Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 101 - Chapitre 110

[ARIETTA’S POV]I adjusted my posture. I didn’t let him see that I was embarrassed by his comment. Our eyes met, and when I saw the darkness in his gaze, I looked away slightly. I focused on his forehead instead to avoid any distraction."What do you need?" I was already irritated by his presence, and his words only made it worse.He sat in the chair in front of my desk. "I’m here to remind you about the hijacking incident. We need the missing goods. The production for the project, where the missing equipment is allocated, has been halted and delayed. We don’t have time to sit around waiting for you to find the culprit, Miss Romano. We've given you enough time, and the court has given your company enough time to pay. This is business we’re talking about, no matter how big or small the amount, every cent counts.""I know that!" I snapped. "I told you, we’re already looking for the trucking company." I took a deep breath. "Also, why are you the one here? Shouldn’t Damiano or one of his

[ARIETTA’S POV]I keep seeing Pierce now because he's helping with the investigation into the hijacking accident. But it’s not me he talks to there—it’s my cousin. Jasper knows more about what happened than I do, so it’s better that they discuss it.Whenever I see Pierce, I try my best to remain civil. Sometimes, I just nod at him or give him a small, polite smile—but he never returns those smiles. He just keeps staring at me until I disappear from his sight."You’re still affected, huh?" Blaire’s voice came through the line. I called her because I felt like I needed to talk to someone about what I’m going through right now."Yes," I admitted this time, no longer denying it. "That’s why sometimes I don’t want to leave the office, like today. I don’t want to see him outside. I don’t want to bump into him and have an awkward expression on my face, one that almost screams to Pierce that I still love him."I sat back in my swivel chair and leaned against the backrest. I rubbed my temples.

[ARIETTA’S POV]I spent some time taking care of a few things before I left the place. That evening, I called Mom again to check on them. I was happy to hear that Dad was doing better, but I still advised him not to return to work yet. The situation was still somewhat stressful.Suddenly, I remembered what Pierce had said about trusting the people around me. I shuddered every time I heard his voice saying that.On the night of the gala, there was a lot of media outside the venue. Jasper had given me a heads-up about it, so I knew what to expect. I let them take pictures of me since it’s apparently part of these kinds of events. Once we got inside, Jasper immediately introduced me to someone he knew.I looked around the venue. There were a lot of people, all of them from powerful families and tycoons who were highly regarded in their respective businesses.My smile faded when my gaze fixed on a group of men. I gasped for air as my lungs tightened, making it hard to breathe.I only spot

[ARIETTA’S POV]I was startled by a call from Mom, which I immediately answered. I was still rubbing my eyes when I saw her frantic, almost hysterical face."Oh my god, Ari!" she yelled. "Thank goodness you're alive!"I couldn’t help but laugh at her words. "Of course, Mom. I’m alive and well. What are you talking about?""It’s what happened at the gala last night!" Mom took a deep breath. "I heard what happened, honey. I’ve been worried sick all morning! I told you, it was a bad idea to go back there alone. Even with securities and all, something could still happen to you. Especially since you were by yourself. We weren’t there!"My shoulders slumped. My mom was being hysterical again. But I couldn’t blame her. After everything that happened—like when I got lost as a child—it was enough to make her scared."I’m okay, Mom. I have my bodyguards with me.""No, darling. I need to hire a more reliable bodyguard. Are you at home?"I nodded. I didn’t want to argue. I respected my mom’s opin

[ARIETTA’S POV]I thought of ways to make Pierce’s job harder, and then he’d realize he’s just wasting his time with me. I could easily fire him, but I don’t know... why does it feel like I don’t want to?I checked my phone and saw a text from Blaire.Blaire:"Let’s go out! I need to get wasted. Axel and I broke up. He cheated on me, that asshole!"My eyes widened when I saw it. I quickly typed a reply to my friend.Me:"What happened? You have to tell me everything tonight, okay? Text me the place where we’re going."When I got to the condo, I quickly handed my things to Pierce to put in my room. I rummaged through my stuff to find something to wear tonight. Blaire already told me where we would meet.I saw a cross halter dress. It showed my stomach, but I think I could pull it off. We’re going to a bar! No need to be conservative.I took a shower and got ready. I don’t know what Pierce is doing right now, but I shouldn’t care.Once I was ready, I left my room. I was putting some thi