“Are you lost?” he asked, his voice calm but unsettling.Isabelle’s hand tightened on her phone, her instincts screaming at her to stay alert. “I’m fine,” she said quickly, her voice firm. “I’m waiting for someone.”The man tilted his head, rain dripping from his hat. “Are you sure? It’s dangerous to sit here alone in the dark.”Panic bubbled in Isabelle’s chest as she tried to think of what to do. Her phone buzzed in her hand—Ethan was calling back.She glanced at the man, his unsettling smile sending a shiver down her spine.“Ethan, please get here soon,” she whispered."Miss, i'm talking to you. Do you have car issues? I'm sure I can fix that right up for you" He continued."I'm okay, really. Thank you for your concern." Isabelle said and turned around to enter back into her car but the man was faster. He held the door down with his hand, stooping her from opening it.The rain poured relentlessly, and Isabelle shivered, trying to stay calm as the man outside her car leaned closer t
Allison Simeone sat outside her lodge, sipping a glass of red wine and enjoying the quiet night. The air was cool, the breeze gentle against her skin, and for the first time in a while, she allowed herself to relax. She had been receiving feedback from MIA on how she was torturing Isabelle and making work difficult for her.“Allison.”She turned at the sound of her name, her eyebrows arched in surprise. Standing just a few feet away from her, dressed sharply but looking unusually restless, was Liam Anderson.“Well, well,” she said with a slow smile, setting her glass down. “What a surprise. To what do I owe this honor?” Liam approached her, his face was tensed and his eyes looked around, as though searching for something or someone. Allison’s sharp gaze caught the desperation in his demeanor, and her smirk widened.“Ah.....you didn’t come here to see me, did you? What was I thinking.” she said smoothly, leaning back in her chair. “What’s wrong, Liam? Don't tell me.... she fought with
The pop-up store was bustling with activities. Celebrities, designers, people interested in the pop-up store and Elle Luxe representatives filled the space, while cameras clicked and crew members scurried around, making final adjustments. Isabelle stood near the entrance, directing staff and checking schedules, even though her neck was aching under the weight of the collar the doctor had given her, she still did her work well.“Hey, Isabelle, you shouldn’t be moving around so much,” Ethan said as he approached, carrying a clipboard. His brows furrowed as he watched her give instructions to the staff.“I’m fine,” Isabelle said with a smile, though the strain in her voice gave her away. “You tried so hard to stop me from coming even though Allison didn't approve it and I still came here, so I should do my work. You worry too much, I'm fine. It's just a strain.” “You’re clearly not fine,” Ethan pressed, lowering his voice. “Allison was out of line for making you come here. Let me take ov
A week after the pop up store event, the final and main event for Elle Luxe's Rebirth Campaign was held. It was supposed to be a day after the pop up store event but fans demanded for other pop up stores in other locations and Elle Luxe heeded to their demand, so the main event was shifted. The grand ballroom of Anderson Corp.’s most prestigious building glowed with elegance, its magnificent chandeliers casting a golden hue over the crowd of celebrities, influencers, and executives gathered for the Elle Luxe Rebirth Campaign final event. The air buzzed with conversation as models strutted down the runway, showcasing the Elle Luxe’s most iconic and new luxury pieces.Isabelle stood near the back, the cast on her neck had been removed since she didn't feel any more pain in her neck, but her encounter with that strange man still remained in her memory reminded her of the accident, she also didn't tell Liam about the strange man since she wouldn't have a reason to see him again. She sip
The PR Horizon office buzzed with quiet chatter as employees discussed the success of the Elle Luxe Rebirth Campaign. Isabelle sat next to Ethan, flipping through her notes absentmindedly as Ethan recounted a funny moment during the campaign.“You should’ve seen MIA’s face when the makeup artist handed her that sponsored lipstick, she went on and on about the brand she was influencing but Isabelle here schooled her. As a celebrity, she should know that she would use sponsored products but she just wanted to delay the shoot. Isabelle did well teaching her her place” Ethan said with a laugh.Isabelle smiled faintly, but her mind was elsewhere. Thinking back on the events that happened made her remember the accident and the strange man. She was almost assaulted and she didn't even tell Liam about it. Well, he wouldn't come again, so he doesn't need to know all the details.Before she could reply, the glass doors swung open, and Allison entered, her heels clicking sharply against the tile
THREE WEEKS AGO.The man stumbled into his dimly lit apartment, rainwater dripping from the hem of his long coat. His hood shadowed his face as he muttered curses under his breath. He had just been fired from his workplace after weeks of warning. The female employees at his workplace all complained about him and petitioned for him to be sacked for his creepy behavior, the employers couldn't take it anymore so they fired him. He tossed the soaked coat over a chair, he kicked off his boots and slumped into the tattered armchair in the corner. He had always lived a miserable life, from when he was young till he was married. He was an abuser and his wife left him and took their son. It even escalated into a lawsuit and he was declared unfit to be a parent. He was told to stay away from his family forever. Since then, he never became alright, every and any chance he got, he would abuse women and go unpunished. The room was cluttered with scattered papers, empty bottles, and a small, flic
