The Billionaire Who Saved Me

“What did you say? Ariel took over Lostic?”

Daphne couldn’t believe what she heard and directed her question at Carolus. With a cup of tea in front of her, she looked at her personal assistant. She found a nod as the beginning of his answer.

“Yes, madam. As of today, Lostic is under the direct control of Mr. Ariel.”

Daphne decided to take a sip of her tea first. She needed to savor the slightly bitter and sweet taste. Then she let out a small sigh and said, “He must not be interested in managing Lostic; I know. Ariel’s real goal is to sabotage Garrett.”

Carolus had already thought of that, which was why he hadn’t delayed meeting Daphne that morning.

“Is there anything I should do?”

Daphne shook her head after a moment’s thought. “For now, nothing. Let Ariel do what he wants. But stay alert. If anything suspicious happens, you know what to do.”

“Alright, madam.”

Putting the cup of tea and its saucer back on the table, Daphne then changed the subject to something that made her smile.

“And how is Garrett’s marriage?”

“All is well, madam. I’ve arranged everything.”

“That’s good then. And, um…” Daphne blinked once. “I really liked the service at the engagement yesterday. Everything was perfect. The Arka really is the right choice. So don’t forget to give Emily a present. Also, arrange a time for me to visit her. I need to express my happiness in person.”

Carolus nodded. “Certainly, madam. I’ll arrange it quickly.”

“I hope so, Carolus. She’s a very busy girl. I hope we can meet before Garrett’s wedding.”

“I’ll do my best, madam.”

Nothing more was discussed between Daphne and Carolus until a moment later when her personal assistant left. This left Daphne alone in her room for a short time. After ten minutes had passed, a nurse approached her.

The nurse carried a tray with a glass of water and a small plate with several capsules. She smiled at Daphne.

“Madam, it’s time to take your medicine.”

Daphne sighed. Nodding, she said, “You’re back at last, Regina. Didn’t I tell you? I don’t want another nurse.”

The nurse’s name was Regina, who had been replaced by Irina a few days ago. But since Daphne was behaving like a typical elderly woman, spoiled and selfish, she did not want to be taken care of by the new nurse.

“I apologize, madam. But it’s hospital policy. I’m just following it.”

Daphne sighed and welcomed the glass and her medicine. She swallowed it in one big gulp.

“The hospital’s orders apply to everyone but me,” Daphne said, handing the glass back to Regina. “You should have told them that when you were transferred.”

Regina smiled, put the glass back on the tray, and sat down next to Daphne.

“I’ll make sure to tell them next time.”

Pleased to hear Regina’s words, Daphne nodded repeatedly. She seemed quite relaxed that morning, with the recent good news and the lingering euphoria of Garrett’s engagement.

“You know my grandson is getting married soon?”

Regina nodded. “I’ve seen the news everywhere, madam. Congratulations. You must be very happy.”

“Um… of course I am happy, Regina,” Daphne sighed with a broad smile. Strangely, the smile gradually faded as the seconds passed. In the end, there was only a long sigh from the woman. “Although I don’t know how much longer I can enjoy this happiness in peace.”

One month until the wedding, and Garrett’s wedding would take place. Elice had asked for leave long before his engagement. Now, with the ring on her finger, she realized how differently everyone looked at her.

“If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask me,” Neva said with a smile on her face.

It was a form of camaraderie that was often shown by one person to another. Something Elice had never experienced before, especially after she had replaced Kylie for Garrett’s interview. And if she was getting it now, Elice knew the reason.

Elice returned the smile. “Thank you,” she said. “But it seems I understand.”

Neva obviously had to swallow her disappointment. She understood that Elice understood her intentions, and she knew Elice’s answer. Rejection.

She wasn’t surprised, but Elice hadn’t expected her relationship with Garrett to have such an effect. Colleagues who used to talk behind her back suddenly changed and seemed friendly and warm to her. And if Elice were still seventeen, she would feel flattered.

