Chapter 22
BANG
The loud sound echoed as Izzy dropped the tablet on Calen’s table.
–
“What is this?” she hissed, her green eyes boring into his brown ones.
“What is what?” Calen responded with a smile.
300034
sty
こ
x
L
“You wanted to propose in front of the board? Calen, what were you thinking?” she asked.
**
ay 20
He snorted in response. “You wanted to show off in front of my father,” he leaned back, not bothering to hide the infuriating smirk on his face. “And now, you have the audacity to ask me if on going to present in front of the board? Of course, I am!”
“That- why would you do something like that? That’s a waste of your time. If you’d just read my proposal again-”
“What?” Izzy frowned.
“Please, Izzy…” Calen got up. “Do you really think I don’t know what you’re trying to do?”
> > વ
“The performance review is next month. Do you really think I don’t understand your motive behind this… nonsense?”
n’s
4
Izzy looked at him in disbelief. For the longest time, she wondered if Calen was stupid. Today, she was proven right. He was indeed stupid. So stupid, all he could see was his ego, all he could see was himself. Izzy took a step back. Despite everything, she needed to play her role properly. “Fine,” she said. “Then choose your team.”
The email she received from the higher–ups highlighted this part. They each got to choose their team to help with market research, among other things..
Calen sat back down and leaned back in his chair. “Oh, don’t worry. I already have my team picked out,” he said smoothly. “Monica will be joining, of course. She’s been close to this project from the start. Then there’s Simon from Strategy and Beth from Market Analysis.”
wyw
Izzy raised an eyebrow, a hint of disbelief flickering across her face. “Simon and Beth?” she scoffed. “Fine, take them. I’ll take
everyone
else on the team who’s left.”
“Feel free,” Calen replied, the smirk on his face growing. “I’m sure the board will enjoy the competition.”
Izzy gave him a withering look, unwilling to waste another word. She turned on her heel and stomped out, barely noticing Monica lingering in the hallway outside his office, looking expectant.
“Izzy!” Monica called after her, following her down the hall. “Wait up! I just wanted to say-”
Izzy stopped abruptly, spinning around to face her cousin. “I can’t believe you would do something like this,” she said, her voice laced with irritation. She eyed Monica up and down, her expression cold.
Monica widened her eyes, her hand going to her chest in a dramatic show of innocence. “Izzy, what do you mean? I don’t understand. I’m just trying to help Calen.”
Izzy rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. “Right. Well, he mentioned how you just happened to tell him all about what I supposedly said today. Interesting timing, don’t you think?”
Monica opened her mouth to protest, but Izzy didn’t give her a chance. With one last glare, she turned and headed down the hallway, leaving Monica standing there, momentarily speechless
As Izzy strode toward her office, her irritation simmered beneath the surface. She gave a curt nod to Anna, her secretary. “Cancel the rest of my meetings for today.”
13:29 Wed, Jan 1 G F#
Chapter 22
Anna looked up, surprised, but quickly nodded. “Understood, M. Rossi.”
Izzy grabbed her bag and headed out, barely pausing to take a breath as she stepped into the elevator. She was done with the petty drama for the day. Who would have thought that acting would be this exhausting? Earlier, the anger she’d shown was nothing but an act. Now, all she wanted was a hot bath to get rid of all those unpleasant memories.
Now, at least, she had a reason to avoid both Monica and Calen. She knew that challenging Calen would only lead him to double down, determined to prove himself right. The man was as stubborn as a bull, relentless in his need to make her see things his way. Good, Izzy thought. Her plan was working well.
Once in her car, she started the engine, but just as she was about to pull out, her phone rang. The screen flashed Amalia’s name. She considered ignoring it, but her pettiness urged her to answer.
“Yes?”
“Why did my cards get declined?” Amalia’s voice came through, sharp and indignant. “I was out with friends, and every single one of my cards was declined. Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was?”
“Aunt, what are you talking about?” Izzy asked. She had actually been waiting for Amalia to realize the cards were no longer working. It would’ve been better if Izzy had been at the house when it happened.
“Where are you? Are you still at the office? How about we visit the bank now? Shouldn’t we check something like this personally?” Amalia started mumbling about banks, credit cards, and rights. Izzy couldn’t help but wonder if the woman had finally lost her mind over a mere credit card.
“No, Aunt. I’m sorry, but I’m about to drive, so…”
“Good! I’m at the Golden Mall Club downtown. Come get me. We still have time for the bank. I’ll wait for you at the usual coffee shop.”
Izzy’s jaw dropped as her aunt abruptly ended the call. She stared at her phone in disbelief, then shook her head and quickly dialed Atty. Alcaraz’s number.
“Izzy…” Maria answered almost immediately. “Did something happen?”
“Do you have the bank manager’s contact information?”
Maria chuckled. “Which bank?”
“Could you send me all of them?”
“Of course, my dear.”
Izzy raised an eyebrow. “You sound unusually pleased. What’s going on?”
Maria laughed. “Well, I planned this as a surprise, but since you’re calling me now, I’m guessing it’s because of your lovely relatives‘ antics?”
“You guessed right.”
“Well, I took the liberty of speaking with the bank managers where your accounts are held and let them know that something like this might come up.”
“You did?” Izzy’s eyes widened. “And?”
“You’ll have to find out the rest yourself,” Maria teased. “It’s called a surprise for a reason, isn’t it?”
“Fine.” Izzy couldn’t help but smile.
2/3
13:29 Wed, Jan 1
Chapter 22
57%
“Right. Since you’re already on the phone, I have taken care of your marriage documents. As far as we know, you’re already a married woman. Congratulations. How about we celebrate this? I’m sure… your late grandfather would appreciate a visit?”
Izzy’s throat suddenly felt dry. When was the last time she visited her grandfather’s resting place? She pursed her lips.
“Right. How about we do it this weekend?” Izzy said, and almost immediately, a meeting between the two women was set up.
Sighing, Izzy ended the call. She stared at her phone for a few minutes before she dialed another number.
“Miss me?” Liam’s infuriating voice almost made her explode.
“No,” Izzy said. “That’s not why I called.”
“Then is it because you wanted company?”
“Why do you sound so languid and free these days?” she asked, frowning. “Is it because your company is about to go down?”
“I am only free when it comes to you,” Liam answered without missing a beat.
“…” Izzy wanted to start arguing with him, but in the end, she closed her eyes and sighed. “Are you available this weekend?”
“Always.”
“Liam, I’m serious.”
“So am I.” Liam chuckled. “I’d be spending the day with my wife
Again, Izzy rolled her eyes. “Do you want to visit Celestial Rest?” she asked. Finally, that question made Liam pause.“With me?” she added. When he didn’t answer again, Izzy said. “I want to visit my grandfather and I want you, my husband to come with me.”
SEND GIFT
