Chapter 5:

Xavier narrowed his icy eyes that resembled a thousand-year-old frigid lake, and sneered, “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?”

“Aria?”

Before Aria could unravel her boss’s enigmatic thoughts, a familiar gentle voice called out to her.

At that moment, Aria suddenly recalled her conversation with Dr. Wilson the day before. That was right before her boss abruptly ended the phone call yesterday!

Was Xavier referring to Dr. Wilson?

Aria glanced up at Scott, who was approaching them, and then at Xavier, whose eyes gleamed with mockery.

That must be it! Otherwise, why would he be here today?

Scott came closer and observed the bleeding back of Aria’s hand. It was a result of her hasty removal of the needle without applying pressure.

Frowning, he cautioned Aria, “You’re bleeding. According to the time of your drip, it shouldn’t have been finished yet.”

Aria glanced down and quickly applied pressure to the needle puncture. “Thank you, Dr. Wilson. I’ll take care of it.”

Scott sighed with concern and gently placed the back of his hand on Aria’s forehead.

“The fever has subsided, but you still need to rest.”

Worried that Xavier might misunderstand, Aria swiftly averted her gaze. “I understand.”

Scott helplessly slipped his hands into his pockets and stood upright to face Xavier, who was breathing heavily.

In a gentle yet polite tone, he spoke, “Sir, the patient needs to rest. Please limit the duration of your conversation.”

Xavier lifted his gaze and locked eyes with Scott. “It’s rare to encounter a doctor who can accurately measure a patient’s temperature without relying on instruments.”

Scott smiled and replied, “That’s thanks to my extensive clinical experience. It also saves time and allows me to respect the patient’s need for adequate rest.”

Scott deliberately emphasized the words “respect the patient’s need for rest.”

Aria felt a wave of anxiety wash over her.

She knew that Dr. Wilson was speaking up for her, but he was unaware of Xavier’s identity.

Everyone in Florence City was aware of her boss’s ruthless nature. If he became displeased, the entire city would tremble under his wrath.

If Dr. Wilson upset Xavier, he could lose his job at any moment.

“Dr. Wilson, this is my boss. Please, go back to work. I have some matters to discuss with my boss!” Aria hastily intervened, her words laced with urgency.

Dr. Wilson averted his gaze and looked at Aria. He nodded and departed.

Recognizing it was inappropriate for him to linger, Daniel tactfully made his way to the elevator and patiently waited.

The ensuing silence weighed heavily upon Aria. She mustered the courage to speak, “Mr. De Luca…”

“What do you gain from all this?” Xavier coldly interjected.

He turned away, his eyes hinting at mockery. “Do you expect my sympathy in return?”

Aria stood there, stunned. “Mr. De Luca, I don’t understand what you mean!”

Xavier lowered his gaze, peering down at Aria, who stood a head shorter than him. His handsome face radiated an icy coldness.

His eyes, like thin ice, reflected a frigid glint as he uttered with a chilling tone, “Don’t you find your attempts to elicit sympathy and portray yourself as pitiful quite juvenile? Or perhaps you feel that what I have provided you with isn’t enough, and now you seek connections with a doctor to secure free treatment for your mother?”

Xavier’s words pierced Aria’s heart like a knife.

The pain was suffocating, almost unbearable.

She hadn’t even known about her fever, so how could she have feigned it?

It was clear now. Right from the start, she was nothing more than a crass fortune hunter in his eyes!

Aria clenched her fists, determined to maintain composure.

She forced a smile and inquired, “Mr. De Luca, what kind of response do you expect from me?”

Aria’s distant and bureaucratic reply fueled Xavier’s anger.

Closing in on Aria, he took a step forward, his sharp eyes prying into her emotions.

“If it’s money you want, then perform your job diligently. And if you dare to engage in an ambiguous relationship with another man before our relationship ends, you’d better be ready to accept the consequences!”

Aria’s nails nearly pierced her palms, yet her tone remained calm. “Mr. De Luca, the contract terms are clear. Once the person you sought returns, the contract terminates, granting me freedom to pursue someone else.”

Finally, Aria showed her true temper.

Rarely did she challenge Xavier, and in his eyes, she should submit unquestioningly.

This was the first time Aria had fiercely stood up to him.

Xavier’s towering figure loomed over her, his iron-like fingers gripping her chin. “Aria, have you become bolder?”

Tears welled up in Aria’s eyes. After years of obedience, could her defiance truly provoke such fury?

A cold smile played on Aria’s lips. “Thank you for the compliment, Mr. De Luca.”

Xavier tightened his grip. “You want to terminate the contract prematurely, don’t you? Aria, I won’t allow it!”

With that, Xavier released his hold.

In an instant, anger transformed into disgust in his gaze as he forcefully pushed Aria away and strode off.

Aria, pressed against the wall, slowly sank down as tears streamed down her face.

Aria gathered herself and made her way back to the ward. After spending a few more hours with her mother, she returned to her humble abode.

Her family’s house was situated in an aging neighborhood. The house she had purchased for her mother earlier had been sold by her father to settle his debts.

Now, all that remained was this dilapidated and cramped dwelling, barely spanning 60 square meters.

Aria ascended to the second floor and opened the door. Immediately, the stench of alcohol assaulted her senses.

Standing in the doorway, she surveyed the scattered wine bottles on the floor and let out a weary sigh.

After tidying up, Aria settled herself in front of her computer. Just then, a message popped up.

[G, you’re taking too long this time. My boss is on the verge of losing his temper!]

Aria replied. [I apologize. I’ve been occupied lately. Please give me another half an hour.]

After sending her response, Aria buried her head in the fashion design draft she had been working on halfway.

In addition to her role as Xavier’s personal secretary, Aria would also take on freelance fashion design projects during her free time to earn extra income.

The other party swiftly replied. [G, with your exceptional talent in design, if you pursue it wholeheartedly, you could become an internationally renowned designer in no time. Why do you still insist on following Mr. De Luca?]

Aria responded with a bitter smile. [Quick money.]

Her mother’s medical expenses amounted to tens of thousands every month, and her father’s outstanding debts reached hundreds of thousands. She had no other choice.

After attending to her responsibilities, Aria noticed that there was still some time left. She grabbed her bag and hurriedly made her way to the office.

Just as she stepped out of the elevator, she bumped into Xavier and Daniella.

Concern evident in her voice, Daniella asked, “Ms. Hale, are you feeling better now?”

Aria avoided looking directly at Xavier and responded to Daniella, “I’m feeling much better. Thank you for your concern.”

Daniella’s smile was sweet and kind. “You’re welcome. The sooner you recover, the sooner you’ll be able to share some of Mr. De Luca’s burdens.”

As she spoke, Daniella delicately tucked a strand of her long hair behind her ear, revealing the red mole on her petite earlobe.

She cast a gentle sideway glance at Xavier. “Mr. De Luca, why don’t we bring back some food for Ms. Hale during dinner later?”

Xavier’s expression turned cold. “No need! She’s an adult and perfectly capable of taking care of her own meals.”

With that, he firmly grasped Daniella’s wrist and walked into the elevator.

Aria tactfully stepped back and calmly brushed past them.

However, as she entered the office, a bitter smile formed on her lips. ‘I shouldn’t have come back to the office at this hour.’

Aria’s heart ached as she remembered the effortless interaction between the two, seemingly unaware of anyone else around them.