The morning after the gala felt like a surreal echo of the night before. The air in the office was thick with the faint scent of expensive cologne and the lingering buzz of whispered conversations, a stark contrast to the usual sterile atmosphere. Sophia sat at her desk, a half-empty mug of coffee growing cold in her hand, her mind replaying the events of the evening like a film on loop.
Leonard's effortless handling of the situation with Mr. Zhao and Mr. Liang had unsettled her. It wasn't just his charm—though he had that in spades—but the casual authority he exuded, the way he navigated the complex social dynamics with the ease of a seasoned diplomat. It was a stark contrast to the bumbling intern she'd come to know, and it left her with a nagging sense of unease.
"He's playing me," she muttered under her breath, her eyes fixed on the cityscape beyond her window. "He has to be."
She tried to focus on the reports on her screen, but her mind kept drifting back to the gala, to the way Leonard had commanded the room without even trying. The way he had made the two billionaires, known for their sharp tongues, listen to him, like he was a respected peer.
A knock on her cubicle wall snapped her out of her reverie. Leonard stood there, holding a folder, his expression as nonchalant as ever.
"Morning, boss," he said, his smile disarming. "These are the updated Henderson project reports. You asked for them by noon."
Sophia took the folder, her eyes narrowed. "You're early."
"Efficiency is my middle name," he quipped, leaning against the partition. "Or at least, it will be, once I figure out how to work the copier without setting off the fire alarm."
She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Just try to keep the fire department away today, okay?"
"No promises," he said with a wink, then turned to leave.
"Leon," she called out, her voice slightly louder than she intended.
He paused, turning back to her with a questioning look. "Yes, boss?"
"How… how did you know how to handle Mr. Zhao and Mr. Liang last night?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion. "It wasn't just luck, was it?"
Leonard's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "I have a knack for reading people," he said smoothly, his voice low. "And for knowing when to distract them with shiny objects."
"Shiny objects?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"The view," he said, gesturing towards the window. "It's a powerful distraction. And a good bargaining chip."
Sophia frowned, her suspicion growing. "That's not all of it. You knew exactly what to say, how to defuse the situation. You acted like… like you belonged there."
Leonard chuckled, a low, amused sound. "Maybe I do. Maybe I'm a billionaire in disguise, trying to learn the ropes."
She scoffed, but she couldn't deny the unsettling feeling that he was hiding something. "You're ridiculous."
"And you're suspicious," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But I like that about you. It keeps things interesting."
He turned and walked away, leaving her with a mix of frustration and intrigue. She watched him go, her mind racing, trying to piece together the puzzle of his true identity.
Meanwhile, in his office, Nathan leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful, bordering on grim. He had watched the interaction between Sophia and Leonard, the subtle tension, the unspoken questions. He knew Leonard's secrets better than anyone.
"He's playing a dangerous game," Nathan muttered to himself, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "And he's playing with her."
He knew Leonard's charm, his ability to manipulate people with a smile and a well-placed word. It was a family trait, a skill honed by years of navigating the complex world of wealth and power. But Nathan had always been more cautious, more calculating. He saw the risks, the potential for disaster. He also felt a growing sense of guilt for being a part of this charade.
He picked up his phone and dialed a number. "Confirm everything you already know about his activities as this 'Leon' character," he said, his voice low and determined. "And start digging deeper. I want to know what he's doing with Sophia. I also want to know why he is hiding this from our parents, and why he is changing so much."
He had to protect Sophia, even if it meant exposing his own cousin's deception. The thought was bitter, but resolute.
As the day progressed, Sophia found herself observing Leonard more closely, watching his every move, trying to decipher his true intentions. She noticed the way he interacted with the staff, the respect he showed to everyone, regardless of their position. She saw the way he handled difficult clients, the patience and understanding he displayed.
And she couldn't deny the unsettling feeling that she was starting to see him in a different light. A light that was both intriguing and dangerous.
The chapter ends with Sophia looking out the window, at the city skyline, wondering who Leonard Zhang really is, and what his true intentions are, while Nathan's internal conflict and determination to uncover the truth adds a layer of urgency and danger.