I Don't Trust Him

Mia couldn't sleep that night. The call with Leo replayed in her mind, every word scrutinized for hidden intentions. She still couldn't believe he'd reached out to her after everything. The audacity of it made her blood boil, but she knew Alexander was right—they couldn't afford to let their emotions cloud their judgment. If Leo had information that could lead them to Marco, they had to use it.

Alexander had already tasked his private security team to monitor Leo's movements. They would vet his claims before taking any steps forward. Trust was a luxury they couldn't afford right now.

The next day, Leo arrived at the estate under tight security. Alexander greeted him with cold indifference, his towering presence enough to make anyone feel uneasy. Leo, however, looked far from his usual cocky self. He seemed nervous, a little disheveled, but there was determination in his eyes.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet," Leo said, his voice low as he glanced between Alexander and Mia.

"We didn't agree to anything yet," Alexander replied sharply, folding his arms. "You're here because we're willing to hear you out. Don't mistake that for trust."

Leo nodded, swallowing hard. "Fair enough."

Mia sat silently beside Alexander, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She didn't trust herself to speak just yet, afraid her anger might overwhelm her. She still remembered the humiliation, the betrayal, and the pain he'd caused her. Seeing him now, so vulnerable, was jarring.

Leo began to explain Marco's movements. "Marco's been laying low for years, but he's been working through proxies—bribing officials, forging alliances with black-market suppliers. He's amassing power again, but this time it's not just about wealth or influence. He wants to destroy Alexander's legacy completely."

Alexander's jaw tightened, but he didn't interrupt. He simply nodded for Leo to continue.

"Marco's next move is aimed at your holdings in Europe," Leo said, looking directly at Alexander. "He's planning to sabotage one of your largest tech facilities in Germany. If he succeeds, it could lead to billions in losses, not to mention the damage to your reputation."

"How do you know this?" Alexander asked, his tone skeptical.

"I worked with one of his men after...everything fell apart for me," Leo admitted reluctantly. "I was desperate, and Marco took advantage of that. But when I realized what he was planning, I couldn't be a part of it. That's why I came to you."

Mia finally spoke, her voice sharp. "And why should we believe a word you say? You betrayed me once, Leo. What's stopping you from betraying us again?"

Leo flinched at her words, but he didn't shy away. "Because I owe you, Mia. I owe you more than I can ever repay. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I want to make things right. If stopping Marco can help you, then that's what I'll do."

The sincerity in his voice was unsettling, and for a moment, Mia wavered. She glanced at Alexander, who was watching Leo with an intensity that could cut steel.

"We'll verify your information," Alexander said finally. "If you're lying, you won't leave this estate alive. Do you understand me?"

Leo nodded. "I understand."

---

Later that evening, as Alexander and Mia discussed the day's revelations, Mia couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Leo's story made sense, but it was almost too perfect. Was he really trying to help, or was this another trap laid by Marco?

"I don't trust him," Mia said as she paced their bedroom. "He's hiding something, Alexander. I can feel it."

Alexander leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. "You're not wrong to be cautious. But until we can confirm or disprove his claims, we have to play along."

Mia stopped pacing and looked at him. "What if he's working with Marco? What if this is all part of their plan?"

Alexander walked over to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "If he is, we'll find out. I've already instructed my team to dig into his recent activities. If there's even a hint of deceit, I'll handle him."

His words were meant to reassure her, but they only added to her unease. She didn't doubt Alexander's ability to protect them, but the stakes were higher now. She wasn't just worried about herself—she had their unborn child to think about.

"Promise me, Alexander," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Promise me we'll get through this. I can't lose you."

Alexander pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "I promise, Mia. No one will tear us apart—not Marco, not Leo, not anyone."

As she rested her head against his chest, Mia tried to push her fears aside. But deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the verge of something big—something that could change everything.

And she was right. Unknown to them, a shadowy figure watched their every move from afar. Marco's reach was longer than they realized, and the game they were playing was far from over.