Chapter 5 Unwanted Distractions

Leo clenched his jaw, dragging a hand down his face as he stared at the woman who had just barged into his office like she owned the place.

Vivian.

Of all the people he didn't want to see today-or any day, for that matter-she ranked at the very top.

She stood there, smug and confident, like she had some sort of claim over him. Her perfectly styled hair cascaded over her shoulders, her designer dress hugging every curve she knew how to flaunt. Bright red lips stretched into a smirk that made his blood boil.

"Leo, darling," she purred, strutting closer, her stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor.

His head throbbed instantly.

"Vivian," he said flatly, leaning back in his chair, already exhausted. "Why are you here?"

She let out a breathy laugh, brushing a manicured hand down his desk as if she belonged there. "You don't have to sound so hostile. You're acting like I'm some stranger."

Leo exhaled sharply, closing his eyes for a brief second before snapping them open. "You are a stranger. One I've slept with once-once-and yet, here you are, still hovering around like a damn fly."

Vivian pouted, though the amusement in her eyes didn't waver. "Oh, come on. You make it sound like I'm desperate. I'm just concerned. You've been avoiding me."

"Yes," he deadpanned. "That was intentional."

She gasped, pressing a hand to her chest. "How cruel."

Leo pinched the bridge of his nose. "Vivian, I don't have time for this. I have work to do. Real work, not whatever nonsense you're here for."

She slid into the chair across from him, crossing her legs leisurely. "Leo, you work too much. You should let yourself have some fun once in a while."

He gritted his teeth. He didn't have time for fun. Not when the only person who ever truly mattered to him was still missing. Not when every second wasted brought him no closer to finding her.

Vivian, however, didn't care. She never did. She wasn't here for him-she was here for the idea of him, the powerful, elusive billionaire who could make or break anyone with a single word.

"You know," she mused, tilting her head. "People are starting to talk about you."

He arched a brow. "And?"

"And," she continued, dragging a red-painted nail down the arm of the chair, "they're wondering why the great Leonardo Riquel-yes, I know your full name, don't look so shocked-is suddenly so... unapproachable."

He exhaled through his nose. "I've always been unapproachable."

"True," she conceded. "But lately, it's been worse. You don't go to events anymore. You turn down every social invitation. People are getting curious."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Do you think I give a damn about what people think?"

Vivian chuckled. "No, but you should. Your reputation is your empire. And empires crumble when the man behind them starts acting like a ghost."

Leo's patience was wearing thin. "Get to the point, Vivian."

She sighed dramatically. "Fine. There's a gala this weekend. The charity event at the Fontaine Estate. Everyone important will be there, including your dear competitors. You should make an appearance."

He nearly laughed. "And why would I do that?"

She smirked. "Because if you don't, I'll have to attend alone. And people might start wondering why you're letting me go unaccompanied after our little fling."

Leo's eyes darkened instantly. "Don't push me, Vivian."

She shrugged, unfazed. "I'm just saying, you could use some positive attention. And I happen to look very good on your arm."

His fingers drummed against the desk. He hated this game. Hated how people like her thrived on manipulation, on twisting situations to benefit themselves.

Unfortunately, she wasn't entirely wrong. He had been avoiding the public eye too much, and the whispers were growing louder. If he kept this up, people would start digging too deep. And the last thing he needed was anyone uncovering the real reason for his disappearance from the social scene.

For a long moment, he said nothing, simply watching her, considering. Then-

"Fine."

Her eyes lit up in victory.

"But," he continued, his voice sharp, "don't mistake this for anything other than what it is. I will attend, I will play nice, and then I will leave. That's it."

Vivian feigned innocence. "Oh, Leo, don't sound so heartbroken about spending an evening with me."

He scoffed, already regretting his decision. "Get out, Vivian."

She grinned, standing up gracefully. "See you at the gala, darling."

He watched her saunter out, her perfume lingering long after she was gone.

Leo leaned back in his chair, exhaling harshly.

This was exactly what he didn't need right now.

Another distraction.

Another obstacle between him and the only woman who had ever mattered.

His phone buzzed again. This time, he didn't hesitate before answering.

"Liam?"

A brief silence. Then-

"Sir. I think we found something."

Leo's grip tightened around the phone. His heartbeat, which had been sluggish all morning, now raced with a dangerous intensity.

"Where?" he demanded.

Liam hesitated. "It's not much, but... there's a town. Small. Isolated. She might have been there recently."

Might.

It wasn't enough.

But it was something.

"Send me everything," Leo ordered, already standing, his mind shifting gears entirely.

"Yes, sir."

The call ended.

Leo grabbed his coat and strode out of the office without another word, his mind no longer on Vivian, or the gala, or the damn whispers about his absence.

His pulse pounded with one thought, one need.

He was getting closer.

And no matter what it took-

He would find her.