Chapter 72

Isabella walked out of Vaughn's office, letting out a heavy sigh. She'd promised to back Michael up, but she didn't think she'd lose her job so fast.

She thought, 'No way I can tell Michael. He knows how much this job means to me; he won't buy that I quit on my own. If I say Vaughn fired me, he'll definitely dig intoit.'

Olivia was waiting by the door and rushed over as soon as she saw Isabella.

"Isabella, how'd it go? What did Mr. Johnson say?" Olivia asked, her voice full of concern.

Isabella gave Olivia a reassuring smile. In this crazy world, Olivia was one of the few who genuinely cared about her.

"Olivia, don't stress. I talked to Mr. Johnson. You don't have to quit; you can stay at the branch office," Isabella said.

"But what about you? Isabella,what are you gonna do?" Olivia was almost in tears, feeling guilty for causing Isabella so much trouble.

"I..." Isabella hesitated, having no clue what her next move was.

"Isabella, come on, tell me. What are you gonna do?" Olivia pressed.

Just then,Eric walked over and answered for her, "She's being transferred to the headquarters."

Isabella shot Eric a grateful look and whispered, "Thanks!"

But she wasn't sure if Eric was just covering for her or if the headquarters had really approved her transfer.

"Really? That's awesome, Isabella. It's like a promotion. I heard the headquarters pays way more," Olivia said, trying to be optimistic.

"I've already talked to the headquarters. You're being transferred there.You can start right away," Eric confirmed.

"Thank you!" Isabella said, genuinely grateful.

"No need to thank me. It's no big deal for me. After all,I'm Mr.Johnson's boyfriend. But I'll expect Michael to return the favor," Eric said with a smirk.

Isabella quickly replied, "Mr. Allen, don't worry. I'll tell Michael when I get home and have him treat you to dinner."

Eric smiled and said, "Alright, I'll be waiting."

But he thought to himself, 'The favor I want is worth way more than a dinner.'

He was fully aware that Isabella remained oblivious to Michael's true identity, and he had no intention of revealing it. It was their business as a couple, and he didn't want to meddle too much.

His decision to move Isabella to the headquarters had been influenced predominantly by Olivia, who lost all sense of reason when it came to Isabella. It was evident that keeping them apart at work was the wisest course of action.

The HR department quickly processed Isabella's resignation from the branch office.

Eric had already informed the headquarters, transferring Isabella to Design Department 2.

Isabella's move to the headquarters was clearly a step up.

Except for Olivia, who was bummed out, everyone else in the office was envious and congratulated Isabella.

Isabella left the branch office amidst the envy and well-wishes of her old colleagues and headed to the company headquarters.

Upon her arrival at Design Department 2, her unexpected presence sparked curiosity. The department wasn't short-staffed,and there were no hiring plans.Why did a new colleague show up just before the end of the workday?

In the break room, the restroom, and anywhere Cecilia Thorne, the formidable department head, couldn't overhear, speculation ran wild.

"The HR department's about to clock out. You can handle the onboarding stuff first thing tomorrow morning," Cecilia said, sitting behind her desk.Her sharp eyes peered through thick glasses, making Isabella feel like she was being hunted.

"Alright, thank you, Ms. Thorne," Isabella replied.

Cecilia gave her a disdainful look, snorted, and went back to her work,ignoring Isabella.

"Ms. Thorne, if there's nothing else, I'll head out," Isabella said politely and left the supervisor's office.

Isabella walked into the department's office area. Even though it was just a small part of the design division, it was way bigger than her old office at the branch.

There were more staff members too, but they weren't as friendly.Isabella stood there for a while, but no one paid her any attention. Everyone was busy with their own tasks. Occasionally, someone would get up, but it was either to go to the restroom or grab water from the break room.

Isabella found an empty seat and sat down. She had questions but no one to ask.

Finally, it was time to leave, but none of her colleagues left. They all stayed at their desks, working diligently.

Isabella, having just arrived and with nothing to do, was debating whether to leave when Michael called.

"Isabella, I'm waiting for you downstairs. Why haven't you come down yet?"he asked.

Isabella slapped her forehead, realizing she had forgotten to tell Michael she was now at the headquarters.

"Michael, I'mn not at the brańch," Isabella said carefully. "I'm at the company headquarters."

"Alright, wait for me upstairs. Don't come down early. I'l call you when I arrive," Michael replied.

"Okay."

After hanging up, Isabella sat at her desk, worried about how to explain everything to him.

When Michael's call came in again, Isabella still hadn't figured out a strategy.

Actually, on his way, Michael had received a call from Eric, who filled him in on the situation.

He didn't understand why Vaughn insisted on making Isabella leave.He thought Vaughn might have some ulterior motive.

Michael wished he could turn back time and never have transferred Vaughn to the branch.

"Isabella, come down. I'm here," Michael said gently.

Seeing a room full of colleagues working overtime, Isabella quietly left.

On the way, Isabella remained silent.

Michael took her hand, playing with her slender fingers, and said, "Isabella,what's wrong? You seem upset."

"Michael, I need to tell you something, but you can't get mad,and you can't go looking for trouble," Isabella said.

After getting Michael's assurance, Isabella bit her lip and told him about her transfer from the branch to the headquarters.

"Why did they suddenly transfer you to the headquarters?" Michael was puzzled.