下載應用程式
83.33% The 8th floor / Chapter 25: Injury

章節 25: Injury

After a while, Leonid got up and adjusted Charlotte's sleeping position on the bed. He gently and slowly removed her coat so as not to wake her, then covered her with a blanket after feeling the light fabric of her pajamas and pursing his lips.

He couldn't quite understand why Charlotte wore such light and short clothes, especially when she was unwell.

He sighed and placed her coat over the blanket.

Leonid sat back down on the chair and pulled a handkerchief from his suit pocket to wipe the cold sweat beads from Charlotte's forehead.

She looked calmer now, and her breathing was steady. Leonid's thumb lightly brushed her cheek and slid down to her lips. The pale color of her lips seemed to regain its vitality as time passed.

Leonid observed Charlotte under the faint sunlight seeping through the curtains and silently contemplated his next steps after Dmitri's news about the heel with Charlotte's fingerprints on it.

Considering Dmitri's words, how could Charlotte remain calm when she might have seen the victim murdered yesterday or earlier?

But what if the heel had been there for a long time and had nothing to do with the victim or the killer? The problem was that the heel's presence in Sophia's apartment might be a definitive signal from the killer about his next victim.

Just thinking this way made Leonid frown.

His thumb stopped caressing Charlotte's lips, and he withdrew his hand, leaning on the armrest of the chair. Perhaps it was time to convince her to leave the residential building and look for another apartment elsewhere in the city or maybe convince her to travel to her family's home, which would be better for her and ensure her safety.

"We are happy to meet your terms. Best of luck moving forward."

Kaiser concluded his meeting with a polite remark and headed toward the door with his team of lawyers.

Today, he sealed yet another deal with ease, as usual.

"These people are no different from one another. One bag of money is enough to shatter all their steadfast beliefs in an instant."

Kaiser smirked, his expression cool and sardonic.

"How pitiful for those who have passed on."

As Kaiser approached his office, his private secretary, with a pale face and a rounded hairstyle, hurried through the hallway toward him with quick steps.

"Young master!"

The secretary called out to Kaiser, adjusting his thick round glasses as he stopped beside his young master, who had halted upon seeing Alex rushing frantically toward him.

"What's the matter, Alex?"

"Young master, the family head is here and also…"

Alex hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice.

"He's waiting for you in your office now."

"The family head? What's the old man doing here?"

Kaiser raised an eyebrow, speaking aloud to himself as he resumed walking.

"Well, nothing good ever comes of his visits to the company."

"Young master, wait for me."

Alex hurried to follow behind Kaiser.

"The family head has requested your presence now, and he seems very angry."

"No problem, don't worry."

Kaiser smiled and added mockingly:

"We all know the old man doesn't smile because of his thick wrinkles, so he always looks angry."

"But young master… the family head doesn't have many wrinkles, as you just said."

Kaiser suddenly stopped walking, then glanced at Secretary Alex. He thought deeply for a moment before speaking softly, covering his mouth with his palm:

"Alex, you don't use your eyes properly. You should look at his inner face, not his outer one."

Kaiser gestured toward his own face with his free hand as he explained, then gently patted Alex's shoulder and added:

"Then you'll see the wrinkles on that old man's face. Got it?"

"Yes, young master."

"Very good. Now, let's go."

Kaiser smiled with ease and began walking, with Secretary Alex trailing behind him.

After a moment, Alex cleared his throat and said:

"Young master, what if he explodes at you like before?"

"You mean if he has another meltdown? Let the old man get angry; he's always like that."

Kaiser sighed and muttered in frustration:

"Nothing useful comes from old people, especially that old man."

"Young master…"

Alex glanced at Kaiser's back, feeling a pang of regret in his heart. When the company lost large sums of money due to unprofitable deals and lazy workers, the Chief Executive Officer bore all the consequences.

And the CEO here was the poor young master.

Today had been a disaster. In fact, Alex had dressed up particularly well today, wearing his best suit, slicking back his hair, and donning a colorful tie.

According to his horoscope, he should have had a great day, but everything pointed to catastrophe. Perhaps Alex shouldn't have believed in astrology like a fool.

"Well, stay here, Alex. I'll face the old man alone."

"Young master, are you planning to bear the burden alone?"

Alex clasped his hands, watching his young master shine like a saint in his dark eyes.

"Don't exaggerate. We'll just talk. There won't be consequences like last time."

"I hope so, young master. Good luck facing the family head!"

"Thank you~!"

Kaiser raised his fist and then entered his office. As soon as he stepped inside, his smile faded when he was met with his father's furious glare.

"Welcome to my office."

Kaiser shut the door behind him, walked toward his desk, and stopped, staring at his father seated in the CEO's chair.

It was his desk, so he calmly said:

"Why are you sitting at my desk?"

"Do you think you deserve this position?!"

