An hour later, Marco and Alexa entered the company hand in hand, drawing the gaze of every employee there. Mariana stood at the Marketing department's entrance with a smile while her colleague, who had been quiet, approached her and said, "You don't mind your daughter being the big boss's sugar?"
Hearing that, Mariana raised an eyebrow and denied it with a shake of her head, "What in the world are you talking about? She's not just the boss's little girlfriend, and I guess you'll find out soon enough."
After this, she turned on her heel and went back to her job, recalling the events from a day before.
Flashback:
Romina took Alexa and the twins out for a walk to see the beauty of the restaurant they were in, which boasted a greenhouse filled with the most exotic flowers imaginable. While they explored, Mariana approached Marco for a private conversation.
Marco nodded and they stepped aside to hear what his now mother-in-law had to say.
Mariana:
"Marco, there's something I've wanted to discuss with you alone. I don't want Alexa to feel uneasy. I accepted this whole arrangement for her sake, and I know you, I know you would never hurt her. Experience has taught us what's best for our children, and you'll soon understand that as well. So now, there's just one thing I need to ask of you."
"Don't worry, Mariana, I'll take care of her and never cause her harm. Now tell me, what's this important matter you wanted to discuss, since you've even asked my mother to distract Alexa?"
"You're right, I'll cut to the chase. When Alexa arrived at the company with you, I heard many rumors about you two. I didn't even know they were talking about my little girl. You know, they might be your employees, but people will draw their own conclusions. So I want you to make it clear to everyone that my daughter is your wife, not a social climber or anything of that sort. I need them to show her respect. I don't want Alexa to suffer from what they might say. She's still young and doesn't know how cruel people can be. I need you to promise me you'll protect her from that."
"Don't worry, Mariana, that will be settled by tomorrow, and woe to anyone who dares to speak or insinuate otherwise. I won't hesitate to refresh the staff."
End of flashback.
Mariana continued with her work while Marco's secretary, Lucy, gathered all the employees in the boardroom by his orders.
They were intrigued, not sure why their boss had convened this meeting, a rare occurrence for sure. Suddenly, Mia entered, swaying her hips and heading for the chair next to Marco's.
Lucy, having noticed Mia's actions, hurried over to her before the employees began to suspect some kind of affair with their boss. Mia, pleased with the inferiors eying what might soon unfold, was irked when Lucy politely asked her to stand up.
The staff started to chuckle, but Mia, masking her fury with a smile, said, "I understand, this must be Marcelo's seat, Marco's assistant. So I suppose I'll sit here," pointing to a chair on the opposite side.
Lucy shook her head and asked Mia to sit anywhere but those chairs.
Whispers and snickers filled the room, while inside, Mia was itching to rip Lucy's head off for just following instructions.
As whispers and snickers continued, the room went silent at the sight of Marcelo bowing at the door to let Marco and a stunning young woman through.
Marco entered with regal authority, commanding the silent reverence of all present as he approached his place. Mia watched, dumbstruck, until she noticed his hand in that wretched girl's. She smiled at him, but her look towards the girl was akin to spotting a fly.
Marco did not overlook her glare. Clearing his throat, he announced, "You must wonder why I've gathered you here. I have news that I expect you to heed. Some might question who this young lady is, having seen her here with me for two days. Well, she is none other than Mrs. Alexa Lombardo, my wife."
"My wife? Did you just say wife? But how? When?" Mia burst out, incredulous. "Marco, you recently got divorced. Are you sure you're not making a mistake? Besides, she's just a child, too young to be your wife. Surely she's with you for your status."
With an icy tone, Marco responded, "Miss Palacios, your concern over my private decisions is, frankly, none of your business—we're hardly acquaintances. One might think you're my ex the way you speak. And as for my wife's motives, she doesn't need what I offer, for all I have is hers. If she could bankrupt this company without affecting me, she would. So keep your comments to yourself, and now," he said, addressing all his employees, "let me make this perfectly clear: Alexa stands with me, in this company and beyond. She is a Lombardo and will be respected as such. Any gossip or ill-will can result in immediate dismissal. Is that clear?"
The room silently consented, though one employee who had been silent throughout declared, "Mr. Lombardo, we're happy for you. From my brief encounter, you seem very happy with her. So, from my department, you won't hear a thing."
Marco nodded in silent thanks before dismissing them to work.
One by one, they filed out, except Mia, who stood defiant, unwilling to accept this revelation. She was certain it must be some joke or a business stunt—how could Marco marry that child? The truth had to be some elaborate work-related ploy.
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