Chapter 3 Veil Of Intrigue

• She was shocked and amazed to learn Leonard was not just another visitor but the CEO of the upscale hotel where she worked.
• She had never anticipated the power and control of the man in front of her.
• When the weight of this finding settled over Jenny, she experienced a range of conflicting feelings.
• Leonard's offer appealed to her on the one hand since it offered the opportunity to spend time with the hotel CEO, learn about his world, and maybe even form a friendship that might help her later on. It would not go away, though, that taking his offer would just result in more misery and difficulties.
• Fear tying in her belly, Jenny turned back to face her boss and Leonard, breath frozen in her throat. Having misjudged the seriousness of the issue, she felt a bit sorry about her impatience.
• Jenny murmured, "I'm sorry, sir," in a voice hardly audible above a whisper, stammering. That wasn't my goal. Innocent I was.
• Leonard was the hotel CEO, and when she looked up at him, the weight of his position descended hard on her. She cut off. She flushed with humiliation at the enormity of the error she had made.
• Leonard stood over Jenny and just looked at her response.
• She appeared uncomfortable and nervous, and a sympathetic tingle softened his features.
• Though things happened out of the blue, he was amazed by Jenny's bravery in the face of hardship.
• Leonard responded, "Jenny, please," his voice soft. "An apology is not necessary. You have to find this startling, I know. But I swear I'm not harmful.
• Sensations whirling about her, Jenny nodded gently. Leonard said similar things, and she was comforted and grateful for his empathy in the middle of her humiliation.
• Jenny was standing there, facing the surprise proposition from Billionaire Leonard, and her head was racing with contradictory ideas and feelings. Leonard pulled her in with a glance into a world she could only dream of, and his polite request radiated potential and excitement.
• Under the surface, though, was a persistent sense of caution alerting her to the dangers of becoming associated with someone as mysterious and strong as Leonard. Should she ignore the warning signals and head for danger and heartache? But should she seize the alluring promise of romance and adventure and ignore common sense?
• Jenny was struggling to make decisions and deal with the outcomes because she was so desperate. Her heart thumped between shock and exhilaration at Leonard's unexpected feelings for her. It might be true, though. Would Leonard be really interested in someone as ordinary as her?
• Deeply breathing out, Jenny closed her eyes and took comfort in her own thoughts. She deliberately chose at that reflective moment to follow her heart's whisper, even if doubt was looming large.
• Jenny therefore fearlessly and with great excitement accepted Leonard's invitation. In terms of love, commitment, and self-discovery, she stepped into the unknown and started a journey that would push her limits in ways she never would have anticipated.
• Jenny stepped onto the maze of inquiry and desire knowing it would be dangerous and seductive. But motivated by the fires of hope within of her, she welcomed the unknown and prepared to grab whatever fate had in store.
• Jenny felt as though she was dreaming when she first entered the CEO's specially reserved room. Candlelight and the smell of just cut flowers created opulent settings.
• A sneer playing at the edges of Leonard's mouth, he watched her happy. One contented voice said, "Impressive, isn't it?"
• Jenny nodded and glanced about her at the lavish surrounds. Not much louder than a whisper, she said, "It's amazing."
• Leonard laughed unsettlingly. "If we are going to spend the evening together, we might as well do it in style," he said in return.
• Leonard experienced an adrenalin rush as they settled within the luxurious surroundings. Here was his opportunity to transport Jenny to an opulent and luxurious world and reveal to her a side of him she had never known.
• Leonard said, slanting in and smirking, "So, tell me, Jenny." Taking in their surroundings, he questioned, "What do you think of all this?"
• While her thoughts were still processing the extreme luxury of their surroundings, Jenny paused to gather herself before answering. Breathing out, "It's... incredible," her eyes gleamed.
• Leonard gave her response a satisfied expression. Speaking more softly, he added, "I'm happy you think that." We both thought tonight would be spectacular.
• Talking about Leonard's escapades and travels—each more interesting than the last—went without a hitch. Jenny was so enthralled with his own fascination that she hung onto every word.
• Their giggling filled the room as the evening went on and mingled with the gentle music. Even if Rosy was always on their minds, Leonard and Jenny were engrossed on the present and their relationship was becoming closer every day.
• Leonard was also overcome with enthusiasm and optimism for the future as they relished the coziness of their new romance. Jenny at his side made him feel unbeatable and prepared to take on whatever obstacle life presented.
• With time, Leonard and Jenny became engrossed in one other and the outside world became less important. But beneath their perfect evening, a storm was building that would topple their just discovered yearning.
• They had one last toast, Leonard staring at Jenny with a trace of worry in his eyes. Low and urgent, he said, "Jenny, I have something to tell you."
• Leonard spoke with such gravity that Jenny felt a pall of dread descend over her. Said she, a bit louder than a whisper, "What is it?"
• For some while Leonard stammered, unable to articulate the reality so close to his heart. "I'm not who you think I am," he apologised.
• Shock widening her eyes, Jenny's head whirling with inquiries and concerns. Whispering, she asked, "What do you mean?"
• Breathing deeply, Leonard prepared to respond. His eyes never leaving hers, he said, "I'm not just a billionaire businessman." I keep secrets, Jenny. Dangerous dark truths that can endanger us both.
• The severity of what Leonard was saying had Jenny in disbelief. Almost said, "What kind of secrets?"
• Leonard locked his teeth, huge images of things he wanted to forget hanging over his face. He said, quite movingly, "I can't tell you." In any case, not just now. But I will go over everything at the proper moment.
• There were stomping feet and snarling voices resonating along the corridor outside the door before Jenny could answer. Fear sprang to Leonard's eyes as his senses kicked in and he understood they were in danger.
• He said, his voice tight, "We have to leave right now." The excitement thumping in his heart, he grabbed Jenny's hand and drew her toward the door.
• Leonard was appropriately afraid when they rushed into the corridor and found a scene of mayhem. Dark suit men poured into the corridor, their features hidden by darkness as they advanced with a frightening purpose.
• Jenny clutched to Leonard's hand, her pulse hammering in her chest and her mind racing with uncertainty and terror. With whom are they? I yelled, barely heard over the chaos.
• Leonard grasped her hand more firmly, resolve in his eyes. He said, "We don't have time for explanations," his voice tight. "We have to leave before it gets too late."
• With that, Leonard led Jenny into the night, their future unknown as they hurried toward it, their hearts thumping to prepare for whatever lied ahead.