42. Alex admitted

Alex provided a report regarding the delivery of a large order that he had handled with three of his friends. As Leonardo had hoped, Alex's work was always satisfying. There have never been any complaints from customers regarding its performance.

“You're doing a great job as always.” Leonardo gave praise. He opened his desk drawer and took out an envelope filled with money. "You share with your friends." He pushed the envelope in front of Alex.

Alex certainly received it very happily. This is one of the reasons why he really wants to stay to work at this place. Because he always gets paid handsomely after he completes his tasks.

“There was one problem: on the road we were blocked by four policemen. We were disturbed by that because they seemed to be new officers. We were almost dragged to the police station and wanted all our belongings confiscated. Luckily I managed to get past them by contacting one of the officers.” Alex told what obstacles he encountered while on the road. They rarely encounter problems like this, because all the police have been bribed by Leonardo. If the bribe doesn't work, he will threaten it. He will drag the policemen's families as threats. So, they had no choice but to give in and accept the bribe that Leonardo gave.

“The officer is always reliable. It's not a loss for me to pay dearly." Leonardo was happy because the payment he gave to bribe the police was useful. They don't just keep quiet after receiving the money but want to do their work according to the agreement.

“There's a new police chief who looks like he's just been reassigned to the Mexican border city. You have to go to him and invite him to collaborate. I heard he's a clean cop who doesn't take bribes and isn't afraid of threats. I think he will be a pebble on the road.” Alex made a suggestion.

“What can he do? You don't need to worry, because we are above the law. I know all the prosecutors and police generals; I also know the mayor. If the police chief makes a mess, tell me straight away. I will go straight to him with the police general.” Leonardo responded casually.

Nothing in this world could scare Leonardo. However, recently he began to fear losing Caterina. It's been two weeks, and Caterina's whereabouts still haven't been found.

Leonardo suddenly remembered what Ben had said a few days ago. He looked at Alex with searching eyes. He really wanted to know what was going on in Alex's mind. Is Ben's accusation that he likes Caterina true? Who knows?

“I want to ask you something; please answer honestly.” Leonardo said seriously.

“Sure, what is that?”

"Do you like Kate?" Leonardo immediately asked without further ado. For him, Alex's answer was very important for this problem.

Alex was silent for a moment. From the look on his face, he looked a little stressed by the question Leonardo asked. Is the question too difficult to answer?

Alex fiddled with his fingers. He shook his legs to cover his nervousness. His breathing started to become more rapid. He looked restless after Leonardo asked that question.

Seeing Alex's reaction, Leonardo already knew what the answer was. It turns out that Ben was right all along; Alex likes Caterina. However, since when? Why did he never know? Alex never told him about Caterina.

"Since when?" Leonardo asked again. This time his tone sounded very cold, not friendly at all. He looks disappointed after finding out that he and his favorite subordinate fell in love with the same woman.

No wonder Alex sacrificed himself to help Caterina escape from this place.

“Since you raped her.” Alex answered with a trembling voice. His eyes were bloodshot, and his body was hot and cold. His heart was beating very fast; his breathing sounded very rapid. I don't know what he feels like now. He was angry, anxious, and panicked, all feelings mixed into one.

Leonardo was silent when he heard Alex's answer. That answer made him feel very slapped, because he was always forced to remember the atrocities he had committed.

“I feel guilty for her. I was the one who told her that you liked her; it turns out my words brought disaster to her life. The more I think about my mistakes, the more guilty I feel. My guilt made me want to protect her to atone for all my mistakes. That feeling of wanting to protect slowly turned into a feeling of love." Alex explained briefly. He looked down, staring at the table in front of him. He didn't dare return Leonardo's gaze to him.

Leonardo took a harsh breath. He didn't know how to react now. He felt betrayed because Alex loved the woman he loved.

"Does Kate know yet?" He asked again, feeling confused. His voice sounded a little shaky. He didn't want his relationship with Alex to be ruined just because of a woman.

Alex shook his head slowly. “She doesn't need to know. Maybe it would be a problem if I told her. Sometimes expressing feelings can be a burden for that person. I don't want Kate to feel even more burdened."

Now Leonardo understood. Ben's words about Alex was true, but not completely true.

'One-sided love, huh?' Leonardo said to himself.

“I'm ready to stop working if this becomes a problem for you. From the start I didn't want to compete with you. I know Kate still loves you even though she says she hates you so much. My feelings for her are just an oasis; they will evaporate as time goes by." Alex tried to explain.

Leonardo looked at Alex deeply.

“You don't need to stop. There is nothing wrong with falling in love. You want to admit it's already good. You already said that you don't intend to compete with me, so I guess it won't be a problem. I just don't want our relationship to be ruined because of a woman.” Leonardo explained.

Alex smiled broadly. “Thank you for understanding.”

“You and Kate are equally important to me. You are the person who understands me the most, even when I don't understand myself. I can find the most beautiful girl in Mexico for you if you want.” Leonardo makes an offer.

"Thank you, sir. Maybe that's the right solution.”

Leonardo laughed faintly. "It turns out your love is only as thin as tissue."