Chapter 25
Alia POV
Throughout the entire day, I was so overwhelmed with spreadsheets and data reports that I missed my lunch time again.
My stomach growled in protest, my phone buzzed for the third time in an hour.
I glanced at the screen, It’s a call from Marco..
Hey, I answered, wedging the phone between my ear and shoulder while continuing to work. “Can I call you back? I’m kind of in the middle of something.
“You said that an hour ago,” Marco’s deep voice carried a hint of annoyance. “Haven’t you eaten lunch yet?”
I rolled my eyes, though he couldn’t see it. “I’m fine. I’ll eat something later.”
Alia-
I really have to go. Talk later, okay?” I hung up before he could protest further.
My computer screen blurred slightly, and I rubbed my eyes.
“You look like death warmed over.”
I looked up to see Tina standing beside my desk, holding an espresso cup. She placed it in front of me with a sympathetic smile.
“Italian espresso. The real stuff, not that watered–down American nonsense. Drink it before you pass out on your keyboard.”
“You’re a lifesaver,” I murmured, gratefully accepting the tiny cup.
The rich, bitter liquid hit my system like a bolt of lightning. ‘I didn’t realize how much I needed this.”
At 4:45 PM, I finally completed what I believe to be the most comprehensive research report on the Phantom Game project within the specified umeframe. My eyes were burning from staring at the screen, but when i clicked to save the final document, a sense of accomplishment washed
over me.
I leaned back in my chair, stretching my arms above my head until my spine cracked satisfyingly. The office had quieted as most people had already left for the day, giving me a rare moment.
I gathered the printed materials into a sleek presentation folder and walked to Berti’s office, knocking lightly on her open door,
“Come in, Alia,” he called, looking up from her computer. “Please tell me you have good news.”
I placed the folder on her desk with a small smile. “The Phantom Game analysis is complete.”
Berti flipped through the pages, her eyebrows rising progressively higher. “This is… extremely thorough. How did you manage this in one day?”
I replied honestly. “Is it what you needed?‘
He nodded, looking impressed. “More than adequate. I’ll email the digital copy to Roberto immediately.” She glanced at his watch. “You should head over to the Scorpione Group office now. Roberto specifically requested to discuss this with you in person before he leaves,”
My heart sank. “Today? Now?”
“He’s waiting for you,” Berti confirmed. “Don’t worry, I’ve already cleared it with HR. You can take the rest of the day off after your meeting.”
I nodded and packed up my things. Walking toward the elevator, I quickly sent Marco a text: I’m going to see Mr. Robert at Red Scorpion Group now, I might get home a bit late today.
Chapter 25
Marco didn’t reply to the text immediately, maybe he was busy and didn’t see it?
The Scorpione Group headquarters was housed in a gleaming glass tower in the financial district. As I rode the elevator to the executive floor, I couldn’t shake a growing sense of unease.
Roberto Fini greeted me with unexpected warmth, rising from behind his massive desk to shake my hand. “Alia Rossi! I’ve been looking forward to meeting you in person.”
He was younger than I expected, perhaps in his early forties, with salt–and–pepper hair and the sharp features.
“Your analysis is exceptional,” he said, gesturing to the open document on his tablet. “Exactly what we needed to move forward with the Phantom Game.”
“Thank you,” I replied, settling into the chair across from him. “I’m glad it meets your expectations.”
Chapter Comments
