Chapter 4

4: 4

4

The next day was supposed to be paid leave.

But I went into the office anyway.

While I was there, I mentioned to my supervisor that once the contract was signed, I planned to take two months off.

My coworkers all gathered around, teasing me with grins.

"Isabelle raked in a huge bonus and doesn't have to work overtime every day anymore. Going off to live the good life, are you?"

"Obviously. The bonus off this one deal alone is enough to keep us fed for three years!"

"Come on, let her go have fun for two months. Honestly, a trip around the world wouldn't even be too much."

My supervisor came over too, smiling.

"All of us have seen how hard Isabelle works. She's earned this."

"The rest of you could learn a thing or two from her."

That day, my boss brought me along to a bar to greet a few clients in one of the private rooms.

On my way out, I heard a familiar voice coming from the room next door.

"The Maddox Group's ten-million-dollar deal is mine, no question about it!"

It was Kathryn, claiming she knew CEO Maddox of Maddox Group.

Thumping her chest, swearing up and down she had it locked in.

A few mutual friends were there too, exchanging uneasy glances.

Then someone, I couldn't tell who, spoke up.

"That big Maddox Group deal?"

"Wait, isn't Isabelle Lawson working on that one too?"

Joseph frowned and let out a cold snort.

"With a dull brain like hers, she'd probably stammer and choke on her words if she ever met CEO Maddox. Better if she doesn't go and embarrass her whole company."

The room burst into laughter around him.

Six years ago, I was chosen as the top scholarship recipient to give a speech. I stepped up to the stage and saw that the businessman donating to the school was my own father, the one who'd walked out on my mother and me.

My face went pale, then flushed. I stammered out a few words and ran off the stage.

After that, I was famous, in the worst way.

Everyone assumed I got nervous under pressure, that I was a coward.

I'd explained the real reason to Joseph, and he still stood at the front of the crowd making a joke of me.

This time I didn't bother explaining.

I just picked up my bag, turned, and walked out.

Behind me, one of his friends egged him on.

"Joseph, your girlfriend just heard all that from the doorway. She's going to be upset. Aren't you going to go after her?"

"She's been your obedient little shadow all these years, trailing right behind you."

"What if she really gets mad? What if one day she decides she doesn't want to marry you anymore?"

Joseph gave a smug, cold laugh.

"Even if aliens invaded Earth tomorrow, she'd never leave me."

And I left the private room, rested for two days, then went to sign the contract.

As it happened, on that very same day, Kathryn marched into Maddox Group brimming with confidence.

"I know CEO Maddox here. He agreed to give me that finalized deal. I'm here to talk terms."

The receptionist glanced at her and answered politely.

"Ma'am, you'll need an appointment to see Mr. Maddox. Do you have one?"

"I don't need an appointment!"

Kathryn's chin lifted. "Your CEO said I could go straight in the moment I arrived."

"And what business are you here for?"

Kathryn's nose was practically pointed at the ceiling.

"To sign a ten-million-dollar deal, of course. What would a receptionist like you know about that? Why are you even asking?"

The receptionist smiled politely. "That deal you're talking about, Mr. Maddox already signed the contract with another firm this morning."

Kathryn's head snapped up.

"That's impossible!"

"Your CEO Maddox already agreed to meet with me. How could he have already signed a contract with some other company?"

"Is this some kind of joke you're playing on me?"

And right then, contract already signed, I was walking out of Maddox Group.

Mr. Maddox was shaking my hand in farewell, his eyes full of approval.

"Miss Lawson, you're young and full of ideas. I hope this won't be the only time we work together."

I shook his hand with a smile. "A pleasure doing business with you."

Just then, two disbelieving stares turned toward me from behind.

"Isabelle Lawson! What are you doing here?"