Chapter 10: Unwelcome Discoveries

The next morning, Liya woke up with a throbbing headache, remnants of the previous day's turmoil lingering like an unwelcome shadow. Her routine felt like a mountain she couldn’t climb, and she was irritated by the unresolved tension from her encounter with Zack. After forcing herself through a quick shower and getting dressed, she had a simple breakfast, knowing she needed to take her medicine before heading to the office.

Inside Liya's Office

“Ashia, come in the cabin,” Liya said, her voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of irritation.

Ashia nodded and made her way to Liya's cabin, her expression a mix of concern and anticipation.

Inside the Cabin

“How come you are so careless? Did you not check who Mr. Jonas’s partner is?” Liya demanded, her tone sharp.

“Ali, I know, but—” Ashia started, but Liya cut her off.

“I don’t want excuses! Just tell me what you found out.”

Ashia hesitated, gathering her thoughts. “Mr. Jonas has two partners: Mr. Kim and another one who’s… a secret partner.”

“Exactly! And that f****** secret partner is none other than Zack De Rossoé,” Liya snapped, her frustration boiling over.

“What? But they’ve signed the contract! It clearly states that the other party can’t collaborate with Zack De Rossoé. How is this even possible?” Ashia’s eyes widened, the implications dawning on her.

Liya nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. “Bring the contract with Mr. Jonas, fast.”

As Ashia rushed out to find the contract, Liya sank into her chair, staring out the glass window, lost in thought.

A few moments later, Ashia returned, holding a large iced tea and the contract, placing them on Liya's desk.

“Uh, the contract and… iced tea,” Ashia said, a bit out of breath.

Liya turned around to see the iced tea beside the contract and raised an eyebrow. “Okay.”

Ashia returned to her desk while Liya began reading the contract, sipping the iced tea as she did.

After Half an Hour

Liya’s POV

It seems like you’re in trouble, Mr. Jonas and Zack De Rossoé. This is going to be fun, Mr. De Rossoé. Just you wait and watch. You’re going to regret messing with me.

“Ashia, come in the office,” she said, picking up the phone.

“Yes?” Ashia replied.

“Fix a meeting with Mr. Jonas and Mr. Zack De Rossoé for 1 PM tomorrow.”

“Okay. Anything else?” Ashia asked.

“Yeah, call Vinny in for the meeting as well.”

“Got it.”

“It’s already 2 PM. Did you eat?” Liya asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

“No, yaar,” Ashia admitted.

“Let’s have lunch together. I’ll make something,” Liya offered, a smile creeping onto her face.

“Okay! It’s been ages since I’ve had food made by you,” Ashia said, her excitement palpable.

“Calm down, will you?” Liya laughed as they headed to her penthouse on the 41st floor.

“Special pasta for lunch. What do you say?” Liya asked as she began preparing the meal.

“Of course, miss!” Ashia replied, scrolling through her phone.

Half an Hour Later

Lunch was ready, and they both settled down to eat.

“Yum! Best pasta ever,” Ashia exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.

“Thanks for the compliment, missie,” Liya replied, pleased.

After Lunch

Feeling a little drained, Liya took a quick 15- minute nap before returning to her office to finish her work for the day. Three and a half hours later, she finally left the office, the clock reading at 7 PM.

At Liya’s Villa

Once home, Liya freshened up and prepared dinner. She ate in silence, listening to music, allowing the melodies to soothe her frayed nerves. After dinner, she fell asleep to the sound of gentle rain music, the stress of the day melting away as she surrendered to the embrace of sleep, the world outside fading into oblivion.

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