The morning sunlight filtered through the streets as the man walked into a small flower shop, the bell above the door chiming softly. He was dressed in all black, a black helmet was on his head too, to cover his face because of CCTV cameras. The shopkeeper looked at him weirdly, scared at first at his appearance but she later greeted him with a smile, but he only nodded, while his eyes scanned the array of colorful flowers.“Hello sir, is there anything you're looking for? If you tell me who it's for, I can help you select the flowers according to it's meaning.” The shopkeeper said politely, still behind the counter.“I don't need your help. I know exactly what I want.” He replied coldly.He then selected a bouquet of red roses, their deep crimson petals rich and striking. “Here. Wrap it up nicely.” The shopkeeper collected the flowers, “Uhm, there are cards available. If you would you like to write something on the card, you can tell me and I'll write it for you.”“Just give me the
Isabelle unlocked the door to her home, her shoulders felt heavy with the weight of exhaustion, fear and unease. The strange gifts and notes she’d been receiving at the office had begun to gnaw at her mental health. Though she tried her best to keep up appearances and avoid all of Ethan's questions about the mysterious sender, she couldn't completely hide it, especially when she was at home, so she's been avoiding Liam too. “Isabelle!” Mary Jane greeted her with a bright smile as she stepped into the house. “You’re finally back! You won’t believe it—Mr Anderson is such a romantic man!”“Romantic?” Isabelle asked, her brow furrowing.“Yes, totally! He sent you flowers and chocolates. I just saw the delivery guy drop them off and I brought them inside.” Mary Jane gushed. “They’re in the living room. You’re so lucky to have someone like him. I didn't know Mr Anderson had this side to him.”Isabelle’s stomach dropped. She forced a smile and followed Mary Jane to the living room, where a
The next morning, Isabelle walked into the office with a heavy heart, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. She knew Laura wouldn’t take the news about Taylor Monroe lightly, but she hadn’t anticipated just how explosive the situation would become. As she stepped off the elevator, Isabelle spotted Laura pacing near her desk, a stormy expression on her face. Before Isabelle could even greet her, Laura rushed over, her voice tight with urgency. “Isabelle! Did you hear back from Taylor?” Isabelle hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “Yes, I did.” “And? What did she say? Why didn't you report back to me?” Laura pressed, leaning in expectantly. “She’s adamant about one condition,” Isabelle replied cautiously. “Taylor won’t participate unless Celeste Laurent is removed from the guest list.” Laura’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “That’s it? That’s all she said?” Isabelle nodded, avoiding eye contact. She couldn’t bring herself to tell Laura that Taylor had already agreed
The email from Taylor Monroe pinged into Ethan’s inbox. He read it twice to be sure—she'd agreed to work with Allison's team for the online campaign. The news was a victory, but Ethan knew delivering it to Isabelle wouldn’t feel like one. He found her still awake in their rented cottage, staring at her laptop screen like it held all the answers to life’s toughest questions. She glanced up when he walked in, her expression calm but weary. “Taylor?” she asked before he could say anything. Ethan nodded slowly. “Yeah. She picked us.” Isabelle let out a long breath, leaning back in her chair. “Figured as much. With Celeste Laurent involved, there wasn’t much I could’ve done differently.” “You don’t sound upset,” Ethan noted, surprised by her lack of frustration. “I am,” she admitted with a wry smile, “but not because I lost. This isn’t about winning or losing—it’s about doing what’s best for the project. And honestly? If anyone can pull off something amazing with Taylor, it’s A
The drive to Taylor Monroe’s estate was a long one, the city skyline shrinking behind them as Isabelle and Ethan drove further into the secluded hills where the celebrity resided.Seated in the passenger seat, Isabelle checked her notes one last time. “You think she’ll even consider this?”Ethan, focused on the road, smirked. “Taylor Monroe doesn’t do anything unless it benefits her. We just have to make it sound like we’re offering her the deal of the century.”Isabelle sighed, closing the file in her hands. “Laura is expecting me to bring her back on our side, but Monroe is known for rejecting events like this. She's doesn't attend events physically.”Ethan scoffed. “Well, Allison doesn’t even want her at the event. She just wants her digital presence. So, for once, I might have the easier job here.”The car slowed as they approached massive iron gates. A security guard stepped out of the small booth nearby, eyeing the unfamiliar vehicle.Ethan rolled down the window. “We have a mee
