Page 215 of My Italian Love Affair

"You don't know?"

"Knowwhat?"

Giulia's gaze darts around, like she’s making sure no one important is within earshot before she leans closer.

"Mark’s been fired."

My heart slams into my ribcage.

"Fired?" I repeat, voice cracking slightly.

She nods, eyes gleaming with something that looks suspiciously like satisfaction.

"Nobody has announced it, or anything, but apparently, he came in really early - before anyone else - to clear out most of his things. It’s actually happened. He’s gone."

"I...why?"

"Because he's a liar. Apparently, he’s been taking credit for other people’s work and been behaving inappropriately towards some of the younger women he’s been working with. Management found out about it, and the next thing - he’s gone."

It feels as though the air rushes from my lungs as Matteo's words from last night come back to me.

I'm handling it.

Fuckinghell.

Did Matteo do this? Did his mysterious phone calls to industry contacts actuallywork?

My mind spins as Giulia continues talking.

"...Maria was here early, and she said there were meetings this morning with HR and legal. Something aboutethics breaches and misconduct. Apparently, several female journalists have all come forward together to report how uncomfortable he’s made them feel."

She shakes her head.

"He's finished."

I press a hand to my chest as the pieces fall into place.

Mark's comments.

His inappropriate remarks.

The way he'd sneered at me, humiliated me, dismissed me as nothing more than a woman sleeping her way through the industry.

And now?

Gone.

I’m still sitting there, reeling, when my phone buzzes. I glance down and open it, quickly reading the message from Matteo.

I hear it's a beautiful day in the office.

I stare at the text for several long seconds. My pulse quickens as understanding slams into me, and I quickly excuse myself from my conversation with Guila as I hurry over towards one of the secluded corners.

I swipe to call him, and he picks up after two rings.

"Matteo," I say, my voice breathless. "Did you… did you do this?"

"Do what,bella?"

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