Chapter 133
Bella
The familiar ID on my screen sent a jolt through me as I sat at my desk. Ilya. I hesitated for a moment before picking up the call. “Hello, Ilya,” I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady.
He didn’t waste any time with pleasantries. “Bella, did you join this new tech company?” His voice was direct, almost concerned.
“Yes,” I replied, knowing where this was heading.
“How did you get the job?” he asked, the question hanging heavily between us. I knew exactly why he was asking—he knew I didn’t have the experience for the position, and he was well aware that I had rejected AIM’s proposal. Accepting a job at CyberNova must have seemed like a reckless move to him.
“I was referred by a friend,” I said calmly, though my heart was pounding. I didn’t want to admit that Marcu
