Transmigrated: Stealing the CEO husband-Chapter 59: New assistant

The weight of responsibility pressed down on Ariana as she struggled to keep up with the mountain of paperwork before her. The office, usually pristine, was now cluttered with documents, folders, and reports—some stacked precariously, others already toppled over.

Luiss stood by the door, arms crossed, watching her with mild amusement. "The workload is too much for you," he remarked dryly. "It’s time you hire an assistant."

Ariana, rubbing the bridge of her nose, didn’t even look up. "I can manage on my own," she replied firmly.

As if the universe itself wanted to contradict her, the stack of files she had been holding slipped from her grip, scattering across the floor in a chaotic mess. Ariana let out a sigh of defeat, staring down at the papers that now resembled a battlefield of failed determination.

"Alright," she admitted with a groan, bending down to retrieve them. "I definitely need an assistant."

Luiss smirked, pleased with her rare moment of yielding. "Glad you’ve finally come to your senses," he said before disappearing into his office for yet another private meeting with the elites of the corporate world.

Ariana wasted no time. She needed an assistant—but not just anyone. She needed someone capable, intelligent, and trustworthy. She leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers on the desk as she mulled over potential candidates. And then, an idea struck her.

Her mind drifted back to the book, the one she had somehow become a part of. She recalled certain characters—ones who would emerge in later stages of the story, ones who had talents that would be invaluable to her now. A smirk touched her lips as she opened her laptop and began drafting emails to a select few individuals.

If she was going to be in this world, she would shape its events her way.

Later that day, as Ariana was scanning through responses, a familiar voice cut through her thoughts.

"I have to thank you," David said as he stepped into her office.

She looked up to see him standing there, his expression a mix of gratitude and lingering disbelief. It was only yesterday that he had been reinstated after a rather tumultuous suspension.

Luiss was still in his meeting, leaving the two of them alone. Ariana closed her laptop and tilted her head slightly. "Thank me?" she echoed.

David nodded. "You got me reinstated. I owe you one."

Ariana waved a dismissive hand. "No need to owe me anything. I was the one who got you suspended in the first place. I was also the one who got you back. That cancels it out."

David chuckled at her bluntness but didn’t drop the matter. "Still..."

"If you really want to do something for me," Ariana interrupted, arching an eyebrow, "never mention the kiss to President Luiss. Otherwise, I can’t ensure your safety."

David stiffened before rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "That’s a sure thing," he muttered.

Ariana smirked.

Then, noticing the way his expression had shifted into something more serious, she straightened. "What’s wrong?"

David hesitated for a moment before speaking. "We have a problem, Ms. Grey."

Ariana’s amusement faded instantly. "What kind of problem?"

David inhaled deeply. "Our marketing team for the Project Skyline Estates just resigned."

Ariana’s fingers curled slightly, but she kept her expression neutral. "Who’s behind this?"

"Gerald," David answered grimly. "When I confronted him, he made it clear that only you could talk him out of it."

Ariana blinked. "Me?!"

"Yes. You."

Ariana leaned back in her chair, staring at him thoughtfully. Gerald. She had expected him to retaliate after their last encounter. The man never handled defeat well. If not before, then later—she had known he would act out.

But rather than appearing distressed, as David had likely expected her to be, Ariana looked almost intrigued. There was an unmistakable glint in her eyes, the kind of look one had before stepping onto a battlefield.

David studied her expression warily. "Let me warn you," he said, voice low, "President Gerald is not an easy opponent."

Ariana let out a small laugh. "Oh, trust me, I know." She leaned forward, placing her elbows on the desk. "His corporation has a secret agency specializing in assassinations. His moral compass is nonexistent. And, above all, he’s a petty man who holds grudges over the most insignificant things."

David stared at her in shock. "How do you know all that?"

Ariana merely smiled, her fingers idly tapping against her desk. "Let’s just say," she mused, "you’re not the only one with connections."

David had barely left when Ariana pulled out her phone. She had been waiting for Gerald’s next move. And now that it had come, she was ready.

A message popped up on her screen. "Dinner. Le Cygne d’Or. 8 PM."

She smirked.

Of course, he’d choose that place.

Le Cygne d’Or wasn’t just any restaurant—it was an establishment of power, reserved for the elite, a place where silent negotiations happened over expensive wine and gourmet dishes. It wasn’t the kind of place someone like her—merely a secretary—should have access to.

But she wasn’t just any secretary, was she?

She would play Gerald’s game. But she would do so her way.

Ariana opened her closet, selecting an outfit that was elegant but not overly extravagant—enough to show that she belonged in the setting without trying too hard. With a quick but precise makeover, she was ready.

This wasn’t just dinner.

This was a battlefield.

...

Gerald was pale. The reason for his weakness was James Smith’s repetitive blows. At this stage he just suspected. With evidence and confirmation of Gerald’s involvement, he was gonna do a lot more. The brothers had a close bond. James would put his all into bringing Gerald’s downfall.

"You are stupid." Gerald seethed. His eyes were bloodshot red.

"I’m not stupid. I’ve left a copy in my personal laptop inside President Luiss’ office with a timer. So even if I disappear, the videos will be released.

"You...!"

"Now, shall we discuss negotiations?" Ariana with the smile of a winner