From his sharp jaw, chiseled nose, thin lips, and tantalizing grey eyes that seem to suck the energy out of everything he lays them into, he is every bit gorgeous. If someone were to claim he stepped straight out of a romance novel, I wouldn't argue!
To top it all off, he's only in his early thirties, and already possesses everything any woman could desire in a partner. I can't help but wonder why he's still single. I snigger inwardly, realizing that regardless of how perfect he seems, he's human, too. He's not actually flawless. And because of that, he possesses the greatest flaw and that was his attitude. Any woman would want a warm and happy life full of love.
Leonard cannot offer them that. He's a statue, after all. Soulless, ruthless, and devoid of emotion.
"Eat," Leonard orders, pulling my thoughts back to the present. I feel heat creeping up my cheeks when I realize he just caught me staring at him.
Shit! Shit! Shit! Mrs. Lisbeth arranges my cutlery and I focus on my meal in silence. From the corner of my eye, I observe Leonard finish eating, but he remains seated, scrolling on his phone impassively.
When I'm done with my meal, I feel his eyes linger on me. "Your grandfather entrusted you to me for one reason. Starting on Monday, you'll be learning how to run Quinn Industries. You'll be taking over your family's business soon," he states gruffly, breaking his silence. I frown and raise my head to meet his gaze. "I just graduated. I was hoping I could take a little break," I plead timidly.
He frowns in disapproval. "Ms. Quinn, there are many people who cannot afford for you to take a break. Quinn Industries employs thousands of people, and whether you like it or not, their livelihoods are in your hands. This is a serious responsibility." I look down, my hopes deflated. I've already planned to catch up with my old friends here in Tucson. I want to take a stroll through the places my parents used to take me and reminisce about how happy my life used to be. Is that too much to ask?
"I-I…I just want to stay here for a little while," I redirect my gaze to the droplets of water cascading down the windowsill and muster some courage to look him in the eyes again.
"Can't I?" Leonard pauses and squints his eyes, sending shivers down my spine. I can feel my ass sweating in anxiety, but I dare to offer him a pleading look–the same puppy eyes I used to give my grandpa when I was asking for something. His mouth rises into a mocking grin. Okay, that was a futile attempt. "You'll start on Monday." My shoulders drop.
"Nathan will arrange your position and the duties you'll be assigned. Leonie Corporation and Quinn Industries have a joint project in Tucson. You'll be working on that." Hearing this, happiness surges through me. Blinking, I glance up at him in disbelief as a smile slowly creeps across my lips. If I didn't know him so well, I would pounce on him in an outpouring of gratitude.
"Are you serious? Thank you, Mr. Leonard!" "Mmm," he replies before getting up. I watch him climb the grand staircase to his study, feeling conflicted. I'd hoped to ask him about the possibility of moving out on my own, but he doesn't seem to be in the best mood today. Maybe tomorrow.
Leonard POV
"Tighten the reins on the media, make sure nothing gets leaked. Leonard Corporation cannot afford to take a big hit right now." I pace back and forth in my upstairs study, on a call with my assistant, Nathan, giving him directives to handle the commotion over SanTech, a company acquired by Leonie Corporation that specializes in the production and research of AI Technology.
A burglary has occurred at the site where an exhibition of the newly created tech is being held. If things go awry, it will take a toll; not only on the company's image, but also a huge plunge in its stocks. We're talking about hundreds of millions of dollars of loss. That addressed, I stay on the call for a couple minutes longer, giving him further instructions for coordinating Bridget's training.
She must learn the ropes of running the business her family left now that she's finished her studies. Heaving a deep sigh, I slam my body against the office chair and press my temples with my fingers when I hear a light knock on the door. I glance at the grandfather clock, realizing that it's almost nine in the evening. I frown.
"Come in." My brows immediately knit together when my gaze lands on the feminine figure in the doorway. She's carrying a tray with a teacup and pot. Biting her bottom lip, her large, bright, blue-green eyes hesitantly meet my gaze. Her chestnut hair is fixed into a careless bun, giving her a casual, playful look. I observe her for a few more seconds in silence while my eyes travel from her beautiful, innocent face to her slender body that is covered with the thin fabric of her shirt.
I still remember how small her waist was and how light she felt in my arms when I carried her earlier. She displays her graceful legs confidently in her tattered denim shorts. It has been four years since we first crossed paths, and I must admit she's developed into a fine woman in that time. The kind that any man would fantasize about.
I clench my jaw, suppressing the intrusive and inappropriate thoughts. "I brought you tea," she announces shyly and sweetly. "Do you need something?" I raise my brow. Bridget is a woman left in my care by her deceased grandfather, whom I respect and owe a great deal to.
She had been an orphan, adopted by the Quinns, and old Mr. Quinn had entrusted his business and her well-being to my hands. Agreeing to take care of her had been the least I could do to help him rest in peace.