Chapter 12

Michael's wild driving had Isabella giving him the cold shoulder once they got back to the bedroom. She didn't even let him touch her.

Given that Isabella had already pulled a late-night shift and still went along with his crazy antics in the car, Michael figured he'd cut her some slack and let her sleep through the night.

When Isabella woke up the next morning, sunlight was already sneaking through the curtains and lighting up the balcony.

She grabbed herphone and saw it was already 8:30!

Isabella moved like she was on fast-forward,getting dressed and ready at triple speed. She checked herself in the mirror-perfect! She saved time by skipping makeup.

She grabbed her bag and headed downstairs, where Ava was waiting for her.

Ava handed Isabella a lunchbox.

Despite the traffic, Robert's driving skills were top-notch, and they got there a few minutes early.

The company entrance was under construction, so Robert parked nearby,.and Isabella dashed towards the office.

Robert noticed she had forgotten the lunchbox and quickly got out of the car to catch up with her.

Isabella managed to clock in just before work started and let out a long sigh of relief.

She sat at her desk, saw she had some time, and opened the lunchbox to take a few bites.

Olivia came over, drawn by the smell. "Wow, Isabella, your breakfast is so fancy!"

"My family prepared it. Let's share." Isabella replied.

As Olivia ate, she said, "Isabella, do you know why they're working on the company entrance today?"

"It's being fixed because it got messed up. What else could it be?" Isabella wasn't that curious.

"This place has been falling apart for years. Our boss is too cheap to spend money. He won't even reimburse our travel expenses, let alone spend money on good deeds." Olivia had a lot of complaints about their branch manager,Philip Mitchell.

"So what's the deal?" Isabella's curiosity was finally piqued by Olivia.

Olivia said, leaning in close to Isabella's ear. "Rumor has it, thisis an order from Mr.Johnson."

"Mr.Johnson? The chairman's grandson?" Isabella asked.

"Yes," Olivia said, "The word is, Mr. Johnson came to the branch office,and there were no lights in front of the building, and the ground was full of potholes. He accidentally tripped and fell, so he issued an order to repair the road in front of the building and install streetlights this morning.

Olivia suddenly remembered something and said excitedly, "Isabella, didn't you also trip in front of the building yesterday? I hope Mr.Johnson visits more often; our problems might get solved quickly."

Isabella reminded, "Let's not. I've heard that Mr. Johnson is not an easy person to deal with."

As they were chatting. Ivy walked in. "Isabella, I finally understand why you didn't share your wedding photos. Your husband is so old, isn't he?"

"Ivy. what nonsense are you spouting so early in the morning?" Olivia always disliked Ivy's sharp tongue.

Ivy ignored Olivia and turned to Isabella, saying, "I saw your husband. He was near the company. Though he is old, he looks rich. I get it. Instead of marrying a young, broke guy and struggling, you went foran older,rich dude. Once he kicks the bucket, you'll get most of his money."

Isabella knew Ivy misunderstood her relationship with the butler. She shot back, "Who says I can't find someone who's young,hot,and loaded?"

Ivy gave her a once-over and sneered, "In your dreams."

Isabella smirked, "I'll take that as a compliment."

After Ivy's snide remark, Isabella felt pretty lucky. Michael was handsome,like a movie star, only a few years older than her, and rich. Even though he didn't have a real job, he spent money like it was going out of style,giving off the vibe of serious wealth.

"Isabella, come in for a moment," called her supervisor, Eric.

Isabella grabbed a USB drive with the second set of design plans and hurried in.

Eric held up the printed plan A and said, "Our bid proposal needs to be in by tomorrow morning. The final call is up to Mr. Mitchell. Take this to him, and if he's cool with it, we'll go with plan A."

"Got it," Isabella replied and gave the USB flash disk to Eric.

"I want you to go because you mainly worked on plan A. If Mr. Mitchell has any questions,you can answer them. If there's any issue, come straight

to me," Eric added.

Isabella took the proposal to Philip's office.

"Isabella, come in! Have a seat; I'll get you some tea," Philip said,way too eager.

Seeing Philip, the branch manager, serving her tea set off alarm bells in Isabella's mind.

"Mr. Mitchell, I'm here about the bid proposal," Isabella said. "Please take a look."

"I have great confidence in your skills," Philip said, signing his name without even glancing at the document.

As Isabella reached to take it, Philip pulled the document behind his back."Isabella, no rush. As a leader, I should care about my employees' personal lives. I heard you got married, and your husband is much older?"

Isabella didn't like discussing her personal life with outsiders, so she just smiled without saying anything.

Philip mistook her silence for shyness and continued, "Isabella, as guys get older, their sex drive drops. You're still young; without love, you'll fade away."

As he spoke, his greasy hand reached for Isabella's face.

Isabella sidestepped, grabbed the document from the sofa, and said, "Mr.Mitchell, since you've signed it, I'll be going. Mr. Allen is waiting for my response."

She opened the door and left without looking back, almost bumping into Ivy, who was just entering.

Seeing Isabella's expression, Ivy got the gist.

Seeing Isabella leave, Philip was furious. Ivy approached him.

"Mr. Mitchell, do you like Isabella?" Ivy probed.

"Mind your own business," Philip snapped, grabbing Ivy's chin angrily.

Ivy promised to help him get Isabella.

Philip, filled with unspent desire, roughly pushed Ivy onto the desk.

As their bodies moved rhythmically, she clung to his neck, letting out restrained moans.

Encouraged, Philip fumbled around Ivy's chest, his lower body already limp and defeated.

Ivy's eyes were clear, devoid of any lust, only showing despair and determination.

'Isabella, I'l make you pay tenfold for what I'm enduring today,' she thought.