23

Valeria stepped into the towering glass building, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. The receptionist had already directed her to the top floor, where Adrian Reed’s office was located. 

With a steadying breath, she adjusted her blazer and knocked on the door. "Come in," a smooth, confident voice called out. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, expecting to see a middle-aged executive with graying hair and a stern expression. 

Instead, a man in his mid-thirties leaned casually against his desk, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "You look surprised," he observed, eyes flicking over her face with amusement. Valeria blinked. "I— I just assumed—"

"That I’d be old?" He chuckled, shaking his head as he crossed his arms. "Happens more often than you’d think." She felt heat rise to her cheeks. "No, I just— I wasn’t sure what to expect."

Adrian Reed was nothing like the corporate tycoons she had imagined. He was tall, well-built, and carried an effortless charm that made it hard to believe he was the same man who had hired her purely off a recommendation and her academic record.

"Relax, miss Valeria," he said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. "I don’t bite. Well, not unless there’s a contract involved." She hesitated before sitting, watching as he rounded his desk and took a seat opposite her.

"You’re probably wondering why I hired you, I assume." he continued, lacing his fingers together. "Let me make it simple—I read through your credentials. Top of your class, excellent grades, and an impressive record of problem-solving. That alone would’ve been enough."

Her brows knitted slightly. "Then why did Bella have to recommend me?" Adrian grinned. "Because Bella is a persistent little thing, and I trust her judgment. She told me you needed this job, and frankly, I needed a marketing head who doesn’t waste my time." 

He leaned forward, his gaze sharp but not unkind. "You up for it?" Valeria sat up straighter. "Yes. I am."

"Good." He tapped his fingers against the desk before sliding a folder toward her. "Welcome to the team, Valeria. Let’s see what you’re made of."

“Err…” Valeria hesitated for a moment before gathering the courage to ask, “You sound really familiar with Bella… How do you know her?”

Adrian’s playful smirk wavered slightly, and for the first time since she entered the office, she saw a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. 

He leaned back in his chair, drumming his fingers lightly against the desk as if debating whether to answer. "It’s not important," he said dismissively. "You got the job, and that’s what matters."

Valeria tilted her head, not letting his evasiveness slip past her. "That’s not an answer, Mr. Reed." His lips quirked upward, but this time, the amusement didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Persistent, aren’t you?"

She folded her hands in her lap, waiting. Adrian exhaled through his nose, shaking his head as if he found himself ridiculous for even hesitating. Finally, he said, "Bella’s my sister." Valeria’s eyes widened. "What?"

"Surprised?" Adrian’s voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it. "We don’t exactly advertise it." Valeria blinked, trying to piece it together. She had known Bella for years, but not once had Bella mentioned that her brother was Adrian Reed.

The Adrian Reed, a name tied to business empires and power circles. "You look like you have a thousand questions," Adrian remarked, watching her closely.

"Can you blame me, uh?" Valeria let out a small, incredulous laugh. "Bella never mentioned she had a brother. Let alone you." Adrian’s jaw tightened ever so slightly. "There’s a reason for that."

Valeria hesitated, sensing a deeper story beneath his words. "Are you two… on bad terms or what?" Adrian’s gaze flickered away for a brief second before he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. 

"It’s complicated. Let’s just say Bella and I don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things, but I look out for her in my own way. That includes hiring you."

Valeria sat back, digesting the revelation. "Does Bella know this?" He smirked, but it didn’t hold the same arrogance as before. "She will if you tell her our little secret, I suppose."

Valeria exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "This… explains a lot." She stood silent for a bit. "Does it?" Adrian raised a brow. "I doubt it. But I suggest you focus on the job, Valeria. Whatever you think you know about Bella and me—just leave it at that."

She studied him for a moment before nodding slowly. "Fine. But for the record, she cares about you. I am sure of it." Adrian’s smirk returned, though this time, it carried something unreadable beneath it. "That’s Bella for you."

Adrian leaned back in his chair, watching Valeria closely. “You’ll be the Marketing Head. I expect you to oversee campaigns, manage our branding strategies, and handle client pitches.” He paused for a beat before adding, “You can work from home if needed. I know you have… personal matters to consider.”

