Chapter 3

Ethan hurriedly turned to hold Heather. Isobel didn't spare them another glance as she turned and left. She would retch if she had to spend another second looking at them.

As she left, she heard Vincent roar behind her, "Get back here, Isobel! What's this about sleeping with someone?"

There it was. He was her birth father, yet he only picked on her mistakes. She'd talked about Ethan and Heather kissing each other, yet he acted like he hadn't heard a thing.

Then again, she was used to it. She'd lost whatever standing she'd had at home since Anna Samson, her stepmother, had moved in with Heather five years ago. She would have stopped coming home ages ago if not for the fact that she was afraid Vincent and the others would destroy her mother's things.

…

Sophia approached Isobel when the latter arrived at the company after composing herself. "The client's here, Isobel. In fact, the CEO himself is here. It looks like they're pretty serious about working with us. He specifically asked for you to speak to him, so give it your best shot! It's up to you to make my Ferope trip next month come true!"

Isobel headed to the conference room, where she immediately caught sight of the man waiting for her. She'd always been decisive and swift regarding work—this was her first time hesitating and feeling a little trepidatious.

She didn't expect Theodore to be there.

He stood up and held out a hand calmly, his face devoid of emotion. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Somner.'

He sounded so aloof and distant that it was as if they hadn't slept together just the night before.

Isobel returned to her senses and composed herself. She shook his hand and said, "It's an honor to have you here, Mr. Stone."

After exchanging polite greetings, she sat opposite him and started talking about her proposal for their collaboration. "We intend to focus on the theme of returning to nature. It can highlight what sets your company apart from competitors…"

She looked serious when she entered work mode. She was gorgeous, to begin with. Her features were outstanding, especially the beauty mark at the corner of her eye. It made her look like a captivating fairy.

Theodore didn't bother hiding his gaze as it landed on her heaving chest. The memory of how he'd stripped her last night filled his mind. He tapped a finger on the glossy table surface, looking leisurely and regal.

"Mr. Stone?" Isobel called softly, pulling him back to his senses. "What do you think of the proposal?"

He looked into her eyes. "It's not bad, but it's also not up to my expectations."

He checked the time before turning back to her. "I have another meeting, so let's talk again once you've refined the proposal."

He looked so cold and aloof that it was almost as if he were incapable of feeling. Was he really going to throw the night they'd spent together behind him now that it was over?

Theodore really was as hard to please as the rumors made him out to be. Isobel looked at her proposal as she watched him leave.

Sophie came to her. "How'd it go?"

Isobel rubbed her nose. "Let's refine the proposal."

Sophie's face fell, and she sighed. "If we don't score this deal, the company…"

She looked at Isobel. "How about you ask your dad for help? He must have some projects…"

"Stop right there. I'll make sure to get this deal," Isobel said.

After graduating, Vincent had told her to work at his company. However, Heather would also be there. Isobel hadn't wanted to work with Heather, so she'd asked Vincent to station the latter somewhere else. Vincent had merely berated her, calling her heartless and saying she cared nothing about kinship.

Could Heather even be considered her kin? She was nothing but a mistress's daughter.

Driven by anger, Isobel had set up an advertising company and had even sworn that she would never ask Vincent for help. That, coupled with what had recently happened, made it all the more impossible for her to go to him.

She tightened her grip on her folder and pursed her lips as she looked in the direction Theodore had left. She made up her mind—she had to sign this deal with him, no matter what it took.

Isobel turned to head to her office. "Call everyone for a meeting."

They kept busy until night fell and the lights came on outside. Isobel's phone rang just as she stretched her neck. She answered it when she saw Remy Walker calling. "Hey, what's up?"

A lackadaisical male voice rang out on the other end of the line. "Hey, Bell. I have a friend who needs marketing help. Come over for a drink."

Isobel didn't immediately reject him. The company was just starting out, so it was important to get every client they could. She agreed and hung up before striding out of her office.

For convenience, she kept extra sets of clothing at the company. She'd worn the same outfit for a whole day yesterday, so she changed into something different.

Remy was a childhood friend and a seasoned playboy. He generally set up meetings and gatherings at nightclubs, so Isobel changed into a red velvet dress to match the mood.

It was a little chilly at night, so she threw on a suit jacket on top before heading to the address Remy had sent her.