FALLING

NOTE:

IT'S A LONG CHAPTER. 😂

"No! No! I... I didn't mean to-"

The crimson liquid pooled across the floor, gleaming under the faint light.

"I didn't do it," he whispered, staring at his trembling palm drenched in blood.

"No..."

"You killed him! You killed him! It's your fault he died! It's all your fault!"

A voice screamed from the dimly lit room from the shadow a voice-feminine but wicked-whispered,

"I should have sent you to hell."

He sobbed, his head bowed so low his hair clung to his sweat-slick skin. His lips were pale, eyes bloodshot and raw from crying.

"You bastard!"

The woman snarled, grabbing him by the collar and dragging him toward the corpse. She shoved his face down, forcing it against the mangled body until blood smeared across his cheeks.

"Ahhh-!" He cried out, tearing himself free from her grasp.

"I'll have to teach you a lesson."

Two masked men stormed in. They seized him, wrenching his arms back and ripping open his shirt.

"No! No! Let me go! Please-please!! Please!!"

A third masked figure stepped in, holding a red-hot iron rod. Its tip glowed like a burning star as he handed it to the woman. She turned toward the trembling boy, her eyes glinting with cruel delight.

"No!! Please!! I'll do it! I'll do anything! I won't disrespect you again, I swear!"

She crouched before him, her face close enough for him to smell the sweetness of her perfume beneath the stench of blood. Her dark eyes locked on his trembling ones. His chest heaved rapidly, breath coming in shallow gasps as the heated iron neared his skin.

"You need to learn your place," she whispered.

"I swear-on my life! On my miserable life-I'll serve you!"

She laughed, the sound sharp and twisted. Leaning close, her lips brushed his ear as she whispered,

"It won't hurt... once it's over."

A violent shiver shot down his spine. His throat clenched as if he'd swallowed a stone. The rod drew closer-its red glow filling his vision.

"No! No, please!!"

Closer.

Closer.

And-

"AHHHHHHHHH!"

He jolted awake, eyes wide, body drenched in sweat. Gasping for air, he fumbled for the light switch.

"A dream... it's just a dream," he whispered shakily.

Stumbling toward the mirror, he repeated, softer this time,

"Just a dream."

Unbuttoning his shirt, his breath caught when he saw the X-shaped scar burned deep across his chest.

A bitter scoff escaped him. He buttoned his shirt back up, turned off the light-

then hesitated.

He turned it back on.

And this time, he slept with the light on.

😍

The venue buzzed with laughter and cheers as everyone congratulated the newlyweds. Crystal glasses clinked, champagne flowed, and the smell of roses and fine perfume filled the air.

Suddenly, the cheer died down. A sleek black car rolled in, its massive speakers blasting music that rattled the windows.

"Who's that?" someone whispered.

"That's the eagle hood ornament on the car," another replied.

"It must be the daughter of Sinclair Lux," a third voice guessed.

God's Menu by Stray Kids thumped from the speakers. The bride and groom stepped forward, the bride's smile confident, knowing exactly who the late arrival was.

The door swung open. A guard in all black flanked it. Out stepped a figure in a perfectly tailored mini suit-gown, curly brown hair bouncing, black sunshade shielding her eyes, one hand resting on the giant speaker as the music reached its chorus.

"Ashley!!!" Sienna yelled, recognition and excitement lighting up her face.

"Sienna!" Ashley called back as they rushed toward each other, hugging tightly.

"I'm so happy for you, girl!"

"Thank you!"

"And guess who's hitting the dance floor?!" Sienna yelled, her voice competing with the booming music.

Dudududududu... the beat dropped. Sienna, Ashley, the groom, and other guests danced wildly, throwing themselves into K-pop hits like Go by Cortis and Killing It Girl, which the bride and groom performed live.

STREAM GOD'S MENU BY STRAY KIDS 💕

GO BY CORTIS

GAMEBOY BY KATSEYE.

Laughter, music, and clinking glasses carried late into the night. Guests ate, drank, and celebrated as though time itself had paused.

Finally, the wedding officially ended, but Sienna and her friends weren't ready to leave.

"Cheers to Ashley and James!" Sienna shouted, raising her glass of alcohol high.

"Cheers!" the table echoed. Glasses clinked.

Sienna gulped her drink like water, refilled it, and was about to pour herself another when someone stopped her.

"You've had more than three bottles," Ava said, frowning.

"No worries, Ava. I don't get drunk easily," Sienna whispered, cheeks flushed as she winked. Ava, a girl who dressed like a guy for fun and comfort, shook her head with a smirk.

Sienna staggered toward the speaker, ready to turn it up. Ava switched it off quickly.

"Sienna, are you okay?" Ashley asked, concern lining her face.

"I'm fine," Sienna replied, forcing a smile.

"Thanks for coming," Ashley said.

"Why would I miss one of my close friend's weddings?" Sienna replied, holding Ashley's hands.

"Well, I hope you get to celebrate yours one day," the groom teased, looking between Ashley and Sienna.

"Nooooo," Sienna laughed, waving him off. "Marriage? That's too early for me."

"You have to get married, Sienna. Time waits for no one," the groom teased.

Sienna chuckled, downing another sip.

"Well, we better get going!" Ava said, looping an arm around Sienna and steadying her.

"Okay, goodnight! See you tomorrow," Ashley called as they waved goodbye.

"Sure!" Ava replied, dragging Sienna toward her black limo.

"Marriage is so tiring!" Sienna muttered, slumping into Ava's hold.

"Tell me about it," Ava replied with a grin, shutting the door behind them.

"You reek of alcohol," Ava teased.

"Ugh!" Sienna groaned.

"You really know how to make an entrance," Ava smiled, their eyes locking for a moment before both burst into laughter.

"Girl! K-pop at a wedding is everything!" Sienna slurred happily.

"Do you really want an Asian guy as your type?" Ava asked, still scrolling on her phone.

"Yes. Long hair, pale skin, gray eyes, pointed nose, perfectly built body," Sienna mumbled, drifting into sleep.

"Then you're going to be lonely until you're 100," Ava replied, shaking her head with a smile.

By the time the limo arrived at the mansion, Sienna had completely passed out. Ava carried her into the room like a bride, laying her gently on the bed.

"Tall, handsome, blue eyes..." Sienna murmured in her sleep.

Ava shook her head with a soft smile, tucking her in, dropping her bag on the table, switching off the light, and quietly closing the door.

🍃🍃🍃

The warm breeze blew gently across the flower garden, ruffling Dawn's hair as she sat on the grass, a soft, simple smile on her face. Her eyes were fixed on Leo, who carefully guided the brush across the canvas, capturing her features with smooth, precise strokes. A small smile revealed his deep dimples as he worked.

"Done!" Leo finally declared.

Dawn hurried to the painting, practically falling into his arms.

"Omg!!!" she squealed, her voice light and full of awe. "This is so beautiful!"

Leo hugged her, ruffling her hair with a grin.

"I'll have it framed. Then it's yours," he said, playing gently with her curls. Dawn's smile mirrored his, dimples popping up in perfect harmony.

"Jules!" Leo called out suddenly.

"I'm here... whoaaa!!!" came the response, and in a flurry of chaos, Jules tumbled down the stairs, landing in the little fountain. Water splashed everywhere, drenching the painting.

"My painting!!!" Dawn yelled, anger lacing her voice.

Leo couldn't hide his chuckle as Jules emerged from the fountain, dripping wet, eyes wide with guilty excitement. The family in a corner looked at him in horror and anger because he had just drenched their little daughter who's holding onto her ice cream which had been washed away.

