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
Liam sat in his office, his usually sharp and focused demeanor everytime he was at work was now clouded by deep thought. He could barely hear any sound because he was so engrossed in thinking as he tapped his fingers on the desk, staring blankly at a document he hadn’t touched in over an hour.Frank entered with a stack of papers. “Boss. I've got the the list ready” he spoke. Seeing that Liam was inattentive, his usual casual grin faltered when he saw finally Liam’s expression. “Boss, you look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders. Don’t tell me it’s the Elysium Heights project that's bothering you. I just reviewed and finalized the vendor list that the PR team submitted.”Liam glanced up, his jaw tightening. “It’s not the project. When have I ever been bothered about things like that.”Frank raised an eyebrow and set the papers down on his table. “Then what is it?”Liam leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. “I need you to do something for m
Liam and Frank drove toward the police station, the car’s atmosphere tense with unspoken thoughts. Frank glanced at Liam, who had been gripping the steering wheel tighter than usual.“You sure you don’t want me to handle this alone?” Frank asked lightly, trying to ease the tension. “You’ve been looking ready to punch something all day.”“This isn’t something I can let you do alone by yourself, Frank. It concerns Isabelle and I want to make sure that bastard pays for looking at her.” Liam replied, his voice firm.As they approached the station, Liam’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw Isabelle’s name.“Isabelle,” he answered, his tone softening.“Liam, where are you? I looked in your office and Frank isn't here either. Did you go home?” she asked, her voice tinged with urgency.“Actually, I've been trying to look for that pervert. I've gotten a picture from PR Horizon's CCTV. Turns out he pretended like he was a reporter and wanted to interview you, so the receptionist at
Liam stood outside the house with Frank. “Here we are, Boss” Frank said, locking the car door. Liam clenched the paper the address was written on with his hands. The house was a small, dilapidated building that stood silent, its windows dark, just like the intentions of it's owner.Frank paused and looked at Liam. “What are you planning to do if he's in there?” “Pat his head and tell him he's doing good.” Liam said, sarcastically. “What, Really?”“No, you idiot. How did I even hire you. When I go in and see him. I'll think of what to do then. But one thing is sure, he'll get a whole lot of beating.” “Wait, Boss. What if he isn't home? Wouldn't that be breaking and entering?” Frank twitched. Liam gritted his teeth. “You sure have lots of questions. You think that bastard will report someone for breaking and entering? He probably has dirty and illegal things in there.” Frank glanced at Liam. “You sure about this? Breaking and entering isn’t exactly legal.”Liam’s jaw tightened.
Liam sat at his desk, reviewing the latest reports on the Elysium Heights project, when Frank knocked lightly and stepped in. Behind him was Ethan, whose determined expression made it clear he wasn’t there for casual conversation.“Ethan,” Liam said, glancing up with mild surprise. “What brings you here?”Ethan didn’t waste time. “I wanted to talk about Isabelle.”Liam stiffened slightly, his gaze sharpening. “What about her?”“I know about the man who’s been stalking her,” Ethan said, his voice firm. “Allison let it slip, and Isabelle told me the rest. Look, I’ve seen him before—the night I helped her during the car accident. If he’s still out there, I need to know everything so I can help protect her.”Liam’s jaw tightened. “I appreciate your concern, Ethan, but I’ll handle it.”Ethan frowned. “With all due respect, Mr. Anderson, I’m closer to Isabelle. I see her every day. If anyone’s going to protect her, it should me. You're just her employer.”“And you're just her colleague.” Li
Ethan called out, “Mr Anderson?” his voice laced with surprise.Isabelle turned to look behind her and was equally shocked to see Liam approaching their table. For a moment, his face betrayed a flicker of something—jealousy, perhaps—but he quickly masked it, his expression turning neutral.“What a surprise, seeing you two here,” Liam said casually, his tone deliberately light, but he was bad at acting all neutral and surprised. “I was planning to eat here before heading home. I take meals here often so it's just a coincidence.”Ethan offered a polite smile. “It’s a nice place. We also wanted to grab dinner together for once—”“Great, then I’ll join you,” Liam interrupted smoothly, pulling out a chair before Ethan could refuse. He sat beside Ethan and signaled to a waiter. “I’ll have whatever they’re having.”Ethan raised an eyebrow, clearly finding Liam’s presence unexpected, but Isabelle bit back a smile. She could tell Liam’s casual demeanor was just an act, and inwardly, she found
Isabelle returned to the table, her face visibly pale, and her steps unsteady, her facial expression had changed completely from bright to gloomy. Liam and Ethan exchanged concerned glances as she sat down, avoiding their eyes.“Is there something wrong, huh?” Liam asked, his voice firm but controlled.“It's nothing, there's nothing wrong.” Isabelle replied quickly, forcing a weak smile. “I just got a call from a friend.”“A friend?” Liam’s eyebrows knitted together. “What did the friend say to make your expression change so much. Did something bad happen?”Ethan leaned in, his expression sharp with suspicion. “Isabelle, come on. We've been over this. You won't be able to solve a problem if you keep it to yourself. Now, tell us. Was it him? That man, Peter Crane?”Isabelle froze, the truth slipping from her lips before she could stop herself. “Yes… it was him.”Ethan’s fist clenched, and Liam leaned forward, his expression darkening. “That bastard dared to call you? So, what did he sa
Liam gently knocked on Isabelle’s door early in the morning. When she didn’t respond, he stepped inside to find her still asleep on the bed, the first rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains.“Isa,” he said softly, shaking her shoulder gently.She stirred, her eyes fluttering open to see Liam standing over her. “Liam? What time is it?Are you leaving already?”“It's still early,” he said with a small smile. “I have to leave for the meeting abroad, and Frank’s already waiting with the car outside the house. I wanted to say goodbye before I left.”Isabelle sat up, brushing her hair back from her face. “You didn’t have to wake me. I’d have been fine.”“I know,” Liam said, holding out a small object. “But I couldn’t leave without giving you this.”Isabelle blinked, taking the pen knife from his hand. “A pen knife?”“Consider it insurance. Use it to protect yourself if anything happens.” Liam said, his tone serious. “I don’t trust that man to stay quiet while I’m gone. And if someth
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