little clumsy and awkward. This is what made him lose to Alex. He didn't look convincing. He didn't look assertive and authoritative. Leonardo disliked that kind of personality.

“What's wrong?” Leonardo asked firmly.

"Sorry, sir. Why do you always give every big order to Alex? Why don't you ever trust me to take care of large orders? I think I can do it too. I can do a better job than Alex. Please give me a chance to prove that Alex is not better than me." Ben finally revealed his heart that he had been suppressing. He really wanted to attract Leonardo's attention to be his right-hand man.

Leonardo sighed harshly. "I've trusted you to find out about Kate's whereabouts. Alex is off duty; that's why I gave this task to him." He was looking for an excuse.

“Between these two tasks, which one is more important?” Ben asked seriously. It seemed like he was really ambitious to beat Alex at everything.

Leonardo frowned, his right eyebrow raised. Now he understood where Ben was going. He had always depended on Alex, causing envy and jealousy in the hearts of his other men.

Ben had worked there first, but Alex had gotten a higher position for being Leonardo's right-hand man. Of course it makes many people feel jealous. Although Leonardo always tried to please all his men, but he still couldn't make everyone feel happy and satisfied.

"You've done very well. Alex or you, you're both great to me." Leonardo tried to find a neutral answer. He didn't want any discord among his men.

Ben didn't seem satisfied with that answer. He wanted an answer that would please him more.

"You're a hard worker. Even though you don't work as fast as Alex, you're still great. I like people like you." Leonardo complimented.

Ben smiled slightly; he looked happy to hear Leonardo's answer.

"Sir, don't you ever suspect Alex? I think Alex and Kate have a relationship, maybe he knows where Kate goes. I think they loved each other all along. If there was no relationship between them, there's no way Alex would have helped Kate escape. He knew the consequences of betrayal, but he still decided to betray because he wanted Kate to leave this place. It's possible that he asked for the data about the search results because he wanted to move Kate to the place we've checked in order to protect her. You shouldn't just let him go." Ben began to provoke.

Leonardo sighed harshly. He didn't like bucket-mouthed men who liked to pit themselves against each other. He had a lot of faith in Alex, so he wouldn't fall for that kind of demagoguery. Although in his heart he felt that Ben's words might have some truth to them. Why would Alex desperately help Caterina if he didn't have feelings for her?

‘Doesn't he know I love Kate?

'Is it possible that Kate hates me because of his incitement?'

Leonardo wondered to himself. His forehead seemed to crease as he thought out loud like that.

"You should be more careful with Alex, sir. Sometimes the people we trust become our biggest enemies. I think Alex and Kate are up to something. Kate must have been pretending to love you all along. The fact that she got angry with you when you asked her to make love means she doesn't really like you. If she really loved you, she should have been happy when she lost her virginity in your hands." Ben continued to try to provoke.

Leonardo felt that Ben's words were starting to go too far. He sighed harshly, then looked at Ben sharply.

"If you have nothing important to say, you can leave. I still have a lot of work to do." Leonardo's tone sounded so annoyed. The look on his face was also starting to turn cloudy.

Ben was satisfied because he thought Leonardo was angry and upset with Alex or Caterina. Without realizing that his boss was upset and angry with him. That was also his weakness; he had no sensitivity at all. He wasn't good at reading people's faces, nor was he good at handling situations.

Ben smiled slightly, got up from his seat, then excused himself and quickly left.

While Leonardo stared at his back with annoyance until he disappeared behind the door. He was really annoyed now; meeting Ben even made his mood a mess.

The man with the stern forehead reached for the phone on his desk. He called one of his men, asking him to stand guard at the door.

"I'm busy; don't let anyone into my office. Especially Ben. Whatever excuse he gives, don't give him permission to enter." Leonardo said with firmness and emphasis.