The conference room was buzzing with conversation as the finance team presented their latest updates. Alessia sat at the head of the long, polished table, her eyes scanning the reports in front of her. Gianna sat to her right, poised and attentive, a stark contrast to the chatter around the room. She had already made significant strides in stabilizing the financial department, and the team had quickly warmed to her leadership.
Yet Alessia couldn’t shake the unsettled feeling that had been growing since Gianna’s arrival. Something about her was too familiar, too… off. As the meeting progressed, Alessia found herself watching Gianna more than listening to the numbers being presented.
That’s when she noticed it.
Gianna’s hand rested on her lap, her fingers absentmindedly picking at the hem of her dress. It was a small, subtle gesture, one Alessia had seen a thousand times before—on Pamela. It had been one of Pamela’s nervous habits, something she did when she felt uncertain or uncomfortable. Alessia’s breath hitched as unease rippled through her.
“Ms. Kane?” one of the team members asked, snapping her back to the moment.
“Yes,” Alessia said, shaking off her distraction. “Sorry, could you repeat that last part?”
As the meeting continued, Alessia couldn’t stop staring at Gianna. She was perfectly composed, her sharp black hair and tailored suit giving her an air of professionalism, but that one tiny habit was enough to stir doubt. Her mind spun as she tried to reconcile the Gianna sitting next to her with the memory of Pamela. The resemblance wasn’t just physical—it was mannerisms, energy, something deeper. Alessia felt her heart race as the team began wrapping up the meeting.
“Thank you, everyone,” Alessia said, her voice steady despite her racing thoughts. “That’s all for today.”
The team filtered out one by one, leaving Alessia and Gianna alone in the room. Gianna stayed seated, her notebook open in front of her, reviewing her notes. Alessia leaned back in her chair, studying her.
“Gianna,” Alessia said, her voice careful, “can I ask you something?”
Gianna looked up, her dark eyes sharp and inquisitive. “Of course, Ms. Kane.”
“You remind me of someone,” Alessia said, her tone casual but laced with curiosity.
Gianna raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. “Oh? Who?”
For a moment, Alessia hesitated. But she pushed forward, her gaze steady. “My brother’s dead fiancée.”