"Sorry!" Jules laughed nervously, rushing toward them. "You won't believe it!" He pointed out to Leo like he'd just won the lottery.

"You ruined my painting!!!" Dawn shouted, showing him her face marred by water.

"Wait, let me help," Jules said, trying to wipe it, but only managed to ruin it completely. Dawn's eyes and mouth dropped in disbelief.

"Oh!" Jules stammered, squeezing his eyes shut as he chuckled nervously.

"I'm gonna kill you!" Dawn yelled, lunging at him and grabbing his hair.

"Ahhh! Ahh!" He squealed, slipping as he tried to escape behind Leo. Dawn pounced on him, smacking him while Leo laughed, thoroughly enjoying the chaos.

"Leo, help!" Jules cried out, fully at the mercy of Dawn's assault.

Leo calmly pulled her back, holding her in a firm but gentle grip.

"Dawn!" he called, amused.

"Let me kill him!" she shouted, gasping for air.

"I'll give you another painting, I promise," Leo said, holding her steady.

Dawn's breathing slowed, frustration giving way to reluctant amusement.

"And it's going to be better than this one," Leo added, adjusting her messy hair.

"Fine,"

"It wasn't even my fault," Jules mumbled, but quickly shut his mouth as both Leo and Dawn gave him a sharp look.

"Fine," he admitted.

"Let's grab lunch," Dawn said, smiling, holding onto her brother, Leo giving a light nod as they began walking.

"Hey! What about me?!" Jules called out, trailing behind, leaving the ruined painting behind in the grass.

🍝🍝

Hillman's Restaurant buzzed with chatter and clinking cutlery. The table was filled with dishes, laughter, and the aroma of sizzling food.

Jules, not even trying to be funny, had a knack for chaos. He was eating noodles when suddenly he sneezed, sending a string of noodles dangling from both nostrils.

"What in the world..." Dawn muttered, staring in disbelief.

Jules laughed hysterically, dangling the noodles in front of her.

"Stop! I'm trying to eat!" Dawn scolded, hands raised.

"Knock it off, Jules," Leo said, calmly eating his own meal.

"Okay, watch this," Jules whispered mischievously. He quickly slurped the noodles back into his mouth and opened wide, showing them off.

"Why you-" Dawn started, but Jules interrupted:

"Ah! Wait!" he stammered, seeing her attempt to hit him.

Dawn's glare could have melted steel; her hands hovered, ready to strike.

"I promise to eat quietly," Jules pleaded, putting on puppy-dog eyes and blinking innocently. Leo stifled a smile as Dawn's hands slowly lowered.

Changing the topic, Dawn smiled. "The movie premiere will be on Saturday. Guess what-I bought two tickets so we can both go!" She glanced at her brother, whose phone just beeped.

"Oh," he muttered, eyes glued to the screen.

"So... are you coming?" Dawn pressed.

"Two tickets?" Jules counted on his fingers, pointing first at Leo, then Dawn, then himself, before glaring at her. "What about me?" he asks eyes wide open,

Dawn ignores him. "Are you free?"

Leo didn't answer. His eyes were still glued to his phone.

"Leo?" Dawn called again.

"Leo?"

"Leo!"

Finally, he looked up, raising his head and getting on his feet.

"Huh? Where... where are you going?"

Dropping a card on the table, he added, without a glance:

"I'll talk later. Pay up and take her home, Jules." Then he was gone.

"He... he's doing this again!" Dawn groaned. "He can't stay and have fun for a whole day! He's always leaving!" Her shoulders slumped. "I only have Saturday and Sunday off, but he's busier than me. Can't he at least tell us where he's going?"

She turned-but Jules wasn't there either.

"Jules?" she called. Her gaze landed on him at the counter, buying extra cakes and sweets... with Leo's card.

"What do I have to do with him!" Dawn murmured, exasperated.

Outside, Leo dashed through the city streets, running past the zebra crossing. In his hurry, he collided with Sienna.

She stood up, brushing herself off, anger flashing in her eyes-but before she could speak, Leo vanished into the crowd.

"A lady can't even get a day off without being bumped into!" she muttered, straightening herself.

Her phone rang. She answered with a smile that faded quickly. Hanging up, she noticed a parked taxi.

She rushed over, buckling her seatbelt.

"Sinclair Lux," she ordered firmly.

The driver hesitated. "Um... can't you see I'm on a break? Board another taxi."

"I'll pay you a thousand dollars," she said, showing off a golden eagle emblem pinned to her bag-the Sinclair family crest, instantly recognized by the old man behind the wheel. His eyes widened.

"Okay," he said with a smile, buckling in as the car zoomed off.

🦅🦅🦅

The black luxury car screeched to a stop in front of the Sinclair Lux headquarters. Sienna stepped out, her heels clicking sharply against the marble pavement.

A tall bodyguard rushed to open the door.

"Pay him a thousand dollars," she ordered coolly, not even glancing back.

Her gold-chained designer bag swung lightly at her side as she strode forward. Employees along the hall lowered their heads respectfully as she passed, her gaze fixed straight ahead. She kicked the meeting room doors open with her heel, making the guards flinch.

The boardroom fell silent.

Executives and directors sat around a long table. At the head of it, a woman in her late fifties smiled - a sly, wrinkled grin full of malice.

Sienna adjusted her hair and took her seat calmly.

"Having a meeting without my consent?" she said, voice smooth but dangerous. "Is this how you all plan to work with me?"

Her cold eyes swept the room.

"So," she continued. "Who called this meeting?"

"I did," said a young man.

Sienna scoffed. "Funny."

Jake leaned forward. "We called this meeting because we need to appoint a new CEO. Since Mr. Sinclair - my uncle - didn't leave a will naming his successor, the board needs to decide."

"Isn't it obvious?" Sienna shot back. "He's my father."

"No, darling," Mrs. Hawthorne, the old lady in her fifties interrupted, her wrinkled smile widening. "This company can't be managed by a lady."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me." She rose and walked to the podium. "We all know the duties of this company aren't easy for a woman in her early twenties. You have no experience running a corporation of this scale."

Whispers spread across the table.

Sienna exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "This again?"

"We need a strong, capable man," Mrs. Hawthorne continued. "Someone reliable, someone with stature. My son Jake is qualified. He's the late CEO's nephew - the rightful heir."

"She does have a point."

"Yeah, he's a man."

"He's got experience - and his mother's guidance."

The murmurs grew louder until Sienna slammed her palm on the table. The entire room froze. She stood slowly, crossing her arms.

"I don't f**king care what any of this is about," gritting her teeth. "But spare me the sexist crap. Being a woman doesn't make me weak. I can handle this company - and I will. Unlike someone who's hungry for power for selfish reasons."

Her glare locked on Mrs. Hawthorne.

"How dare you!" Jake barked, rising to his feet.

Ignoring him, Sienna walked to the podium.

"I can do this. My father may not have written his will, or maybe it was hidden - but I swear, I won't let this company fall."

"Nonsense!" one of the older directors snapped, slamming his hand down.

"Mr. Rogers," Sienna said, turning to an old man who's the acting CEO, her tone softening, "I can really do this."

He sighed. "You'll need someone beside you to assist you- someone you can rely on. Your father had your mother. Jake have his mother."

Sienna rolled her eyes. "Oh, great. Here we go again."

"Yes, you need someone we can trust ," Mr. Rogers continued.

"Fine," she said stubbornly. "I'll get one."

He shook his head. "Not a personal assistant."

"Then what?" she demanded.

