CHAPTER 30
ARIA’S POW
Elodie and Eva exchange surprised glances as my assertive response catches them off guard. The shift in my demeanor is palpable, a stark departure from the passive receptionist they thought they could easily manipulare. I meet their gaze with a steely resolve, no longer the same Aria they once knew–a person to be walked over without consequence.
The air crackles with tension as they realize they’ve underestimated me, mistaking my kindness for weaknes But I refuse to be a doormat any longer. Their surprise fuels my determination, a reminder of the strength that lies within me.
“Do you know who Donatella is? I’ll make sure you get fired!”
Elodie’s words fall on deaf ears as they echo through the room. Despite her attempts to assert dominance or belittle me further, they hold no sway over my resolve. I’ve reached a point where external opinions and criticisms carry little weight compared to my own self–worth.
So let her words echo, let them reverberate through the air they hold no power over me. I am unshakeable, unwavering in my conviction to stand tall and assert my worth, regardless of the noise around me.
“Go ahead. Try.”
Elodie’s gaping reaction speaks volumes. My sudden assertiveness has clearly caught her off guard, leaving her at a loss for words. In that moment of stunned silence, I can almost taste the disbelief radiating from her. But I remain unfazed, meeting her gaze with unwavering confidence.
“How dare you!”
Eva’s sudden aggression catches me off guard, but instinct kicks in as she charges toward me, fueled by misplaced entitlement. Without hesitation, I intercept her hand just in time, twisting it sharply and immobilizing her in a swift, decisive motion.
The look of shock and pain on her face is palpable as she realizes her attempt to assert dominance has backfired spectacularly.
In that moment, the balance of power shifts dramatically, and I assert my authority with a firm grip and steely resolve. The air crackles with tension as Eva recoils from the unexpected turn of events, her arrogance deflated by the reality of her own vulnerability.
Despite the chaos unfolding, around us, I remain composed, my actions a clear message that I refuse to be treated as anyone’s servant or subordinate. Eva’s attempt to intimidate me has only served to reveal her own weakness, while I stand strong and resolute in my self–assurance.
As Eva retreats to the corner nursing her injured hand, Elodie steps forward, invading my personal space with an air of superiority. Her words drip with condescension as she emphasizes my supposed inferior status and draws comparisons to her son, Adam, whom she elevates to the status of a deity, likening him to Zeus atop Mount Olympus.
But despite her attempts to diminish me with her comparisons, I stand my ground, refusing to be intimidated by hér empty boasts. The arrogance in her tone only serves to strengthen my resolve as I meet her gaze with unwavering defiance.
In her eyes, Adam may be a titan, but I refuse to bow before him or her. My worth is not defined by comparison to others, especially not by someone who sees only wealth and status. Let her cling to her illusions of grandeur; I know my own value, and I shall not be swayed by her attempts to belittle me.
CHAPTER 20
+25 BONUS
“Yes, but you Millers treat your daughter–in–law like a mail. You call this class?!”
Before Elodie can respond, Donatella comes to the reception. Needless to say, Elodie and Eva rush over to Donatella, requesting her to fire me.
I cross my arms and watch the two idiots.
Donatella looks at me in confusion, then she apologizes.
“I’m sorry, Miss Aria. I’ll take it from here.”
Elodie and Eva gape upon hearing Donatella speaking gently to me.
“Dona! Why aren’t you taking action against this stupid receptionist?”
Donatella turns red with shame as Elodie insults me. Instead of me being scared of Donatella, I can see Donatella fidgeting out of fear.
“She’s Miss Aria, our director and a lovely person.”
As Elodie’s face contorts in frustration and Eva furrows her brow in confusion, I can’t help but sneer at their predictable reactions. These two women, with their snobbish airs and disdainful attitudes, hold no power over me anymore. Their attempts to discredit me only serve as a reminder of their own narrow–mindedness.
Elodie’s feeble attempt to save face by suggesting Donatella must have mistaken me for someone else falls flat in the face of Donatella’s insistence that they are wrong. I can practically taste the bitterness of defeat in the air as they realize their assumptions have been shattered.
Just then, Stella enters the lobby, her expression mirroring my own disdain at the sight of Elodie and Eva. With a subtle nudge of my arm, I signal to Stella that it is time to leave this toxic atmosphere behind.
We walk away without looking back, leaving behind a cloud of uncertainty and unanswered questions swirling in the wake of our departure. But I know that no matter how many questions may linger in their minds, I am free from the shackles of their judgement and manipulation.
