EPISODE 2
1216 Words
PRIVATE LOUNGE – A BATTLE OF WORDS
Leo’s private lounge was a place only the elite could step into. Dim lighting, sleek black leather sofas, and an open bar stocked with the rarest collection of liquor. It was his space—one that radiated dominance and exclusivity.
But right now?
It felt like Julian had walked in as if he owned the place.
Leo closed the door behind them, then turned sharply. "Start talking."
Julian, instead of answering, strolled towards the bar, running his fingers along the counter. "You still have expensive taste, I see."
"Cut the s**t, Julian." Leo’s voice was low, dangerous. "Where the hell have you been?"
Julian sighed, picking up a crystal glass and inspecting it. "Here and there."
Leo took a slow step forward. "That's not an answer."
Julian smirked, finally setting the glass down. "And what if I don't feel like giving you one?"
Leo’s patience snapped.
"You disappeared," he said, voice edged with something unreadable. "Without a word. No explanation. No contact. And now, after twenty years, you waltz in like you never left?"
Julian finally met his gaze, something flickering in those green eyes. "Would it have made a difference if I did?"
Leo's breath hitched.
For a brief moment, the past threatened to claw its way into the present. The nights they spent under the stars. The whispered promises of always staying by each other’s side.
It would have made a difference.
But Leo wouldn’t admit that.
Not now.
Not ever.
So instead, he scoffed. "You really think you can just show up and pretend the past doesn’t matter?"
Julian leaned against the bar, crossing his arms. "I don’t pretend, Leo. That’s your expertise, not mine."
Leo’s lips pressed into a thin line. He wasn’t used to this. People feared him. They obeyed him. They never challenged him.
But Julian?
Julian stood there—completely unfazed.
And it pissed him off.
"What the hell do you want?" Leo asked finally, tone dropping into dangerous territory.
Julian smirked. "Maybe I just missed you."
Leo’s fingers twitched. Liar.
"You didn’t come back for me," Leo stated coldly. "You came back because you want something."
Julian’s smirk didn’t fade. "Maybe I did."
Leo took another step forward, his presence overwhelming. "What is it?"
For the first time, Julian's smirk wavered—just slightly.
A shadow flickered in his gaze. A glimpse of something he wasn't saying.
Leo caught it instantly.
"Interesting."
But Julian recovered too quickly. "You'll find out soon enough," he said smoothly.
Leo exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You’re playing a dangerous game, Julian."
Julian pushed off the bar and took a slow step towards Leo, invading his space. "And you love a challenge, don’t you?"
Leo’s breath stalled.
Julian was too close. Close enough that Leo could smell his cologne—a mix of something dark and intoxicating. Close enough that memories he had buried began clawing their way back up.
Julian leaned in slightly, voice a near whisper.
"Goodnight, Leo."
And then, just like that—he was gone.
Leaving Leo standing there, fists clenched, heart racing, and mind spiraling into dangerous territory.
Julian West wasn’t just back.
He was here to change everything.
---
THE UNSHAKABLE HEIR
Leonel Leo Astor Takes His Throne
The boardroom of Astor conglomerate was filled with the most powerful figures in the corporate world. Business moguls, influential investors, and senior executives—all seated in polished leather chairs, their eyes locked on the man standing at the head of the table.
Leonel Leo Astor
Dressed in a custom-tailored black suit, his presence alone commanded respect and silence. His sharp features were unreadable, his cold gaze sweeping across the room as his father, Charles Astor, officially handed over the reins.
“As of today,” Charles announced, his voice firm but filled with pride, “Leo Astor will assume the position of Chairman and CEO of ASTOR CONGLOMERATE .”
A moment of silence followed. Not out of hesitation—but out of sheer reverence.
Everyone knew what Leo was capable of.
At only 30 years old, he had built an empire within an empire, expanding the company into industries no one thought possible. His ruthless decision-making, sharp business acumen, and unwavering control over every situation made him the most feared and respected businessman in the industry.
The board members rose in unison.
“Congratulations, Chairman Astor.”
Leo nodded, accepting their acknowledgment with his usual cold indifference. He didn’t need their praises. He didn’t need their validation. This was merely another step in his carefully constructed path.
As the meeting concluded, his father placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
“You’ve built a reputation for being ruthless,” Richard said, a faint smirk on his lips. “Make sure they never forget why.”
Leo’s gaze remained steady.
“They won’t.”
He never gave anyone a reason to doubt him. And he never would.
---
AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER – THE REUNION CONTINUES
That evening, an exclusive charity gala took place in one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. It was an event attended by the elite of the elite—business tycoons, celebrities, and aristocrats.
Leo didn’t care for such gatherings, but his presence was expected. As the newly appointed Chairman, his attendance was both a statement and an obligation.
Dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, he moved through the grand ballroom with a commanding presence. People approached him with business proposals, congratulatory remarks, and thinly veiled attempts to gain his favor.
None of them mattered.
Leo dismissed each interaction with a polite nod or a cold glance—until his sharp eyes caught a familiar figure standing near the bar.
Julian West.
This time, Leo didn’t hesitate to ignore him completely.
He walked past him as if he were just another guest.
But Julian?
Julian smirked.
He turned slightly, lifting his glass of wine as he watched Leo move with that same untouchable, ice-cold demeanor.
“So, that’s how it is?” Julian mused, his voice smooth. “The great Leonel Leo Astor doesn’t even spare an old friend a glance?”
Leo stopped.
He slowly turned his head, his expression unreadable as he met Julian’s amused gaze. “I don’t waste my time on unnecessary distractions.”
Julian chuckled, taking a sip of his wine. “You always did like pretending things don’t affect you.”
Leo’s jaw clenched slightly.
Julian wasn’t worth his time.
So, he simply turned away and walked off, leaving Julian standing there—unfazed, but undeniably intrigued.
---
JUlIAN'S HIDDEN INFLUENCE – A SILENT KING
While Leo was making headlines as the new Chairman, Julian was orchestrating his own moves.
Sitting in a dimly lit office overlooking the city skyline, Julian leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips as he scrolled through the latest financial reports.
Companies were shifting. Stocks were rising. Deals were being made.
All under his silent influence.
No one knew it was him.
And he intended to keep it that way.
He tapped his fingers against the mahogany desk, eyes glinting with something unreadable.
Leo Astor had risen to power.
But Julian?
Julian had been pulling strings long before anyone even noticed.
And soon enough—Leo would realize it too.
- Writer
