EPISODE 17
1093 Words
A PROJECT THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Memories Of Julian West
Leo sat in his office, staring at the city skyline, lost in thought. No matter how much time passed, he couldn’t shake the memories of Julian West—his childhood best friend, his first real connection.
Where did you go, Julian?
Leo had searched for him countless times, but Julian West had vanished without a trace. Now, strangely, that familiar pull he once felt towards Julian West was resurfacing—only this time, it was directed at Julian D’Argento.
They were so different, yet something about them felt… the same.
---
PRESENTING THE PROJECT AT THE ASTOR FAMILY ESTATE
Leo leaned forward, hands clasped together, as he presented the project to his father, Charles Astor, in the lavish study of their family estate.
“This project is too important to handle alone,” Leo said firmly. “Astor Conglomerates needs a partner with equal or greater influence to make this happen.”
His father, Charles, leaned back in his chair, studying the documents. “And you already have someone in mind?”
Leo hesitated. “…No.”
Charles tapped a finger against the desk. “Then let me make it easy for you—Julian D’Argento.”
Leo stiffened slightly. “D’Argento?”
“He’s the best candidate,” Charles said matter-of-factly. “The Orion Group has the resources, the influence, and the power we need.”
Before Leo could respond, Elara practically bounced into the room, grinning.
“This is perfect!” she said excitedly.
Leo shot her a look. “Elara—”
She cut him off, dramatically placing a hand on her hip. “Leo, listen. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get closer to Julian.”
Leo sighed. “Elara, this is business.”
“So?” Elara smirked. “Business means meetings. Meetings mean spending time together. Spending time together means you’ll finally figure out if he’s into men.”
Leo groaned. “I am not—”
“If not for yourself,” Elara said, giving him her best pleading look, “then do it for me.”
Leo narrowed his eyes. “For you?”
Elara nodded. “Yes! If he’s not into men, then I can make my move. But if he is, then at least you’ll know instead of spending years brooding over him.”
Leo sighed deeply. “This is ridiculous.”
His father chuckled. “Elara does have a point.”
Elara beamed. “See? Even Dad agrees!”
Leo ran a hand down his face. “Fine. I’ll set up the meeting.”
Elara threw her arms around him. “You won’t regret this!”
Leo highly doubted that.
---
THE CALL TO ELIAS CARTER
Leo sat in his office, tapping his fingers against the desk before dialing the number.
Ring.
The line connected, and a smooth, professional voice answered.
Elias Carter: “This is Elias Carter, Vice President of Orion Group.”
Leo: “Leo Astor. I need to set up a meeting with Julian D’Argento. It’s urgent.”
A slight pause. Then—
Elias: “Urgent?”
Leo: “It’s regarding a major business project. One that would be mutually beneficial.”
Another pause. Then—
Elias: “Understood. I’ll inform Mr. D’Argento. When are you available?”
Leo: “As soon as possible.”
Elias didn’t hesitate. “I’ll get back to you shortly.”
The call ended. Leo exhaled. He had a feeling this project was about to change everything.
---
JULIAN D’ARGENTO’S DECISION
Elias entered Julian’s office, finding him at his desk, reviewing reports.
Elias: “Leo Astor wants a meeting with you.”
Julian barely looked up. “Leonel Leo Astor?”
Elias: “He says it’s urgent. A major business project.”
Julian leaned back, steepling his fingers. “And you’re telling me this because…?”
Elias smirked. “Because you’ve been entertaining his sister for weeks, and now her brother suddenly wants a meeting. Coincidence?”
Julian’s lips curled slightly. “Doubtful.”
Elias crossed his arms. “So? Do I tell him you’re unavailable?”
Julian tapped his fingers against his desk, thinking.
“…Set the meeting.”
Elias raised a brow. “That easy?”
Julian’s eyes darkened slightly. “Let’s see what he wants.”
---
The Business Meeting
The conference room was sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city skyline.
Julian sat at the head of the table, composed as ever, while Elias took his usual spot beside him.
Leo entered with his own Vice President, Marcus Steele, a sharp-witted strategist.
Leo and Julian exchanged a brief glance before taking their seats.
Elias was the first to break the silence. “Shall we begin?”
Leo slid a folder across the table. “This project is one of the most ambitious ventures Astor Conglomerates has pursued. It’s high-risk, high-reward, and requires a partner of equal influence.”
Julian opened the folder, scanning the details.
“A luxury development project,” he noted.
Leo nodded. “Yes. Exclusive properties in prime locations, designed to attract elite clients. But the scale is massive—we need a partner with the resources to match.”
Elias skimmed through the numbers. “The profit margins are impressive.”
Marcus leaned forward. “It’s a long-term investment, but the returns will be substantial.”
Julian tapped a finger against the document. “And you want Orion Group as your partner?”
Leo met his gaze. “Yes.”
Julian studied him, his expression unreadable.
“Why me?” he asked.
Leo held his gaze. “Because you’re the best.”
A beat of silence.
Then, Julian smirked. “Flattering.”
Elias chuckled. “Well, the numbers check out. I don’t see why we’d turn this down.”
Julian closed the folder. “Then let’s discuss the terms.”
---
Finalizing The Deal
The discussion lasted hours, with negotiations on revenue shares, investment percentages, and timelines.
By the end of it, both parties were satisfied.
Julian picked up his pen and signed.
Leo followed suit.
The contract was sealed.
Julian leaned back, his gaze flickering to Leo. “Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other.”
Leo smirked. “Seems that way.”
Elara’s words echoed in his mind.
Spending time together means you’ll finally figure out if he’s into men…
Leo wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but one thing was certain—this partnership had just changed everything.
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