The office buzzed with activity, but in Laura’s corner, tension simmered beneath the surface. She sat at her desk, drumming her manicured nails against the table, a usual habit of hers, deep in thought. It had only been a day since the Valmont Luxe project officially began, and already, Allison was making moves.Laura had overheard her team’s discussion earlier—they were planning to secure Taylor Monroe for an exclusive online campaign. It was a strong move, one that could give Allison an edge.That can’t happen.Her gaze flickered toward Isabelle, who was engrossed in work. A small smirk played on Laura’s lips as she formulated a plan.“Isabelle,” she called, her voice smooth but firm.Isabelle looked up, slightly surprised. “Yes?”“Follow me. We have an important task.”Laura led Isabelle into a private meeting room, shutting the door behind them. She turned, arms crossed, her expression unreadable.“There’s an opportunity we can’t afford to miss,” Laura began. “Taylor Monroe—she’s
The office was quiet as the evening settled in, the hum of fluorescent lights casting a soft glow over the dimming workspace. Laura and Isabelle sat side by side at one of the long tables in the conference room, surrounded by scattered notes, open laptops, and half-empty coffee cups.Laura tapped her pen against the table, her brow furrowed in concentration. "We need to create a buzz," she said, her voice low but determined. "Valmont Luxe’s grand opening has to be unforgettable. And that means collaborating with celebrities who can draw attention."Isabelle nodded thoughtfully. "I agree. But we have to choose carefully. Not just any celebrity will do—we need people whose image aligns with Valmont Luxe’s brand of luxury and exclusivity.""Exactly," Laura replied, leaning forward eagerly. "Think about it: A-list actors, top models, renowned musicians—people who command respect and admiration. If they’re seen wearing Valmont Luxe or attending our events, it’ll send a powerful message."I
The evening air was tense as the team gathered in the same conference room in the evening. Liam Anderson sat at the head of the table, his sharp gaze scanning the group. Meredith stood beside him, holding a folder with neatly organized notes."Good evening, everyone," Meredith began, her tone brisk and professional. "Before we dive into the main reason we are here, let me clarify how I've divided the PR teams for this project for the sake of those that were absent this afternoon." She gestured toward Laura and Allison. "Laura will lead the Events & Partnerships Team, assisted by Isabelle. Allison will lead the Digital & Branding Team, with Ethan assisting."Liam nodded approvingly. "This division seems fair. Now, let's hear your initial ideas. Remember, Valmont Luxe expects nothing less than perfection from us. Let’s not disappoint them."Laura straightened in her seat, eager to prove herself. "Thank you, Mrs Hayes1, Mr Anderson," she said, her voice steady but tinged with determinati
The office buzzed with tension as Meredith’s urgent email flashed on everyone’s screens:“Emergency meeting. Conference Room. Now.”Isabelle grabbed her notepad and hurried down the hall, Ethan following close behind. Employees from Anderson Corp’s PR team also rushed toward the meeting room, murmuring among themselves.“Any idea what this is about?” Ethan asked, keeping pace with Isabelle.“No clue,” she replied, glancing at the flurry of activity around them. “But it’s definitely big if Meredith’s calling everyone in like this. It's for the best, I've been bored with nothing to work on.”Inside the conference room, Liam Anderson was already seated at the head of the long table, his usual composed self. Beside him sat two elegantly dressed representatives—a man and a woman—both exuding an air of European sophistication. The woman had auburn hair tied in a sleek bun, while the man sported a tailored navy suit and a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.Meredith stood at the fr
Liam was standing close to Isabelle as they chatted. He dropped his coffee cup after finishing the content and suddenly placed his hands lightly on Isabelle's waist, his breath warm against her skin.“Liam...” Isabelle started but couldn't finish. He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, but just as he was about to deepen the kiss, Isabelle pulled back slightly, her eyes flicking down to her wristwatch."Break's over," she said in a voice that was both teasing and firm, pulling herself away from him with a small smile.Liam’s face softened, disappointment flickering in his eyes, but he still couldn't hide the affection in his voice. "I see you everyday but I still miss you."Isabelle let out a soft laugh, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I know, I can make it up to you later at home, I didn't give a date." she replied, her voice light, a playful tone slipping in as she began to walk away, still holding the coffee cup. Liam watched her go, his gaze lingering on her as she walk
Isabelle’s pen tapped lightly against her desk as she glanced at the time. Lunch break. It had only been a few days since she started at Anderson Corp, but things were already getting interesting.She turned to Ethan, who had been typing something furiously. "Hey, lunch?"Ethan immediately stood up and stretched. "Finally! I was about to die at my desk."They both grabbed their lunch trays from the cafeteria counter. As they scanned the room for a seat, Isabelle spotted an empty table near the glass windows. She walked over and sat down, expecting Ethan to join her.But just as Ethan was about to sit, someone else slid into the chair across from her."Excuse me, Ethan," Laura said with a polite smile, her own tray in hand. "I need to talk to Isabelle about something."Ethan hesitated, glancing at Isabelle for approval. Isabelle gave him a small nod."Alright," Ethan said reluctantly, picking up his tray. "I'll be over there. Call me if you need me here."Laura chuckled. "Am I about to