“Chaos is one thing. But you’re flirting with disaster at this point,” she said, her tone half-teasing, half-concerned. “You know you’re supposed to be the one keeping your shit together, not falling apart at the seams.”
“Thanks for the reminder, Mina. I’ll be sure to put that on my to-do list right under ‘avoid life choices that lead to excessive hangovers,’” he said dryly.
Mina chuckled, adjusting her bag. “Just keep your head in the game today. I can’t handle another ‘Leo moment’ in front of the board.”
Leo sighed dramatically. “Why do I feel like I’m about to get a lecture on responsibility and maturity?”
“Because you are!” she shot back playfully. “Now get it together, or I’ll have to take over your ‘mysterious prince’ duties, and trust me, nobody wants that.”
With that, Leo pulled up to the curb, giving her an exaggerated, pained expression. “I’m going to need a miracle today, then.”
“Don’t worry,” she said, opening the door. “I’ll be your miracle. Just remember to breathe and look intimidating.” 
As she stepped out, she winked at him. “See you inside, Mr. Mysterious!” 
“Yeah, yeah, see you later,” Leo called after her, shaking his head with a smile as she walked away, feeling a bit lighter than before.
*
At the office, Leo and Mina stood frozen at the sight of Rudolf already seated in the CEO’s chair, a self-satisfied smirk plastered across his face. 
“What is he doing here?” Leo whispered, incredulity etched on his features.
Mina raised an eyebrow, glancing at Leo. “Do you want me to call security or just throw a paperclip at him?”
Leo snorted, “Please, let’s save the paperclips for something more important, like defending ourselves from my uncle’s nonsense.”
As they approached, Mina took a closer look at Rudolf, piecing together his identity. “Wait a minute… that’s your uncle?” 
“Yep,” Leo replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “The family heirloom I can’t seem to shake off.”
Mina suppressed a chuckle but noticed the tension radiating from Leo. She decided to stay out of it, recognizing the rocky relationship between him and Rudolf. 
Rudolf strutted over to Mina, a predatory gleam in his eyes. He glanced at her name tag, which read "Mia." “Mia, is it? Cute name. You must be new here,” he said, feigning interest.
“Just trying to survive the family reunion,” Mina shot back, keeping her tone light.
Rudolf smirked, leaning closer as if sharing a secret. “Well, make sure you don’t get too comfortable. This place can be… unpredictable.” 
Leo stepped in, his voice low and icy. “Why don’t you tell me what you’re really doing here, Uncle? I doubt this is a casual visit.”
Rudolf straightened, the smug expression not wavering. “I’m here to remind you of our little agreement, Leo,” he whispered, leaning in slightly so only Leo could hear. “Don’t forget what’s at stake. I’ll be watching.”
With that, Rudolf turned and walked away, leaving Leo seething. Mina glanced at Leo, unsure of how to address the brewing storm.
“Is he always like that?” she asked, half-joking.
“Only when he thinks he has the upper hand,” Leo replied, trying to shake off the tension. “But let’s focus on what we came here for. I’d rather deal with corporate nonsense than him.”
“Agreed,” Mina said, forcing a smile as they prepared for the meeting ahead.
As Mina and Leo made their way to the meeting with their business colleagues, the air buzzed with anticipation. 
“So, ready to impress everyone?” Mina asked, a playful smirk on her lips.
“Only if you promise not to make me look too good,” Leo shot back, grinning. “We wouldn’t want them thinking I’m the mastermind here.”
“Please, I’ve seen you in action,” Mina teased, nudging him. “You’ve got the charm. I’ll handle the rest.”
The meeting unfolded smoothly, with presentations flowing and ideas exchanged seamlessly. Mina took meticulous notes, her focus unwavering, ensuring nothing slipped by. As they wrapped up, Leo felt the day’s tension melt away, bolstered by their effective collaboration.
As they walked back to the office, Leo turned to Mina, genuine appreciation in his gaze. “You really nailed it today. I’m not sure how I got by without you.”
Mina shrugged, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. “Thanks, but I’m just doing my job. Keeping things running while you steer the ship.”
“You’ve been doing more than that,” Leo replied, his tone serious. “You’ve started taking care of things I didn’t even know I needed.”
Mina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Like what?”
“Like reminding me to eat lunch or nudging me to take breaks. It’s nice, you know?”
“Consider it my secret mission,” Mina quipped, flashing a grin. “Every CEO needs a reliable sidekick.”
Leo laughed, the weight of the day lifting slightly. He found himself enjoying these exchanges more than he expected.
As they returned to the office, Mina organized files with her usual efficiency. Leo watched her for a moment, a smile creeping onto his face.
“You know,” he said casually, “if you keep this up, I might just have to make you co-CEO.”
Mina chuckled, shaking her head. “I think I’ll stick to being your secretary. The behind-the-scenes action is much more my style. Less stress, more fun.”
*
As they drove through the city streets, Leo couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being followed. He glanced in the rearview mirror and his instincts kicked in. 
“Mina, hold on!” Leo shouted, his voice tense. He slammed on the gas, feeling the car surge forward. 
“What’s happening?” Mina asked, panic rising in her voice as she caught a glimpse of the car tailing them. “Are we being chased?”
“Yeah, and they’re not here to give us a friendly wave!” Leo replied, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he swerved through traffic, trying to lose their pursuer. 
Mina's heart raced, her knuckles white as she clutched her seatbelt. “Leo, they’re gaining on us!”
“Just stay low and keep your head down!” he ordered, his focus on the road ahead. He could hear the roar of the other car’s engine behind them, the driver determined to close the distance. 
Suddenly, the sound of gunfire shattered the tension in the car, bullets hitting the back of Leo’s vehicle.