The jet door hissed open, releasing a gust of cold air as Leo stepped out onto the tarmac. Dressed in a sleek black coat, gloves, and dark sunglasses, his presence was thunderous without a word spoken. Behind him, a wall of bodyguards followed like shadows.
He pulled out his phone, jaw clenched.
Still no answer. "Jeffery, you better not be ignoring me on purpose," he muttered under his breath. Another failed call.
"Code," Leo called to his bodyguard without looking back. "Get in touch with Alice's school. Have her chauffeur pick her up. Right now."
"Yes sir, but—your father—"
"I said don't," Leo interrupted sharply, eyes flashing. "He knows I'm back. He's probably already pacing that antique study of his."
With that, Leo slid into the black Maybach parked ahead. The doors locked with a heavy click, and the convoy rolled out into the busy streets of New York City.
A sharp chime echoed across the school speakers. "Alice Dark Hart, you're wanted in the Principal's office." Kira gasped. "Al… did you do something wrong?"
Alice scoffed, adjusting the sleeves of her hoodie. "I'm Vice President of the Student Council, not a delinquent. It's probably about the anti-bullying campaign."
She left the golf pitch without another word, ponytail swinging behind her.
Knock knock.
"You may enter."Hi Miss Tracy," Alice said calmly.The woman behind the desk looked up from her laptop. "Hello Alice. There was a call from home your chauffeur will be here in five minutes."
Alice blinked. "Wait, why? School's not over, and I have a meeting with the Editorial Board."Miss Tracy shook her head. "It was your father. I'm just the messenger." Alice sighed. "Okay. Thanks, Ma'am."
"Before you go," Miss Tracy added, "I hope the council is working on that campaign?"
Alice nodded. "We'll bring our full report by next week."
"Good. You're dismissed."
The lounge was aglow with warm lights as Alicia sipped on fresh orange juice, surrounded by stylists and designers. Alice had asked her to help choose a gown for the upcoming Homecoming.
"Ma'am, what do you think of this shade?" George Melez, the lead designer, held up a soft lavender dress. Alicia shook her head. "Too loud. Alice wants elegant, not neon."
Just then, Lisa stormed in, with Stacy trailing like a shadow.
"What's this?" Lisa asked.
"Oh Mother," Alicia said lightly. "Alice asked me to help her with her gown." Lisa narrowed her eyes. Stacy snorted. You're spoiling that girl," Stacy whispered to Lisa. "And you letting her run the house?"
Lisa sighed. "You won't understand, Stacy. I just want Leo happy." Suddenly the butler rushed in. "Ma'am, Young Master has arrived."
Lisa stood, shocked. "Leo's here?"
Alicia rose as well, setting her glass aside. As soon as Leo walked in, her breath caught. His tall frame, his familiar cologne… everything about him screamed authority and distance.
Lisa opened her arms wide but Leo walked right past her and pulled Alicia into a tight hug. Lisa's face drained of color.
Alicia felt the awkward tension and gently pulled back. "How was your flight?"
Leo brushed her cheek softly. "Better now."
Then he turned to Lisa and hugged her quickly. "Mother. I missed you." Lisa forced a smile. "Missed you too, son." He greeted Stacy next. "Aunt, always glowing."
"Jeffery," Leo asked suddenly. "Has he said anything? I've been calling him nonstop."
Stacy shook her head. "No word."
Lisa and Stacy exchanged glances. Stacy whispered, "See? He ran past you to her. I warned you this would happen."
Lisa sighed, lips tight. "I know."
"Better act fast, Lisa," Stacy whispered. "Before she locks him down completely."
Lisa turned to the butler. "Reynard, make sure Alice is brought in the moment she arrives."
"You tricked me," Leo's voice was cold as ice. "You faked the board members anger . Lied to get me to marry her. Why, Dad?" Peter looked up slowly. "Because you wouldn't have agreed otherwise."
"You used her."
"She was going to that jewelry store. I didn't expect you two to meet, but the universe gave me that. Alicia is royalty, Leo. She's the last hope for Spain. Her life is in danger, and I couldn't protect her from afar."
Leo's face darkened.
"She's just a girl who grew up in an orphanage," Peter continued. "But her bloodline… her father… he's dying. And that necklace she wears it's not a fashion statement. It's sacred. Passed down by generations."
Leo sat back in disbelief.
You changed the marriage contract," he said quietly. "Made it real." Yes. I spoke to Limestone. You're legally married. You need to get that necklace from her. It may be the key to reviving her father."
"And what lie to her? Use her? That's what you want me to do? "Use your charms. Get close to her. Get her pregnant if you must. Spain needs an heir." Leo stood violently, his chair scraping back.
"You're insane," he snarled. "This isn't some Game of Thrones script." And with that, he stormed out of the study, slamming the door behind him.