"Mother."
Leo's voice rang out calmly, but the weight behind it was unmistakable. Lisa turned to face him with fire in her eyes.
"Save whatever it is you're about to say. I'm not in the mood to entertain you. You've already disrespected me enough by dragging that girl into this house."
"Where did you learn to talk this much?" a voice interrupted casually. Both Leo and Lisa turned to see Peter, leaning against the hallway wall, casually biting into an apple.
"It's 9:30 a.m.," he continued, his voice laced with sarcasm. "And there's still no food on the table. Can someone please explain what exactly is going on in this mansion? Are we bankrupt or something?"
Lisa opened her mouth to speak, but Peter raised his hand, cutting her off mid-breath.
"I don't need your excuses, Lisa. I can already tell you've been enjoying your little routine of taunting your son's wife." His gaze darkened. "Disgusting." There was an awkward silence before Peter turned to Leo. "Leo, follow me to my study. We need to talk."
"Peter—" Lisa tried.
"Don't, Lisa," Peter snapped, his tone sharp enough to slice glass.
"Leo, we have a problem," Peter said, sinking into his leather chair. "It's coming from our branch in Spain." Leo's brow furrowed. "What kind of problem?" They're hemorrhaging money," Peter said bitterly. "I suspect the managers are draining company resources. And the situation in the country itself isn't helping either." Peter slammed a file on the table. "I want those thieves out of my company. Dead if necessary."
Leo leaned back, his expression now serious. "Don't worry. I'll handle them. But what exactly is happening in the country?"
Peter scoffed. "Spain has no king. The economy is spiraling. Taxes are soaring thanks to a group of greedy prime ministers with no sense of diplomacy. The monarchy is practically powerless."
"I thought they had a queen?" Leo asked, confused. "They do," Peter said with a wave of his hand. "But she became royal by marriage. She has no say in economic affairs. She's just a figurehead." Peter stood. "Don't ask any more questions. Just pack your things and get to Spain. Fix it."
Leo's expression shifted. "You're sending me off on a business trip just like that? I mean… I'm married now." Peter smirked. "Oh, so now you suddenly care about your marriage?"
"That's not what I meant," Leo muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I mean… who's going to take care of Alice while I'm gone?" Peter gave him a knowing look. "She's a grown woman. My princess will be just fine. I'm here. I'll take care of her."
Leo's face turned sour. "Stop ordering me around like I'm your employee, old hag."
He rolled his eyes and stormed out of the study, slamming the door behind him.
Peter stared at the closed door, muttering under his breath. Such insolence."
Alicia stood in front of the wardrobe, now dressed in a soft yellow, sleeveless flared dress that rested just above her knees. The fabric hugged her figure gently, flowing like petals around her thighs. She walked over to the jewelry locker, unlocking it with a sleek black card tucked on the side. The locker opened with a soft click, revealing a glowing collection of jewelry that shimmered like stars. Her breath caught for a second.
She slowly reached for a stunning diamond bracelet and clasped it around her wrist.
Her gaze shifted to the shoe rack. Rows of elegant shoes were perfectly arranged like a boutique display. She slipped her feet into a simple but classy pair of white kitten heels.
Her reflection looked decent elegant, but subtle. She walked toward the dressing table and sat down. Grabbing a brush, she gently curled her hair, letting the soft waves fall around her shoulders. She applied a touch of blush, a subtle nude lipstick, and glossed her lashes. She was almost done when—
She felt it.
A gaze. Heavy. Intense.
She paused, her hand mid-air. Slowly, she turned toward the door.And there he stood.
Leo. His hand rested on the doorknob, his expression unreadable. His sharp eyes were locked onto her watching her like she was a painting too captivating to look away from.
Leo's P.O.V
Dad is frustrating.
Mom? Even worse. The way she humiliated Alicia this morning made him sick. He didn't understand why it affected him so much. Maybe because… Alicia didn't deserve any of it. Leo pushed open the bedroom door quietly, not wanting to disturb her. He stepped inside.
And then he saw her. His breath hitched.
She was seated at the dressing table, lost in her own world. Her fingers were gracefully curling strands of her hair, her soft features glowing under the morning light. Her skin looked like silk. Her expression was calm, yet vulnerable. She looked… ethereal.
Leo had met dozens of beautiful women. Hundreds. But this one his wife was different. She didn't even know how captivating she was. Her innocence screamed louder than her words. Then, she turned suddenly and their eyes met. His heart skipped.
Shit. She caught him staring again.