Ella briefly introduced herself, exchanged pleasantries, and walked toward the CEO's office with Karly and Casiano. Maddie craned her neck to watch their retreating figures, her face alight with envy. "On her first day, Mr. Davies personally escorts her. Is this the legendary story of a powerful CEO and his adored wife?"
Ivy placed her hand on Maddie's shoulder, clicking her tongue. "You don't understand, do you? She has just returned and assumed the role of CEO. The old shareholders of Reed Corporation must be disgruntled. On her first day, President Davies escorts her, showing the shareholders that Davies Corporation supports her."
Maddie rested her chin on her hands, brimming with envy. "He's paved the way for his little wife so quickly. Mr. Davies is so devoted." Ivy's eyes filled with envy as well. "If she weren't the Chairman's daughter, she wouldn't have caught the eye of such a powerful man in the city."
Maddie shook her head in disagreement. "Ms. Reed is very accomplished, highly educated, and beautiful. Speaking of looks..." Maddie glanced at Alla. "I find Alla somewhat resembles our new CEO."
Ivy leaned in for a closer look. "You're right. They do resemble each other. But I think Alla is even prettier." Alla, her face pale, muttered a quick 'don't be ridiculous' and left for the restroom.
Maddie watched Alla's retreating figure, concern etched on her face. "What's wrong with Alla?" Ivy scoffed. "Maybe she's jealous because she resembles the CEO, but doesn't share her fate." Maddie chose not to respond to Ivy, who was known for her two-faced nature.
Once in the restroom, Alla quickly took out her medication to suppress her heart pain. She swallowed it without water. After calming herself, she turned on the tap and splashed cold water on her face. When she looked into the mirror, she saw a stark contrast between her haggard face and Ella's...
Lost in thought, she was interrupted by the restroom door opening. Ella walked in, her high heels clicking against the floor. Her complexion was smooth and rosy, her demeanor radiated elegance. She was highly educated, beautiful, and smart - qualities Alla could never match.
When their eyes met, Alla felt a twinge of inferiority. She quickly lowered her gaze, grabbed a handful of tissue, and turned to leave. "Wait." Ella's voice stopped Alla in her tracks. Her heart pounded in her chest as she froze, feeling guilty for no apparent reason.
She was the victim, used as a substitute. Yet, she felt humiliated in the presence of the rightful woman. Ella walked up to her, offering a gentle smile. "You're an assistant in the CEO's office, right?" Alla suppressed her turmoil, nodded, and confirmed with a low voice, "Yes."
Ella glanced at her wristwatch. "In half an hour, I'm calling a shareholders' meeting. Could you make me some coffee to wake me up and bring it to the CEO's office?" Alla knew Casiano was still in the CEO's office and resisted the idea. However, she hadn't resigned yet, and she still had to obey orders. She agreed to make the coffee and decided to ask Maddie to deliver it to the office.
Ella thanked her and left the restroom, her posture exuding confidence. The stark contrast between Ella's confidence and Alla's failing health made Alla feel like a cheap imitation.
After spacing out for a while, Alla collected herself, left the restroom, and headed to the pantry. After preparing the coffee according to the Chairman's taste, she planned to ask Maddie to deliver it to the CEO's office. However, Maddie and the others had already been called to set up the conference room, so she had to deliver it herself.
"Come in," a soft, tender voice called from inside. Alla knew entering would be awkward. After struggling for a while, she gathered her courage and pushed the door open. The moment the door opened, she saw Ella sitting on Casiano's lap.
Despite her mental preparation, her hand holding the coffee twitched at the sight. Afraid they would notice, she quickly lowered her gaze and announced nonchalantly, "Ms. Reed, your coffee is ready."
Ella seemed a bit embarrassed and told Alla to leave the coffee on the table. Alla nodded, placed the coffee on the table, and left without once meeting Casiano's gaze.
After leaving the CEO's office, Alla leaned against the wall, her legs weak. The image of Ella sitting on Casiano's lap was etched into her mind. It was his favorite position with her.
Although they hadn't done anything, Alla's mind was filled with images of their intimate encounters. The ways he had touched her, he would probably treat Ella the same way.
No, that's not right. The ways he had touched her were probably ways he had once touched Ella. Her existence was nothing more than a living substitute...