CHAPTER THIRTY - THE CEO'S SECRET HAND

  .Leon's eyes widened slightly, and for a terrifying moment, Nia thought she'd said too much. But then his expression softened, and he nodded slowly. "Thank you, Nia," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You know, I don't often talk about this with anyone. But there's something about you... I feel like you understand. Like we have a connection, somehow." Nia's stomach twisted with a mix of warmth and guilt. She managed a small smile, praying her face didn't betray the storm of emotions raging inside her. "I should get back to work," she said softly, gesturing towards her abandoned cleaning cart. Leon nodded, straightening up and composing himself. "Of course. Thank you for listening, Nia. It means more than you know." As Nia walked away, she could feel Leon's eyes on her back. The weight of her secret felt heavier than ever, threatening to crush her under its burden. Later that night, Nia found herself pacing in her sister Maria's living room, her emotions spilling out in a