Chapter 92 Conference
CHAPTER 92
Conference
The conference hall stood tall and commanding, a symbol of power, wealth, and influence. Glass walls reflected the bright city lights, and luxury cars lined at the entrance as men and women in expensive suits moved in and out with purpose.
Leo stepped out of the car with calm precision, his expression already set into the cold, composed look the world knew him for.
Behind him, Alex followed closely, looking alert and observant, his eyes scanning every movement around them. On Leo’s other side walked Kat, his second personal assistant, tablet in her hand, already reviewing schedules and notes for the night.
The moment Leo appeared the atmosphere changed.
Cameras flashed, voices rose.
“Leo! Over here!”
“Mr. Carter!”
“Just one question!”
The media surged forward, desperate, relentless.
Leo didn’t stop or even slow down a bit and didn't even bother to look at them.
“Keep moving,” Alex muttered slowly, stepping slightly ahead to clear the path.
Kat stayed close, her voice calm but quick.
“Your room is already prepared. We’ll move through the side entrance.”
Leo gave a faint nod.
Within seconds, security intervened, guiding them away from the chaos and into a more private route. The noise faded behind them, replaced by the quiet sophistication of the interior.
Leo exhaled softly once they were inside.
“The media's getting worse,” Kat noted.
“They always do,” Leo replied flatly.
They reached the private elevator, and within moments, Leo was being ushered into his suite.
The room was exactly what one would expect: luxurious, spotless, designed for comfort and authority.
Leo walked in, immediately loosening his tie slightly. "Status," he said.
Kat stepped forward.
“All meetings are confirmed. The first round of introductions begins in an hour. Your speech is scheduled for tomorrow.”
Leo nodded once. “Security?”
Alex responded this time.
“Tight. No one gets near without clearance.”
Leo’s expression remained unchanged, but his next words carried something deeper.
“And back home?”
Alex understood immediately. “Carl is on it,” he said. “He hasn’t left her side.”
Leo’s jaw tightened slightly but in approval.
“Good,” he said. “Anywhere she goes he goes.”
“Yes, sir.”
Leo paused for a moment before adding. “No exceptions.”
Alex nodded firmly. “Understood.”
That settled something inside Leo even miles away he needed to know she was safe.
The hours passed quickly, meeting of business partners round the world, introductions, handshakes and conversations that required precision, calculation, and control.
By the time the main conference session ended, Leo had already established his presence and just as expected he stood out like the way he always did.
As Leo stepped out of the conference hall, the energy around him changed again, his presence alone being intimidating by people. Alex remained just behind him, his presence subtle but firm, ensuring no one got too close without clearance.
Investors began approaching almost immediately.
“Mr. Carter, a pleasure.”
“We’ve been looking forward to this.”
“Your reputation precedes you.”
Leo handled each one with ease. His handshake was firm.
“Yes, we’ll review that.”
“Send the details to my assistant.”
“We’ll discuss further.”
Every response was precise, to them he was exactly what they expected.
Soon, Leo found himself seated with a group of high profile partners, engaged in a serious discussion. Charts were being referenced, numbers exchanged, future plans hinted at.
Kat stood nearby, taking notes efficiently.
Alex remained positioned behind Leo, watchful as ever. Leo was in the middle of a call now, speaking fluently, his tone steady and authoritative.
“Yes, we’ll finalize that after this session,” he said. “No delays.”
His focus was stable and absolute, until his phone vibrated. A message Leo’s eyes flickered down briefly. He took just a glance on his screen but that was all it took. The moment he saw her name his position changed. He opened the message.
Are you done? I miss you already.
For a second Leo forgot where he was. The noise, the people, the pressure everything faded and just then he smiled and that shocked everyone at the table.
The conversation paused immediately as the partners exchanged quick glances because in all their years, all their interactions they had never seen him like that. Leo Hayes Carter blushing that was strange.
One of them leaned slightly forward. “Mr. Carter?” he called.
Leo blinked, snapping back slightly but the faint trace of that smile remained.
“Excuse me,” he said calmly, already standing up.
He stepped away, leaving behind a table full of stunned, confused, and curious faces.
Leo walked a short distance away, his hand already dialing. The call connected quickly and then her face appeared on the screen.
“Leo,” Ruby said softly.
“Hey,” he replied, his voice soft.
“How are you?” she asked.
“I should be asking you that,” he said.
Ruby smiled. “I’m okay,” she said. “Just… wanted to see you.”
Leo leaned slightly against the wall, his eyes fixed on her.
“I wanted to see you too,” he admitted.
Ruby’s smile grew. “Are you busy?”
“A little,” he said. “But not too busy for you.”
She laughed softly. “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything important.”
Leo shook his head. “You didn’t.”
And he meant nothing there, none of it felt more important than this moment.
“You look tired,” Ruby said, studying his face.
Leo smirked faintly. “That obvious?”
“A little,” she teased.
He sighed lightly. “It’s been a long day.”
Ruby’s expression softened. “Did everything go well?”
“Yes,” he said. “Handled everything.”
“I knew you would.”
Leo tilted his head slightly. “You always believe in me, don’t you?”
Ruby didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
They continued talking about nothing but to Leo it meant more than all the conversations he had that entire day.
Back in the hall the partners were still watching, still confused because the man they had been sitting with was the one they knew would never step away like that, never smile like that.
But Leo didn’t care because on that screen was the only thing that truly mattered to him as he stood there, speaking to her quietly, a faint smile still resting on his lips. It became clear.
For the first time in a long time Leo Carter wasn’t just being powerful. He was being human.