In the office

In the Williams mansion, Noah was trying to find a way to talk to Emma. Rina had returned, and she could harm them. Nicole couldn't find out who she truly was.

"I've noticed you've been acting strange and distant. Is something wrong?"

"On the day of the gathering, when I was leaving with Nicole to take her home, Rina appeared. After all these years, she dares to come."

"That can't be. We must keep her away from my daughter. She abandoned her when she was very young. She can't expect to reclaim her now."

"I know. We must keep a close watch on her without Nicole finding out. We must do everything in our power to prevent her from getting close to our daughter."

That night, Leandro invited Shelsy to dinner. It would be a great opportunity to end things with her and make everything clear. After all, she didn't love him; she was still in love with Bruno. He knew that if he asked her, she would help him separate Bruno from Nicole. She was a hollow and empty woman, and he couldn't stand being with her anymore. He picked her up, and as soon as she got in the car, she started talking non-stop, as she always did.

"Hey, Leandro, you won't believe it. Next week is Paris Fashion Week, and I'll be walking for a very important brand. I want you to accompany me."

Leandro didn't say anything. He waited until they arrived at the restaurant to talk to her. He had reserved a secluded table where no one could overhear them. He ordered a bottle of fine wine and decided to speak before she started chattering again.

"Shelsy, we need to talk."

"Tell me, sweetheart, I'm all ears."

"We need to end our relationship. I don't love you, and you know it. I've been in love with Nicole for a while, and you're still into Bruno. We need to come up with a plan to separate them."

"I'm fine with coming up with a plan, but I don't understand why we need to separate. We can still carry it out and continue enjoying each other's bodies."

"I'm not interested. Besides, Nicole may have gotten the wrong idea about us. We'll only meet to discuss our plans."

"You're such an idiot. Nobody rejects me."

"Listen, you foolish girl, it's better if you accept it. So just leave and let me have a peaceful dinner."

Shelsy thought that no one had humiliated her in such a way since Dante kicked her out of the engagement party. She took a deep breath to calm herself and decided to accept what Leandro was proposing because it was in her best interest.

Nicole settled into her old room and couldn't help but cry throughout the afternoon. Her nanny brought her a cup of tea to calm her nerves.

"Thank you, nanny, but this feeling in my heart can't be eased by anything."

"My dear, let's go downstairs for dinner. You need to eat and stop crying. Show them that you're fine despite everything."

"I love you so much, nanny. You're right, I'll do it."

She made an effort with her appearance, wearing a short red dress that accentuated her figure and complemented the color of her skin and the curls of her hair.

As she descended to the dining room, Sondra and Bruno were already there. Bruno scanned her with his eyes, but Nicole ignored them, pretending as if nothing was happening. Her nonchalant attitude annoyed Bruno.

"Here, we have a schedule for meals. It's not whenever you feel like it."

"I apologize, sir. I'll have dinner with nanny in the kitchen. Excuse me."

She entered the kitchen, and her nanny served her a delicious soup. She knew it was her favorite, and she hoped it would lift her spirits. With her nanny there, she felt stronger.

After finishing her dinner, she passed through the dining room to go upstairs to her room. Bruno stared at her.

"I need to talk to you, Nicole. I made an agreement with your father that once you finish college, you will come to work at my company. So starting tomorrow, the driver will take you there, and after work, you'll come straight back home. I'll be taking Sondra to your father's company every morning. We'll meet at the office."

"Do I have another choice? I don't think so. So I'll show up at your office tomorrow."

Nicole noticed by the expression on Sondra's face that Bruno's words didn't sit well with her. She imagined that Sondra had learned to read Bruno and didn't dare say anything.

Nicole woke up early in the morning and took a shower. That day, she put extra effort into her appearance. She wore burgundy capri pants, a black top, and a blazer in the same color as her pants. She chose black stilettos to accentuate her figure. She applied light makeup and left her hair down with loose waves. She spritzed on her favorite perfume and stood in front of the mirror, feeling satisfied with the result.

Jack was already waiting for her downstairs to take her to the office.

"Good morning, Jack," she greeted him, and he responded with a smile-like gesture.

