Chapter 13
Chapter 13
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Aliana sat calmly in the car heading toward the Velor family pavilion, her gaze fixed on the phone in her hand as her fingers moved rapidly across the screen.
It wasn’t clear what Aliana was working on, but her expression remained blank, indifferent to her surroundings.
Elena, seated beside her, glanced at Aliana nervously. Aliana’s words in Andrian’s office earlier kept replaying in her mind, especially about handing Zavier Corporation over to Andrian.
“Miss,” Elena finally broke the silence, her tone hesitant.
Aliana shifted her gaze from her phone to Elena, her face as calm as ever.
“What is it?” Aliana asked softly.
Elena took a deep breath before speaking. “About your proposal to hand Zavier Corporation to Mr. Andrian… Are you serious?”
Aliana didn’t respond immediately. She placed her phone on her lap and looked at Elena with sharp but nonjudgmental eyes.
If my father wants to save Zavier Corporation quickly, he must agree to give it to Andrian,” Aliana replied succinctly.
Elena was momentarily stunned, taken aback by the answer. She felt compelled to probe further. “Have you… have you discussed this with Mr. Ethan?”
Aliana gave a faint smile, one that was difficult to interpret. “Not yet. But I know he’ll have no other choice.”
“But why Mr. Andrian?” Elena asked softly, hesitant to voice her objection.
Aliana stared at Elena for a few seconds as if deciding whether or not to explain.
“I know there are many thieves inside Zavier Corporation, Elena. My uncles and cousins in high–ranking positions only care about money. They’re incompetent at managing the company and prefer to squander the family’s wealth. My father is overwhelmed, but he can’t act decisively because they’re family.”
Hearing this, Elena was shocked again. She hadn’t expected Aliana to know the grim details of Zavier Corporation’s internal affairs, especially since Aliana had lived far from her family for so long. But what Aliana said was true. Zavier Corporation was teetering on the brink of collapse, not just due to business competition but also because of internal corruption.
Aliana continued, “Andrian might not care about anything but profit, but that makes him dangerous to those thieves. He won’t let a single cent disappear without a clear reason. They won’t be able to act recklessly if he’s in charge.”
Elena remained silent, understanding Aliana’s reasoning but still feeling uneasy. “But… Miss, how can you trust Mr. Andrian so easily? You don’t know him well. And besides, isn’t it possible that he’s the one responsible for Miss Alicia’s death?”
Aliana didn’t answer immediately. Her eyes drifted to the window, as if searching for answers beyond the horizon.
“I don’t trust anyone, Elena,” Aliana finally said. “But I know that in this situation, Andrian is the most effective tool to stop Zavier Corporation’s downfall. And about Alicia… I’ll uncover the truth soon enough.”
Elena was silent, unsure of what to say. She didn’t fully agree with Aliana’s decision but knew Aliana wasn’t someone who made rash
moves
The car eventually stopped in front of the pavilion where Aliana was staying. As soon as the car door opened, Bianca Lorraine appeared from the direction of the main mansion, striding quickly toward Aliana. Her appearance was striking, dressed in a luxurious red gown that hugged her figure perfectly, complemented by diamond jewelry sparkling under the sunlight.
Elena was startled by Bianca’s presence, who seemed furious, but Aliana remained as composed as ever. She exited the car gracefully, unbothered by the woman’s arrival.
Bianca stopped right in front of Aliana, her eyes blazing with restrained anger. Her smile was thin but laced with sarcasm.
“Oh, Miss Aliana.” Bianca said in a sweet but cutting tone. “You’ve been quite busy today, haven’t you? Visiting my lover’s office to try and steal his attention.”
Aliana looked at Bianca impassively. “I don’t need to steal anyone’s attention, Miss Lorraine,” she replied calmly.
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Chapter 13
Bianca smirked and tilted her head slightly. “But you did, didn’t you? Waiting for hours just to meet Andrian after his meeting. I have to give you credit for that–it’s an achievement even Alicia couldn’t manage. But you know, don’t you? It won’t last. Andrian is only pitying you.”
Bianca’s words were designed to corner Aliana, but the woman remained unflinching. Behind her, Elena bit her lip, feeling anger rise but too afraid to intervene.
“I don’t need anyone’s pity,” Aliana replied coldly. “And I didn’t go to Andrian’s office to beg for attention. I went to handle a matter that is none of your concern.”
“Oh?” Bianca raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “A matter? Are you planning to sell yourself for profit? Isn’t that the Zavier family’s specialty?”
Elena held her breath, shocked at Bianca’s blatant insult. Yet Aliana remained composed. She stepped closer to Bianca, narrowing the distance between them.
“If that’s what you think, I won’t bother explaining,” Aliana said in a low, sharp tone. “But I have a piece of advice for you, Miss Lorraine If you have time to dress up like this, perhaps you should use it to think about yourself. No one knows when everything might change.”
Bianca froze momentarily, startled by Aliana’s sharp and confident retort. She quickly regained her composure and let out a small Jaugh, though her eyes burned with anger.
“You’re certainly full of confidence, Miss Aliana. But unfortunately, in this house, Andrian only wants me, not you. You’re just a wife on paper.”
Aliana looked at Bianca calmly, a faint smile playing on her lips. She didn’t retaliate with anger, simply walking past Bianca with grace.
Before entering the pavilion, Aliana paused. She turned slightly, her gaze cold as she addressed Bianca.
“That piece of paper may be unwanted, but it’s strong enough to destroy anyone who tries to stand in my way.”
Without waiting for a response, Aliana stepped into the pavilion, leaving Bianca standing there, her face flushed with humiliation. Bianca clenched her fists, feeling insulted and increasingly disturbed by Aliana’s presence.
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