Outside, Alex stood near the door, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation happening inside. Moments later, the expected scenario began to unfold.

Without warning, the sound of shouting grew louder and louder, spilling out through the CEO's office doors and echoing outside. Alex paced back and forth near the door, unsure of what to do.

"Should I call the company's private security?"

Alex asked himself aloud, then shook his head.

"No, no. That idea won't stop anything. The family head is the real authority here, and calling anyone is useless."

After a few moments, the sound of glass shattering echoed from within, a harbinger of doom.

Alex's body instinctively shuddered at the sound of breaking glass, and he stepped back from the door, biting his nails.

Once again, the family head was wreaking havoc in the young master's office.

Alex pressed his hands to his head, no longer knowing how to handle the situation. Suddenly, the office door swung open, and a straight-backed man with long red hair stepped out. Alex quickly stood aside, lowering his head submissively like a docile lamb.

Alex dared not look at the fierce and aggressive face of the Ivanovitch family head, keeping his gaze fixed downward.

"You're his private secretary?"

"Yes, sir!"

Alex's shoulders trembled, feeling the oppressive glare of the Ivanovitch family head suffocate him to his core.

"Can't anyone in this company do their job properly?"

"I beg your pardon-?"

"I said you can't do your job properly!"

Another sudden bout of rage overtook Agafonov, and he began yelling, raising his cane in the air.

"Because of this fool's actions and his entire staff, we're still losing money!"

Agafonov shouted at Alex, his loud voice echoing throughout the company halls.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I'm sorry."

Alex apologized repeatedly, bowing his head lower. His trembling legs could hardly bear the brutality of the Ivanovitch family head.

"What good is your apology to me? Will it rain money on my company, or will it make that fool stop his shameful actions?"

"That's enough. Can't you leave without shouting at the employees?"

Kaiser intervened amidst his father's shouting, standing in front of him, his broad back shielding Alex as he faced his father.

Kaiser's forehead was bleeding, but he hadn't lost the sharpness in his eyes as he stared into his father's blue eyes.

"You're scaring the employees. You should leave now."

"Do you dare order me to leave?!"

Agafonov's eyes widened, his furious expression shifting to one of astonishment.

"I won't repeat myself. You must leave now before things escalate between us."

Kaiser's voice was filled with spite and hatred, and he made no effort to hide it.

"I'll make you lose not just millions but something far greater and more important than money, old man."

"Are you threatening your father now?!"

"Do you acknowledge me as your son now?"

Kaiser smirked mockingly and added:

"I thought you abandoned me ever since you fathered your second son with your mistress."

"Don't you dare speak of that here!"

Agafonov struck his cane against the ground and yelled.

"After everything you've done to her, don't you dare mention it!"

"I didn't do anything."

Kaiser smiled sweetly, placing his hands in his pants pockets.

"Karma did it all."

"Karma? Do you call what happened that day karma?!"

"Yes! So leave my company now!"

Suddenly, Kaiser began shouting.

"Move and leave before karma circles us again."

"Fine, good."

Agafonov nodded and stepped back.

"But don't think our conversation ends here. If something like today happens again, I won't let you off as easily as I am now."

"Fine. The same goes for you, so stop messing with me."

Agafonov bit his lip and left with heavy steps.

The sound of Agafonov's cane echoed through the hallways until he disappeared into the elevator.

When the Ivanovitch family head was gone, Alex let out a sigh of relief and collapsed to his knees.

"Alex, gather yourself and call the company's cleaner to tidy up my office. I'm leaving now."

"But young master, your forehead is bleeding!"

"It's fine. This isn't the first time I've bled."


next chapter

章節 26: Injury (part2)

"Young master…"

Alex clasped his hands, watching his young master's back as he walked away toward the elevator.

The esteemed Ivanovitch family, with privileges extending throughout the nation, might appear perfect and flawless. Yet, in reality, it was nothing but a shattered family, trapped in numerous tragic loopholes.

Today, as always, when the head of the family discovered his eldest son's unreasonable mistakes, he stormed in and destroyed the CEO's office once again.

Alex wiped his dramatic tears, feeling deeply upset on behalf of his young master.

How could a heartless father treat a saint like his young master with such unacceptable cruelty?

Even though his young master spent vast amounts of money every month or so, it was no excuse for the family head's furious outbursts toward him.

"How can he act this way toward his son?"

Today, the family head, Agafonov Ivanovitch, not only trashed the CEO's office but also hurled the office's nameplate at his son, injuring him in the head.

"I hope the young master will go to the hospital for treatment."

Alex sighed, picking up the glass nameplate engraved with "CEO." Around him, the cleaning staff worked diligently to tidy up and reorganize the scattered papers and files.

On his way out of the building, Kaiser pulled out a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and pressed it against the wound on his head as he made his way to his luxury car.

He opened the driver's door, got in, and slammed it shut.

