Used By My Billionaire Boss

chapter 12

Face-to-Face

The air between Stephanie and Leon is thick with anxiety, every passing second stretching out like an eternity. As Leon’s eyes lock onto hers, Stephanie’s heart skips a beat. The familiar intensity in his gaze pulls her in, but the memories of everything he put her through flood her mind, reminding her why she left in the first place.

His pace is slow, and deliberate, as though he’s enjoying the moment, knowing full well the power he holds over her. Every step he takes feels like an order, a memory of the power he used to have. And yet, this time, Stephanie stands her ground, her feet set firmly on the sidewalk. She’s no longer the woman who cowered in his presence.

"Stephanie," Leon’s voice is low, but there’s something dangerous in it a warning, a promise, she can’t quite tell. He doesn’t even try to hide the despair in his eyes. It’s clear he wants her back, needs her back. But this time, Stephanie’s heart doesn’t waiver.

Before she can answer, Jake steps forward, his chest broad and protective as he puts himself between Stephanie and Leon. His jaw clenches, and his hands curl into fists at his sides.

"Leave her alone, Leon," Jake says, his voice calm but angry.

Leon doesn’t flinch, and doesn’t take a step back. He just stares at Jake, sizing him up with a cold, calculating look. But his attention doesn’t stay on Jake for long. His gaze slides back to Stephanie, that same haunting look in his eyes.

“I’m not going anywhere until we talk,” Leon says, his voice barely above a whisper, but it’s still filled with an obvious edge.

Stephanie’s stomach churns, the feelings within her confusing and raw. She wants to shout at him, to tell him how much he hurt her, how much he destroyed everything she thought was real. But instead, she just stands there, her voice lost in the storm of her thoughts.

“I’m done, Leon,” she finally says, her voice shaky but determined. “I’m done with all of this.”

Leon’s Plea

Leon doesn’t seem to hear her words. His eyes soften for just a moment, and a flicker of weakness shows on his face so faint, so fleeting, that Stephanie almost wonders if she imagined it. But it’s there. She sees it.

“Please, Stephanie,” he says again, his voice almost begging now. “I made a mistake. I didn’t understand how much I needed you until you were gone. I... I can’t live without you.”

Stephanie feels the words hit her like a physical blow, each one a memory of the man she once loved, the man she thought would always be by her side. His words stir something deep inside her a faint, painful memory of the love she thought they shared. But that love is gone, hidden beneath the hurt, the lies, and the manipulation.

She takes a deep breath, her chest tight.

“No, Leon,” she says, shaking her head. Her voice cracks with feeling. “It’s too late for that. You can’t just undo everything you did. You don’t get to come back into my life after everything you’ve done.”

Leon’s jaw tightens, but he doesn’t back down. His look softens as he steps closer, but Stephanie takes a step back, keeping the space between them. She can feel her pulse rushing, the nervousness, and anger mixing in her chest like a storm.

“You don’t understand,” he says, his voice softer now. “I was wrong, Stephanie. I was lost without you. I’ll do anything to fix this, to make it right.”

For a moment, Stephanie’s heart wavers stuck between the love she once felt and the reality of who he is now. But then the memories come rushing back his betrayal, his coldness, the way he used her and she feels her resolve strengthen.

“No, Leon. I can’t trust you anymore,” she says, her voice firmer now, stronger. “I’m not going back. I’m not your thing. You don’t get to control me anymore.”

Desperate Escape

Jake doesn’t wait for Leon’s response. He reaches out and grabs Stephanie’s hand, pulling her away from the fight, away from the man who still holds too much power over her.

“Come on, we need to go,” Jake pushes, his words filled with urgency.

Stephanie doesn’t fight. She’s already feeling the panic rise in her chest, her breath coming in short gasps as her body fights against the fear and adrenaline rushing through her veins. She can’t stay here, not with Leon so close, not with him looking at her like that.

They turn to leave, but just as they do, Leon’s voice rings out, raw and full of anger.

“This isn’t over, Stephanie!” he yells, his words hanging in the air like a threat.

Stephanie’s heart races, her thoughts spinning. She knows he won’t give up so easily. She can’t let her guard down, not even for a second. She looks back, her eyes meeting Leon’s one last time before Jake pulls her into the car.

As they drive away, the world outside the window blurs in a storm of speed and fear. Stephanie’s hands are shaking, and she can feel her heart pounding in her ears. She doesn’t know what’s coming next, but she knows Leon won’t stop.

“He’ll find us,” she says quietly, the weight of the truth heavy in her chest. “He won’t give up.”

Jake doesn’t reply, but his grip tightens on the driving wheel. His jaw is set in a hard line, his face unclear. He doesn’t have the answers, and neither does she. But one thing is clear: this chase isn’t over.

As they speed away, Stephanie’s eyes flicker to the rearview mirror, her breath catching in her throat. A figure stands there, at the end of the street, watching them as they drive off.

Her heart skips a beat.

It’s Adriana.

The woman who had been Leon’s partner in crime. The woman who had always been too close, too involved in the game Leon was playing. And now she’s standing there, grinning, like she knew exactly what was going to happen next.

Stephanie’s heart races, her fear growing with every passing second. Adriana’s look feels like it’s burning a hole through her, and she knows this isn’t the end.

It’s only the beginning.