12:30 p.m. local time. The office's lunch break had arrived.
Kirana strolled toward the cafeteria with Siska. Her stomach had been growling for food since eleven.
“Kirana, what do you want to eat?” Siska asked as she fixed her hair in front of a small mirror.
“Anything, as long as it’s warm and has broth,” Kirana replied cheerfully. “I’ll treat you to some sweet iced tea.”
Suddenly, Kirana stopped in front of the cafeteria entrance. Someone dressed in an incredibly fashionable outfit was blocking their way.
It was Karin—the ex-fiancée of Aldo who had thrown a tantrum in the CEO’s office that time.
“Well, well. We meet again, intern assistant who loves flirting with everyone,” Karin greeted her sarcastically. A condescending smile was clearly etched across her beautiful face.
Kirana snorted softly to herself. She really didn’t feel like dealing with the drama queen in the middle of the day.
“Excuse me, miss. There’s plenty of room, so why are you deliberately blocking the way?” Kirana shot back casually.
Karin folded her arms across her chest arrogantly. Her eyes swept over Kirana from head to toe, full of contempt.
“You’ve got an attitude that reaches the heavens, even though you’re just a subordinate,” Karin sneered sharply. “I wonder how much Aldo pays you to pretend to be his wife.”
Siska, standing beside Kirana, immediately gasped in shock. She grabbed Kirana’s arm tightly.
“Kir? What does she mean?” Siska whispered frantically. “You’re pretending to be Mr. Aldo’s wife?!”
Kirana closed her eyes for a moment.
“Damn it. My secret almost got exposed because of this toxic ex.”
“Don’t listen to a stressed-out person, Sis,” Kirana quickly retorted, then fixed Karin with a sharp stare. “Ms. Karin, don’t you have anything better to do? Worry about your own life instead of meddling in other people’s.”
Karin’s face reddened with anger. “How dare you talk to me like that!”
“Why should she be afraid?” A cold baritone voice suddenly cut through the commotion in front of the cafeteria.
Everyone near the entrance whipped around. Aldo approached with a firm stride and an expressionless face.
The CEO’s intimidating aura instantly silenced the area. Karin turned in shock when she saw Aldo standing beside Kirana.
“Aldo...” Karin called out, her tone suddenly softening. “I was just having a normal conversation with your assistant.”
Aldo looked at Karin with a gaze as cold and sharp as a razor. “Don’t ever bother my wife again, Karin.”
Kirana swallowed when she heard Aldo say the word “wife” with such conviction. Her heart pounded wildly.
“Are you seriously defending this woman, Do?” Karin asked incredulously. “She’s only taking advantage of your wealth!”
“That’s a matter between me and my wife,” Aldo replied flatly. “And please watch your behavior in my company unless you want me to blacklist you from this entire building.”
Karin snorted angrily, then turned and stormed away. The employees in the cafeteria immediately began whispering excitedly.
Aldo turned to Kirana, who was still standing frozen. “Are you all right?”
Kirana blinked, then nodded stiffly. “I-I’m fine, Sir. Thanks...”
“Get back to work,” Aldo ordered curtly before turning and leaving the cafeteria area.
Siska immediately gripped Kirana’s arm tightly, her eyes bulging. “Kir! I want a full explanation at your desk right now!”