Chapter 133
“So, Miss Rossi,” David Owens said, swirling the whiskey in his glass. “Are you saying you have no plans to return to the Rossi Group? Considering your success at Weiss Inc., one would think your family would want you back.”
Izzy met his gaze, her expression unreadable. She always knew that these people would surely ask this question tonight. She reached for a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and lifted it slightly. “I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.”
A short chuckle came from another businessman in the group. “Now, now, David. That’s quite a personal question.” The man, a well–respected real estate mogul named Richard Hale, shook his head. “We’re here to discuss business, not Miss Rossi’s career plans.”
David raised an eyebrow. “It’s just curiosity. The Rossi Group is a powerhouse, and yet she’s thriving here. Naturally, people will wonder why.”
CEO Weiss, who had been observing the conversation, set his glass down. “That’s not a discussion we should be having in a setting like this.”
Izzy smiled politely. “I appreciate the interest, but my focus is on Weiss Inc. at the moment.”
CEO Weiss nodded. “And we’re lucky to have her.”
David hummed, clearly still intrigued, but let the subject drop.
Izzy took the opportunity to excuse herself. “Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I have something to attend to.” She stepped away from the group, weaving through the crowd, her eyes scanning the room.
She was looking for Anna.
Her assistant was supposed to be nearby, but Izzy hadn’t seen her for the past half–hour. A small frown formed on her lips as she discreetly pulled out her phone.
No messages.
Izzy exhaled and decided to head to the restroom to freshen up. After retouching her makeup and adjusting her blazer, she stepped out and checked her phone again.
Still nothing from Anna.
She tapped her number, waiting as the line rang. Nothing.
Her frown deepened.
Anna was always quick to answer.
Stepping away from the bustling crowd, Izzy moved toward a quieter area near one of the side hallways and near a balcony. The noise from the event faded slightly as she tried calling again
Still no answer. So, she texted her, asking her where she was. It was time to go home.
Izzy sighed and was about to try one more time when a voice interrupted her.
“This must be fate.”
Izzy turned sharply.
Frederik Vasili was walking toward her, hands in his pockets, his usual smirk in place.
10:33 Thu, Feb 208 BT
Chapter 133
3
88%
+23
Izzy pursed her lips as she glanced at her phone one more time. Still no response from Anna.
Since she couldn’t reach her, she would just book a ride herself. Tonight, she had deliberately asked Anna to drive her home, knowing she would be drinking champagne and wine at the event. Driving under the influence wasn’t an option.
She tapped on her screen, opening the app to request a car.
Meanwhile, Frederik stopped a few feet away from her, watching her with amusement.
“What are you doing here?” Izzy asked, slipping her phone back into her blazer pocket. “Are you stalking me?”
Frederik smirked. “And if I am?”
Izzy rolled her eyes inwardly. She had neither the time nor the patience for whatever game he was playing.
“Leave me alone,” she said.
Frederik chuckled, taking a step closer. “Come on, Isabella.”
Izzy’s eyes flicked toward him. “We’re not that close for by my name.”
you to call me
Frederik hummed, tilting his head slightly. “Fair enough.” He slipped his hands back into his pockets. “I did some research.”
Izzy remained still, waiting for him to get to the point.
Frederik’s smirk widened. “Turns out you and Liam Horvath grew up together.” His
used his last name to fool me?”
Izzy said nothing.
Frederik took another step forward. “So? Why did you lie about your name?”
Izzy met his gaze evenly. “I don’t owe you an explanation.”
gaze sharpened slightly. “Is that why you
Inwardly, she thought he was making a bigger deal out of this than necessary. She hadn’t actually lied. She was a Horvath. Technically. Moreover, if he actually did some research on her, then he would have known that she was Liam’s wife.
Frederik studied her for a moment, as if trying to read her thoughts.
Izzy exhaled. “What do you want?” She had just finished booking a ride, and the car would be here in a few minutes. She also texted the CEO, letting him know that she didn’t feel too good and would have to leave early.
“I wanted to know you, of course.”
“Right,” Izzy said. “Then you should know that I don’t like wasting my time. If you want to know more about me, then… feel free to do more research.”
Frederik chuckled, tilting his head slightly. “Why are you acting like I offended you? I don’t recall us meeting before, and I’m pretty sure I haven’t done anything to deserve this kind of treatment.”
Izzy slipped her phone back into her pocket, her expression indifferent. “I just dislike you.”
In fact, Izzy had read news about this man in the past. Aside from the fact that he was a womanizing asshole, there were rumors of him and a few other socialites engaging in substance abuse. Perhaps these were all just rumors, perhaps not. Either way, she had no interest in knowing this guy.
“Ouch. How could you be so blunt?” Frederik placed a hand over his chest, feigning a hurt expression. *And what a harsh judgment for someone you barely know.”
10:33
Feb 20
Chapter 133
00%
+23)
“I’ve heard enough,” Izzy said. “That’s more than enough to know you’re not good company. Disliking you isn’t a judgement. It just dislike you.”
Frederik grinned. “Come on, chill. It’s not like I’m going to do something bad to you.” He leaned in slightly. “I just want to know you.”
Izzy exhaled sharply. “Why?”
Frederik’s smirk didn’t fade. “Because I find you interesting.”
Izzy narrowed her eyes slightly. “Why?”
Frederik’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “You have a multimillion–dollar empire within your reach, yet instead of claiming it, you chose to work under someone else. All for a man.” He tilted his head slightly, studying her reaction. “Fascinating, don’t you think?”
Izzy’s fingers curled at her sides. A sharp retort was already forming on her tongue, but before she could speak, a sudden wave of dizziness hit her.
Her vision wavered, the edges of her surroundings distorting as if the world had momentarily tilted.
Instinctively, she brought a hand to her temple, pressing her fingers against the sudden pressure in her skull. She blinked rapidly, trying to force the sensation away.
Her breath hitched.
Something was wrong.
