(Leo's POV) My pleasant mood was impenetrable as I casually meandered through the work day. In brief moments of blissful silence, the delicate image of Violet’s blushing face graced my mind and brought a foolish grin to a normally serious expression. Her dark waves framing her fair skin as she lay comfortably on the ground beside me and the thought of her gentle kiss as she allowed vulnerability to show, made my heart race faster than a formula one car. “She's just amazing,” I think as the piles of papers dwindle down till they're gone. After gaining more and more support from numerous parties in the vote against my father, it was practically a done deal. However, that did not stop the allies who would suffer from this decision to go out of their way to make more trouble. Countless meetings and phone calls pestered me relentlessly as the company prepared for a change that, though not exceptionally impactful, would shift things in a new direction. At the end of one particular
(Leo's POV) The remaining days passed and soon the night of the event approached. The theme was announced to be monochrome and formal attire was required. After settling on a white tuxedo suit paired with a number of black accessories, I waited in the foyer. Gently rocking back and forth on the heels of my feet, the subtle click of shoes caught me off guard. Standing in the doorway to the kitchen, stood Violet dressed in a breathtaking white silk gown. It hugged her curves but still flowed as she walked, successfully captivating me in her aura. Her black hair was pinned up and neatly swirled into a bun, a few stray strands hanging down over one eye. “How long have you been there?” I ask in surprise. I had been expecting her to come down the stairs like last time. Her amused smile tickled my heart as she only shrugged and walked past me. “Hurry up Mr. CEO or we'll be late,” she jokingly sniped from afar, snapping me out of my trance and into the driver's seat. The drive was
(Violet's POV) The slimy looking man gave a ridiculing scoff as he purposely spoke his next words loud enough for all those nearby to hear. “Oh my! It seems that the glass was still wet from washing. No real loss though given that a gold digger like her doesn't suit such a dress,” he snicker with obvious pleasure. The swarm of hushed whispers was annoyingly loud as they conspired amongst themselves. “Sir, you must apologize,” a very nervous looking waiter started to say before the lunatic aggressively cut them off. “For what?! I told you it was an accident and even if it wasn’t, what are you or anybody else gonna do about it?” he yelled as if it was something to be proud of. The silence of the room was deafening as nobody was certain of the correct action. Slowly, almost menacingly, I rose from the chair with a neutral expression and turned to face the moron. With all my might I curled my hand into a fist and landed probably one of the best uppercuts of my life on that exc
(Violet's POV) Upon my return, I swiftly changed clothes and packed a duffle bag that I had stashed under the bed. Certain to include my mother’s diary and all the clothes I had brought with me, I then waited for the specified time. Before Aunt Bella had left my room the day she tried to convince me of Leo’s responsibility for my parent’s, she had left an opening for me in case I came to my conclusion sooner than expected. “Should you choose to leave, each night following tonight you will be given the opportunity to do so. If you stay, the choice will be presented again the next night until you’re ready,” she had explained before shutting the door and I hadn’t seen her since. “Who knew it would only take a few days,” I mumbled while burying my face in my hands. I didn’t want to leave and no way did I believe Bella completely, but there were too many uncertainties for me to keep up this act around Leo much longer. I recalled the steps that were to be taken as I waited at the
(Leo's POV) After Jason confirmed Violet’s safe return home, I made quick work of settling down any strange rumors involving our relationship. In truth, I couldn't care less about what these entitled people thought of me, but to protect Violet from their vicious tendencies, I was willing to play the role of a concerned CEO. The remaining event lingered on for another two hours before I was able to tear away from the stale conversation and make my way home. Though I had tried to reach Violet by text, she had yet to reply. “I hope she’s alright. These parties never seem to go well,” I bitterly think to myself, more mad at my inability to protect her than anything else. As I entered the house, a strange gathering of staff greeted me upon entry and would be the first of many unpleasant surprises. “What is the meaning of this?” I ask blankley. They all avoid my gaze as the air grows frigid. “Nevermind. Where is Ms. Bennet?” I switch, still looking forward to my girlfriend’s pre
(Violet's POV) The feeling of rough ground scraping my legs wakes me up and I find myself in a lowly lit structure. My eyes slowly adjust and I can make out the extensive amount of dust coating the floor and floating through the air. The room was moderately big from what I could tell and lacked any kind of natural lighting. The door, to which I came to find was behind me and out of sight, creaked open as someone walked along the crunchy ground. “Took you long enough,” a distant voice grumply remarked in response to my movements. I go to move my arms, but am quickly met with the realization that they are restrained behind me. Memories of before I fell unconscious rush through my mind in a haze and a dull ache turns sharp as a throbbing begins. “What’s going on? W-where am I?” I struggle to question as the unidentified person gingerly walks over, flashlight in hand. “Oh, can’t you come up with something more original than that, dear niece?” Bella remarks once more, now standi
(Leo's POV) After a few phone calls and some vague hints as to the contents of the press release, I find myself standing in front of a room full of reporters. The hushed whispers turn to silence as I take my place before the mic and prepare for what is about to come. “As you all know, a few months ago there was a tragic accident involving a plane leaving Columbus airport. The unfortunate incident claimed many lives and left the public baffled by the lack of sufficient information provided,” I speak, the words previously planned out carefully. “I am here to say that Whitlock Enterprises is completely responsible for all actions leading to the plane’s malfunction mid-flight,” I confidently state. The room erupts into chaos as each reporter rushes forward with questions and accusations. “Further details will be published soon. That is all,” I respond, nodding my head before security escorts me out the bustling room. After escaping to the quiet of the adjacent hallway, I lean back
(Leo's POV) The light pierces my eyes as I stand with both hands in the air. The click of heels echoes through the empty warehouse as Bella takes a few steps toward me. “I knew I didn’t like you,” my voice growls. Bella wears a smug grin as she chuckles in response.“A fair observation, if not a little rude,” she comments, a repulsive amount of confidence coating her words.“If it’s money you’re after, this was beyond unnecessary,” I firmly state. My plan was simply to get Violet safely out of here before this lunatic lost it for good. To do that, I would need to buy time and find an opening.“Oh, I’m looking for something much more fulfilling than some paper bills. Not that I would expect some pampered rich boy to understand,” Bella cryptically replies, her words slowly making less sense.“Was it you who ordered me to take the fall for the crash? I don’t understand what you could gain from something like that,” I question further.A cruel laugh erupts from Bella as she cackles to h