Chapter 18 - The Unbroken Bond
Following the neutralization of Jonathan Vance, pressure from Wall Street rivals completely evaporated. No one dared challenge the alliance between Leo Castiglion and Mave. Emerald Infrastructure was featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal as a symbol of a miraculous evolution from the shadows into the light.
However, the relentless corporate pressure and months of intense stress eventually pushed Mave’s physical and mental limits to the brink.
Late one night when the city lights had dimmed, Mave slumped over her desk in the master suite, her vision blurring over endless spreadsheets. A sharp migraine struck, causing her to clutch her temples and slide down to the hardwood floor.
The door clicked open as Leo walked in carrying a warm mug of ginger tea. Catching sight of Mave collapsed on the floor, his heart stopped. He dropped the mug onto the rug, rushing across the room to scoop her into his arms. "Mave! Mave, look at me, what's wrong?"
Mave weakly shook her head, leaning against his chest as she listened to the hammering heartbeat of a man once feared by an entire city, now reduced to profound worry over her. "I'm... I'm fine, Leo. Just exhausted..."
Without a word of debate, Leo lifted her effortlessly, carried her to the center bed, and tucked her in. He gently slipped off her heels, pulled the blanket up, and sat vigil by her bedside all through the night.
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The following morning, when Mave woke up, she smelled rich coffee and toasted brioche. Leo stood by the window holding a travel itinerary. "We're going to Hawaii," he stated firmly, leaving no room for argument. "Both of us. The company can run itself for the next two weeks. If you don't rest, I'll freeze the city's financial grid just to force you on that plane."
Mave chuckled softly, her fatigue melting away. She sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck from behind. "You're starting to boss me around too much, Mr. Chairman."
