Chapter 87

• "First of all, I came to return this," Alessandra said dryly, taking the delicate box containing the earrings out of her purse, and offering them to him. When she saw that he made no move to take them, she advanced to the desk and left them there. "And secondly," she continued once she was facing him again, "I came to ask, rather, to demand, that you do not take liberties with me that do not belong to you. I don't want you to send me flowers, chocolates, or anything at all. I don't need, nor want, anything from you, make that clear."
• The Italian man observed her carefully and with interest. "Wow, this woman is determined!" he thought, because coming to his office to speak to him with such composure, confidence, and determination was impressive, and as annoyed as he was, he found her quite charming.
• "I'm impressed, you're quite direct, Alessandra."