23. Leslie Public Victory
Leslie: Public Victory
For the first time in weeks, my apartment feels warm again—not just physically, but in a way that seeps into my bones. Maybe it’s because the storm of accusations and betrayals is finally over. Or maybe it’s because, deep down, I know exactly how I want to celebrate.
With the people who matter.
I toss my purse on the couch, roll up my sleeves, and march straight to the kitchen. Cooking isn’t exactly my thing—I prefer takeout and wine—but tonight feels special. I want to do something meaningful.
Before I get too carried away, I grab my phone and dial Grace. She picks up on the first ring.
“Tell me you’re calling because we’re finally burning Amanda’s effigy,” she says dryly.
I laugh. “Tempting. But no, I’m cooking dinner. Come over and help me.”
There’s a long silence.
“You? Cooking?”
“Yes, me. Cooking. For real.”
Grace snorts. “Do I need to alert the fire department in advance?”
I roll my eyes. “Just get over here, smartass.”
“Fine, fine. I’ll be there soon. But I’m picking the playlist. No sad breakup songs.”
I hang up and smirk. Now for part two.
I open my messages and type out a text to Kyle.
I’m making dinner. You, Daniel, and Mia should come over. But mostly you. Because I have bad intentions.
I pause, then add:
Dress casually. I don’t need you brooding in a three-piece suit while we eat.
Before I can second-guess it, I hit send.
Kyle’s response comes almost instantly.
Bad intentions, huh? Should I be worried?
Yes. Very.
We’ll be there.
I grin and set my phone down, feeling an unfamiliar giddiness.
Tonight is going to be interesting.
***
A few hours later, my apartment is filled with the smell of garlic, roasted chicken, and buttered vegetables. Grace did most of the actual cooking while I stirred things and pretended to know what I was doing.
The doorbell rings, and I wipe my hands on a towel before opening the door. Kyle is standing there, looking unfairly good in a black T-shirt and jeans. Beside him, Daniel smirks, a bottle of wine in his hand.
Mia peeks from behind them. “I brought dessert,” she says cheerfully, holding up a bag.
“Perfect. Come in.”
As they step inside, Daniel whistles. “Wow. A home-cooked meal? Is this a trap?”
Grace, who is setting the table, shoots him a look. “If it is, you’re the first sacrifice.”
Daniel winks. “That’s fine. I’d make an excellent offering.”
I groan. “God, please don’t flirt with each other in my house.”
Kyle raises a brow, looking between them. “Are we witnessing something here?”
Grace sniffs. “Absolutely not.”
Daniel leans on the counter, smirking. “That’s a shame. I was hoping for a something.”
Grace stares at him for a long second before shaking her head. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Ridiculously charming.”
Kyle and I exchange a look. I wrinkle my nose. “Ew.”
Kyle just sighs, rubbing his temples. “I need a drink.”
I chuckle and hand him a glass of wine. “Here. You’ll need it.”
***
We all settle at the table, and for a while, it’s just laughter and easy conversation. Grace and Daniel keep up their weird flirt-banter, making Mia giggle and me groan in secondhand embarrassment.
Kyle, surprisingly, seems amused. He nudges my knee under the table. “You realize if they end up together, we’ll have to deal with this forever.”
I shudder. “Don’t even put that into the universe.”
Kyle smirks, sipping his wine. “Too late.”
The food is actually good. Even Daniel looks impressed. “I expected something edible at best, but this is delicious.”
Grace flips her hair. “You’re welcome.”
Dinner stretches into more wine, more teasing, and for the first time in weeks, I feel light. Like the weight of the past month hasn’t completely consumed me.
As everyone starts to leave, Daniel lingers near Grace, smirking. “So, when’s the next home-cooked meal?”
Grace scoffs. “Never. Enjoy this miracle while it lasts.”
He grins. “I’ll find a way to change your mind.”
I gag. “Okay, that’s enough. Out. All of you.”
Mia hugs me, laughing. “Thanks for inviting me. I needed this.”
I smile, squeezing her back. “Me too.”
Daniel winks at Grace one last time before following Mia out.
And then it’s just Kyle and me.
He doesn’t rush to leave. Instead, he leans against the doorway, watching me. “You did good tonight.”
I cross my arms. “I know. I’m basically a domestic goddess now.”
Kyle chuckles, stepping closer. “You also deserve a break.”
I tilt my head. “What are you saying?”
He cups my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. “You have till Monday to get yourself together for work.”
My heart flutters. “And then what?”
“Then, first thing Monday morning, we’re having a press conference.”
I smirk, leaning into him. “Yes, boss.”
His eyes darken, and before I can say anything else, he kisses me.
It’s slow but firm, his hand slipping into my hair as he deepens it. When he finally pulls back, I’m breathless.
Kyle smirks. “See you Monday, Ms. Hart.”
