lence that followed was heavy, filled with unspoken possibilities. Leo's next move would define what they were

ling a hint of something Vyora couldn't quite pla

arms. "You've been pulling my strings s

t comforting in its familiarity. "Perhaps at fi

rayal from Noah were still fresh. "Prove it then,

any dinner, but one where everyone from the office will see us

. Vyora felt out of place despite her elegant dress, but Leo's hand at th

es on them, but her gaze was fixed on Noah, who was sitti

ey were the focal point. "Order anything you want, C

small smile, "You don'

hers on the table, the gesture intimate, al

yes off them. He stood up, excusing himself fr

d, his voice low, trying to

ssion cold. "I think we've

ut

for argument. He then leaned forward, kissing Vyora's forehe

t. He retreated, but not before Vyora caught his glare. She felt a twisted sat

help but feel touched by Leo's actions, even if they

"Because I want to. Because you de

ng herself of her goal. "This

tense. "Is that all you

e intricate patterns of the tablecloth. She was scared to a

been planning something, something that would bring Vyora down a peg or two.

" Grace said, her voice

h snapped, still seething from

saccharine. "To help us both. Vyora

iqued, "What do y

le show tonight doesn't end well for her at the of

revenge sweetening the

er spine. She knew Grace was up to no good. She turned to Leo, "I th

ed. "Let them try

of the night, the complexity of her emotions

took her hand, "Vyora, wha

hanging between them like a precipice.

as supposed to be using Leo as a tool for revenge, but now she questioned if that was all she wanted.

lked her to her door. "Vyora, tonight w

acing. "Leo, you've always been so hard to

a whisper, "You stand right h

but pretend. It was deep, passionate, and it spoke volumes of what was unsaid. Vyora fe

gainst hers. "I don't want this to be just a

o believe him, but the fear of another heartbre

, his voice firm yet gentle. "But know th

lmed. "I need time, Leo. Ti

her space. "I'll give yo

ent, the aftermath of the dinner and the spectacle they had created. Grace w

to a group of colleagues, her voice loud enough for V

d fuel to the fire. "She's always been good at

em without acknowledging their taunts. She knew the game they were playing,

k room, contemplating her next move when Leo walk

I won't give them the satis

ting shield. "We need to counter this. Sh

feeling a mix of dre