“Elice.”

Freddy’s voice broke Elice’s unintentional reverie for a moment. She blinked once and found Freddy standing behind her desk.

“Yes?”

Freddy glanced toward Hollis’ office. “You’ve been summoned by Mr. Hollis. He wants to see you right away.”

“Oh, thank you.”

When Elice met Hollis again, she didn’t think it was about work. Instead, it was about the fact that she was associated with a conglomerate name in Oceana.

“There is a structural overhaul at headquarters, and the editor-in-chief of Metro magazine is being transferred to Metro Channel. Therefore, I am appointing you as the new editor-in-chief.”

Elice was in shock. Of course, it wasn’t the kind of shock with a happy aura, quite the opposite. The shock Elice felt didn’t imply happiness at all.

“After your vacation,” Hollis said. “You can move into your new office immediately.”

“Why me?” Elice protested. “I thought there were many other employees who were more competent than me. Especially since I’ve only been here a few months.”

Not that Elice couldn’t appreciate her own abilities. If she deserved it, she would certainly accept it. However, Elice had to admit that she had to be magnanimous. Regardless of her colleagues’ past behavior, they were competent individuals in their fields. Elice believed that one of them was better suited for the responsibility than she was.

“I have considered it, Elice. Besides, I can’t just make random decisions, can I?”

That was true. But Elice remained unsure. It showed in her hesitant expression.

“You don’t have to think about it too much. This decision is not just mine; it went through a meeting.”

The more Hollis explained, the more uncertain Elice became. But she wouldn’t push the matter. If Hollis insisted on convincing her, it would surely signal the importance of the risk he was taking.

Elice nodded. “All right, I accept.”

A sigh of relief escaped Hollis’ eyes, confirming Elice’s suspicion that something significant was happening. There would be a time later when Elice would find out. Though, to be honest, a glimmer of suspicion had already appeared in her mind, carrying the name Daphne.

“Oh, Elice, there’s something else.”

At first, Elice thought that was all Hollis wanted to talk to her about. But she was wrong, because in fact there was one more thing he had to say. It almost made her choke.

“For next week’s weekly column,” Hollis continued, looking at Elice. “Can you interview him? With Freddy?”

Without a second thought, Elice felt that Hollis’ request was a reasonable one. So she nodded. But she didn’t forget to ask.

“Who is the interlocutor, sir?”

For a moment, Hollis seemed to take a deep breath. His hands rubbed together.

“Ariel.”This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

Elice froze.

“Ariel Sebastian Ramirez,” Hollis repeated. “You may know him. He, um… is somewhat related to your future husband.”

Of course.

“You know him, right?”

Not wanting to appear nervous, Elice’s nod looked a bit stiff.

“Recently, Ariel took over Lostic. One of the largest companies in Oceana, dealing in household products. It can be considered a real competitor to Progun, which is back in the top thirty companies this year. I want you to interview him. And not without reason. Do you remember? Metro magazine had fantastic sales after Garrett’s interview the other day. That…” Hollis pointed to Elice without hesitation. “… owes a little to you.”

Despite her role in the increase in sales, Elice didn’t think it was a good idea for her to interview Ariel. But for what reason could she refuse?

Hollis smiled broadly, his face showing great enthusiasm.

“The schedule is set. Friday night, tomorrow. Can you make it?”

If she wanted to be honest, Elice wanted to answer that she couldn’t. But of course that was not possible. Despite the fact that people outside didn’t know about her past, Ariel was Garrett’s cousin. It would be strange if Elice refused.

Especially when Elice saw the hopeful look on Hollis’ face. It made her feel even more powerless. She knew how the workplace could exert its charm and pressure. Appearances and high positions often came at a cost. And for Hollis, there was certainly pressure on sales goals in the age of digital news.

So Elice knew she couldn’t avoid it. At the very least, it could be seen as something in return for all the kindness she had received over the years. So, of course, Elice’s answer was…

“I can.”

*