“She doesn’t belong,” murmured Julia. “Sir?” asked Marcus, confused. “Elara,” Julia said coldly. “She’s not ready for these people, Marcus. You know how she is. She stays in a corner with a glass of water. She doesn’t know how to connect with people. She wears dresses that look like they came from a department store rack. Tonight is about power. It’s about image.”
Julia thought of the woman who was waiting for him in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlito: Isabella Ricci. Isabella was a cover model and brand ambassador. She was intelligent, ambitious, and so stunning that she commanded attention like gravity. She knew how to laugh at bad jokes, whisper in investors’ ears, and look impeccable next to them in front of the paparazzi.
“Remove her,” said Julia. Marcus blinked, stunned. “Remove Mrs. Thor? Sir, she’s your wife. This is the Vaguardia Gala. Wives tend to be…” “I said delete it,” Julia snapped, placing the tablet on the desk. “I’m the CEO of this company, Marc. I decide who represents us.” Elara is a burden tonight. I need to close the deal with the Sterling Group. If Arthur Sterling sees me with a housewife who can’t talk about macroeconomics, he’ll think I’m a coward. Erase her name. Revoke her security authorization. If she appears, do not let her enter.”
Marc hesitated, with a deep discomfort on his face. He liked Elara. She remembered his birthday when Julia forgot. She sent him soup when he was ill. But he needed this job. “As you wish, Mr. Thor,” said Marc in a low voice, touching the screen. “Elara Thor eliminated.”
“Fine.” Julia adjusted his tie, looking at himself in the mirror. “I’ll tell her the event is only for men: members of the board. It’s a lie. She’ll believe it.” He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. “Send the car to pick up Mrs. Ricci. She will accompany me tonight.”
Julia left the office feeling lighter. Powerful. He had gotten rid of that dead weight on top. He was ready to conquer the world. I had no idea that the notification of elimination not only reached the organizers of the event, but also a secure and encrypted server in a clandestine office in Zurich.
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