"We mean someone legal. Official."

Her brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Mr. Rogers folded his hands. "It's either you get married - or we'll have no choice but to hand over authority to Jake."

Sienna froze. "Married?"

"Yes. We need someone you trust, someone who can stand beside you as proof of stability."

"I... I-"

"The deadline will be the middle of June, before the fashion show," Mr. Rogers said firmly. "If you don't find someone by then, Jake takes over. I'm trying to be fair."

Sienna straightened her shoulders. "Then it's a deal."

"Meeting dismissed," he said finally.

Chairs scraped and murmurs resumed as everyone began leaving - everyone except Mrs. Hawthorne, Jake, and Sienna.

Jake stepped closer, his smirk arrogant. "What does an orphan girl know about handling a company?"

Sienna turned to him, eyes blazing. "Says the man who doesn't even know who his father is."

"How dare you!" Mrs. Hawthorne shrieked, slapping Sienna across the face.

Sienna's head tilted from the impact, her hair falling forward. Slowly, she tucked it behind her ear, revealing her reddened cheek and deathly calm eyes that burned into Mrs. Hawthorne

"Jake will have this company," Mrs. Vero hissed. "Stop fighting before you hurt yourself."

"Over my dead body," Sienna muttered, voice low and dangerous. Each word dripped with fury as she shoved past Mrs. Vero and stormed out.

Jake clenched his fists. "Mother, she won't back down."

"Oh, she will," Mrs. Hawthorne said darkly. "She has no choice."

---

Later That Night

"Get married?! By the middle of June?! That's next month!" Ava shouted, pacing across the room.

Sienna sat slumped on the couch, gulping down a bottle of alcohol and a bucket of chicken .Ava stopped and looked at her in disbelief before sitting beside her.

"So... any guy?" Ava asked hopefully.

"You should know better than anyone - I have no one."

"But you can't lose," Ava insisted.

"Of course I can't," Sienna muttered, taking another drink.

Ava suddenly snapped her fingers. "I got it!"

"Got what?"

"Ethan! He's perfect! You've once dated him during high school."

Sienna groaned. "Ugh. I don't want him. You know what happened"

"Well, is this really the time to be picky? Beside it was later cleared he didn't cheat on you"

Sienna smirked, leaning back with another gulp. "Marriage isn't just about picking someone because he once dated me and I really have no feelings for him again, beside he's still my best friend and childhood friend"

"You really are a tough one"

🖤🖤🖤

An old man sits, tobacco hanging from his mouth. Leo enters, drops to one knee, head bowed.

"Sir."

"Leo."

"Sir."

"Get up."

He obeys without a sound. Through his hanging spectacles the old man studies him and smiles, yellow teeth glinting.

"You look more handsom' each day," the old man rasp-sings, words stumbling out like loose teeth. He can't quite shape some sounds, but Leo understands-he's been in this business for eight years.

"Oh-uh... thank you, sir."

The old man rustles a paper like it's been chew-tested and shoves it toward Leo. "I hev a mitshun for yuh," he says, the consonants slipping and skipping.

Leo stares at the paper, then back at the old man. "Sinclair Luxury?"

"Yesss. I wunt you tuh get the Sinclaaaar... cam.....cam

....cam" the old man says, each word a small, crooked climb.

"Copper ring?"

"Yass! The paper show-uh-the-direcshun?" He mimes a line with a shaky finger.

"It's a map. It shows the way to the copper ring, the direction."

"Eggzactly. So get the- the-" He trips over the last word, frustrated with his mouth.

"Copper ring," Leo supplies gently.

"Eggzactly!" the old man repeats, pleased with the borrowed pronunciation.

"I won't let you down." Leo bows and leaves.

He moves into the inner room: brighter, stacked with weapons and masks. The others look up as he walks in.

"So? Any mission?" someone asks.

Leo passes the paper while checking the weapons. "Sinclair Luxury. Cool. What's the plan?"

"Get the ring"

"How hard can it be?"

Leo snatches a small pistol and starts loading it.

"The ring is kept in the CEO's office."

"Leave that to me. You lot get the other jewels on the list." Leo replies.

"So when do we carry out the operation?"

"By noon."

"What?!"

A ripple of murmurs.

"Midnight or-"

"No, noon."

"But we'll be seen-"

"We have masks."

"But Leo-"

"Anyone who don't wanna do it can leave. Boss-he chose the time for the operation and not me."

"You heard him."

They fall into planning, voices low, the crinkled map between them until it was time.

Sinclair Luxury💎💎

"Me?"

"Yeah," Mr. Rogers chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I want you to act as the acting CEO while I attend a meeting with our partners outside the city." He smiled proudly. "It's time to prove you can handle this, Sienna."

"I won't let you down, Uncle!" Sienna replied, voice bubbling with excitement.

"That's my girl." He laughed as she hugged him.

"Be safe!"

"I will," he said before closing the door behind him.

The second the latch clicked-

"Yeeeeee!!!" Sienna squealed, spinning around the office like a happy tornado. "Acting CEO!! It's not a big deal!" she told herself, then giggled, "Okay, maybe it is a big deal!"

The phone on the desk rang.

She quickly cleared her throat, straightened her blazer, tucked her hair neatly behind her ear, and picked up the call.

"Hello, this is the Acting CEO, Ms. Sienna, speaking," she said in her best 'boss' voice, covering the speaker for a second to squeal quietly before returning to her professional tone.

"Yes, the jewelry shipment should go out with the cargo jets."

She pauses.

"What? The border's closed?"

A beat of silence.

"Ugh-fine. Then send it by ship instead. Make sure it's insured and handled carefully, okay?"

She hangs up, squeals quietly, then spins in her chair. "Oh my god! I actually sounded like a real CEO!"

She hung up and twirled in her chair. "Oh my god!!! I have to tell Ava!"

The phone rang again.

"Yes, can I help you?" she said sweetly.

30 minutes later...

"And... finally," Sienna groaned, stamping the last document with a dramatic sigh. She dropped her head on the desk as the secretary collected the files.

"Wait!"

"Yes, Miss?"

"Get me a chilled iced Americano and a hamburger," she ordered lazily, still face-down on the desk.

The lady bowed before leaving.

Her phone buzzed again. Without lifting her head, she grabbed it and pressed it to her ear.

"Ava..." she whined.

"It's your first day and it's only been thirty minutes-are you already tired?" Ava laughed.

"It's sooo boring," Sienna groaned. "I had to stamp a hundred papers, review the jewelry contracts, check on pending shipments, approve new ads, confirm meeting schedules-ugh!"

"Girl, you better not act like that in front of everyone," Ava teased. "Or else you'll never inherit the company."

"You're right..."

"Just watch a K-drama, eat your hamburger, and sip some iced Americano during your break. Works wonders for me."

"Thanks, girl. I literally just ordered that."

"Okay, see you after work. Fighting!"

"Fighting," she muttered and ended the call.

She glanced at the clock. "12PM?! It's only twelve?!" she cried, stomping her foot like a toddler. "Why is time moving slower than my WiFi?!"

Sighing, she played her music - Game Boy by Katseye - and began dancing around the office like she was in a club.

---

The door creaked open.

Sienna froze mid-dance, then scrambled back to her seat, straightening her blazer and hair in panic.

"It took a while to get my order," she announced smoothly, trying to sound bossy.

But instead of the lady, a man in a cleaner's uniform stood at the door, face hidden behind a mask, holding a food package.

"Uh... who-who are you? The delivery guy? Why the mask? You look like you're about to rob a bank!"

