Victoria_Xoxo

He chuckled. “What’s with the face?”

I blinked. “What?”

“You’re blushing.” His voice held a teasing lit, and I could practically hear the smirk behind it.

“Oh.” I raised a hand to my cheek, rubbing absently, only to feel the warmth spreading across my skin. My lips twisted into a small, guilty smile.

Leo’s eyes gleamed with amusement. There was something about the way he looked at me—steady, knowing—that made me uneasy. Not because I felt uncomfortable, but because I had spent so long misunderstanding him.

Why hadn’t I seen his loyalty from the start? Why had I assumed he wanted me for business, for something transactional? A pang of guilt settled in my chest.

“This place is…” I started, glancing around, searching for words.

He leaned back slightly, one arm draped over the chair. “Deserving of a heiress,” he finished smoothly. “I had a work break.”

A warm rush of gratitude filled me, but it was quickly dampened by a lingering thought. Cassie had mentioned something earlier—something about Ophelia storming into Leo’s office. My fingers curled slightly against the tablecloth.

Kill Lila!

The amusement park wasn't as lively as the last time we were here. The flashing lights, the clinking of game tokens, and the faint scent of popcorn should have made it feel festive, but an unshakable weight hung over us. Maybe it was just me. Maybe it was the reason we were here.

Lila walked ahead, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, the tension rolling off her in waves. Mario and Morrey flanked her, keeping quiet, while I followed just behind, my mind racing.

We had all seen what was happening to her—those trances, the way she would just lose herself and try to end it. If we hadn't been there, she would've…

I clenched my fists. I couldn't even think about it.

She didn't talk about it, but I knew she was scared. Every time she came back from those moments, there was this look in her eyes—like she was barely holding on. And I knew she hated that. Lila wasn't the type to show weakness.

But this wasn't something she could fight on her own.

Fulfilling Prophecy. Leo pov