C9 Chapter 9
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"Fine Deal But with all these cameras I don't see how this stays under wraps"
Jane's smile as she clasped his hand "Bestie it's been ages I've missed you"
Leonardo's lips twitched in the hint of a smile
"Smile big" Jane urged her voice low"Unless you want these videos to end your career You'd better look cheerful and chummy or else..."
Leonardo forced a smile flashing his perfect teeth at the cameras "Bestie I've missed you too It's been too long since we saw each other"
Jane snorted nudging him in the ribs"And I had to come to your office and cause a ruckus for you to even remember I exist I'm insulted"
"I'm so sorry Bestie" Leonardo laughed his shoulders relaxing as he played it up for the cameras
Jane patted Leonardo on the back winking at him as she faced the crowd "Okay, folks You heard it here first Leonardo and I we're just being our usual selves No fighting just love Peace out"
She turned away from the stunned onlookers slipping into her car "I'll be seeing you around Leonardo" she called out before driving off
Leonardo plastered a false smile on his face bowing slightly to the onlookers before disappearing into his office Once inside he ripped off his tie and sighed
"Karen!" he bellowed
The assistant skittered into his office "Yes, sir?"
"Make sure that video doesn't go viral"
Karen nodded "Yes, sir." She scurried out leaving Leonardo alone in the office
"Isadora!" he screamed
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Keller peered over Emily's shoulder furrowing his brow as he examined her page "Your page is drier than the Sahara Desert Em You're supposed to be covering celebrity gossip but there's nothing here but dust and tumbleweed"
"I was supposed to publish the scoop on Leonardo's wife But Coco and Amy locked me up"
"You know Leonardo isn't the only celebrity out there right? you lose followers day but day"
"may be I could always write some juicy gossip about our school Maybe a teacher is dating a student The kids here follow me religiously after all"
Keller scoffed. "Do you even have proof? Maybe blogging isn't your thing. You're more like a quack blogger than a journalist."
Coco who had silently slipped into the seat next to Emily shot Keller a glare "Don't be so mean Keller"
Emily whirled around, her nostrils flaring"Are you stalking me now Coco?"
"I'm not stalking you" Coco retorted rolling her eyes "I'm here to help you"
"Help me with what?"
Coco leaned in"I'll give you some dirt on Leonardo and his wife Something juicy Something that will skyrocket your followers"
"What is it?"
"Slow down, Em Nothing in this world is free" Coco replied with a sly grin sipping her coffee
Keller learned in whispering in Emily's ear "You can't trust her She's up to something"
"Just this once, I'll take a chance. What's the price Coco?"
Coco winked and grinned mischief dancing in her eyes
Question: What could be Coco's devious plan? 😈
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Leonardo entered the dining room, his gaze locking on Isadora who froze mid bite her throat bobbing with the effort of swallowing
"Oh, enjoying a nice meal are we?" he growled, eyeing Isadora's plate "After you sent your little friend to cause chaos and ruin my reputation?"
"I don't know what you're talking about!"
"I'm talking about Jane! She came to my office, causing a scene, fighting on your behalf. What did you tell her huh?"
"I swear I didn't tell her anything I didn't even have my phone today"
"Then how did she find out that I hit you? Is she a ghost or something?"
"I... I..." Isadora stammered, her hands trembling "I truly don't know But I didn't tell her anything" she said her voice breaking as a hiccup escaped her lips
Leonardo slammed his fist against the table "You lie Isadora! You lie! I've heard that you hiccup when you lie. You did just now. You're lying to me."
"I'm not lying I'm telling the truth" Isadora cried
As Leonardo turned to face Isadora, his hand balled into a fist ready to strike But as his arm began its descent Isadora's breathing hitched her face turning a pale shade of white With a shaky exhale he lowered his arm
"I promised your friend I wouldn't hit you But you'll be facing hell when I'm done with you"
Isadora collapsed to the ground, her chest heaving as her breath faltered Leonardo shot her a venomous look before storming away ignoring her
Isadora collapsed onto the floor, her inhaler out of reach and her lungs burning. "Leo..." she choked out her voice frail and thin but Leonardo didn't turn back
She tried to crawl towards her room desperate for help but her limbs refused to obey weakened by the lack of oxygen With each agonizing inch Isadora's breath grew more labored
Isadora's breath came in short rasping gasps as she spoke her voice little more than a whisper "I don't want to die like this..." she rasped a single tear sliding down her cheek. Her vision blurred as her breath slowed each inhalation taking a monumental effort
And then the door creaked open, footsteps echoing as someone entered Isadora blinked trying to make out the shape of her potential savior...