Before he could answer-

The alarm blared.

"What-?"

The masked man pulled out a pistol and fired into the air.

"AHHHH!!!" Sienna screamed, diving under the desk. "Take anything you want! Just don't shoot me! I'm too beautiful to die!!"

He ignored her, tossing the food aside and heading straight for the glass case where the Copper Ring was displayed.

"AHHH!!!" she screamed again as he smashed the glass, grabbed the ring, and slipped it into his pocket.

"Stop!" she yelled suddenly.

The man turned-only to find Sienna holding a baseball bat with trembling hands.

"This is... a baseball bat," she said nervously, voice shaking. "My dad's bat. And I'm not afraid to use it!"

He raised his gun toward her.

"Ah!" She squeaked, immediately dropping the bat. "I-I can explain!" she laughed weakly.

He cocked the gun.

"Wait! Please! I can give you anything-just don't take the ring! It's my first day as Acting CEO! Please, don't let me fail on my first day!" she begged. "How about... a hundred bucks? You give me the ring, surrender, I 'catch' you, and then I release you later-win-win, right?"

He simply turned to leave.

Desperate, Sienna ran toward him and tried to stop him - but in the chaos, her hand landed somewhere it definitely wasn't supposed to.

His Butt

"Ah-! Wait!!" she yelped, instantly pulling back, face bright red. "I-I didn't mean to grab-uh-that!"

Leo froze mid-step, slowly turning his head, a muscle ticking in his jaw.

"Are you insane?!" he snapped,

Sienna stumbled back, waving her hands frantically. "It was an accident! Totally an accident! Please, just don't shoot me-!!! Please! Please! I can't lose in front of my Aunt!!"

He ignores her.

"A million bucks!" she shouted. "A billion! A trillion! A zillion! The company itself?!"

He fired two shots into the air.

"AHHH!" she screamed, diving behind the desk.

He turned to leave again.

"I can't lose," she whispered fiercely.

Grabbing the bat, she climbed on top of the desk and jumped at him. "AHHHHHH!!"

He spun around fast, catching her mid-air and slamming her to the ground.

BANG!

A shot grazed her arm. She gasped, clutching the wound.

"I'll remind you that as a warning," he said coldly.

"Dickhead!" she hissed, leaping up quickly and tackling him to the floor. They crashed, struggling, her hand clawing at his mask-until she pulled it off.

Her eyes widened.

"Leo??"

Leo. The one guy who'd always been after her. The one who bullied her, mocked her, called her a nepo baby every chance he got in high school.

And now-he was the thief.

They froze-her breath against his chest, his glare sharp under the flickering office lights.

He shoved her off and stood, gun still in hand.

And in that moment, Sienna wasn't sure if the blood dripping from her arm or the shock pounding in her chest hurt more.

"You! You dickhead!" Sienna shouted, anger blazing as she got to her feet, the torn mask clutched tightly in her hand.

"The mask," Leo said coldly, stretching out his hand toward her.

"What are you doing here? How dare you rob my office?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the tremor in her chest.

Leo scoffed, lowering his hand slowly. "And who do you think you are to ask me that?"

"Why, you-!" she snapped, raising her hand to slap him, but he caught her wrist before she could move further.

"Do you have a death wish?" he asked in a low, dangerous tone, eyes locked on hers.

"Hand over the ring," she ordered, voice sharp and determined.

The once clumsy, silly Sienna was gone-replaced by someone bold and commanding.

Leo chuckled darkly, his lips twisting into a smirk. He turned to leave, but Sienna grabbed his arm.

In one swift motion, he spun and pinned her against the wall, his face inches from hers, their eyes burning with hatred.

"You dare lay your filthy hands on me?!" she spat.

"Well, sorry, spoiled princess," he replied, his tone thick with sarcasm.

"Open this door!!" voices yelled from the hall as guards pounded on the door.

"I won't ask you twice," Sienna warned, glaring.

Leo cocked his gun with one hand and fired at the window without looking. Bang! Glass shattered everywhere.

The door burst open as Leo leaped through the window in one swift motion.

"Quick! Don't let him escape!" a young man barked as guards rushed out.

"Ethan?" Sienna gasped as he ran to her side.

He noticed the red marks on her wrist. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Ethan. Don't let Leo escape!"

"Leo?" he repeated, shocked.

"Yes," she said firmly, her voice trembling with rage.

They ran out together. The entire building was chaos - alarms screaming, workers panicking, jewelry missing. Sinclair Luxury was in total disarray.

Glass shattered as Leo fired at the window, shards scattering like rain as he jumped through, landing on the hood of a parked car with a thud.

"After him!!" Ethan's voice roared from above as guards stormed out of the building.

Leo sprinted across the lot, the alarm blaring, red lights flashing everywhere. He slid behind a black van waiting in the shadows where his crew was already loading the stolen jewels.

"Move it!" he barked, hopping into the passenger seat.

"Everyone in?"

"Yeah, boss!"

The tires screeched as the van sped off down the narrow road, headlights slicing through the dark. Behind them, a convoy of security cars burst from the gate.

"Don't let them get away!" a guard yelled through the radio.

Bullets tore through the night-sharp cracks echoing through the empty streets. Leo ducked low as glass shattered beside him.

"Step on it!" he shouted.

The driver slammed the pedal, swerving through tight corners, sparks flying as they clipped the edge of a barricade. One of the gang members leaned out of the window, firing back. The guards returned fire, bullets striking the sides of the van.

"Keep shooting! They're gaining!" someone yelled.

Leo grabbed his pistol, aimed out the broken window, and fired two clean shots. A guard's tire burst, the car spinning out of control before slamming into a fence.

"Ha! Nice one, boss!"

"Don't celebrate yet," Leo growled, watching the rearview mirror as two more cars kept chasing. "Turn left, through the bridge!"

The van veered off the main road and onto a dirt path by the riverbank. The guards followed closely, but soon the narrow terrain slowed them down.

"Lose the lights," Leo ordered.

The van's headlights cut off, blending into the fog. Within moments, the guards lost sight of them entirely.

"Where'd they go?!" Ethan's voice came through the radio on the guards' end, frustration clear.

By the time the guards reached the end of the road, the van was gone-swallowed by the mist and the echo of tires fading into the distance.

Inside the van, Leo finally exhaled, a crooked grin tugging at his lips.

"Another clean escape," one of his men said.

Leo smirked, staring at the velvet pouch in his hand. "Not clean enough, She still have the mask." he muttered.

👾👾👾

Back at Sinclair Luxury, the boardroom buzzed with tension.

"The expenditures have taken a huge hit," Mr. Rogers announced, voice clipped. "The latest release- the Sinclair glass necklace, the new glass-design shoes- they've been stolen. Inventory's a mess."

"I'm so sorry, Uncle," Sienna said, swallowing hard.

"It's not your fault, Sienna," he assured her, offering a tired smile, "How did they get in?"

"They used forged worker IDs and knocked the real staff out," Sienna answered, steadying her voice.

The door slammed open.

"Roger!" a sharp voice cut through the room. Mrs. Hawthorne swept in like a storm-chin high, eyes cold as winter.

"They're all stolen! Everything's been taken! And you had the nerve to leave her in charge?!" she barked, striding in with the rest of the board.

Sienna instinctively stepped back behind her uncle.

"Mr. Rogers, this is a catastrophe. Sales projections have plummeted, orders are on hold, and the whole operation is in chaos-and you left her to handle it?" Mrs. Hawthorne's voice dripped with accusation.

"Why, Mr. Rogers?" she demanded, fox-like and merciless.