I watch as he walks out, closing the door behind him.
And just like that, everything feels right.
***
The conference room is packed. Cameras flash, microphones are raised, and the air is thick with anticipation.
Every major news outlet is here, hungry for the official statement on Anthony Reeves’ arrest and Amanda’s downfall.
Kyle stands at the podium, his presence commanding as always. His navy blue suit is crisp, his tie perfectly knotted, and yet, there’s a hint of something else in his posture today—something more personal.
He’s not just here as the CEO of Starz Management Group. He’s here for me.
I stand off to the side, watching as he straightens his shoulders and grips the podium. The murmur of the reporters dies down when he speaks.
“As many of you are aware, Anthony Reeves, the CEO of Pinnacle Management, was arrested four days ago,” Kyle begins, his voice steady and confident.
“The investigation revealed a carefully orchestrated scheme—one designed to sabotage Starz Management by planting fabricated scandals within our company.”
A few reporters whisper among themselves, scribbling notes furiously. Kyle lets the weight of his words settle before continuing.
“One of the victims of this scheme was Leslie Hart, one of our Public Relations Officers.” He glances toward me, his eyes steady. “She was falsely accused of leaking confidential company secrets—an accusation that was not only baseless but deliberately manufactured.”
The room is silent now, the tension palpable.
“Amanda Clarke, the former Chief Tech Specialist at Starz Management, colluded with Reeves to spread these lies. Their goal was to dismantle this company from within. But we fought back, and today, justice has been served.”
Kyle’s jaw tightens slightly before he exhales and continues. “Let me be absolutely clear—Leslie Hart did not betray this company. She was framed. And it ends today.”
My chest tightens at his words. The way he’s standing here, defending me in front of the world, is more than I ever expected.
A reporter in the front row raises his hand. “Mr. Donovan, are you saying Ms. Hart will be reinstated to her position?”
Kyle’s lips twitch, like he was expecting this. “Not reinstated,” he corrects. “Promoted. Effective immediately, Leslie Hart is the new Head of Public Relations at Starz Management Group.”
A wave of murmurs spreads across the room. I blink, my heart racing. Promoted?
I wasn’t expecting that. I knew Kyle wanted me back, but I thought we’d discuss it privately first.
A second reporter jumps in. “Mr. Donovan, this is quite the turnaround considering the previous rumors surrounding Ms. Hart. Can you elaborate on why you’re standing by her?”
Kyle’s expression doesn’t waver. “Because I know the truth.”
More hands shoot up, but one question rings out above the rest—sharp, probing.
“Mr. Donovan, there have also been rumors of a personal relationship between you and Ms. Hart. Can you confirm or deny that?”
The room holds its breath.
My pulse skyrockets. I knew this question was coming, but nothing can prepare me for what happens next.
Kyle doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t glance at his PR team or hesitate like most CEOs would. Instead, he looks directly at the cameras, his voice unwavering.
“Yes,” he says simply.
A ripple of shock moves through the reporters. Cameras flash. Someone gasps.
Kyle doesn’t stop there. “Leslie Hart is not only a member of Starz Management Group—she is the woman I love.”
The words hit me like a lightning bolt.
Kyle keeps going, his voice stronger now. “My relationship with Leslie has never compromised this company. If anything, she makes me better at my job. And I won’t apologize for that.”
The room is in chaos. Reporters are shouting questions, but I can barely process any of it.
He just told the entire world that he loves me.
I feel lightheaded. Every camera is on me now, but I can’t focus on them. My eyes are locked on Kyle, my breath unsteady.
He loves me.
He just said it. Out loud. Publicly.
My hands tremble as I clasp them together. And then, just when I think this moment couldn’t be any more overwhelming—
I see her.
A woman standing near the back of the room, close to the exit. Her arms are crossed, her posture composed, but her gaze is locked onto Kyle. There’s something familiar about her.
And then it clicks.
Chloe. The day I helped Ethan with his project, she showed me a picture of her mother—Julia.
Kyle hasn’t noticed her yet. But I have.
A million thoughts rush through my head. Why is she here? Is she angry? Does she disapprove? I brace myself for the worst.
Kyle finally wraps up the press conference, ignoring the dozens of questions still being thrown his way. He steps back from the podium, turns—
And sees her.
For a second, he freezes. His lips part slightly, his posture stiffens, and I can practically see the emotions warring in his eyes.
Julia doesn’t move. She simply lifts a brow, tilts her head slightly. Then, finally, she speaks.
“Well,” she muses. “Look at you. Actually following your happiness for once.”
Kyle’s entire body tenses.
I hold my breath.
But Julia doesn’t elaborate. She just gives him a small, almost amused look—then turns and walks away.
Leaving Kyle standing there, completely still, his expression unreadable.
And just like that, I realize—battles never end.
Never.