A Love Worth Fighting For

CHAPTER 002

A Storm Behind Closed Doors

At his desk Leonardo Vasconcelos maintained a steady gaze on the documents before him. Only the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock broke the silence in his cabin. A subtle scent of wood polish mixed with fresh paper filled the air. His intense focus on his work continued until an unexpected sharp knock on the door interrupted it.

"Come in."

The door opened with a creak and Rafael Mendes entered the room. His face was tight with unease. Rafael Mendes paused to gather his thoughts while his hands held onto a folder.

Leonardo didn’t look up. "What is it, Rafael?" He turned to another page while studying the numbers before waiting. But Rafael said nothing.

Leonardo sighed, setting his pen down. Rafael needs to speak up because I can’t afford this silent spectacle. Speak your purpose now or leave.

Rafael cleared his throat. Ferreira Corporation contacted me just now.

That got Leonardo’s attention. His eyes lifted, sharp and expectant. "Ferreira Corporation? About the deal, right?" He leaned back in his chair. "Eduardo Ferreira is an old client. This project is important to us."

Rafael shifted uncomfortably. "Sir, we lost the deal."

Silence filled the room. Leonardo tapped his fingers on the desk until they transformed into a clenched fist. "Why?"

Rafael hesitated before speaking. An employee from our company disclosed confidential project details to our competitors. Eduardo chose them instead."

Leonardo felt his blood heat. "Who?"

Rafael swallowed. "Alexandre Costa, from the accounting department."

Leonardo rose quickly resulting in his chair sliding backward. "That bastard." His voice was low, dangerous. "Tell me everything."

Rafael nodded quickly. An unknown source deposited a billion dollars into his account two days ago. Our security team investigated. Investigations revealed his participation in unlawful activities.

Leonardo's jaw tightened. "I want him behind bars. I need you to file legal action against that competitor company who took our data. Also, get me a meeting with Eduardo."

Rafael took out his phone and began to place calls.

Leonardo swept his hand through his hair as he took a sharp breath. "And the Paris project? Did he leak that too?"

"No, sir. Only I have possession of the Paris project information.

"Good. I’m handling the meeting myself this time. Get the jet ready."

He took his jacket from the rack and headed out as Rafael kept pace directly behind him.

While walking through the office Leonardo noticed employees who were laughing and neglecting their work tasks. A muscle twitched in his jaw. Leonardo altered his path making his way toward them with a deadly quiet determination.

Their laughter died instantly.

I never knew I was funding your workplace jokes. My office doesn’t resemble a stand-up comedy venue. His voice was laced with irritation.

"We’re sorry, Mr. Vasconcelos. The problem will be prevented from happening again in the future one of the employees stated through a mumble.

Leonardo glanced at Rafael. I need to see their resignation letters on my desk first thing tomorrow.

Their faces turned pale. "Sir, please. We have families, kids—"

You should have considered this before wasting company time. Rafael delivered his boss’s message with a chilling tone.

Leonardo showed a smirk as he headed toward the elevator while they stood in shock. He hated incompetence. And even more, he hated betrayal.

As Leonardo traveled to his next destination nothing was spoken. His thoughts churned. Alexandre Costa had committed the greatest error of his existence. Middle-class fools believed they could manipulate the system. They sought financial rewards through minimal work and wanted respect without practicing self-control. He despised them.

Upon reaching the club the VIP section was filled with the club's regular patrons. The moment he entered the building he became the center of attention as women swarmed around him with greedy looks in their eyes. He knew exactly what they wanted. He willingly allowed himself to be used by them according to their preferences.

He selected one woman by chance before departing with her.

Afterward, he tossed some cash at her. "Take it and go."

She made a mocking face when she accepted the money and departed silently.

As Leonardo stepped into the shower, the hot water removed the cheap perfume's scent. When he emerged, he dressed quickly. It was time to go home. His grandmother would be waiting.

Leonardo stayed at his desk during the night hours while his laptop screen illuminated the room with a blue glow. He looked up when he heard the door open with a creaking sound. Estela Vasconcelos, Leonardo's grandmother, appeared at the doorway.

She sighed. "Leo, it’s past two in the morning. You need to rest."

He rubbed his temples. "Just one more hour, Grandmother. Why are you still awake? You should be resting."

"I woke up thirsty. I noticed your light when I returned to bed. She approached him while a deep sadness lingered in her eyes. You've become the leading businessman in our nation, my boy. There's no need for you to work so hard.

Leonardo shut his laptop halfway. "I have a meeting in Paris tomorrow."

"Paris? So suddenly?"

"It’s important."

"When will you be back?"

"Next week, if things go well." He glanced at her. "Why? Something you want to say?"

She hesitated. "Next week is your birth—"

"No." His voice cut through the room. "I don’t celebrate my birthday. You know that."

She sat beside him. Your future should not be dictated by past events and experiences. You should move on. You’re twenty-six now. It’s time to think about marriage."

He laughed dryly. "Marriage? Not happening."

"You can't live like this forever." Her voice was gentle but firm. "One day, you’ll need a real partner. Someone who—"

"Women only care about money, Grandmother. They have no dignity, no loyalty. I won’t marry a gold digger."

Her head movement showed her disappointment through subtle changes in facial expression. "Enough, Leonardo. If you fail to change your ways I will send our entire fortune to an orphanage.

His head snapped toward her. "You wouldn’t."

"I would. And I will. Should you reject marriage then I’ll move forward without you. The choice is yours."

His hands clenched into fists. This company stands as a testament to my blood and my sweat. It’s ours. You can’t just—"

"I can. And I will if I have to. You have until next week to decide."

As she exited the room her words lingered heavily in the quiet space.

With a desperate motion, Leonardo picked up a lamp and threw it against the mirror. His furious expression was mirrored in the broken glass fragments that scattered across the floor.

Marriage. Setting fire to all his possessions felt preferable to him.