"Because I wanted to prove she could do it," Sienna cut in, anger flaring. She moved forward until their eyes locked.

"Well, you certainly proved your-incapability," Mrs. Hawthorne sneered.

Sienna laughed short, incredulous-then let the laugh die into a cold, steady stare that silenced the room.

"I will capture whoever did this," she said, voice low and certain. "I'll bring them to justice and make them return everything."

"And how do you plan to do that?" another director snapped. "The copper ring was taken too. Every company in the trade has wanted that piece for years."

Sienna stepped forward and held the torn mask up, nearly shoving it into Mrs. Hawthorne's face. "This is his mask." Her eyes swept the room. "I saw his face. He was an ex-classmate of mine from high school. I know who he is. I'll have the police trace him-and I'll find out who sent him." She leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper only Mrs. Hawthorne could hear. "I won't stop until I know."

"You'd better," Mrs. Hawthorne whispered back, equally low.

Sienna offered a small, grim smile, turned on her heel, and left-slamming the door behind her.

"Mr. Rogers," Mrs. Hawthorne said, regaining the floor. "I know you were friends with my late brother, but this is our family's legacy. Sinclair cannot fail because of her."

"Mrs. Hawthorne has a point," another director agreed.

"I understand," Mr. Rogers said quietly. "If Sienna locates the culprits and recovers the goods, we'll accept she's capable. If she fails-then I'll have to reassess."

"Reassess?" Mrs. Hawthorne's lips thinned. She did not speak but thought, "Don't cross the line, Roger". The threat hung heavily in the air.

"Dismissed," Mr. Rogers said, and the meeting dissolved into murmurs as the board members dispersed.

RECALLING♣️♣️🩸

Rain poured down, lightning striking through the dark sky.

He ran-fast, desperate, soaked to the bone, his clothes stained with blood. His leg ached, but he didn't care. His heart pounded so hard he could hear it echoing in his ears. His breath came out in ragged gasps.

He stumbled, fell into a puddle, but pushed himself up again.

Run.

Trip.

Get up.

Run again.

Until-

He reached home.

The door was wide open. His pulse quickened.

He rushed inside.

"Dawn!! Troy!! Troy!!" he called out in tears.

The living room was empty-everything was intact.

Then he heard it.

A cry. Upstairs.

He bolted up the stairs, slipping, nearly falling, but he didn't stop.

He burst into the first room-no one.

The cry came again-from Dawn's room.

He barged in.

"Dawn!!"

His knees buckled as he fell to the floor.

Dawn was there, trembling, covered in blood-Troy's blood.

Troy, just ten years old, lay limp in her arms.

Dawn turned to him, crying uncontrollably, clinging to her brother's lifeless body.

"Big brother! Big brother! Save Troy! Save him!"

Leo's lips trembled, his hands shaking violently as he crawled toward them. He took Troy's small hand-it was cold as ice.

"Troy? Troy? Wake up, huh? I'm here... I'm here, buddy!" Leo choked out, wrapping his arms around his dead little brother.

Dawn sobbed harder.

"A masked man came in and shot him while we were wrapping your birthday gift!" she cried.

"He... he shot him in the head three times and left before I could stop him! It all happened so fast!"

Leo couldn't breathe. His chest felt crushed. His throat burned. He couldn't even swallow.

"No!! Nooooo!! Troy, wake up!! Wake up!!!" he screamed as thunder cracked outside.

The storm roared with his pain.

He looked down. Troy's small fist was clenched tightly. Leo gently opened it-and found a candy, his favorite kind. His eyes drifted to the bed-packs of the same candy lay beside a half-wrapped gift box.

His heart shattered.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!" Leo screamed into the night, his voice swallowed by thunder.

Night...🌃🌃

He jolted awake, gasping for air, sweat dripping down his face.

He turned on the light-his fists clutching the blanket tightly.

The same nightmare. Again.

Then, faintly-music.

It was coming from Dawn's room.

He got up, slipped on his slippers, and walked down the hallway. He opened her door quietly.

Dawn was sitting on her bed, her lamp glowing warmly, music playing softly as she scrolled through her phone.

"Big brother!" she said with a smile when she saw him.

He walked toward her slowly, almost like a child seeking comfort.

"Lemme guess-you had a nightmare?" she asked.

He nodded, not saying a word.

"You wanna sleep here?"

Another nod.

He lay down beside her as she tucked him in like a little boy.

"You wanna tell me about it?" she asked gently.

At first, he stayed quiet.

Then he whispered, "Troy."

Dawn's smile faded, soft and sad.

"It's okay. I'm here." she murmured, brushing his hair.

He suddenly tugged at the hem of her pajamas, wiggling his hand like a small child.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Aren't you gonna pat my hair to make me sleep?" he mumbled, eyes already half closed.

She chuckled softly. "How could I forget?" she said, stroking his hair gently. Then she froze and sniffed.

"You used my shampoo again? The strawberry one?! Leo!"

"Jules used up mine," he murmured with a sleepy smile.

She sighed, shaking her head but smiling anyway. "I'll forgive you this time, okay? You know why?"

He opened one eye slightly. "Why?"

"Because you're here. You're home."

Leo smiled faintly. "I promise to always stay home... and not leave for a month without coming back."

"Leo?" she whispered.

"Hmm?" he murmured, already drifting off.

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

He shook his head slightly. "I have no one. You and Jules are my life."

"Are you sure?"

"Mm."

Dawn chuckled softly as she looked at his sleepy face. He was smiling even in his sleep.

Her big brother, who always acted so tough on the outside, was just a baby in front of her-and she always wanted it that way. To her, he was her big brother and the little brother she once had, the one she'd protected and loved through everything.

He had been through so much, especially after the death of their parents and younger brother.

"I love you, big brother," she whispered, glancing at the peacefully sleeping Leo before turning back to her iPad, the soft music still playing in the background, still patting his hair.

The Next Morning🌅

The sun peeked through the blinds, warm rays spilling across the room. Leo groaned softly, rolling over and squinting as the light hit his face. His arm brushed against something soft-Dawn's blanket.

He sat up slowly, blinking as the familiar scent of strawberries hit his nose.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Dawn's voice came from across the room. She was sitting cross-legged on her bed, sipping her tea, hair in a messy bun and wearing oversized pajamas obviously Leo's pj.

Leo rubbed his face and yawned. "You let me sleep here all night again?"

"You were too cute to wake up," she teased with a grin.

"Cute?" he scoffed. "You've got jokes this morning huh?"

"Oh please," she laughed. "You were hugging my pillow like it was a life raft. And you snored, by the way."

"I don't snore," Leo muttered, scratching his head.

"Yeah? Tell that to my poor eardrums."

Before he could argue, a loud crash echoed from downstairs. Both of them froze.

"...Please tell me that wasn't Jules," Leo said, deadpan.

Dawn sighed, setting her mug aside. "It is. He said he wanted to make breakfast today."

Leo's expression darkened. "The last time he made breakfast, we had to call the fire department."

She burst out laughing. "Well, maybe he improved?"

Another crash. Then a panicked yell.

"Okay, never mind," she said, laughing harder.

Leo sighed dramatically and got out of bed. "Guess I better go save what's left of the kitchen."

"Good luck, ," Dawn called out as he walked toward the door.

He glanced back with a small smile. "You and your shampoo owe me one. I smell like strawberries now."

She gasped. "Leo! You used it again, That's the third time this week!"

"Can't help it," he said, smirking. "Smells better than my old one tho."

