Chapter 100_ Deserve Love

The next day at the office, Arya arrived a little bit later than usual, and everyone turned to look at her when she entered, but their attention wasn't fixed on Arya but was fixed on the man who was walking beside her. Hushed whispers started to take place as everyone looked curiously at them.

“Who's the man beside Miss Arya?" Martina asked, glancing between her colleagues, and then back at the couple.

Lewis put his hands on his chin as he answered, “I don't know. But he looks familiar, does he not?"

At that moment, Marco came out of his office, and with a smile on his face, he walked towards them, shook hands with Kane as he turned back to the curious eyes of everyone present in the office, and said, “Hello, everyone. Meet our soon-to-be CEO, Kane Maranello, the son of Franko Maranello and the popular King of street racers.”

“Ahhhh! It's Kane Maranello! The king of street racing." Someone screamed from behind.

Martina, Victoria, and Lewis looked stunned as they gaped at Kane and stared at him speechlessly for some moments.

Kane chuckled at the expressions on their faces as his voice verberated in the room, “It’s a pleasure to meet everyone of you.” He fixed his eyes on the three managers and continued, “Martina, Lewis, and Victoria. I’ve heard a lot about each one of you, and I hope after today, everyone will work according to the standards of the company, and there will be less cooperation, fewer fights amongst you, and more work and efficiency. Is that clear?”

The three of them nodded their heads vigorously and chorused together, “Yes, Mr. Maranello."

“Good. Now, everyone should go back to their posts." Kane said, and everyone dispersed as they made their way to their desks. “When will Al-Hakim come?" Kane asked as he glanced at Arya and Marco.

"He should be here any minute from now.” Arya answered and made her way to Victoria’s desk to ask for the file she was tasked with.

“So, what's next?" Marco asked,

“After the contract is secured with Al-Hakim, arrange a small celebration at the office today. Bills on me." Kane said, and Marco nodded, a grin forming on his face.

“Way to go!"

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A few hours later, Al-Hakim arrived at the company and was shown the car they had prepared for him, which Kane had offered to take him on a tour of on the asphalt. He liked the speed at which Kane drove him, the interior of the car, and the concept of the car.

Coming back to the conference room, Al-Hakim had a satisfied smile on his face as he glanced at Kane, Marco, and Arya, who were in the room with him. “I have to say, I’m really impressed with the car. It's exactly what I was looking for. Where is the contract that was being drafted for my signature?” Al-Hakim asked,

Arya stood up from her seat and handed Al-Hakim the file as he thoroughly read and went through each page, carefully reading the clauses of the contract.

Satisfied with the outcome, he took a pen from his pocket and signed his signature on the file. Raising his glass, he cheered, “To our long-term cooperation. Miss Arya, you have been amazing. Maranello Company is lucky to have you. If there's any further discussion, you can contact my assistant." Al-Hakim said, raising his feet.

Kane rose and shook his hands with him. “Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Al-Hakim. We’ll give you the best."

Al-Hakim nodded and left the conference room.

As he left, Arya slumped on her seat and exhaled, “Finally! The contract has been signed. That was one hell of a project."

Marco nodded. “Yes, it was. It wouldn't have been possible without you, Arya. Thank you."

After the close of work, everyone stayed back to celebrate the contract signing and winning Mr. Al-Hakim against their competitor, Nicholas’ group of companies.

Arya smiled, watching everyone relax and drink, and she couldn't help but feel emotional. She had done it. She had managed to scale through, completed the workload on her shoulders, and her position as the top manager back at the headquarters was secured. She had achieved her goals here in Italy and couldn't wait to go back home.

Arya excused herself as she headed to the restroom and was about to enter when she stopped in her tracks and heard the voices of two familiar people.

“I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done, Lewis. You are a great guy, and… I really want to be with you.” Victoria said, mustering the courage to tell Lewis about her feelings.

"I dreamt of hearing this for a long time. Why didn't you say anything? You rejected me every time I asked you out. I don't understand, Victoria.” Lewis said, and Victoria lowered her head.

"I didn't want to drag you down to the bottom with me. You are a good man. You deserve better than me.” Lewis said.

Arya approached them slowly, being very careful not to make any noise.

She watched Lewis take Victoria’s hands as he looked at her with loving eyes. “If I’m such a great man, why don't you let me decide what I deserve or not? Everyone can find himself in the condition of doing questionable things, but this doesn't mean you don't deserve love. Let me love you, okay?” Lewis said as he kissed her lips, and Victoria literally melted in his arms.