Chapter Six: The Red Wig

Alessia’s POV

I stood frozen for a while—shocked, scared and confused.

The CEO's eyes widened like he recognized me or something.

But that wasn't possible. I had a mask on, and I was also putting on a red wig. To top it off, I was dressed so decently that a priest would want to marry me. So there was no way he was able 

"Is anything wrong?" The chairman asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I shook my head. "No, Sir. I'm just surprised to be in the presence of the famous CEO," I said, an awkward smile curving my lips.

"Oh," The Chairman muttered. "I was actually talking to Mr. Valentino."

Okay, ouch. That hurt. I guess no one cared about how the 'Lady of the Hour' felt.

"I'm fine, Mr. Russo. I just didn't think a lady as beautiful as this was a doctor in your hospital. I wouldn't have minded being admitted weeks ago?"

I had to say, not only was he good-looking, but he was also good with words. 

I mean, he had short, tousled black hair and striking silver eyes that gleamed like metal. Sharp cheekbones and a defined jawline gave his face a sculpted...wait a minute, did he just say admitted? Was he sick?

I swept a glance at him. He didn't look like someone who was ill. I mean, with those broad shoulders and thick arms he looked healthier than an athlete.

"Yeah, she is an asset to the hospital. She even threatened to stab a pervert in his—" The Chairman leaned forward, whispering into Damiano's ears.

His lips curved into a smirk. "I guess she is a woman of many talents."

I chuckled. "Just as you are, Mr. Valentino. I have heard a lot about you, and I have to say, you are really an inspiration."

Before he could say anything, I continued.

"If that'll be all, Mr. Russo, then I would like to return to the office and—"

"No, you don't have to return to the office. I called you here so you could take Mr. Valentino on a tour through the hospital."

What the heck? A tour? My jaw dropped as he said those words.

"But Sir, why me?" I asked, confused.

I was doing everything possible to get away from him so he wouldn't figure out who I was. 

I knew the world saw him as just Damiano Valentino—CEO and heir to the Valentino Group, which was actually the most powerful conglomerate in Italy—he was also Salvatore's third in command.

He was a very powerful man, and the last thing I wanted was for him to find out that I was the girl who had the guts to kick him between his legs.

I had to get away from him as soon as possible.

"Well, Dr. Bianchi, I couldn't think of anyone else to do the job. I mean, you are beautiful, well-mannered, talented, and also funny. I'm sure Mr. Valentino would find you entertaining," The Chairman continued.

It was getting obvious that the Chairman was just pulling my legs. I mean, none of those descriptions fit me. Well-mannered? What am I, some high schooler?

"I understand you, Mr. Russo. I would have loved to be his guide," I lied. "But I have a surgery scheduled for 10am and I don't think we'll be done by then."

The Chairman was silent for a few seconds, thinking about my words. 

Bingo. I had him wrapped in my fingers. 

It wasn't like it was a lie. I did have a surgery scheduled, and he knew. To Mr. Russo, the patients came first. 

He nodded slightly. "You're right. Then I'll have someone else—"

"Mr. Russo," Damiano muttered, turning to him. "I'm sure someone else can handle the surgery."

Mr. Russo looked confused for a second before turning to me.

"I'm sure someone else can handle the surgery," He said.

I was speechless. What just happened? Why did Mr. Russo say the same words that Damiano had said? It was like he had... obeyed him.

"Are you sure about that?" I asked, still taken aback.

"Definitely," Damiano muttered.

"Definitely," Mr. Russo repeated.

Damiano turned to me, a smile curving his lips.

"Then, you two can go along while I tidy up some of this paperwork," He added.

"Sure, Sir," I said as I headed for the door.

I didn't think Mr. Russo was someone who could easily be swayed by money. That was the only thing that could explain why he listened to Damiano easily. 

Was the hospital running low on funds? Was Damiano here to see the hospital so he could decide if he wanted to donate or not?

A part of me felt bad. 

Mr. Russo was a good man. He shouldn't be taking orders from a spoiled, stupid sc*m bag like—

"So where are we going first?" Damiano asked as he fell in line next to me.

A fake smile arched the corners of my lips as I turned to him.

"Anywhere you want to go to Mr. Valentino," I said, my smile still in place.

He folded one of his arms while the other stroked his chin as he thought of what to do.

"I've always wondered what the morgue looked like," He finally said after a few seconds of thinking. "Can you take me there?"

I swallowed hard as his words settled. What the hell?

"The... the morgue?" I asked, my voice cracking. "Why would you want to go there?"

"Just curiosity, Dr. Bianchi. I've always longed to see the place where they take people who crossed me. Both the men—" His smile vanished. "And the women."

He took a few steps towards me. I did the same, except I was heading away from him, a chill running down my spine. 

He knew I was the girl from the night before. He recognized me even without the disguise.

Suddenly, my back hit the wall. There was nowhere else for me to go to.

Then, he shot out his hand, and my heart skipped a beat.