Chapter 32: Shadows of the Past

Leon's return to the settlement was met with warmth and relief. The moment he stepped through the gates, his people gathered to welcome him back. They had been on edge since his departure, and his safe return—along with twenty new soldiers and a cart full of supplies—lifted everyone's spirits.

Garrick approached first, his armor slightly dented from his daily training drills. "Welcome back, my lord," he said with a firm nod. "Nothing major happened while you were away. The usual wild animal attacks, but we handled them."

Leon nodded. "Good. We'll need to start building better defenses soon. Once everyone is settled, we'll discuss our next steps."

He spent the rest of the evening overseeing the distribution of supplies. Food was rationed fairly, new weapons and armor were stored, and the twenty soldiers Edric had sent were given places to stay. By the time the night settled in, the settlement felt stronger—more organized.

But as Leon finally laid down to rest, exhaustion pulling at his body, his mind drifted elsewhere.

---

Leon sat at a long, polished table in a glass-walled conference room, overlooking a city skyline that stretched endlessly beneath the golden glow of the setting sun. Across from him sat four corporate executives, all dressed in expensive suits, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

The air was thick with tension as a man in his fifties, the head of one of the larger companies, leaned forward. "Mr. Cross, you're asking us to merge with your company, yet you only started five years ago. What makes you think you can handle the responsibilities of being on this board?"

Leon smiled, effortlessly leaning back in his chair. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, exuding confidence without arrogance. "Let's be honest here. It's not a question of whether I can handle it. It's a question of whether you can afford not to bring me in."

The executives exchanged glances.

Leon continued, his voice smooth and assured. "Look at the reports. My company has outperformed every projection, and our growth rate surpasses anything in your portfolio. In five years, we've taken a startup and turned it into an entity that's not just competing—but dominating." He gestured at the documents in front of them. "And let's not forget the technology we've developed. If we don't merge, I guarantee that within another five years, we'll be the ones acquiring you."

A younger executive scoffed. "Bold words. But if that were true, why merge at all?"

Leon's smile widened slightly. "Because I understand the power of alliances. The market is shifting. Bigger players are making moves. If we don't consolidate our strengths now, we'll all be at a disadvantage when the real competition arrives."

The older executive studied him carefully before finally nodding. "Alright, Mr. Cross. We'll move forward with the merger."

Leon kept his composure, but inside, adrenaline surged through him. He had done it. This deal would elevate his company into the big leagues, giving him influence over multiple corporations. He had just secured his place in an elite circle where only the most powerful entrepreneurs operated.

The executives stood, offering handshakes. Leon shook each hand firmly, maintaining eye contact—establishing dominance without needing to say another word.

As he left the conference room, the doors closing behind him, he exhaled sharply. It was done. Years of relentless work had led to this moment.

Waiting for him outside were his two closest friends and co-founders, Mark and Evan.

Mark, the taller of the two, clapped him on the back. "You did it, man. You actually pulled it off."

Evan grinned, though there was something in his eyes—something subtle but undeniable. "Looks like we're moving up in the world."

Leon laughed, exhilaration coursing through him. "We all are. This is just the beginning."

But as they walked through the halls, passing employees who gave Leon impressed nods, an invisible rift formed.

Leon had always spoken of "we" and "us." But the truth was undeniable—he was the one who had made it happen. And despite his best efforts to keep them equal, Mark and Evan were being left behind.

The terms of the deal made that clear. While Leon was given a seat at the grander corporate board overseeing multiple companies, his two friends were only being positioned as high-ranking executives in one of them.

At first, they congratulated him. But beneath the smiles, Leon could see it—the realization settling in.

To the outside world, they were a trio. But to the people who mattered, Leon was the one who carried them.

And the worst part? They knew it too.