Chapter 9
Gianna Marino
He leaned in, looking intently at me. There was a flicker of amusement in his eyes, like my words had caught him off guard.
I didn't flinch—not even a little.
"Do you understand what you're asking from me?" he said, his voice calm. Not as cold as before.
"I do. I know this might be the end of me, but I'd rather meet my end fighting for what's rightfully mine than die without trying," I replied.
He paused, sizing me up for some seconds before nodding.
"Fine. You'll work for me, if that's the case. And you must stay close—where I can monitor your movements. I'm not promising revenge, but I have resources you can use to dig up secrets."
I nodded and stood. I had no problem learning how things were run. Staying close to him would even help keep me safe.
It was a win-win situation.
"I'll see you tomorrow," I said and walked out of the room.
Once I was outside, I bit down nervously on my lip. The adrenaline was wearing off, and I realized—I had no idea where I was going. One wrong turn and I could be lost behind one of the towering mansion walls.
"Lost, I see," his voice echoed behind me.
He walked ahead, and I followed silently. We entered the elevator and left the building, crossing into the one I'd been led out of earlier. We passed through a familiar hall and into a room I recognized—the one where I'd taken my bath.
The woman was still there, probably cleaning up after me.
"Nana, she stays. She'll be working at the office starting tomorrow. Give her everything she needs and never let her out of your sight," he instructed.
The woman ignored his cold tone and smiled delightfully at me. The moment he turned to leave, she pulled me into a sudden hug and held me tight.
"I'm sorry—I'm too much. But you're the first person to come out of an interrogation alive. You don't know how happy that makes me…" her voice softened, sadness creeping in.
"I've grown tired of seeing blood every day. I'm happy he's learning to control it. Come, come. This will be your room. Sit, let me bring you something to eat."
She led me to the bed, made me sit, and hurried out of the room.
---
After dinner—it was already late evening by the time I finished two portions and settled in. Nana had left me alone to rest, but I wasn't sleepy.
I was excited for my new life. Curious, even. Alessio's place felt like a mini estate. I wondered how many mansions were on it.
Curiosity got the better of me. I left my room and wandered through the estate. Something caught my attention. A female figure walked toward me, flanked by two guards. She moved with purpose, shoulders high and confident.
Perhaps she's a high-ranking wolf—or his sibling? I thought, deciding to avoid attention.
I slowed down and tried to keep my face hidden in the shadows, but she stopped directly in front of me—clearly not in the mood to be ignored.
"You there. I haven't seen you before. When did you come to this pack?" she asked, her tone unfriendly.
One of the guards leaned in and whispered something in her ear. She flipped her hair back and walked away, acting like she never spoke to me at all.
"She sure has an attitude," I muttered once I was sure she was out of earshot.
I returned to my room quickly—didn't want to run into another wolf with an ego problem.
---
The next morning, I bathed early and wore one of the clothes Nana had prepared for me. I waited by the car.
Alpha Alessio finally emerged from the mansion. He was dressed in a sharp black tailored suit, hair slicked back, polished shoes, and a Rolex watch gleaming on his wrist. He looked like something that had fallen straight from the sky.
He walked to the car and got in without sparing me a glance. I was grateful. If he'd spoken, I might've stuttered.
I reached for the front passenger door, but his voice stopped me.
"Get in the back."
His command was firm. I did as told.
We drove to the Legendary Giordano Company. It was just as I'd heard—mighty office buildings, expansive grounds, tight security. Everything polished and modern.
"Close your mouth. You'll catch a fly," he muttered before walking past me.
I scrambled after him. Staff stared, clearly surprised to see him walking in with a woman.
He ignored all greetings and didn't stop until we reached his office.
"That is your desk," he said, nodding toward a desk near his door.
I looked at the label: Secretary.
I hadn't even registered it when his voice rang out again.
"Get to work."
"Huh?"
He tilted his head slightly, as if asking is there a problem?
"I—I haven't done this before," I confessed.
He didn't look surprised. Or disappointed. Just blank.
He pressed the intercom button, but didn't let it ring more than twice. A man came running in.
"This is Pascal. He'll teach you everything you need to know."
With that, he disappeared into his office.
Before Pascal could say a word, the sharp clack of heels echoed through the corridor. Pascal rolled his eyes. He clearly recognized the sound.
"Go back to your position. We'll have orientation later," he said quickly and half-jogged away.
Confused, I returned to my desk and began searching the drawers for anything useful—files, employee directories, anything.
"Who are you?" a sharp voice demanded.
I looked up. A woman stared down at me with a scowl. She looked oddly familiar.
"Cat got your tongue? I asked who you are and what you're doing so close to my fiancé's office."
My eyes widened.
Fiancé?
I glanced at Alessio's office door, then back at her.
The words died in my throat.