Upon arriving at the building, Nicole had no idea where Bruno's office was. She asked the receptionist, who guided her to the top floor.

"Mr. Leone instructed me to accompany you to his office," she informed the receptionist.

Standing in front of his office, Nicole noticed that the secretary was absent. After hesitating for a few seconds, she lightly knocked on the door and entered as she was instructed. Bruno's office was spacious, with enormous windows that offered a magnificent view of the city. All the furniture was made of mahogany wood. Nicole had expected a more modern office, but she was mistaken. It was serious and elegant, just like him.

"Well, you're punctual," he observed her closely. He thought that if he had met her under different circumstances, he would undoubtedly have fallen in love with her. Her soft voice brought him back to reality.

"Tell me, what role will I be fulfilling? As you know, I can draw and create plans, and I'm proficient in using various computer programs," she said.

"No way. You will be my secretary's assistant. You will have a desk next to hers, and your responsibilities will include organizing files, making copies, and preparing coffee. You will receive a salary according to your duties," he replied.

"I could tell you that I won't allow you to humiliate me in that way, but since you are the almighty Bruno Leone, I will do as you ask," she retorted.

"I'm not asking you; I'm ordering you. Remember this always: I don't usually ask," he emphasized.

Nicole left his office after giving a slight bow. She was certain that sparks had flown from her eyes.

As she stepped out, the secretary was already in her place. She was a woman in her fifties, and Nicole imagined she had been working there since Mr. Roberto was the company's president. Nicole approached her politely to introduce herself.

"Good morning, I'm Nicole. Mr. Bruno told me I would be at your disposal."

"Good morning, ma'am. I'm Bertha. I know you're the boss's wife, and I don't know why he gave you this position, but don't worry, I'll try not to make it too tiring for you."

"Thank you very much. I believe we can be good friends. Please don't call me 'ma'am'; just call me Nicole."

"Alright then, you can call me Bertha," the woman replied with a friendly smile.

The day went by without any hitches. During lunchtime, they decided to go down to the cafeteria together. Bertha mentioned that Bruno had hired excellent chefs to ensure the employees had the best meals.

They were waiting for the employee elevator to descend when suddenly Sondra emerged from the executive elevator and entered Bruno's office without warning.

"Darling, I've come for you to go out for lunch as we planned," Sondra exclaimed. Bruno narrowed his eyes. Her voice couldn't be any more shrill.

He couldn't stand Sondra's arrogance or the way she treated the employees. He tolerated her solely to annoy Nicole.

They walked hand in hand out of the office, passing by Nicole without acknowledging her. They didn't even bother to look her way. Nicole felt sorry that Bertha had witnessed what she had become—a complete mockery to those two.

"Nicole, forgive my audacity, but is she your sister? Is something wrong with Mr. Bruno?" Bertha asked.

"It's nothing, really. It doesn't matter," Nicole replied.

They arrived at the cafeteria, just as they were about to start eating, Nicole heard Max's voice.

"Little dragonfly, I've come to have lunch with you. Your father told me today is your first day of work," Max said.

"Max, it's great to see you here!" Nicole was delighted to see her friend. She got up to hug him; his presence had brightened her day.

"This is Bertha, Bruno's secretary," Nicole introduced them.

"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Maximilian, Nicole's best friend," Max greeted Bertha.

They sat down to eat amidst laughter and pleasant conversation. After a while, Bertha bid them farewell as she needed to be at her desk before Bruno returned. Nicole stayed behind to say goodbye to Max.

"Thank you for coming, Max. I needed your company, even if only for a moment," Nicole expressed her gratitude.

"I've wanted to visit you, but Sophie told me that your jerk of a husband has forbidden visits. We'll have to wait for Dante to return so we can do it," Max replied.

"That would be great. I hope he comes back soon. I'll be eagerly waiting," Nicole said.

They bid farewell with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Nicole heard a clearing of the throat behind her, and when she turned, Bruno was observing them with a furious expression. He approached her and pulled her aside.

"May I know what this guy is doing here in my company?" he demanded, visibly angry.