Page 131 of Shattered Melodies

As we wrapped up the call, my mind was reeling. Cleo’s betrayal added another layer of complication to an already messy situation. But Jimmy was right - I needed to focus on the task at hand. Deal with Tektron, help with the fundraiser, then sort out this mess with Cleo.

One step at a time, I reminded myself. One step at a time.

Coffee in hand, I strode into the imposing glass and steel building where the Tektron deal was set to go down. My mind was still reeling from Jimmy’s bombshell about Cleo, but I forced myself to focus. This was it - the last time I’d play the dutiful son, the last time I’d be my father’s corporate puppet. After this, I was done.

The receptionist flashed me a practiced smile as I approached. “Mr. Denison? Mr. Clark will see you now.”

I nodded, mustering up a polite smile of my own. “Thanks.”

As the elevator climbed to the top floor, I tried to quell the nerves bubbling in my stomach. Leon Clark was a force to be reckoned with, even for someone like me who’d been swimming with the corporate sharks for years. But I could do this. I had to do this.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing a sleek, modern office that screamed power and money. And there, silhouetted against the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the New York skyline, was Leon Clark himself.

He didn’t turn as I entered, just kept staring out at the city, a glass of what looked like obscenely expensive wine in his hand. “Take a seat, Mr. Denison,” he said, his voice smooth as silk.

I did as he said, my eyes taking in every detail of the man before me. Even from behind, Leon Clark cut an impressive figure. Tall, broad-shouldered, impeccably dressed in a suit that probably cost more than my car. When he finally turned to face me, I understood why people found him so captivating. He was handsome in a striking, almost intimidating way, with sharp cheekbones and piercing green eyes that seemed to look right through you.

“Welcome back to New York,” Leon said, a small smile playing on his lips as he took his seat across from me. “I hear you’ve been taking some time away from the company. Your father mentioned it.”

I felt my jaw clench at the mention of my father. Of course he’d been talking to Leon. Probably trying to smooth things over, make sure his prodigal son hadn’t screwed up the deal of the century.

“That’s right,” I said, keeping my voice neutral. “Needed some time to recharge.”

Leon’s smile widened a fraction. “I’m sure. I know your father well, Liam. I understand the need for shall we say, a breather?”

I blinked, caught off guard by his candor. This wasn’t the cold, calculating businessman I’d been expecting. “Something like that.”

Leon leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass. “So, tell me about your trip. Where did you go? What did you do?”

For a moment, I was tempted to tell him everything. About Oakwood Grove, about Caleb, about rediscovering who I really was away from all this corporate bullshit. But I reined myself in. This wasn’t a heart-to-heart. This was business.

“It was fine,” I said, my tone clipped. “Relaxing. But that’s not why I’m here, Mr. Clark. I have the contract for the acquisition, if you’d like to review it.”

I pulled out the thick stack of papers from my briefcase, sliding it across the desk towards him. Leon glanced at it, then back at me, that enigmatic smile still playing on his lips.

“Always business with you Denisons, isn’t it?” he mused. “But I suppose that’s why you’re so good at what you do.”

I felt a flicker of pride at his words, followed immediately by a wave of self-loathing. This wasn’t me. Not anymore.

Leon picked up the contract, flipping through it casually. “I’m sure it’s impeccable, Liam. Your reputation precedes you. But I’m afraid I won’t be signing it.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. “What?” I blurted out, my carefully cultivated professional demeanor cracking. “But why?”

Leon set the contract back down, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the desk. “Because, Liam, I don’t think you want me to.”

I stared at him, completely thrown. “I… what? Mr. Clark, I assure you, this deal is?—”

“Please,” he cut me off, waving a hand dismissively. “Call me Leon. And I’m not talking about the deal itself. I’m talking about you, Liam. The real you. Not this corporate facade you’ve built up.”

I felt my heart start to race. What was he talking about? How could he possibly know…?

“I don’t understand,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady.

Leon leaned forward, his piercing green eyes studying me intently. “Tell me something, Liam. Has your father ever asked you what you really want?”

The question caught me off guard. I let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through my hair. “My father? Care about what I want? That’s a good one. He’s only ever cared about one thing - himself.”

“So why are you doing this?” Leon pressed, gesturing to the contract between us. “Why are you here, pushing a deal you clearly have no interest in?”

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