Dawn threw a pillow at him. "You're impossible!"

Leo caught it midair and chuckled. "You love me."

"Unfortunately," she replied with a playful roll of her eyes.

He winked. "Love you too, brat."

"Go save the kitchen before it explodes!" she shouted after him, laughing.

Leo shook his head, a smile still lingering on his lips as he walked out. For once, the house was filled with laughter instead of tension-and Dawn hoped it would stay that way for a long time."Jules!! What did you do this time?!"

Leo's voice echoed through the house as he walked into the kitchen-only to stop dead in his tracks.

Flour. Everywhere.

On the counter, the floor... even on the wall.

Jules stood in the middle of it all, wearing an apron that said "Kiss the Cook" and holding a half-burnt pancake with a spatula that looked like it had been through war.

"I... uh... was trying a new recipe," Jules muttered.

Leo raised an eyebrow. "For what? Explosions?"

"It's not that bad!" Jules protested, gesturing at the pan-right as the pancake slipped off and landed on the floor with a splat.

Leo blinked. "You're right. It's worse."

Dawn walked in, still in her pajamas, and froze. "Oh my god-what happened here?! Did a hurricane pass through or was this all you, Jules?"

"It's art," Jules said with mock pride.

"Yeah," Leo muttered. "Modern disaster art."

Dawn burst out laughing,grabbing her phone. "Wait-don't move, I need a picture of this!"

Jules groaned. "Don't you dare-"

Click!

"Too late!" Dawn laughed.

Leo rolled up his sleeves. "Alright, out of the way, Chef Chaos. Let's save what's left of breakfast."

"Hey, I can cook!" Jules defended himself, brushing flour off his hair.

"Really? Because that pancake looks like it's been resurrected three times," Leo said dryly.

Dawn snorted, leaning against the counter. "You two are hopeless."

"Hopeless?" Leo shot back. "You can't even boil water without making it emotional."

She gasped. "Excuse me, I make the best instant noodles in this house!"

"Not exactly something to brag about," Jules muttered.

She grabbed a spoon and pointed it at him. "Say that again,!"

"Alright, alright!" Leo laughed, pulling her back by the shoulders. "Peace, you two. Let's just make breakfast before this kitchen files for divorce."

Dawn rolled her eyes but smiled, tying an apron and grabbing the mixing bowl. "Fine. But I'm in charge this time."

"No complaints," Leo said, pouring in the milk.

Jules dumped in way too much flour. "Oops."

"Jules!" they both yelled.

"Okay, okay, I'll fix it!" he said, panicking and adding more sugar.

"Stop before you create a cake!" Dawn shouted, laughing so hard she could barely hold the bowl.

Leo facepalmed, then started mixing it himself. "How are we related?"

"By bad luck," Dawn teased.

The smell of smoke filled the kitchen.

"Uh... Leo?" Dawn said, staring at the pan that was now suspiciously on fire.

Leo blinked twice. "It's fine. Just... a little overcooked."

"Overcooked?? It's literally burning!" she shouted, grabbing the towel and waving it like she was fighting a dragon.

"Relax, I got this!" Jules said heroically, grabbing the frying pan-only to yelp as the handle burned his hand.

"Hot! Hot! HOT!!" he cried out, tossing it in the sink with a loud clang.

Dawn burst out laughing so hard she nearly fell on the floor. "You two are so bad at this!"

"Says the one who put salt instead of sugar," Leo shot back.

Dawn gasped. "That was one time! And someone swapped the containers!"

"That was Jules!" Leo pointed accusingly.

Jules raised his hands. "Hey! I'm innocent this time. Kinda."

"Kinda?" Dawn raised a brow.

Jules scratched the back of his neck. "Okay fine, I may have used dish soap instead of oil."

"What?!"

The three of them froze, staring at the foamy bubbles rising from the pan. Then they all burst out laughing at the same time.

Leo wiped a tear from his eye. "This... this is why we're never opening a restaurant."

Dawn was laughing so hard she had to lean on the counter. "Oh my god, we're disasters."

"Speak for yourself," Jules said, picking up the whisk confidently. "I think I've mastered this now."

"Really?" Leo asked skeptically.

"Yep. Watch and learn."

He poured the batter into the pan. Everyone waited.

The pancake cooked nicely on one side. Jules grinned, finally flipping it-

-and it landed on Leo's face.

The room went silent for two seconds.

Then Dawn exploded into laughter. "PFFT-OH MY GOD-LEO!!!"

Leo just stood there, pancake sliding slowly down his cheek. "...Tastes better than it looks," he deadpanned.

That made them both laugh even harder. Jules fell to the floor, clutching his stomach. Dawn couldn't even breathe.

"Okay," Leo said, trying not to smile but failing miserably. "That's it. We're banned from the kitchen."

"I second that," Dawn said between laughs.

"I third it," Jules added, raising his hand from the floor.

Leo grabbed his phone, still chuckling. "I'm ordering breakfast. Pancakes. From people who actually know what they're doing."

"Make that two extra hash browns!" Dawn shouted.

"And a caramel latte for the injured chef!" Jules added dramatically.

Leo rolled his eyes but smiled. "You got it."

They all sat around the counter, covered in flour and laughing over their disaster, waiting for their food. The kitchen looked like a crime scene, but none of them cared.

Because sometimes, the messiest mornings were the best ones.

The food finally arrived, and they all dug in, enjoying the well-cooked meal instead of a bubbling pancake.

"This serves well," Dawn said as she munched on a slice of pizza.

"Luckily, we ain't eating a bubbling pancake," Leo replied, giving Jules a pointed look.

Jules smiled quietly, focused on his food. But Leo's attention lingered-he noticed Jules carefully picking out the tomatoes from his plate.

"Why are you picking that out?" Dawn asked curiously.

Jules dropped his spoon dramatically and turned to them.

"You know I like Martins."

"You mean the tall, handsome dude?" Dawn asked, raising a brow.

"Yeah," Jules said dreamily. "He's cute, right?"

"He is," Dawn replied bluntly, chewing another bite.

"Do... do you think we'd be a perfect couple?" Jules asked with a shy smile.

Leo coughed, nearly choking, and gulped down his drink.

"Oh! So you're into men?" Dawn asked, tilting her head with a sly grin.

"Yesss," Jules said, clutching his chest dramatically. "He's so handsome. Anytime I see him, I feel my heart racing."

"So?" Leo asked, half-amused. "Does that mean you love him?"

"Yes! It only races for him," Jules confessed proudly.

Leo nodded with a small smile. "Then why are you picking out the tomatoes?"

Jules glanced around suspiciously, as if someone might eavesdrop. Then he whispered, "He doesn't like tomatoes... so I have to not like tomatoes."

"What?" Dawn burst into laughter. "You wanna dislike what you like because of him?"

"Yes," Jules replied with full seriousness.

"Does he even know about your feelings?" Leo asked, fighting a laugh.

"He does," Jules said, nodding. "We once went on a date... but I couldn't meet up."

"Let me guess," Dawn smirked. "You got lost."

"Hehe," Jules chuckled sheepishly.

Leo reached for a spicy nacho chip and took a bite... immediately his face scrunched up, red creeping over his cheeks as the spice hit him full force. He chewed, eyes watering, lips pressed tight.

Dawn and Jules burst into laughter, unable to hold back.

Leo forced a strained smile through the burning, cheeks still bright red and eyes teary.

"Here..." Dawn said, still laughing, handing him a glass of milk. He gulped it down quickly, relief washing over him.

"It's spicy," Jules warned teasingly, taking a cautious nacho chip himself.