Kaiser remained silent, wiping the blood off his face with tissues while looking into the mirror.

His jaw tightened as he clenched his teeth, trying to control his irritation. He couldn't tell if it was anger or just suppressed emotions from a painful past.

Placing the handkerchief over the wound hidden beneath his red bangs, Kaiser sighed.

A man like him wouldn't feel pain, and it wouldn't make a difference whether he was physically or emotionally harmed. But...

Kaiser slammed his fist onto the steering wheel.

"Damn it!"

He shouted, hitting the wheel again.

"Does he hate me that much? Fine, we both hate each other."

His mood was terrible, especially after Agafonov's reaction to his reply earlier.

"Do you think you deserve this position?"

The words were cold, spoken while Agafonov sat in the CEO's chair.

The atmosphere in the office had been suffocating moments ago, particularly with Agafonov's sharp glares directed at Kaiser.

"Yes."

Kaiser didn't take a moment to think, letting the word escape his lips immediately.

"At least I'm better than your mistress's son, who never leaves the house."

"How dare you compare yourself to him!"

"You're right; I can't compare myself to someone beneath me."

"You ungrateful son!"

With those words, Agafonov's rage exploded to the maximum, flipping the CEO's desk without considering his eldest son's presence.

Kaiser wouldn't deny that he could've dodged the nameplate his father threw at his head moments ago in the office. But doing so would mean abandoning everything he had stood for until now.

"That old man."

Kaiser clicked his tongue, trying to dispel his dark thoughts. He pulled out his phone and dialed someone.

He needed to take the first step. 

After a while of talking on the phone, Kaiser sighed and hung up

After hanging up, he felt as though his nerves had finally calmed. He stepped out of his car, adjusted his suit, and began walking back toward the company with calm strides.

He should have returned to the company to receive treatment from Alex, because he didn't have the energy to visit the hospital.

The sun continued to shift across the sky, as did the clock's hands. Throughout this period, nearly until sunset, Leonid isolated himself from the outside world, even turning off his phone as he sat beside Charlotte.

During this long period of time, Leonid thought deeply. Why did he feel uncomfortable every time he thought about Charlotte going to the club without informing him? Although it is her personal freedom.

Why was he also worried when Charlotte had a fever in his arms?

"Ah…"

Amidst the silence, a sleepy moan broke through, drawing Leonid's gaze toward the little worm who had just woken up.

Her chestnut lashes fluttered, and her dark eyes scanned her surroundings. Charlotte felt the heaviness of gravity pressing on her body, preventing her from moving anything but her eyes and head.

She couldn't even lie on her side, and she was ready to fall back asleep as soon as she closed her eyes.

Charlotte wouldn't exaggerate if she said it felt like she was in a waking dream, not fully awake but still aware of everything without being able to move.

After a few moments of staring, Leonid whispered to Charlotte.

"Are you awake?"

After asking, he stood up from the chair and walked toward her, rubbing his shoulders.

He had been sitting still for hours, which was unusual for him. His muscles had already begun to stiffen.

Leonid had removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves long ago, making his physique more defined under the tight fabric of his shirt.

Standing by Charlotte's head, he asked. 

"How do you feel now? Are you feeling better?"

Leonid reached out his right hand, gently caressing Charlotte's soft cheek.

Still drowsy and feeling lethargic, Charlotte simply nodded instead of speaking.

"Really? Are you sure?"

Leonid asked after seeing her nod.

"Hmm…"

This time, instead of nodding, she let out a sound.

Charlotte knew Leonid wouldn't stop asking unless she responded audibly, and she was right.

As soon as he heard her voice, Leonid smiled, his heart feeling reassured even though his emotions were still conflicted.

He remained silent, gazing at Charlotte's tired eyes. His smile faded, and he spoke again, this time in his usual dry tone.

"Even if you're okay now, you should rest…"

Leonid suddenly stopped speaking, leaning over Charlotte slightly and placing his left hand on the hospital bed's mattress beside her head.

"By the way…"

Leonid continued, his gaze reflecting the seriousness of the topic he was about to bring up.

"What were you doing yesterday?"

Leonid raised an eyebrow, as if reprimanding Charlotte for her current state.

"You know, Daniel told me you went to the club and had fun with your friends, but!"

Charlotte's eyes widened as Leonid suddenly raised his voice without warning.

"How could you end up like this?! Charlotte, you're not a child who doesn't know when to stop."

"… Huh?"

Charlotte let out a soft "huh," blushing deeply.

She might have been too exhausted to move, but that didn't stop her from turning red under Leonid's cold gaze, which held a hint of evident concern.

"I'm sorry…"

Charlotte finally managed to part her lips and reply.

"You don't need to apologize to me. In fact, you should apologize to yourself."

Leonid tilted his head, looking away for a moment, then glanced back at Charlotte as if something had just crossed his mind.

