Kim's return to Leo's life had been tumultuous, shaking the foundations of the Vanderbilt family. Her false claims about Amelia and the subsequent exposure had left her desperate and embittered. The more she saw Leo and Haram's relationship strengthen, the more her envy grew, festering into something dark and dangerous.
Kim's desperation reached a boiling point. Convinced that Haram was the obstacle standing between her and Leo, she decided to take drastic measures. She hired an assassin to eliminate Haram, believing that once she was out of the picture, Leo would be hers.
In a dimly lit bar on the outskirts of the city, Kim met with a shadowy figure. The assassin, a cold-eyed man named Victor, listened impassively as Kim laid out her plan. He was a professional, indifferent to motives as long as the price was right.
"Make it look like an accident," Kim instructed, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination. "I don't want any suspicion falling back on me."
Victor nodded, his expression unreadable. "Consider it done. I'll need the details of her routine, where she goes, who she's with."
Kim provided the information, her hands shaking slightly as she handed over a thick envelope filled with cash. "I want it done quickly," she added, her eyes hardening with resolve.
Victor pocketed the envelope and slipped away into the night, leaving Kim with a mixture of dread and anticipation.
Meanwhile, at the Vanderbilt mansion, life carried on with its usual rhythm. Leo and Haram had settled into a comfortable routine, their bond growing stronger each day. They enjoyed their quiet moments together, finding solace in each other's presence.
One evening, as they prepared for bed, Leo turned to Haram, his expression thoughtful. "I've been thinking about us, Haram. We've come so far, and I want to make sure you're happy. Truly happy."
Haram smiled, touched by his concern. "I am happy, Leo. We've built something real together, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Leo leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I'm glad to hear that. I love you, Haram. More than I ever thought possible."
Haram's heart swelled with emotion. "I love you too, Leo."
The following day, Haram drove to the office, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the city. Her thoughts were occupied with the upcoming board meeting, the details of their latest project running through her mind.
Victor had been watching her for days, studying her habits and movements. He knew exactly where to strike, waiting for the perfect moment. As Haram parked her car in the underground garage, Victor slipped in behind her, his presence masked by the shadows.
Haram stepped out of her car, her heels clicking against the concrete floor. She didn't notice the figure approaching from behind until it was too late. Victor moved with lethal precision, grabbing her from behind and covering her mouth to stifle her scream.
"Don't make a sound," he hissed, his grip tightening. "Just come with me quietly, and you won't get hurt."
Panic surged through Haram, but she forced herself to stay calm. She had to think clearly, to find a way out. As Victor dragged her towards a dark corner of the garage, she remembered the small can of pepper spray in her purse. It was her only chance.
With a surge of adrenaline, Haram twisted in Victor's grip, reaching for her purse. She managed to grab the pepper spray and aimed it at his face, pressing the trigger. The spray hit Victor's eyes, and he let out a pained roar, releasing his hold on her.
Haram didn't wait to see the aftermath. She sprinted towards the elevator, her heart pounding in her chest. She frantically pressed the button, praying for the doors to open. Behind her, Victor was recovering, cursing loudly as he wiped at his eyes.
The elevator doors slid open, and Haram rushed inside, pressing the button for the ground floor. As the doors closed, she caught a glimpse of Victor's furious face. She knew she wasn't safe yet. She needed to get to Leo, to warn him and find protection.
The elevator ride seemed to take forever, but finally, the doors opened to the lobby. Haram ran towards the security desk, her voice shaking as she explained what had happened. The guards reacted quickly, calling the police and alerting the building's security team.
Leo was in a meeting when he received the frantic call from Haram. He felt a chill run down his spine as he listened to her terrified voice. "Leo, someone tried to attack me in the garage. I'm okay, but I'm scared."
"Stay where you are," Leo said urgently. "I'm coming to you right now. Don't move, Haram."
He raced out of the conference room, ignoring the confused looks from his colleagues. His mind was racing, fear and anger battling for dominance. How had this happened? Who would want to hurt Haram?
When he reached the lobby, he found Haram surrounded by security guards. She ran to him, her eyes wide with fear. Leo wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. "It's okay, I'm here. You're safe now."
Haram clung to him, her body trembling. "Leo, he said it was supposed to look like an accident. He knew my routine. Someone must have sent him."
Leo's jaw tightened with fury. "We'll find out who did this. I promise you, Haram. No one is going to hurt you."
The police arrived soon after, taking Haram's statement and reviewing the security footage. They identified Victor and began a citywide manhunt. Leo and Haram were escorted back to the mansion, the security detail around them doubled.
As the day wore on, Leo's mind kept returning to one question: who could be behind this? The answer came to him in a flash, and his blood ran cold. Kim. She was the only one with a motive and the means to carry out such a plan.
That evening, Leo confronted Kim, his anger barely contained. "I know what you did," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You tried to have Haram killed. How could you stoop so low?"
Kim's eyes widened with feigned innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about, Leo. Why would I do something like that?"
"Don't play games with me, Kim," Leo snapped. "The police will find the evidence, and when they do, you'll pay for this."
Kim's facade cracked, a sneer curling her lips. "You think you can protect her forever? She doesn't belong with you. I'm the one who truly loves you."
Leo's expression hardened. "This ends now, Kim. Stay away from us, or I'll make sure you regret it."
He turned and walked away, his heart heavy with the weight of betrayal. Back at the mansion, he found Haram in the study, staring out the window. She turned to him, her eyes filled with questions.
"Did you find out who did this?" she asked quietly.
Leo nodded, his jaw set. "It was Kim. She hired the assassin. But she won't get away with it. I promise you, Haram, I'll protect you no matter what."
Haram felt a mixture of relief and fear. She leaned into Leo, finding comfort in his embrace. "Thank you, Leo. I trust you."
As they stood together, the weight of the day's events pressing down on them, they knew their love and determination would see them through. As they looked towards the future, they knew that their bond would only grow stronger, fortified by the trials they had endured together.