Valeria’s lips parted slightly in surprise. “You mean my pregnancy?” Adrian shrugged, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. “I did my research before hiring you.”

She swallowed, suddenly unsure of how to respond. It wasn’t that she was ashamed of it, but hearing him acknowledge it so casually was unexpected.

“Don’t look so shocked,” Adrian continued smoothly. “I don’t hire people without knowing everything about them. And I figured you’d need some flexibility.”

Valeria exhaled, a small smile of gratitude forming. “Thank you. For adjusting to my schedule.” He nodded. “Just do your job well, and we’re good.”

Taking that as her cue to leave, Valeria stood up. “I won’t disappoint you.” she smiled. “I know.” His voice was confident, almost too certain. She turned on her heel and exited the office, closing the door behind her.

As soon as she left, Adrian let out a slow breath and leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk. His gaze flickered to the photograph in a sleek silver frame beside his laptop.

It was a picture of Valeria. A slow smile played on his lips as he traced a finger over the edge of the frame. “Let’s see where this goes, Valeria,” he murmured to himself, his eyes darkening with an unreadable emotion.

Adrian’s phone buzzed against his desk, the name Bella flashing on the screen. His smirk deepened as he picked it up, leaning back in his chair. “Checking up already, sis?” he drawled.

Bella’s voice came through the receiver, playful yet firm. “I told you to take care of her, Adrian. Did she reach safely?” He chuckled, rubbing his temple. “Yes, she did. She just left my office. Didn’t waste time grilling me about you, though.”

Bella sighed. “I knew she would. What did you tell her?” she became curious. “The truth.” He shrugged, even though she couldn’t see him. “That you’re my little sister.”

“Ugh.” Bella groaned dramatically. “You make it sound like I’m a child. Did she seem angry? Goodness, Adrian! Why did you disclose this? She must hate me now.” 

Adrian laughed. “You kind of still are. And I didn’t, your friend is sharp and caught our planning at once.” She huffed. “Whatever. More importantly, how did she seem? Was she nervous?”

Adrian hesitated for a moment, his gaze drifting back to the framed picture of Valeria. “She’s holding it together,” he admitted. “But she’s careful. Guarded. It’s like she’s expecting the worst.”

Bella’s voice softened. “She’s been through a lot, Adrian. And now, with the baby…” her voice trailed off.  “I know.” His jaw clenched slightly, but he shook it off. “I’ll keep an eye on her. Make sure she’s comfortable.”

“You better,” Bella warned. “Because if you mess with her, I’ll fly over there and personally make your life hell. And don’t be a creep to her, alright? Keep your crush over her low key.”

Adrian smirked. “Duly noted, sis.” Bella sighed again, but this time with relief. “Alright. Thanks, Adrian. Just… be good to her, okay?”

He didn’t respond immediately, his fingers tapping lightly against his desk. His gaze lingered on Valeria’s photo once more before he finally said, “Yeah. I will.” And with that, he ended the call, his smirk fading into something more contemplative.

Adrian leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest as he stared up at the ceiling. A slow, knowing smile spread across his lips. ‘She doesn’t remember me. But how could it be?’ 

The thought should’ve bothered him, maybe even hurt. But instead, it amused him. ‘It was almost poetic—Valeria, standing in front of me today with no recognition in your eyes.’ She was completely unaware of the past they once shared.

He let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. ‘A pity that you don’t remember me but I will win you back. I know you have been through so much but I will turn your pain into pleasure. Just give me a chance.’ He mused. ‘It doesn’t matter if you will recall about me or not. Because I would make you remember.’

‘Not by force. Not by desperation. But by proving myself worthy of you, by being there, by winning you over the way I always should have. I will erase every memory of Markus Moreno from your life now.’ 

Adrian’s fingers reached for the frame on his desk again, his thumb brushing over the image. It wasn’t just some random picture he’d pulled from a file—it was one he had kept for years. 

A reminder of what once was. His expression turned smug. “Let’s see how long it takes, Valeria,” he murmured under his breath. “This time, I’m not letting you slip away. This time you are mine. Forever.”