"I won't comment on you going to the club for fun. But I do expect you not to repeat such reckless behavior."

Charlotte lowered her chestnut lashes, staring at Leonid's chest as he scolded her in his usual dry tone.

"Why…"

She whispered quietly, pursing her lips.

"Why can't I go to the club again, even though I'm an adult?"

Charlotte's question struck at Leonid's pride.

"The reason is already clear."

He muttered coldly, then raised an eyebrow as he asked.

"Did you really forget why?"

Furrowing his brows momentarily, he moved his right hand and pinched Charlotte's cheek.

"Ouch!"

Charlotte complained, raising her hand from under the blanket to rub her pinched cheek.

"You deserve that."

Leonid pointed his index finger at Charlotte, continuing to pierce her head with his sharp gaze.

"That's your punishment for forgetting my words and acting nonchalantly behind my back."

Charlotte blinked for a moment, surprised by Leonid's sternness and his way of speaking.

Why was he talking to her as if he owned her when he didn't?

"What words are you talking about…"

Charlotte complained softly, meeting Leonid's eyes.

"I don't know what my going to the club has to do with something you told me before!"

She tried to figure it out herself, but her mind wasn't responding at this particular moment.

"Also, what do you mean by acting nonchalantly behind your back?… You're making it sound like I—"

Suddenly, Charlotte stopped complaining and shut her lips. She could now feel her body temperature rising again, not because she was sick, but because she was about to melt under Leonid's gaze.

That sharp look under his silver lashes held a clear sense of worry for her.

"What?"

Leonid raised an eyebrow in response to Charlotte's sudden silence, still pointing his index finger at her.

"Did you just remember my words?"

He noticed Charlotte's reaction hadn't changed, meaning she hadn't recalled yet.

Lowering his finger, Leonid suddenly slammed his left hand on the mattress beside Charlotte's head, fully entrapping her beneath his gaze.

"I think I've had enough of your behavior."

"What?"

"Tell me the truth, Charlotte. Could any woman who's received a gentleman's confession act the way you're acting now?"

Leonid's cold tone carried a mix of emotions he couldn't contain. In truth, he had been waiting for the moment Charlotte woke up so he could confront her.

"Confession…?"

"Are you seriously trying to deny my earlier confession to your face now? Does the phrase 'I'm interested in you' mean nothing to you anymore?!"

Leonid sighed, frustration evident in his tone. He hated playing the role of a caring man, but now he truly cared, and it was driving his nerves into chaos.

"I'm sorry!"

Charlotte's heart sank, unable to hide her regret any longer.

"I thought you were just trying to provoke me."

Charlotte bit her lower lip briefly, clenching her fist as she felt her nails dig into her palm.

"I'm sorry… I'm really sorry…"

Leonid's eyes watched Charlotte's sincere apology under the dim lights and the setting sun's rays.

"It's fine."

He whispered softly, lowering his head until it rested beside Charlotte's on the pillow. Slowly, he sat on the edge of the bed, leaning his body against hers.

This time, there was no distance left between them.

Meanwhile, Charlotte closed her eyes after they widened briefly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

What she felt in that moment was the worst feeling for her. The sensation of disappointing someone who believed in you was truly worse than any negative emotion she'd experienced before.

"My actual goal was to provoke you at first, so don't apologize."

Leonid continued speaking, admitting in a low voice, his head beside Charlotte's.

"But now I think I've realized the weight of my words, and in record time."

He stopped speaking, lifting his head to look at her. Leonid sighed upon seeing Charlotte's tears and her reddened nose.

He blinked for a moment, then asked.

"Are you crying?"

"Hmm."

Charlotte responded to his question with a quick nod.

Leonid studied her remorseful expression, then said.

"Well, you should cry."

Closing his eyes, he rested his head beside Charlotte's again.

He might have been angry and annoyed with her, but he still had a kindness he reserved only for her.

"You hurt my pride, so please keep crying until I heal."

"Hmm..."

Leonid sighed upon hearing Charlotte's supportive response, moving his hand to stroke her head.


Load failed, please RETRY

每周推薦票狀態

批量訂閱

目錄

顯示選項

背景

EoMt的

大小

章評

寫檢討 閱讀狀態: C25
無法發佈。請再試一次
  • 寫作品質
  • 更新的穩定性
  • 故事發展
  • 人物形象設計
  • 世界背景

總分 0.0

評論發佈成功! 閱讀更多評論
用推薦票投票
Rank 200+ 推薦票榜
Stone 7 推薦票
舉報不當內容
錯誤提示

舉報暴力內容

段落註釋

登錄

tip 段落評論

段落註釋功能現已上線!將滑鼠移到任何段落上,然後按下圖示以添加您的評論。

此外,您可以隨時在「設置」 中將其關閉/ 打開。

明白了