The low, controlled growl of the Cadillac CT-V sliced through the still morning air, its engine purring with restrained aggression as it idled in the circular driveway of Leonardo's mansion.
Inside, polished marble floors reflected the crystal chandelier above. The house was silent, not peaceful, but disciplined.
Leonardo adjusted the cuff of his black tailored suit, his movements precise, economical. A platinum watch rested against his wrist. He glanced once at his reflection. Perfect. For a fleeting instant, a shadow of doubt flickered beneath the polished surface. Was the mask slipping, or had it become his true face? He straightened, burying the uncertainty as quickly as it appeared.
He stepped outside. Lucas was already waiting, holding the car door open. Leonardo got in, and Lucas closed the door behind him.
Showroom Leonardo said, Lucas nodded. yes sir.
The car pulled away smoothly, gliding through the gates as they opened without hesitation. The showroom parking lot was nearly empty when they arrived.
That was when Leonardo saw her.
She moved like she owned the ground beneath, her heels tall, poised, wrapped in silk that caught the sunlight just enough to shimmer. She didn't rush; she didn't look around nervously; she walked with certainty.
Leonardo's gaze followed her until she reached her car.
"Stop," He said quietly. Lucas braked. At that same moment, the woman reversed, metal met metal. The impact wasn't violent, but it was deliberate enough to leave a dent.
She stepped out of the car slowly, calm, her eyes settled on Lucas first. Are you in the habit of stopping in the middle of the road? she asked, her tone soft, but edged. Lucas began to speak, but Leonardo was already stepping out. My apologies Leonardo said smoothly, that shouldn't have happened.
She turned her attention to him up close; she was even more striking, but it wasn't beauty that held him; it was the stillness. Most people were flustered by wealth and power, but she wasn't.
Leonardo reached into his coat, pulled out a checkbook, and wrote without hesitation. He tore the check free and handed it to her, for the inconvenience. She looked down at 3000 dollars, her brows lifted not in excitement but calculation, you're generous she said. He gave a faint smile. I try to be reasonable. Their eye held for one second. " I'm Leonardo." "Helen." She folded the check neatly, slipped it into her purse, and returned to her car.
Lucas waited until they were back inside the Cadillac before speaking, you didn't get her number, boss. Leonardo adjusted his tie. There's no need, Lucas frowned slightly. Leonardo's lips curved faintly. I didn't sign the check. Lucas glanced at him in the rear-view mirror and smiled. The Cadillac rolled forward.
Less than 30 minutes later, Leonardo exited the showroom with two newly tailored suits draped over his arms. Lucas rushed to relieve him of them. As they drove home, Leonardo`s phone vibrated. He answered without looking at the caller ID.
"Yes."
Boss, Sylvester's voice came through, tight but controlled. There's a checkpoint on the usual route, and we parked the truck underground. Leonardo's expression didn't change. How many officers? Four and one patrol unit. Stay put, don't move until I say so. he ended the call.
Outside the tinted windows, Las Vegas shimmered in daylight, tourist, casino, polished lies. He stared ahead, then dialed a number. Russo, he said, when the line connected, there's a situation. On the other end, a pause, then understood. Leonardo ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket.
To the public, he was an investor, a businessman, a man who attended charity galas with his sons, Jasper and Grey. Respected, admired, untouchable, but respect was a costume and Leonardo wore it well.
By afternoon, he was seated in his office, a minimalist glass structure downtown that overlooked the city. Edward, his manager, sat across from him. The senator's transfer came in this morning, Edward said quietly. Leonardo leaned back in his chair break it into three accounts, route it through the automotive imports division first. Edward nodded. Before he could respond, the secretary called, sir there's someone here to see you, name? Helen, he paused, Send her in.
Edward stood up immediately, and Leonard gave him a subtle glance. You may leave. The door closed, and she walked in. This time, she wasn't shimmering in sunlight. She was composed and intentional as she placed the check on his desk. You forgot something, she said. Leonardo stood slowly. I was distracted; her eyes didn't leave his face, "so I noticed." he picked up a pen and signed his name deliberately. He slid it back to her, allow me to correct my mistake properly he said, dinner tonight.
She studied him. You move quickly. I don't believe in hesitation. A faint smile touched her lips. 6 o'clock he added my driver will pick you up. She reached for a card on his desk instead, "I'll meet you." Interesting.
She turned toward the door, just before stepping out, she paused. by the way she said softly, without looking back, you should be careful where you stop your car, Mr. Leonardo.
The door closed behind her. Leonardo remained still for a moment. His phone vibrated with a message from Sylvester. The truck has been followed. Leonardo`s jaw tightened. Followed or tracked? His mind shifted instantly. There were very few people who knew about that shipment, very few, as he murmured to himself. His gaze drifted toward the door Helen had just exited. For the first time that day, Leonardo felt something unfamiliar, not attraction, not irritation, not awareness.
Somewhere across the city, Helen sat inside her car, staring at a photo on her phone, a photo of Leonardo taken from a distance, her thumb hovered over the screen before she typed, target confirmed. She hit send and smiled.