2/3
Seduction of my Mafia Stepbrother
Chapter 20 Boundaries of the Heart
Sarah’s POV
Olivia Johnson, this young doc about my age; was all buddy–buddy withe, right? But outta nowhere, she starts hinting that I had some kinda weird eye contact with the new CEO. Talk about awkward.
On our way to the cafeteria, she even grilled me about my thing with forge. She thought George had a soft spot for me or something. Her nosiness was driving me nuts, but since we’re on the same medical team, I couldn’t just blow her off.
I hate gossip, and I hate being the subject of it even mate.
The hospital cafeteria? Total food heaven, with dishes from all over the globe. But today, I was just picking at my food, totally distracted.
All around me, the docs were whispering about the new CEO, and I caught bits and pieces about the Caposta family. Some said they got rich off real estate, others said they were into arms trading, and some even claimed they had big–time government connections.
Honestly, they were probably all right. The Caposta family seemed like they had their hands in everything, and they were likely way more powerful than anyone could guess.
Meanwhile, Olivia was across from me, gushing about the new CEO’s model–like looks, saying she wanted to touch him, and how he looked Hike someone straight outta ancient Rome. She even joked that Should play out some rom–com plot to catch his eye.
doc and a CEO? Yeah, right. Perfect script, my foot.
Olivia was way more hyped about it than I was.
1 rolled my eyes. What I really needed to do was make sure he totally forgot I existed!
During the afternoon break, I spotted George in the cafe and happily plopped down across from him.
He warmly asked about my day and then sighed, “Man, today’s been a dog. The new CEO didn’t call you in for another chat, did he?”
I shook my head. “Nah, the CEO’s got a ton on his plate; he probably won’t bother with me again.”
“I still don’t get why he asked you about your job change reasons in public. That’s personal stuff. He could’ve just asked HR. Anyway, stoked you’re finally my colleague,” George said sincerely.
My eyes got a hit misty, and I squeezed his hand gratefully. “George, didn’t you know who the new CEO was before?” I asked.
I’m
He shook his head. “Technically, picking a CEO is the board’s job, but there was no board meeting this time. I only found out recently that the new CEO was directly appointed by the hospital’s biggest shareholder, the Caposta Group. The last CEO was recommended by shareholders and approved by the board.”
He sighed, “But a few months ago, he had surgery and couldn’t handle the job anymore. He’s about my age. And today’s new CEO is surprisingly young.”
I nodded. Even though I didn’t know much about Federico, well, except for our encounters, I had a gut feeling he’d do great. He just seemed naturally talented.
“Do you know much about the Caposta family?” I asked.
George replied, “I don’t give a damn about politics. I’m an independent. All I care about is medicine. What I know, you can probably just Google. And since I used to live in NY, 1 paid even less attention to the rich and famous in LA.
1/3
Chapter 20 Boundaries of the Heart
It seemed George was as clueleh us I was about the new CEO, but I had a bit more intel–like the fact that he used to be a truck driver.
On my way back from the café, I zoned out and took a wrong turn, eng up in a quiet ward area. I looked around, hoping to find a floor
dew
Suddenly, a pair of big hands grabbed my am and yanked me into
dark stairwell. The fire door slammed shut behind me.
My heart nearly stopped, and before 1 could scream, a pair of blue eyes peared in front of me.
Who else could it be? Damn, it was him again!
If I had a list of people 1 least wanted to see, Federico would be number one, followed by my faster mother, Julia.
“Hello, Federico. Can’t you just say what you need outside?” I rolled my yes and took a deep breath to calm my racing heart.
There were no cameras in the stairwell, and hardly anyone passed by: Even though I knew Federico wouldn’t hurt me, I hated him cornering me like this. My fragile heart couldn’t take it anymore.
He questioned, “Sarah, I have just one question. Do you really have a boyfriend in LA?”
Federica’s question caught
t me off guard. Did he really care if I was sing? Did he actually have feelings for me?
But he noticed my two seconds of hesitation.
He pressed me against the wall, his forehead against mine, forcing me to look him in the eye so he could judge the truth. “Did you lie to me?
I pushed him away and answered impatiently, “Of course, it’s true. As a CEO, you shouldn’t be so nosy about an employee’s private life.”
“You know you’re my employee? But I see you have no respect for me. Ok, tell me, what’s your boyfriend’s name?
In a panic, I stammered, “He… It’s none of your business.”
He sneered, “So, you actually don’t have one.
“I do!” I shouted, “His name is, uh, Smith Will.
He mocked, “Seems like your boyfriend’s parents were big fans of that movie star.”
My face turned red, but I wasn’t about to admit I was lying, so I quickly changed the subject. “Federico, I hope you’ll be a good CEO who doesn’t sexually harass female employees, respects their privacy, and focuses on medical quality, not other things
He let go of my shoulders and looked at me with a complex expression. Don’t worry, I’ll play my role well And you, don’t forget, you came to POCH voluntarily, making yourself my prey.”
“You! Did you know I would work here? Don’t tell me you became CEO here because of me; I won’t buy it,” I yelled.
Federico, who had already opened the door, turned back to stare at me, Sorry, you’re wrong this time. My being here has nothing with you, But since you reappeared in my life at the wedding, I won’t let you go again. Emma Watson”
