SERENDIPITY

~41~ Apologies And Breakup ✔️

"Make sure to transfer everything back to his name, Nathan," I instructed firmly, my fingers tapping against the polished surface of the oak desk. I was engrossed in reviewing the construction company's report spread out before me.

Nathan, my loyal assistant, handed me additional documents that Mr. Whyte, the company manager, had brought to my office. I exchanged the papers, giving him those I had finished with.

"I never quite understood your reasons for wanting to strip them of their wealth, but now it all makes sense," Nathan commented, his tone filled with a newfound understanding.

As I sifted through the reports, I looked up at Nathan, raising an eyebrow in inquiry. "How much information has reached the public?"

"Not much," he responded with a casual shrug. "Mostly that Mariella Santiago is actually the daughter of Leonardo Rodriguez, and that Mariella Santiago is a stage name. The real identity is Rafaela Rodriguez."

"Hmm." I highlighted a section in one of the papers. "It's intriguing how my mother never bothered to alter my birth certificate after changing my name to Raquel Clarke."

"Perhaps she wanted you to carry your father's name, to avoid the consequences of their past," Nathan offered.

His insight struck a chord with me, and I nodded appreciatively as I stood up from my plush office chair. "Tell Mr. Whyte we'll convene a board meeting tomorrow," I instructed, handing Nathan the stack of papers. "I'm calling it a day."

"At what time?" Nathan inquired.

"Nine in the morning. We have other company reports to go through, so we won't waste time during the board meeting."

"Understood. I'll inform him right away," Nathan said, moving toward the door.

However, before he could step out, I called his name, prompting him to turn back to me with a questioning gaze.

"Yes?"

I hesitated, a touch of gratitude welling up within me. "Um... Thank you, Nathan. For everything. I mean, helping your boss take revenge on her own father isn't exactly part of a personal assistant's job description, but you..."

"Mariella," he interrupted gently, stepping back into the room. "I didn't do it as a personal assistant. I did it as a friend. You offered me a chance when I needed it most. You hired me despite my lack of experience. How else can I show my gratitude?"

I nodded, appreciating his words. "Still, I am grateful. Not everyone would've agreed to what you did."

He chuckled, his voice laced with warmth. "Well, I'll escape before we end up having a heart-to-heart here." With a playful smile, he quickly made his exit, leaving me with a smile of my own.

Just as I was settling into my thoughts, my phone began to ring. Glancing at the caller ID, my lips curled into a smile as I answered. "Hello, boyfriend," I greeted playfully, a hint of teasing in my tone.

"Hello, beautiful. How was your day?" Daniel's voice flowed through the line, his presence radiating warmth.

"Tiring," I admitted with a slight whine.

His deep chuckle sent a shiver of pleasure down my spine, a reaction only he could evoke. It had only been a month since we started dating, yet Daniel's ability to make me react as though it were our first encounter was remarkable.

"Remember, the wealthy never amass riches overnight," he said, amusement evident in his tone.

I laughed softly. "I know. That's why I'm putting in the effort."