Chapter 9 Alia POV " How's the investigation on Aria going ? " Marco suddenly spoke , carrying an undeniable authority . Urics A flicker of complexity passed through Luca's eyes before he lowered his voice to reply , " Boss , I've got everything figured out . She's been through that kind of pain and betrayal . For the past three years , she's had no one to rely on . If she weren't tough , she'd have been devoured without even a bone left . " Marco shot her a dark , icy glare that could freeze anyone in their tracks . The air in the conference room seemed to solidify for a few seconds ." Realizing he'd overstepped , Luca quickly added , " But now she has you to look after her . " Her tone carried a hint of flattery . The elevator was filled with a faint smell of disinfectant , mixed with the cold , sterile scent of metal and glass . The atmosphere in the company felt more tense than usual , with people bustling about . Perhaps it was because the deadline for the Phantom Game project was looming . Everyone seemed like a tightly wound clock , ticking away . Ding - the elevator doors opened . A familiar figure stepped in - Camilla . The woman was dressed in a tight - fitting business suit , her overpowering perfume suffocating . The sound of her high heels clicking on the floor felt like a declaration of dominance . Instinctively , I shrank back into the corner , pretending to organize my files , hoping she wouldn't notice me . But clearly , luck wasn't on my side . " Well , well , some people think they're hot stuff just because they've become the CEO's Secretary. Look at that short skirt you're wearing- practically showing off those dark , chunky thighs ! " Camilla's voice was sharp and piercing , each word cutting like a knife . I took a deep breath , forcing myself to stay calm . I didn't look up or say a word , just silently clenched my fists . ' Hold it together , Aria . Her petty tricks are nothing . ' Seeing that I didn't respond , Camilla grew even more aggressive , letting out a sneer . " Aria , don't tell me you didn't know our president is married ? " My heart skipped a beat , but I kept a composed expression . Of course I knew - after all , I'm the one who signed the marriage certificate with Marco . Just last night , Marco personally sent an email to the entire company announcing his marriage . Though I knew there might be other motives behind it - family Interests or covering something up - I couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of joy . Hmph , at least he didn't deny my existence as his " wife . " Camilla was probably hoping to see me break down , but when I showed no reaction , her face turned green with anger . Gritting her teeth , she sneered , " You really have no shame . A man like our president is not someone a little intern like you could ever aspire to be with . " I looked up , meeting her gaze directly , and replied in the calmest tone I could muster , " Miss Camilla , I'm just doing my job . As for other matters , I don't think I owe you an explanation . " Her expression froze for a moment , clearly not expecting me to fight back . A flash of venom crossed her eyes , I knew this woman wouldn't let it go . She was probably already scheming to dig up dirt on me and teach me a harsh lesson . Too bad for her - she'd be disappointed . I'm not the same Aria from three years ago , the one who let others walk all over her . After work , I headed straight to the nearby Portano chain supermarket . The supermarket was bustling with noise . The lively atmosphere here helped me relax a bit . Chapter 9 Passing by the ginseng and goji berry aisle , I couldn't help but think of Marco's tireless energy . My cheeks flushed at the memory . ' Get a Aria . No more making those " nourishing " dinners . ' grip , I picked out ingredients , dialing Marco's number on my phone . " Hey … what do you feel like eating tonight ? I've grabbed a bunch of stuff . Any dietary restrictions ? " Chapter Comments