“Leo?” Chloe’s voice was soft, and for the first time that day, the weight on her chest lifted slightly.“Hey,” Leo replied warmly. “I heard about the accident. How are you holding up?”Chloe sighed, her grip tightening on the phone as she processed his question. "It’s... been a lot. My parents are in critical condition, and Adam and Francis are recovering slowly. And now this..." She trailed off in a shaky voice.She felt a lump rise in her throat but swallowed it down. The boardroom, the vote—it had drained her emotionally. But Leo's presence, even through the phone, felt like a calm in the storm.“I can’t even imagine what you’re going through,” Leo said, his voice low with concern. “But I know you’re strong enough to get through this, Chloe. You always are.”Chloe felt a small smile tug at her lips, despite everything. Leo always had a way of making her feel seen, not just as the blind girl struggling in a world of sight, but as someone capable and resilient. "Thanks, Leo.""And c
Chloe stood just behind the podium, feeling Marcus’s steady hand guiding her forward. The sound of hushed voices in the room grew louder as the reporters and investors gathered, waiting for her to speak. The weight of their expectations felt like a thousand-pound anchor around her chest, and though she couldn't see them, she knew all eyes were on her.Her heart raced, pounding in her ears. This was it—the moment she had to face the world as the new interim CEO of Westbrook Industries. She clenched her fists by her sides, then forced herself to take a deep breath. The familiar scent of roses and freshly cut grass from the garden lingered in her mind, calming her just a bit. She remembered Leo’s words: You’re not alone.The fact that she couldn’t see the crowd helped a little. She didn’t have to endure the piercing stares or skeptical glances she knew were directed at her. But still, she could feel the tension in the room, the unease. And she knew it was up to her to change that.As
A few minutes before Chloe stood at the podium, Leo found himself lingering at the back of the crowd. He hadn’t planned on staying for the press conference, but here he was. Why? He wasn’t entirely sure. He told himself it was curiosity—that he simply wanted to see how Chloe would handle herself in front of the press, how she would respond to the sharks waiting to tear into her. But that wasn’t the whole truth, and he knew it.The truth was more complicated. Leo had first seen Chloe Westbrook weeks ago, during the scandal with her ex-husband, Dan Sawyer. It was everywhere in the papers, their faces splashed across tabloids like an endless parade of dysfunction.Dan. Leo’s nephew.When Leo learned that piece of information, it had felt like a cruel twist of fate. He’d known all along he should stay away, keep his distance. There were enough red flags to make it obvious—Chloe’s complicated past, the age difference between them, and the fact that she had been married to his nephew of
Chloe slowly stirred, her senses coming to life before her consciousness fully returned. The first thing she registered was the faint and steady beeping of machines nearby, a rhythmic sound that echoed softly through the room. The air was filled with a strong smell of antiseptic, mixed with a light hint of roses—Mrs. Warren must have brought flowers.Then came the distant murmur of voices, low and concerned.Chloe blinked, her world still a blur of darkness, but she wasn’t disoriented. She knew where she was. The hospital.A sigh escaped her lips, and she shifted slightly. Her body felt heavy, like the exhaustion had finally sunk into her bones. Just as she tried to push herself up, a gentle hand was on her arm."Chloe, dear, don’t rush," came the soft, familiar voice of Mrs. Warren. "Just lie back. You need to rest."Chloe let herself sink back into the bed, feeling the softness of the pillows beneath her head. She didn’t want to rest. Not now. "I’m fine," she muttered weakly, he
Chloe could hear the soft beeping of medical machines from the other side of the door, and the faint murmur of voices. Mrs. Warren gently knocked before pushing the door open.As she pushed Chloe’s wheelchair into the hospital room, the sound of a news anchor’s voice reached her ears.“…following her sudden collapse at the press conference, many are questioning whether Chloe Westbrook is ready to lead Westbrook Industries during this critical period…”Chloe’s stomach dropped. The newscaster’s words felt like a knife twisting in her gut, confirming all the fears and doubts she had been trying to suppress. They were talking about her—her failure, her collapse—broadcasted for the world to see.The sound of the news cut off abruptly, followed by a flurry of movement. Adam, fumbling with the remote, had quickly turned off the television as soon as he noticed her entering the room.“Chloe!” Adam called out, his voice sounding too bright, too forced as he tried to pretend, hoping Chloe didn
Dan Sawyer stepped off the private jet, the cool evening breeze brushing against his face as he descended the steps. The plane had just touched down, and despite the exhaustion from his two-day business trip, his mind was already back on the things that mattered.As he reached the black luxury sedan waiting for him, his assistant, Kyle, stood by the door, phone in hand, ready to update him on everything that had transpired during his absence.“Welcome back, Mr. Sawyer,” Kyle greeted him as Dan slid into the back seat. “How was your trip?”“Productive,” Dan replied, loosening his tie. “But you know how it is—good to be back.” He settled into the plush leather seat, feeling the weight of the past two days fall off his shoulders. “So, what did I miss? Anything urgent while I was away?”Kyle glanced at his tablet, flipping through his notes as the driver pulled away from the private airstrip. "There’s been a lot of media coverage about Westbrook Industries these past two days. Your ex-wif
