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“Yeah, I heard,” Luca cut in coldly. “Is this how you speak to everyone here, or just the ones who haven't even finished their first day?”
“No, Mr. Stanson, that’s not it,” one of the girls stammered, but Luca silenced her with a sharp glance.
“She’s going to be the—”
“—COO’s secretary,” Anya interrupted immediately, stopping Luca before he could say anything further.
Luca gave her a questioning look, but she motioned for him to stay quiet. “Let me handle it,” she whispered.
The girls blinked. “Oh, so you’re Mr. Stanson’s secretary? You should’ve told us earlier.”
They gave forced laughs, trying to play it off.
“Well, that explains it,” another girl chimed in.
“I was wondering why you were in his office for so long—”
She stopped mid-sentence when the others shot her a warning look.
“Get back to work,” Luca ordered, voice clipped.
Then he turned to Anya and said, quietly, “Come. Let’s go. I’ll help you with the tasks for today.” He guided her back into his office.
Later that evening, Anya returned home just around dinner time. The sky outside was dimming, painting soft golden streaks across the windows. Though she’d only joined the company today, she was already feeling the pressure of everything she needed to learn. Luca had insisted she leave early to get some rest.
She kicked off her heels and collapsed onto the couch with a sigh of relief.
A maid stepped into the living room, glancing around as if searching for someone. When she saw only Anya, she walked over.
“Ms. Anya, has Mr. Luca returned with you?”
“No,” Anya answered, stretching as she sat up. “He’s still working. He asked me to go home first. Why?”
“I was wondering if I should serve your dinner now or if you’ll wait for him,” the maid said politely.
“I’m just going to take a shower first, then I’ll eat,” Anya replied with a tired smile, already getting up and stretching. “I’m exhausted.”
Just then, the doorbell rang, and both women looked toward the door.
“Who could it be at this hour?” Anya muttered, standing up.
“I’ll go check,” the maid said quickly. She rushed to the door and glanced through the camera before turning back to Anya with wide eyes.
“Ms. Anya, it’s Mrs. Kingsley. Janet Kingsley.”
“Shit,” Anya hissed under her breath, her entire body going still.
Anya’s body stiffened at the mention of Janet’s name. She had almost forgotten about the woman’s persistence. But Janet was not the kind of woman who let herself be forgotten for long.
“I’m going upstairs,” she said quickly. “Just tell her no one’s home. Say Annie is sick and can’t meet visitors.”
The maid nodded, and Anya disappeared up the stairs.
The maid opened the door, and Janet was standing there with a large basket of fruit, dry fruits, and chocolates in a box.
“Mrs. Kingsley,” the maid greeted her, stepping aside slightly.
“Hi! Where is everyone?” Janet’s voice was sugary-sweet. “I brought some gifts!” She tried to step inside.