Chapter 8 - Leo HayesThe suite door opened.
Leo Hayes entered carrying a folder.
His tie was loose.
His eyes were exhausted.
But when he saw Alivia, his expression softened.
“The federal judge signed the emergency asset-preservation order.”
Marcus stood.
“What does that mean?”
“The Sterling accounts are frozen.”
Leo placed the documents on the table.
“The board has suspended Preston and several senior executives. The merger assets are protected.”
Alivia exhaled.
For the first time that night, she felt the pressure in her chest loosen.
Leo approached her.
“You should never have gone through this alone.”
Alivia looked at him.
“I wasn't alone.”
He knew what she meant.
They had been friends since childhood.
Leo had always been there.
Quietly.
Patiently.
Never demanding anything.
He had loved her for years without asking her to notice.
Tonight, she finally did.
Their eyes met.
Neither spoke.
But something changed.
Not love.
Not yet.
May you like
Something more fragile.
Hope.
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