billion book
Chapter 77
Let Me Go, My Mafia Hushand
Chapter 77 Unexpected Encounter
Mia was meticulously working on the interiors of an upcoming mall, heNôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
eyes narrowing with concentration as she directed her assistants, who were diligently noting down her every word. After providing a comprehensive brief on the intricate designs and minute details, Mia glanced at her watch. Another meeting awaited, her schedule packed to the brim, leaving no room for thoughts of Alessandro or anyone else. Yet, deep down, she knew this relentless busyness was merely a facade, a feeble attempt to distract herself from the scorching presence of her husband that still lingered in her mind,
She turned her attention back to the task at hand, refocusing her thoughts on the work in front of her. "Any questions?" she asked her assistants in a brisk and authoritative tone.
"No, ma'am!" they responded in unison, their voices echoing slightly in the cavernous, unfinished space.
"Good, Mia said, nodding with satisfaction. "Now, work according to the plan and keep me updated about the progress." With one last command, she concluded her briefing. Now she was done with this site and ready to tackle her next obligation
As she hurriedly gathered her things, her eyes caught sight of a magazine on a nearby table. Alessandro's. striking image was splashed across the cover, captured at a glamorous party thrown by Maria, with Vanessa clinging to his arm. The glossy photo reignited a flood of memories, each one sharper and more painful than the last. Despite her determination to remain unaffected, she felt a sharp pang of hurt and a surge of anger. The last few days they had spent together, filled with silent promises and unspoken hope, played out in her mind. He had never uttered those promises aloud, but she had seen them clearly in his eyes, in the way he looked at her.
Now, here he was, back to his old ways. Mia snorted bitterly, mocking her own foolishness. How naive she, had been to believe he could change. The image of him, flirting and basking in the attention of another woman, burned in her mind. Her anger was not just directed at him but at herself for being so easily deceived by his alluring eyes.
She clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white, before letting out a heavy breath and closing her eyes to calm herself. The tension in her shoulders slowly eased as she reminded herself that she had more important things to think about than Alessandro Valentino. Her phone chimed, interrupting her thoughts, and she glanced at the screen to see a text notification from Emily.
The message read: I've already reached the meeting venue and am waiting for you.
Mia hurried to the basement parking lot, her heels clicking sharply against the concrete. The area was still deserted, the emptiness giving off an eerie vibe as the mall was not yet functional. Shadows loomed large. cast by the skeletal structures of the unfinished building. A shiver ran down her spine, and she glanced around, half-expecting to see someone lurking in the shadows. The feeling of being watched clung to her, making her heart race.
Finding no one but herself alone in the strangely quiet and under-construction parking lot, Mia took a deep breath and shook off the feeling of paranoia. She pulled her car out of the parking space and drove swiftly towards the other mall, where Emily and the client were waiting for her.
The city blurred past her, a kaleidoscope of lights and motion, as her focus remained firm on the road ahead. After what felt like an eternity, she found herself parking in the open front lot of the mall. She maneuvered her car into a spot with precision, picked up the file lying on the passenger-seat and stepped out. Locking the door with deliberate care, she took a moment to glance down at the file in her hand. Quickly flipping through the documents, she ensured she had everything she needed for the meeting. Satisfied, Mia clutched the file tightly and hurried towards the entrance, her heels tapping a brisk rhythm on the pavement.
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Chapter 77 Unexpected Encounter
She paused briefly to check the text from Emily again, confirming the name of the restaurant where the client awaited. As she entered the mall, the noise and bustle of an unusually large crowd hit her like a wave. Media personnel swarmed the space, their cameras flashing and microphones thrust forward eagerly. The air buzzed with weird speculation and excitement, making her confused.
"That's going on?" she thought, glancing around with a mix of curiosity and irritation. "Maybe a celebrity is here for an event or a store opening," she mused, shaking her head dismissively. She had no time for distractions.
Mia squared her shoulders and lifted her head high. Her eyes focused ahead, cutting through the crowd. with determined strides.
She was engrossed in her phone, checking for any new messages from Emily, so deeply absorbed that she didn't realize someone was standing in her path. Suddenly, she collided with what felt like a wall of solid rock. Her phone slipped from her hand in the startling moment, clattering to the floor. Mia screamed as she collided with the hard obstacle, her eyes squeezing shut in fear as she anticipated the pain from the fall.
But instead of hitting the ground, she felt two powerful hands catch her, securing her in a strong embrace. Stunned and in utter surprise, Mia opened one eye cautiously. Her other eye followed suit, widening as she blinked up at the handsome face of Adam Whitmore. Her breath caught in her throat, and she could hardly process his presence.
Before she could gather her thoughts or question what he was doing there, the rapid clicking sounds of camera shutters filled the air. The sudden onslaught of noise and flashes of light from the paparazzi who instantly surrounded them made her gasp. 736