CHAPTER 60
ARIA’S POV
Days after the business party, I haven’t heard anything from Adam or Clark. While their silence is a relief in some ways, it’s also inconvenient given that the project is about to start, and there’s still so much to discuss and coordinate. I have no intention of wasting any more time.
After Sophia being rushed to the hospital, I actually don’t care about Adam and Sophia, but I hope nothing is wrong with the baby. An innocent life shouldn’t be harmed because of the parents‘ issues.
Anyway, back to work, the last time when I told my father about Levi and that everyone thinking that I have an illicit relationship with Neal and that they were talking rubbish every time, he had advised me to let them be.
I’m actually here not just for the company, but on a mission to uncover why we lost some lucrative business deals and why the profits budgeted for the year don’t align with the forecast. There’s more at stake than just the current project, and I need to get to the bottom of these discrepancies. Hence, not disclosing that I am Neal’s sister is to our advantage.
While I’m going through the ledgers, my assistant walks in with some news. Mario has been exceptionally reliable since he was assigned to me. I can always depend on him to complete tasks swiftly and effectively. He is a very reliable person.
“Miss… I need to speak to you urgently.”
The urgency in his voice immediately grabs my attention. Mario only comes into my office when it’s absolutely critical.
“What’s the matter, Mario?”
I set aside what I was doing and focus my attention fully on him.
As Mario begins to recount the rumors circulating online about me, I’m taken aback and a sense of disbelief washes over me. People are calling me names—slut, mistress, and even worse. My mind races as he explains that they claim I got divorced after hooking up with Adam Miller’s uncle, Regis Miller.
Anger and frustration bubble up inside me, mingling with a deep sense of betrayal. Just as I’m stewing over the possibility of Sophia and Eva being involved, Mario drops the bombshell; it’s Suzanne behind these malicious lies.
My heart sinks, and a wave of nausea hits me. I knew that Suzanne hated me but now knowing that she is the mastermind behind those rumors really stunned me. The realization stings, and I feel a mixture of hurt and rage. How could she do this?
The weight of the rumors and the betrayal from within my own circle feels like a punch to the gut. I can feel my hands frembling as I process this information, trying to steady myself against the onslaught of emotions.
I can’t let this affect me and definitely not in front of my junior. Hence I sneer.
“Have you gotten the information I had requested?”
“I did. Here it is.‘
Mario hands me all the information I asked for, and as I sift through the documents, a sense of determination washes over me. I’m grateful for his efficiency and thoroughness, knowing that with this information, I can begin to unravel the mysteries surrounding the discrepancies in our business dealings.
“Great. Thanks, Mario.”
Mario’s dedication to carrying out his tasks to perfection is commendable, and I trust that as my assistant, he’ll
+25 BONUS
CHAPTER 60
keep me informed about any gossip he hears. While it’s not his usual habit to engage in such matters, the seriousness of the rumors makes it imperative to stay informed. His reliability gives me a sense of reassurance amidst the uncertainty swirling around us.
“Where’s Suzanne?”
Mario continues to impress. Before approaching me, he makes sure he’s armed with all the relevant information. His proactive approach and dedication are qualities I truly admire. It’s reassuring to have someone like him on my team.
“She’s at the executive club with some rich ladies.”
The audacity of this woman to leave the office and gossip at the club is quite surprising. I’m certain she’ll try to justify it as networking for future projects, as if I’m unaware of what really happens in those clubs.
“Send me the details of the club and I’ll pay her a visit.”
