Chapter 323
The Zamora Group’s annual meeting was being documented from start to finish by a dedicated crew.
The front row was reserved for the entire Zamora family, the second row for top executives, and the rest of the seats were filled by district managers from each branch.
Hayley’s seat was empty, and just when everyone thought she wasn’t coming, she entered the room, pushing a wheelchair through the doorway.
Zara, who was supposed to be in the hospital, wore a faint smile and chatted with Hayley from time to time. She looked calm and collected, paying no mind to the curious looks people gave her.
As soon as Hayley entered, Marina stepped forward to guide her to her seat.
It was part of her job as an assistant.
She was in charge of making sure all the guests were settled in for the event.
Zara’s status in the Zamora family was a bit awkward. She was only Hayley’s adopted daughter with absolutely no connection to the Zamora family.
So, her seat ended up in the second row.
After Hayley settled in, Marina gently placed her hand on the wheelchair’s armrest and spoke in a soft voice, “Let me help Zara get to her seat.”
Hayley frowned, a hint of irritation in her voice.
“No need. She can just stay right here next to me.”
There wasn’t an extra chair beside Hayley, but Verena’s wheelchair fit perfectly in the same row with her.
The seating was all lined up perfectly, so if Zara joined this row, even without squeezing in another chair, she’d stick out and mess up the neat arrangement.
Just as Marina was about to say something, Daron’s voice rang out, right on cue.
“Let Zara stay by Aunt Hayley’s side.”
Hearing that, Marina just bit back what she was about to say.
“Alright,” she replied.
Since Daron had already spoken up, Marina didn’t insist any further and simply moved aside without another word.
Zara’s face lit up with a bright smile.
Daron looked down at her, his gaze gentle.
“This morning’s just a bunch of work reports, nothing special. You really should be resting at the hospital. If you get bored tonight, feel free to hang out at the manor,” he said.
The Zamora Group’s annual gala would be held in the evening
With a smile, Zara said, “But I really want to see you shining on stage.”
“It’s just a twisted ankle. After getting a cast, it doesn’t hurt much anymore.”
10:08 Sat, Feb 21 X
Chapter 323
Daron nodded slightly.
“If you’re not feeling well, just let Marina know.”
Zara nodded. “Alright.”
As she spoke, Zara beckoned Daron over, looking like she had a secret to tell him.
Seeing her gesture, Daron leaned in closer.
Zara reached up and fixed the tie clip on Daron’s tie, which had slipped out of place.
“Your tie clip’s a little off,” she said.
Daron furrowed his brows, then straightened up, his gaze instinctively drifting over to Marina.
But Marina was turned away, chatting with a colleague, and didn’t even glance his way once.
Daron looked back at his tie clip and said evenly, “Just let me know next time. No need to fix it for me.”
Zara’s eyes flashed with surprise, but she didn’t seem too bothered. She gave a small nod and answered, “Alright.”
Noticing Daron was still chatting with Zara, Marina checked the time, walked up to him, and said softly, “Mr. Zamora, it’s time for you to go on stage.”
Daron nodded and headed toward the stage.
Marina turned to follow, and Daron spoke up in a voice just loud enough for her to hear.
“Marina, you have failed in your duties.”
Her eyes
showed a hint of confusion as she looked up
at him.
Daron offered no explanation and headed straight for the stage.
Marina stood at the foot of the stage, watching Daron up there, racking her brain but still having no idea what she could have possibly done wrong.
The seating arrangement was all set by Chloe and approved by Daron himself. It had nothing to do with Marina at all.
Zara sitting next to Hayley threw off the perfect order of the front row and made her stick out, but Daron was the one who gave the green light.
Marina was just there to greet people, and the moment Hayley arrived, she stepped forward to show her the way. She hadn’t missed a beat.
‘Was it because my smile wasn’t genuine enough?‘ Marina thought to herself.
‘Or did he think I was acting too cold toward Hayley?‘ she wondered.
After a few seconds of thinking, Marina figured Daron was probably blaming her for being too cold to his aunt.
Hayley was his aunt, after all. He probably wanted her to be more friendly or welcoming.
Marina let out a quiet sigh. ‘Whatever, I’ll just take the blame for this one!
After all, she wasn’t just Daron’s assistant anymore. She was also his wife now. That meant she ought to show a bit more warmth on his behalf, whether she liked it or not.
Chapter 323
Marina looked up at the stage, her eyes settling on Daron as he spoke.
Just like Zara said, he was absolutely dazzling up there.
She quickly looked away and turned her attention to Zara.
Zara was completely focused on Daron, her eyes practically overflowing with admiration.
Hayley, meanwhile, watched Daron with a proud, benevolent smile on her face.
The rest of the crowd wore a mix of expressions,
Leo sat next to Harris, and at that moment, his gaze toward Daron was filled with satisfaction, as if he were admiring a masterpiece he had created himself.
Verena and Victor didn’t get an invite this time around.
Harris didn’t say a word. He just let Daron handle things however he wanted.
Verena figured since Victor was about to be officially added to the Zamora family tree, there was no point in making a fuss.
In past years, even if she wasn’t on the guest list, she’d still show up as Leo’s secretary and stick with the reception crew all day, barely taking a break.
The speech went on for two hours, and just as it was about to end, Zara sent Marina a pleading look, her eyes filled with a touch of helplessness.
Marina caught her look and walked over.
As soon as Marína got close, Zara spoke softly, “Ms. Finley, my foot suddenly hurts a lot, and I left my medicine in my mom’s car. Could you help me go get it?”
Marina nodded. “Sure.”
Daron had told her to handle any issues for Zara, so if she didn’t help out, he’d probably accuse her of neglecting her duties again.
“Could you tell me where Ms. Finley’s car is parked? I’ll go get it,” Marina asked.
Zara’s face lit up with a smile. “It’s in the outdoor parking lot. The license plate number is…”
Marína nodded and headed toward the outdoor parking lot.
Once Daron wrapped up his speech, everyone from the Zamora family made their way up to the stage for the big family photo op.
That was just how the Zamora Group did things, year after year.
Zara wasn’t really part of the Zamora family, so she’d never had a spot in those group shots before. All she could do was stay in her wheelchair, watching Hayley join the others on stage.
As Bette stepped onto the stage, she glanced over to where Marina had gone, her brows furrowing. When Hayley joined her, Bette couldn’t help but quietly ask.
“Aunt Hayley, where did Marina go? She should be here for the group photo.”
Hayley kept her gaze straight ahead, not looking at Bette, her smile polite and composed.
“She had to step out for a bit.”
10:08 Sat, Feb 21 ***
Chapter 323
“Besides, aren’t she and Daron keeping their marriage a secret? If she gets up there for the photo now people will start guessing who she is and probably stir up a bunch of gossip, Hayley added.
Bette narrowed her eyes, instantly catching on that Hayley had gotten Marina out of the way on purpose.
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