"How do you really... can't handle spicy food? Like all men handle it," Dawn teased, rolling her eyes as she grabbed her own chip.

"Guess I'm different," Leo replied with a wry smile, cheeks still tingling.

Dawn and Leo both burst into laughter, unable to stop themselves. Jules wasn't even trying to be funny, but his serious tone made the whole thing even more hilarious.

Y'all loving this side of Leo??😏😏

They finally tidied up. Jules and Leo were playing a video game while Dawn sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Laughter and playful banter filled the room until Leo's phone suddenly rang.

He glanced at the caller ID, his expression shifting.

"I'll be back soon," he said shortly, grabbing his jacket and heading out.

The rain had stopped, but the streets were still damp. He walked down the quiet road, his footsteps echoing faintly. Then, at the dark corner ahead, a black car waited. Without hesitation, he opened the door and got in. The vehicle sped off, vanishing into the road.

Minutes later, the car pulled into an old, hidden basement. The air was cold and heavy. Leo stepped out, his boots splashing in shallow puddles on the concrete floor. The dim light flickered above him as he walked deeper inside.

His gang members were already there, standing in silence. At the far end sat the old man-chewing on his tobacco-and beside him, his wife, a woman far younger, beautiful but with danger in her eyes.

Leo dropped to his knees, head bowed low.

"On your feet," the lady ordered.

He stood, still not daring to meet her gaze.

"Leo," she said sharply.

He slowly lifted his head, and their eyes met. Her heels clicked as she approached him.

Slap!

Slap!

His fists clenched tightly.

"You were caught!" she screamed, shoving a piece of paper into his hands. It was a wanted poster-his face printed clearly across it.

Leo's jaw tightened as he stared down at it.

"How did this happen?" the old man asked, his words muffled by the tobacco in his mouth.

"I... lost my mask," Leo muttered.

The woman chuckled darkly. "Lost? You failed the mission-and now you're on the wanted list!"

He immediately dropped to his knees again.

"Forgive me," he said quietly.

"Rise up!" she snapped.

He obeyed, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor.

"Now," she said coldly, circling him. "You'll go back and surrender yourself to the cops-for now. Until I think of a way to get you out this time. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am" he replied, his voice low.

The woman reached for a glass of red wine sitting on the table. Her long nails tapped against the glass, making a sharp, eerie sound. Then she stepped closer and handed it to him.

"Here's your antidote for the month."

taking the glass without saying a word and gulping it down in one go.

Suddenly, he dropped the glass-it shattered on the floor as he clutched his chest in agony.

"Arrrghhh! Ahhh!" he groaned, staggering.

"See? It's working," the woman said coldly, watching him writhe.

"Ughhh-" he gasped, barely able to speak.

"Now go," she ordered. "And surrender yourself to the cops."

Still clutching his chest, Leo struggled to his feet and staggered toward the exit. The woman watched him leave with an evil smile.

"Did... uh... potion... the... the... drink?"

"Of course I did!!"

"Interesting." A dark voice echoed from the corner of the room. The lights flickered faintly as a figure emerged from the shadows - face hidden behind a mask. The mask was carved from black steel, lined with thin silver streaks curling around the edges like smoke. A deep red gem sat at the center of the forehead, shaped like a teardrop, glowing faintly under the dim light. The mouth area was stitched in an intricate X-pattern, giving off a silent, commanding presence.

They all immediately bowed.

"Rise."

The masked figure's tone was calm but heavy, and everyone obeyed at once. The figure walked toward the desk as the old man rose to his feet. Without hesitation, the figure took the seat meant for authority.

"I've made him surrender himself and poisoned the drink too, as you ordered," the lady reported quickly, keeping her head low.

"Good."

"Are... are you going to bail him out soon?" she asked hesitantly.

"Of course I will."

"Oh! Thank you-"

"But-"

"Huh?"

The masked figure handed a folded paper to the old man.

"He needs to complete this mission once he's released."

"Yes, sir," the old man replied, bowing again.

The masked figure rose and walked out.

"But... the antidote," the old man called out, finishing his earlier sentence properly this time.

"I really need to ask about the antidote. Leo can't die - I still need him."

"Then why poison him?" he added desperately.

The lady smirked, eyes glinting. "Because he's an adult now - fully trained. We need him to keep coming back for the antidote and stay in this organization. If not, he'll rebel... and we can't risk that. He's a sly one," she said with a wicked grin, "so we handle him like a sly one."

---

Meanwhile...

Jules was sitting cross-legged on his bed, eyes glued to the laptop screen.

"I won!!" he exclaimed triumphantly, punching the air.

Across the room, Dawn sat on the couch, her attention fixed entirely on her phone.

"I won!" Jules repeated louder this time, hoping she'd react - but she didn't even flinch.

"See you later, Martin! Sure, I'll meet you at the park," Jules said into his headset before hanging up.

He stood, walked straight over to Dawn, who only lifted her eyes - not her head - as he leaned in close, their eyes meeting.

"I-WON!" he said, exaggerating every word.

"Congratulations?" she replied dryly, eyes still on her phone.

He plopped down beside her with a dramatic sigh.

"You didn't even ask how I won! I always fail!"

"It's obvious," she said, not even looking up.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, brows furrowed.

"How dumb are you?"

"A hundred percent," he answered proudly.

"Ugh! Martin lost to you because you're his-"

"Wait!" Jules cut in quickly, gasping. "Failed because he loves me?"

Dawn's eyes widened in disbelief as she looks away from her phone and stared at him,

"What?" he asked innocently.

"You finally guessed something right?" she teased, smirking.

Jules chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck shyly.

She turned her phone toward him. "They're pictures of the newly released LEGO sets. I want to get one for Leo's birthday. Even though he stopped celebrating it, I still want to give him something."

Jules leaned closer to the screen. "LEGO, huh? What kind are you thinking?"

Dawn scrolled through the list:

LEGO Technic Ferrari Daytona SP3 - sleek, detailed, for someone who loves building complex things.

LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon - legendary, massive, perfect for a collector.

LEGO Architecture London Skyline - simple but elegant, good for someone who likes calm and structure.

LEGO Batman Batmobile Tumbler - bold, dark, powerful.

LEGO Ideas Ship in a Bottle - creative and meaningful, something to display with pride.

Dawn tilted her head thoughtfully. "I think the Batman Batmobile Tumbler suits him best... it's bold, a little dark, and kind of mysterious - just like him."

Jules grinned. "Perfect choice. Bet he'll act like he doesn't care... but he'll keep it forever and build it up in secret"

Dawn and Jules were sitting together, scrolling through pictures of LEGO sets on her phone, arguing softly about which one looked cooler.

Then, out of nowhere, a notification popped up at the top of the screen - a picture of Dawn, someone pouring milk all over her hair.

Her body stiffened instantly. She quickly lowered her phone, but Jules had already seen it.

"Hey! Was that someone pouring milk on your hair??" he asked, eyes wide with shock.

"It's nothing," she said quickly, tapping on her phone to close the message.

But Jules was faster. He snatched the phone right out of her hands.

"Hey!!" she yelled, jumping up to grab it, but he dodged, running across the room as his eyes scanned the screen.

"They're picking on you in school!" he shouted, voice filled with anger.

"Jules, give it to me!" she cried, trying to reach for it.

He didn't listen, still staring at the photos.

With a frustrated cry, Dawn hit his zipper hard.

"Ahhh!!" Jules gasped, bending over as the phone fell from his hand.

She snatched it back quickly, clutching it to her chest.

