"What? "
Maddie appeared to have stumbled upon some scandalous secret, her excitement palpable as she tugged at Ivy. "Isn't it said that the man from Davies Corporation is indifferent to women? He has a beloved too? And she's our soon-to-be CEO?"
Laughing, Ivy swatted Maddie's hand away. "Look at how out of touch you are. If you can't even keep up with the gossip in the elite circles, how do you expect to survive in the CEO's office?" Maddie immediately latched onto Ivy's sleeve, pleading for more information.
Lowering her voice, Ivy divulged, "Mr. Davies and our Chairman's daughter have known each other since childhood. There's a rumor that five years ago, Mr. Davies proposed to Ms. Reed. However, she rejected him to prioritize her studies, leading to a falling out. They haven't communicated in five years, but as soon as Ms. Reed returned, Mr. Davies personally picked her up from the airport. It's evident that Mr. Davies still harbors deep feelings for our new CEO."
Covering her mouth in shock, Maddie's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh my god! This is like an incredible romantic drama!" Alla's heart constricted, her complexion blanching. So, Casiano had ended their agreement prematurely because his beloved had returned.
But if he already had a beloved, why had he purchased her for the night five years ago? Why had he forced her into an agreement after their first night together? And why was he unable to control himself whenever they were together? As she mulled over these questions, the elevator door opened.
Karly led the Chairman's special assistant and several department heads out. They bent over to invite the individuals inside, "Mr. Davies, Ms. Reed, we've arrived at the CEO's office area, please come in." No sooner had they finished speaking than a man, exuding an icy aura and dressed in a luxurious suit, emerged.
His features were chiseled, his beauty ethereal, his physique slender and his demeanor elegant. He was a prince stepped out of a painting, the epitome of elegance and aloofness. Alla instantly recognized Casiano. His presence at Reed Corporation sent her heart into a frenzy.
As she pondered this, Casiano reached into the elevator, extending his hand to someone inside. A delicate, fair hand was placed in his robust palm. Casiano tightened his hold, leading the woman out.
When Alla saw the woman's face, realization dawned upon her. She understood why Casiano had been willing to buy her for a night. She bore a slight resemblance to his beloved. It wasn't that they looked similar, but there was a faint similarity in their features.
The realization that Casiano had only seen her as a substitute hit her hard. A sudden, inexplicable pain shot through her heart, followed by a wave of unbearable agony that turned her face ashen. Maddie, noticing her distress, asked with concern, "Alla, are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?"
Alla shook her head lightly, intending to ask Ivy about the gossip when the CEO's exclusive elevator opened again. Karly, leading Casiano and the woman, approached them. Alla quickly lowered her gaze, her hands shaking on the keyboard.
Karly introduced them one by one, "This is the CEO's office. These are the CEO's assistants. If Ms. Reed needs anything, she can ask them."
Ms. Reed nodded, addressing everyone in a soft voice, "Good morning, everyone. I'm your new CEO, Ella Reed."
Ella...
The name struck Alla like a blow, draining her face of color. She was flooded with memories of Casiano holding her, their bodies entwined on the bed. He always called out 'Alla' in the heat of passion. Now, she realized he hadn't been calling her name, but Ella's...
Alla clenched her fists, her nails digging into her skin, but she felt no pain. The suffocating sense of betrayal enveloped her, bringing tears to her eyes. How foolish she had been to fall irreversibly in love with Casiano, seduced by his occasional displays of warmth.