Chapter 99_ Model Of Honesty

Arya was waiting in Marco's office when Victoria stepped in, but Lewis quickly followed after her as he said, “Let's end this now; it's all my fault.”

Victoria widened her eyes as she turned to him. “Lewis, please, I—"”

"No, Victoria, I know what I'm doing. Arya, you have to listen to me.” Lewis said, but Victoria shook her head.

"No, Arya, don't listen to him!" She said, and Arya snapped.

“Shut the fuck up, both of you. Where do you think you are? This is serious business, not a fucking circus.” Arya said,

"Go, Lewis. Let us talk." Victoria said, and Lewis's expression turned sad as he nodded and left the office. As Lewis left the office, Arya and Victoria stared at each other in silence for what seemed like an eternity.

Arya sighed, gesturing for Victoria to take a seat, and said, “I have just one question for you, Victoria. How could you do such a terrible thing?”

Tears pooled from Victoria’s eyes as she spoke, “I…I don't know. I'm an orphan. I’ve always been alone. I have my daughter to raise. I thought this was the only way to make enough money to grant her a future.”

"Betraying the company that pays for your bills was the only way to grant your daughter a future.” Arya said, raising her eyebrow.

"Babysitter, kindergarten, clothes, food, rent... . I don't know where to get all that money. Her father sends me some money from time to time, but he's not dependable. I was helpless, Arya. I had no one to turn to.” Victoria said, her voice thick with emotion.

"Look, Victoria, I know how it feels to be alone and to have someone else who depends on you. But I also know that spreading betrayal and lies isn't a sustainable way to solve the problem.” Arya said,

"It didn't seem that bad at first; they just wanted some information, some data—nothing terrible. I don't even know how things escalated this way. ”

"You stole some files, set the garage on fire, and poisoned Lewis. Don't try to sell me this ‘I don't know how it happened’ crap.” Arya fired angrily, and Victoria burst into tears.

"I'm so sorry. The fact was that with the deadline for the contract getting closer and closer, the pressure really started to rise. They were calling me in the middle of the night, threatening to take everything away if I didn't do something to resolve the situation.” Victoria explained in between sobs.

"So you conveniently sent a colleague to the hospital?”

Victoria shook her head. "That wasn't planned. I just acted on the spur of the moment because my daughter’s life was threatened. Taking Martina's pill was a stupid, reckless move. I was desperate. When I heard he was in the hospital, I completely freaked out. I didn't want to hurt the person I love, I—-” Victoria covered her mouth with her hands. It was clear she didn't want to reveal that, but Arya heard what she said already.

“You love him?" She asked,

“I do. But what's the point? I'm a sly traitor, and he's so decent. No wonder he hates my guts.” Victoria said as she lowered her head.

Arya shook her head. "I don't think so.”

"What do you mean?” Victoria asked, snapping her head back to look at her.

“He gave money to Melinda Cocatti after she was fired and didn't say a word about the poisoning thing despite the fact that he knew it was you.” Arya revealed,

"But —-"

“He just ran in here trying to cover for your crimes, for god’s sake. That idiot is fucking in love with you. I'm willing to bet that he is the one sending you money, not the mobster you were engaged to.” Arya said,

"But... he's always so mean to me." Victoria said, with furrowed brows.

"Because you are a fucking bag of troubles. Get your asses in line, and you can be happy together. He has a big heart, and he dreams of a big family. I bet he’d be happy to raise your daughter too.” Arya said, and Victoria looked at her with a teary look.

“Why are you telling me all of this?” She asked, feeling that she didn't deserve Arya's understanding or the kindness of anyone around her.

Arya sighed, “Because he’s so stupidly in love with you that I don't want to see him go to jail to protect you. So, unless you're completely out of your mind, I’d suggest you stop being afraid and try to be happy. You can go now; I need some time to think.”

Victoria nodded, stood up, and asked quietly, “Am... Am I fired?”

“If it wasn't for your daughter, I would have fired you fifteen minutes ago, but I can't punish a child for your actions.” Arya said and handed a file to her. "Those files contained some information concerning the contract signing with Al-Hakim tomorrow. I'm giving you one last chance, Victoria. A word of this from our competitors, or if the file goes missing, you’ll be held responsible, and I won't be able to stop the company from taking legal action against you. Got it?”

Victoria’s eyes blurred with tears as she looked at Arya like an angel who had come to shield her. She bobbed her head, took the file from her, and said, “Thank you, Arya. I’ll be a model of honesty, I promise. I won't let you down.”