The living room was still silent when I finally opened my mouth.
"Leo…"
The word came out softer than I intended, almost like a whisper afraid to break. My chest rose and fell quickly, not from running, but because of… the sight before me.
For the first time since I'd known him, Leo looked… defeated.
He sat with his head bowed, both hands gripping his hair, his shoulders trembling slightly. As if the entire weight he carried, Rhys Corporation, his family, his position, his life had suddenly become too heavy to hold.
My breath caught. Slowly, I approached and knelt in front of him, keeping some distance but close enough to see his eyes clearly when he finally looked up.
And when he did, I almost flinched.
His eyes were red.
Leo parted his lips, his voice breaking halfway.
"I'm scared."