The warehouse was damp, cold, and stuffy. A single, dim bulb swung lazily from the ceiling, casting long, flickering shadows across the grimy concrete floor. The scent of gasoline, stale tobacco, and mildew mixed with the distant echo of dripping water from a corner. It was a familiar setting for Leo—negotiations that are carried out in clandestine locations.But tonight, something felt off.Leo leaned against a stack of old crates, his eyes scanning the faces of the men across from him. The Gagliano brothers stood on the other side of the room, shrouded in darkness, waiting. Their faces showed no clear emotions, and their bodies were stiff, ready for a fight if necessary. Feelings of mistrust filled the air—the kind that could deadly in just a heartbeat.Anton, Leo’s second-in-command, stood beside him, arms crossed, his eyes flicking back and forth between the Gaglianos and their men. He sensed the danger too, but Leo was distracted.His thoughts kept circling back to Chloe.He tr
The sterile, brightly lit hallways of City General Hospital were almost too quiet for Chloe’s liking. The faint hum of fluorescent lights, the soft beeping of distant monitors, and the muffled voices of nurses.Everything blended together into a dull background buzz as she made her way down the corridor toward the ICU. Her cane tapped lightly against the smooth tile floor, a steady rhythm that did little to calm her nerves.The smell of antiseptic—sharp, metallic, and sterile—hung in the air. Hospitals always made Chloe uneasy, after having to visit twice a week when with Dan to donate blood for his lover but today, that feeling was even stronger. It wasn’t just the usual discomfort that came from being in a place where people were so vulnerable; it was the weight of everything else. The company, her family, her collapsing at the press conference, and now... her parents.Her parents. She could hardly call them that.Since learning she was a Westbrook, Chloe had never met them. Ric
The days after her confrontation with Leo passed in a haze of confusion and regret for Chloe. She hadn’t meant to push him away with her words. All she wanted was honesty—a glimpse into the shadows he seemed to live in. Yet, she had managed to create a chasm between them.She shook her head as she sat in her office, braille documents under her fingers. It was foolish to keep thinking about him. She didn’t have the luxury to let herself get distracted—not now, not with everything else spiraling around her. Perhaps it was the universe’s way of telling her to focus on herself and the challenges ahead.Still, every so often, her mind would wander, and she would find herself wondering where Leo was. Was he angry? Hurt? Or worse—indifferent?Her frustration simmered as the hours wore on. By the time Marcus helped her into the car that evening, Chloe felt the exhaustion weighing on her, both physically and emotionally.“Rough day?” Marcus asked as he slid into the driver’s seat.“Rough wee
Chloe's gentle breathing created a calm atmosphere in the still living room while Leo tucked the blanket around her shoulders. Her head lay gently on the soft pillow, her face calm in sleep. For the first time in what seemed like days, she appeared genuinely relaxed, causing him to pause before stepping away from her.As soon as he went outside, the calm appearance faded away. The cool evening air touched his skin, but it did not calm the restless energy flowing inside him. His thoughts raced, each one more intense than the previous, as he walked toward the side of the house where Anton was waiting.“Anton,” Leo said, his voice sharp.Anton moved out from the dark corner of the patio, his big body fitting well into the low light. “He’ll be here soon,” he said, his deep voice calm and steady.Leo nodded, his jaw clenched as he folded his arms. “Okay. I would like this completed promptly.”Their tension was clear as the minutes went by, broken only by the soft chirping of crickets. Le
“And yet, you’re still here,” he teased gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face.Chloe’s lips curved into a genuine smile, the weight on her shoulders feeling just a little lighter. For the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to hope—not just for a resolution to her troubles, but for something more.Leo’s hand lingered on Chloe’s cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. The intensity of the kiss they’d just shared hung in the air between them, thick and electric. Chloe’s breath was uneven as she tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a faint, self-conscious smile.“Leo,” she began, her voice soft but steady, “I—”Whatever words she had been about to say were cut off as Leo leaned in again, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was as deliberate as it was tender. This time, there was no hesitation, no unspoken tension—only the quiet reassurance of two people finding solace in each other. Chloe’s free hand slid up to rest on his chest, feeling the stead
