A Glimpse Beneath the Surface
Alaric is looking out over the city skyline, still brooding over the unexpected marriage proposal his father suggested.
Restless, he taps his fingers on the table, then presses a button on his intercom.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
David, come in.
David (Right-Hand Man)
*enters the office, standing attentively by the door*
Alaric Romanio (ML)
I need you to dig up everything you can on Natalya Martino. I want details, every hidden aspect of her life.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
I’m not about to step into this without knowing what I’m getting into.
David (Right-Hand Man)
Understood, boss. I’ll get on it right away.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*leans back in his chair, fingers steepled, his mind already working through scenarios*
A few hours later, David returns with a dossier in hand, placing it on the desk before Alaric.
David (Right-Hand Man)
I think you’ll find this… enlightening, sir.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*opens the dossier, flipping through detailed background checks, photos, and personal information on Natalya*
As he reaches the final few lines, a smirk spreads across his face, revealing a spark of amusement mixed with something else—perhaps a bit of disdain.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
So… sweet, proper Natalya isn’t quite as pristine as my parents believe. A little rebel with hidden motives.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
Well, well, what a charming surprise.
He allows a dark chuckle to escape, his gaze lingering on Natalya’s profile.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
She’s definitely not the ‘ideal match’ they’re dreaming about. But perhaps… she’s interesting enough to play along with this charade a little longer.
Suddenly, there’s a knock on the door. Alaric straightens up, returning to his usual steely composure as his assistant, enters the room, clipboard in hand.
Luca (Assistant)
Sir, the arrangements for the second meeting have been finalized with Mr. Carter in evening.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
Good. I’m expecting a level of competence this time. Last meeting was tolerable, but I don’t enjoy being impressed only halfway. Anything more on Carter’s team?
Luca (Assistant)
Yes, sir. Carter’s primary strategist is Adeline Martino, one of the junior executives, the one who prepared the last presentation.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*eyes narrow*
Luca (Assistant)
She’s been with the company for a few years, known for her attention to detail and… for being quite resilient under pressure.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
Adeline Martino… another Martino. How delightful. Seems that family is suddenly all around me. How much does she know about this meeting?
Luca (Assistant)
She’s been informed this is a critical meeting. According to Carter, she’s prepared thoroughly, staying late into the night for the presentation.
Luca (Assistant)
She seems… rather dedicated.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
A Martino who’s resilient, smart, and focused on work. That’s refreshing. And I assume her thorough preparation means she isn’t easily distracted or shaken.
Luca (Assistant)
Correct, sir. From what we’ve gathered, she’s steady and precise under pressure.
Luca (Assistant)
If I may, she’s the kind of employee that Carter seems to depend on most, especially for high-stakes dealings.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*smirk* Good. If she’s prepared, then so am I. Let’s make sure we keep her on her toes.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
If there’s one thing I dislike more than mediocrity, it’s people who are too comfortable.
Luca (Assistant)
*nodding* I’ll ensure all the arrangements reflect your expectations, Mr. Romanio.
Alaric remains silent for a moment, eyes fixed on some point beyond his assistant.
In his mind, he’s crafting the game he intends to play with both Natalya and Adeline. His father may have sprung an unexpected proposal on him, but he has his own ways of controlling the narrative.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*murmuring to himself*
Alaric Romanio (ML)
Let’s see just how deep the Martino family runs. It seems both sisters could use a little reality check.
Marcus stands by, observing Alaric’s focused demeanor. As if sensing his assistant’s gaze, Alaric snaps back to the moment, his voice sharp once more.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*with sharp voice* Anything else?
Luca (Assistant)
Just a minor detail, sir—Mr. Carter mentioned that Adeline, while thorough, is still young and somewhat idealistic.
Luca (Assistant)
He wanted to warn that she might have a more positive outlook than expected.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*chuckling darkly* An idealist in a ruthless world? Perfect.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
Let’s see how she holds up under a little pressure. If she’s going to deal with me, that idealism won’t last long.
Luca (Assistant)
*nods, making a quick note on his clipboard, already knowing Alaric’s approach with Carter’s team will be direct and unyielding*
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*checks his watch, his attention already shifting to the next task*
Alaric Romanio (ML)
Arrange the conference room and ensure everything is set. And Luca… I don’t want anyone late. That includes Carter and his Martino strategist.
Luca (Assistant)
Understood, sir. I’ll make sure everything runs to your standards.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*waves a hand in dismissal*
Luca (Assistant)
*leaves the room quietly, leaving Alaric alone with his thoughts once more*
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*to himself, quietly* So much for ideal matches. Let the games begin.
Alaric returns to his work, mind sharp and intent, prepared to see just how both Natalya and Adeline Martino fare in their interactions with him—two women from the same family but vastly different worlds.
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