Chapter 20: Standing alone today
Sara returned to the living room, her gaze heavy with unease.
"I wish she could have stayed here a few more days," she murmured softly, already missing her.
"Then why did you let her go? You could have insisted she stay," Luca said. "But then... we wouldn’t be here for a week."
Sara frowned, confusion knitting her brows. "Why wouldn’t we be here for a week?"
"We’re going for our honeymoon," he replied, a wide smile curling on his lips.
"What? I’m not going anywhere. You need a vacation more than I do, so go yourself" Sara said firmly, shaking her head in mild annoyance. "Besides, I have to go to the company today," she muttered under her breath.
"Of course," Luca said, leaning back with ease. "After you return from the committee’s inquiry meeting, we’ll leave for a place where no one can disturb you for a while."
Sara let out a deep breath and turned away, walking upstairs without answering. ’The more I speak with him, the more complicated this will become,’ she thought to herself.
She opened her closet, pulled out a pair of professional clothes, and headed toward the washroom. Inside the shower, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, how she would face the executives, the questions they would throw at her. Somehow, in their eyes, she had always been an eyesore. And there was no way they would trust her.
After freshening up, she stepped out, wrapping a towel around herself. As she crossed the room, her feet slowed when she saw Luca sitting in a chair, phone pressed to his ear.
"Yes, we’ll arrive at the resort tonight. Make sure the suite is decorated beautifully," Luca said. "My wife loves black... But since it’s our honeymoon, everything must be in red."
Sara froze. ’Is he seriously taking me on a honeymoon? But why? Calm down, Sara. You can’t argue with him,’ she told herself softly and walked toward the closet.
Luca lowered his phone onto his lap and moved toward the doorframe. He leaned against it, his gaze fixed on her. They stood there in silence until she finally appeared in front of him in the professional attire. Their eyes locked, and Luca stepped toward her.
"Look, I don’t have time to argue," Sara said, her voice flat.
"Don’t cry during the inquiry." Luca’s hands landed on her shoulders. "They’ll pin everything on you. You can’t let that happen."
Sara hummed once and listened silently.
"Where’s your secretary?" Luca asked.
"Umm... he—he’s not answering. His phone was switched off earlier," Sara replied, uneasy.
"Did he run off too? Everyone around you is turning into your foe," Luca muttered between his teeth.
Sara bit her lower lip and inhaled slowly. "I’m not going anywhere with you. Cancel whatever plans you’ve made. And I’m not taking breakfast, I have to be at the office early." With that she stepped past him.
Luca ran his fingers through his hair, frustration tightening his features. ’They’re going to tear her down in front of everyone. Should I let it happen?’ he wondered.
~~~~~
Sara slipped into the company through the underground entrance, avoiding the swarm of reporters that had barricaded the front gates. Luca had insisted on accompanying her, but she had refused, this was her battle.
Inside, she stepped into the VIP elevator and pressed the button to close the doors. Just before they slid shut, a familiar figure slipped in, and a crease formed between her brows.
"How does it feel to be cast out?" Diego’s voice dripped with mockery, his hands sliding casually into his trouser pockets as he faced the elevator doors. "Honestly, I thought you wouldn’t even dare show up today after the frauds you committed here."
Sara’s chin lifted. "I came because I’ve done nothing wrong."
Diego let out a short, derisive laugh, finally turning toward her. "Naive as always. Sara, when will you let go of this act, this illusion of being strong in every situation? Everyone knows why you married Luca. You clung to him to keep this company in your grasp. But in the end, you lost it too."
His eyes narrowed. "You’ve made mistakes that can’t be forgiven. Today, the executives won’t spare you. They’ll tear apart whatever dignity you have left. As your little brother, let me give you some advice, walk away before you end up in tears before them."
"Diego, thank you for your useless advice," Sara shot back with a confident tone. "But I’ve never learned how to run away. You don’t need to pretend to care for me. I can handle the executives just fine. And if you think they’ll choose you as CEO, you’re wrong. They won’t."
"What did you say?" Diego stepped forward, anger flickering in his eyes. But instead of exploding, a sly smile spread across his face. "We’ll see what happens once the meeting begins. I’ve watched you grow up, Sara. I know the truth, you fall apart the moment things slip out of your control."
Sara’s fists clenched tightly at her sides. "It was you, wasn’t it? You’re the one behind these frauds. You’ve done it before, Diego. Always jealous of my success."
"I didn’t do anything." His voice rose as he jabbed a finger at her. "This company has always run on your orders. You were the one jealous that your stepbrother was appointed director while you were left scrambling for control."
He didn’t stop speaking there. "And you know why you’re standing alone today? Because you thought you could fight every battle on your own. You failed to see the truth, my dear sister. Victory always requires an army. And you? You have no one by your side. Even your husband to whom you run for help has left you. And Dad, in whose eyes were a star, is disappointed in you. He has also left your side."
Then, chuckling, he said, "Well, your mother also abandoned you, so there’s nothing new that others do the same to you."
His taunt hurt her deeply. The door elevators opened up and Diego walked out, leaving her there.