"Why didn't you tell me or Leo?" he demanded, his voice trembling with anger and concern.

"It's nothing!" she yelled. "And who gave you permission to look into my phone?"

Jules walked closer, his expression no longer goofy or playful - but serious, protective.

"Tell me their names," he said quietly, but his tone carried weight.

"I... I..." she started, avoiding his eyes.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Dawn turned and opened the door.

Standing there was Ethan, flanked by three police officers.

"What's going on?" she asked, confusion in her voice.

"Ethan Mason, Head of Police," he said, flashing his badge.

"Can we help you?" Jules asked, stepping forward.

"The wanted criminal lives here," Ethan said plainly.

"Excuse me?" Dawn shot back, her tone sharp.

"Leo Warner."

Dawn blinked. "My brother? A criminal? Did you lose your track - or your brain?"

Ethan's expression didn't change. "He broke into Sinclair Lux and stole from the company."

"Why would my brother steal from a huge company like that?" Jules asked.

"Hand him over," Ethan ordered.

"No! He's not here!" Dawn snapped.

"Where is he?"

"He's out of town," she replied quickly, glancing at Jules, silently telling him to stay quiet.

"Out of town?" Ethan repeated.

"Yes. He... he had something important to do."

"What?" Jules muttered under his breath, confused. Ethan noticed the exchange immediately.

"Search the house."

The cops moved in.

"You can't search without a warrant!" Dawn shouted, shoving one of them.

"How dare you hit a cop!" the officer barked, grabbing her wrist roughly.

"Ah! Let me go!" she yelled.

"Dawn!" Jules called out, rushing to her, but another cop caught him, holding him back.

"Do you two really have to make a scene?" Ethan asked coldly.

Dawn's anger flared - she kneed the officer in the zipper.

He groaned, stumbling back. Before she could move again, another officer grabbed her from behind.

The first cop raised his hand to hit her,

Thunk!

A small ball hit him hard in the back.

Everyone turned toward the doorway.

Standing there was Leo.

"Lay a finger on her," he said darkly, his voice low but sharp, "and you'll be in the grave with your blood staining it."

"You bastard!" Ethan growled, stepping closer. Their eyes locked - fury meeting fury.

"Missed me?" Leo asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Ethan scoffed. "You're under arrest."

Leo raised his hands calmly. "Fine."

"Leo!" Dawn screamed, trying to break free.

He turned to her, a faint smile tugging at his lips and then back to Ethan with a cold stare "I'll come with you. But those two stay - they have nothing to do with this."

"Leo..." Jules said quietly.

"It's okay," Leo assured, his voice calm even as they cuffed his hands. "I'll be out in no time."

They dragged him out. Dawn ran after them, her voice trembling.

"Leo!!" she screamed as they pushed him into the car.

The sirens blared. The car drove off .

Silence filled the room.

Jules turned slowly toward her. "He... he's not guilty, right?"

Dawn didn't answer. She just stared at the empty street, her fingers clutching her phone - where the milk photo still sat in the notifications she never deleted.

🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗

"He's Leo?? As in Leo Warner??? The bully from high school?"

"Yesss!!!"

"How is that possible?"

"Thanks to your lessons on how to catch a bad guy-I managed to pull his mask off." Sienna waved the torn mask in the air for effect.

"You were actually paying attention?" Ava asked, smiling.

"I didn't want to, but you kept saying things out loud-my ears were open!"

Sienna began pacing, hands twisting. "I have to find him. I have to make him pay. I was literally having my day as Acting CEO-everything was going well-until that dickhead! That... that... that-"

"Chill, girl. Stop repeating yourself," Ava cut in.

"I have to find him and make him pay for what he did. He made me lose face in front of my aunt."

"That's bad," Ava said through a mouthful, stuffing another piece of chicken into her mouth.

Sienna stared at her friend as she ate like a hungry lion. "I'm crying about important matters and you're shoving chicken in your face!"

"You only live once, darling. Relax-the cops will track him down soon." Ava tossed Sienna a piece of chicken.

"You know I love chicken," Sienna mumbled as she sat down beside her, frowning, and took a big bite. Ava laughed, nearly spitting out her own food.

"Don't worry. They're going to find him."

Sienna nods her mouth stuffed with chicken like a quokka storing it's nuts for winter.

"Where have you been? You didn't answer my calls or text"

"Oh! I joined a cheer group"

"What?"

"Yeah, for a match and I've been practicing so hard"

"You didn't tell me you love cheer groups"

Ava chuckles.

Ethan walked in.

"Ethan!" Sienna called.

Ava choked immediately; Sienna handed her a bottle of water, which she gulped down.

"Sienna," Ethan said with a smile as he approached. He hugged her quickly. She chuckled but didn't return the hug; he let go and stepped back. "You're here... did you find him?"

"Yes-we did. He's in custody for questioning."

"Good. I want to see him."

"Sure. I can drive you there."

"Okay." Sienna turned to Ava, who was still scrolling on her phone and munching on chicken. "Coming?"

"Nah. You go ahead-I don't want to see his face. I'll probably punch him again," Ava replied with a grin.

"Okay, see ya." Sienna walked out with Ethan.

Ethan and Sienna step into the car, the air thick with silence. As Ethan drives, he breaks it coldly.

"He didn't confess. I ordered them to whip him until we get there-he'll talk."

Sienna scoffs, folding her arms. "Can't believe he's the one. A bully who turns out to steal from me? He must have a death wish."

"He does now," Ethan replies, smirking, trying to impress her.

"He definitely has."

They pull up at the station. Inside, the sound of the whip cuts through the hallway-sharp, cruel.

"That's enough," Ethan commands.

The officer drops the whip onto the metal table and steps out.

Leo sits tied to a chair-hands and legs bound, head hanging low, shirt soaked in blood. A blindfold hides his eyes. His breathing is rough, defiant.

Sienna walks up to him, heels clicking against the floor.

"Leo Warner," she says, voice cold as steel. Her jaw tightens ,this was the guy who dared ruin her shot at proving herself.

Leo chuckles darkly, lifting his head. His teeth are streaked with blood, but he still smiles.

"Who ordered you?" she demands.

He tilts his head. "What kind of cops blindfold their suspects and whip them before interrogation?"

"Shut up!" Ethan snaps, slamming the table. "I'm so sick of you!"

"Sick?" Leo scoffs. "You broke into my house and you're sick?"

"You dare walk into my office and steal!" Sienna shouts.

"Your office?" he echoes with a mocking smirk.

"Who sent you?" she growls, leaning closer.

He smiles wider. "Why don't you come closer,I'll whisper it to you."

Her glare sharpens, but she leans in anyway. In one swift motion, he jerks forward and bites her lip-not a kiss, but a defiant strike.

Sienna gasps, shoving him back and slapping him hard across the face.

"Sienna!!" Ethan shouts, rushing to her side.

Leo spits blood on the floor, laughing through it like a psycho,

"Guess I hit a nerve," he says, voice low and dangerous.

😜😜😜🤪

Do you like it??😅😅

Well if you do a comment and vote will be so good and supportive to me☺️☺️☺️☺️

Ready for a new chapter???🤔🤔

What do you like in this chapter and what are you expecting to see in the upcoming ones?😂😂

....

How about you answer this?🤓

♦️Does Leo have a lot of secrets?

- Yes - he's hiding more than anyone knows

- No - he's just defiant, not secretive

- Maybe - but they'll explode later

♠️Sienna a queen or a tyrant?

- Queen - she owns the room

- Tyrant - she goes too far

- Both - that's why we love her