Leo King sat in his office, scrolling through his phone while sipping his usual black coffee. The sharp taste of the drink combined with the usual flow of emails created a clear difference from the surprising news alert that suddenly appeared on his screen.BREAKING NEWS: WESTBROOK ENTERPRISES INTERIM CEO ACCUSED OF EMBEZZLEMENT.Leo’s heart sank. Chloe. He set the coffee cup down with a soft clink, his jaw tightening as he read further. Every line painted her as a calculating executive funneling funds into offshore accounts. It was a clear attack, and yet the media presented it as gospel truth.Without hesitation, he dialed her number. Chloe picked up after a couple of rings, her tone steady but tired. “Leo.”“Chloe, I just saw the news. What’s going on?”“I don’t know who’s behind this,” she began, her voice measured but tinged with frustration. “Someone planted false evidence. Marcus and Adam are helping me—”“I don’t care what the media says,” Leo interrupted firmly. “I care ab
The mall buzzed with the usual hum of activity: children’s laughter echoing from the play area, the faint clinking of plates from the food court, and the soft strains of background music weaving through the air. Sofia Sawyer strolled through the upscale shopping district, her heels clicking against the polished floor. She carried an aura of determination, masking the simmering bitterness she’d harbored since her last encounter with Chloe.She turned into a designer store, her fingers brushing over racks of meticulously crafted garments. Sofia hardly noticed the clothes—her mind was too busy running through scenarios to regain control of her crumbling image. She needed leverage, an edge against Chloe.“...She thinks she’s untouchable,” a sharp voice cut through Sofia’s thoughts.Sofia turned slightly toward the sound, her curiosity piqued. Near the store’s expansive glass windows stood Nancy Greyson, phone pressed to her ear. Nancy’s body language was as cutting as her tone—shoulder
The sound of tires crunching against gravel echoed through the Westbrook mansion driveway, drawing Chloe’s attention from her seat in the drawing room. The faint creak of the front door followed moments later, and Marcus’s measured footsteps approached.“Miss Chloe,” Marcus said from the doorway, his tone careful. “A delivery has arrived for you. It’s... several large boxes.”Chloe tilted her head slightly. “From whom?” she asked, her fingers instinctively tightening around her cane.Marcus hesitated. “Mr. Dan Sawyer.”The name made her chest tighten, her pulse quickening. She forced herself to remain calm, though her voice sharpened. “What’s in the boxes?”“Baby items,” Marcus replied evenly. “A crib, toys, clothes… a few other things. It looks like he was preparing for the child.”Chloe’s lips pressed into a thin line. Her heart sank, and her anger simmered just beneath the surface. “Return them,” she said coolly. “The truck left already, Miss.”“Then call another delivery service
The next few days passed in a blur of happiness and healing for the Westbrook family. The once somber atmosphere of the mansion lightened with each passing day. Adam had taken to cracking even more jokes, and Francis—despite his grumbles—was slowly warming to the teasing camaraderie. Their father spent long afternoons sitting with their mother, the two of them quietly reconnecting after the long, frightening separation.Chloe, too, felt a change within herself. Though her mother’s recovery was still in its early stages, each visit left her feeling more connected. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel like an outsider.On a crisp Thursday morning, Chloe stood in the foyer of the Westbrook mansion, adjusting her cane and dress as she waited for Adam. Adam’s voice rang out from upstairs, muffled but still audible.“Chloe! If you don’t wait for me, I’m charging you rent for the ride!”Chloe chuckled softly, her grip tightening on her cane. “You’re the one who’s late, Adam.
Adam's words lingered in the air, each sound affecting Chloe and Marcus like a pebble dropped into calm water.“She’s awake. Mom… Mom is awake.”Chloe’s grip tightened on her cane, her lips parting slightly in disbelief. “Oh my God,” she whispered, the weight of the words settling in her chest. “That’s… That’s incredible news.”Adam’s grin spread, a mixture of relief and excitement lighting up his features. “After a month plus,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “She’s finally awake.”Chloe steadied herself, taking a slow breath as her heart raced. “We need to go,” she said, her voice firm with urgency.Adam was already dialing on his phone. He pressed it to his ear, pacing as the call connected. “Francis? Yeah, it’s Adam. Listen, I just got a call from the hospital. Mom’s awake.”A muffled gasp came from the other end. Adam nodded as though Francis could see him. “Yeah, I know. We’re on our way too. Just... don’t try to drive yourself, alright? We’ll pick you up.”As he ended th
The gift store bell jingled softly as Chloe and Adam stepped inside, Marcus trailing a step behind them, his expression as unreadable as ever. The air carried a faint mix of lavender and vanilla from the myriad of candles and potpourri sachets scattered throughout the shop. Chloe tapped her cane lightly on the floor, the sound echoing faintly as her feet felt the polished tiles beneath her.“I don’t know why you insist on dragging me into this,” Chloe said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “It’s not like I can help much with picking things out.”“That’s nonsense,” Adam replied, his voice full of mock offense. “You’ve always had impeccable taste. Besides, I need someone to rein me in before I buy something ridiculous.”Marcus’s low murmur cut through. “Before?” It earned a soft chuckle from Chloe.Adam shot Marcus a mock glare. “I’ll have you know, I have exquisite taste. But, for your information, restraint isn’t one of my strengths.”“Exquisite taste?” Chloe tilted her head, her s