Love lies and a billionaire’s secret

CHAPTER SIXTY–TWO–WHERE LOYALTIES LIE

“Ah, Nia. Thanks for coming so quickly,” he said, gesturing for her to sit. “I have a special project I’d like you to lead.”

Nia perched on the edge of the chair, curiosity piqued. “What kind of project, sir?”

Leon leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “We’ve got some important clients coming in next week. I need the executive wing to be absolutely spotless. I want you to lead a deep–cleaning initiative. Can you handle that?”

Nia nodded, feeling a mix of pride and nervousness. “Of course, Mr. Allistair. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t,” Leon smiled. “And please, call me Leon.

Throughout the week, Nia threw herself into the cleaning project, coordinating with her team and ensuring every surface shined. Each night, as the office emptied, she found herself sharing coffee breaks with Leon.

On Tuesday night, they sat in the break room, steam rising from their mugs.

“So, Nia,” Leon began, “tell me about your family. Do you have any siblings?”

Nia hesitated, memories of her strained relationship with her brother flashing through her mind. “I have an older brother, Luis. We… we’re not as close as we used to be.”

Leon nodded sympathetically. “Family can be complicated. Justin and I have had our share of ups and downs.” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“What was it like growing up with Justin?” Nia asked, genuinely curious.

Leon chuckled. “Oh, he was always getting into trouble. But he had a good heart. Still does.”

As the week progressed, their late–night conversations became a comfortable routine. On Wednesday evening. Nia struggled to move a heavy filing cabinet in Leon’s office.

“Here, let me help,” Leon said, coming up behind her.

Together, they pushed against the cabinet. Nia was acutely aware of Leon’s presence, his cologne filling her senses. As the cabinet finally budged, Nia lost her balance, stumbling backwards into Leon’s chest, His arms instinctively wrapped around her to steady her. For a moment, they stood frozen, hearts pounding. Nia could feel the warmth of his breath on her neck.

“Are you okay?” Leon asked softly, his voice low.

Nia nodded, unable to speak. Slowly, reluctantly, Leon’s arms dropped away..

“We should, um, get back to work,” Nia mumbled, her cheeks flushed.

Leon cleared his throat. “Right, of course.”

The tension between them lingered, electric and unspoken.

Thursday evening found them in the conference room, surrounded by empty takeout containers. Leon leaned back in his chair, a wistful expression on his face.

“You know, when I was a kid, all I wanted was to make my father proud,” he said. “I spent so much time trying to be perfect, I forgot how to just be a kid sometimes.”

Nia nodded, understanding all too well. “I get that. After my mom got sick, I had to grow up fast. Take. care of my brother, help around the house.”

Leon’s

eyes softened. “That must have been tough.”

H

“It was,” Nia admitted. “But it made me who I am today

They shared a moment of understanding, the weight of their pasts hanging between them.

As Friday rolled around, Nia couldn’t help but notice the whispers and glances from other employees. She was retrieving documents from the printer when she overheard two executives talking in hushed tones.

“Have you noticed how much time Allistair’s been spending with that cleaning girl?” one whispered.

“I know,” the other replied. “He’s never paid this much attention to the staff before. Wonder what’s so special about her?”

Nia hurried away, her cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and something else she couldn’t quite

name.

That evening, as Nia was packing up to leave, Leon appeared in the doorway of her small office

“Great work this week, Nia,” he said, his smile warm. “The place looks amazing.”

“Thank you, sir. I mean, Leon,” Nia replied, butterflies dancing in her stomach.

Leon stepped closer, his voice lowering. “You know, I’ve really enjoyed our productive late–night sessions. Maybe we could continue them, even after this project is done?”

The flirtatious undertone in his voice was unmistakable. Nia felt a thrill run through her, even as anxiety gnawed at her gut.

“I’d like that,” she heard herself say, surprising herself with her boldness.

Leon’s smile widened. “Excellent. Have a great weekend, Nia. I’m looking forward to next week.”

As he walked away, Nia sank into her chair, her mind whirling. The growing rumors, her conflicted feelings for Leon and Justin, and the ever–present fear of her past being exposed all swirled together in a dizzying cocktail of emotions.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Whatever happened next, she knew one thing for certain: her life at Colossius Tech was about to get a whole lot more complicated.

Nia stood in front of her closet, fingers trailing over the hangers as she searched for the perfect dress. Her eyes landed on a deep blue number she’d been saving for a special occasion. She pulled it out, holding it up to herself in the mirror.

“This could work,” she murmured, smoothing out the fabric.

Dress in hand, Nia left her apartment and headed to Maria’s place. She hadn’t called ahead, but they’d always had an open–door policy. As she approached Maria’s door, she heard muffled voices inside. Assuming Maria had company, Nia knocked softly.

The voices abruptly stopped. After a moment of silence, Nia heard hurried footsteps. The door opened, revealing a flustered–looking Maria.

“Nia! I wasn’t expecting you,” Maria said, her voice unnaturally high.

“Sorry to drop by unannounced, Nia replied, stepping inside. “I just wanted your opinion on this dress for

a work-

Nia’s words died in her throat as she entered the kitchen. Sitting at the table, looking like a deer caught in

COMMONAVIY TWO WHERE LOYALTIES HE

headlights, was her mother, Elena.

The room fell silent. Nia’s grip on the dress tightened as she struggled to process the scene before her. Elena stood up slowly, her eyes never leaving Nia’s face.

“Mija,” Elena whispered, taking a hesitant step forward

Nia stumbled backward, her mind reeling. “What… what is this?”

Elena glanced at Maria, then back to Nia. “I should go,” she said quietly, reaching for her purse.

In a flash, Nia moved to block the door. “No,” she said, her voice trembling with anger and confusion. “No one’s going anywhere until I get some answers.”