Chapter 56
“Izzy… can we talk?” Calen quickly changed his demeanor. “Look, I know what happened last time was not very good. If you want, we can talk here, where people can see us. All I need a chance for us to talk.”
“Not very good!” Izzy snorted. “You think what happened was ‘not very good“?” She took a step toward him. “Is that the only way you can describe what happened back then, Calen?”
“Izzy
“There’s no need to talk. Whatever happened between us.. is in the past. I believe it’s best that we move on”
“What?” Calen’s face turned ugly. “What are you talking about?”
“Let’s break up, Calen,” Izzy said.
“What?” Calen’s expression darkened further. “What did you just say?”
“Isn’t it clear enough?” Izzy replied calmly, “What you did.. is something I can never forgive.”
“You-
“Liam.. let’s go.
“Izzy-
Calen reached out as if to stop Izzy, but before he could act, Anna- Izzy’s secretary–approached, her steps brisk. She glanced between Izzy and the tense scene unfolding before her, then focused on Izzy with visible relief.
“Miss Rossi, I’m glad you’re here,” Anna said. “CEO Weiss has been asking for you. He’s waiting upstairs
Izzy turned her attention to Anna, giving her a slight nod. “Thank you, Anna. Let’s go.”
Anna stepped aside, waiting to lead the way. Then Izzy looked bark at Calen briefly, her expression unreadable, before turning to Liam. “Shall we?”
Just like Izzy, Liam gave Calen one last pointed look before stepping beside her. Together, they walked past Calen without another word, following Anna toward the elevator.
Calen didn’t move to stop them this time. Instead, he stood rooted to the spot, his fists clenching tightly at his sides as he watched them leave. His jaw worked as if he wanted to say something, but no words came. Finally, with a sharp exhale, he turned on his heel and stormed off in the opposite direction, his frustration evident in every step
Break up? She wanted to break up with him? Izzy had been with him for three years! Did she really think she could just leave because she wanted to? Calen snorted. He knew Izzy was doing this because of their anniversary. Was she trying to subduc him, to make him propose and give her a wedding? Stupid! What a stupid excuse!
in
After all the drama, Izzy was doing this just to tie him down!
However, if this was what she wanted, then he was going to give it to her!
Izzy and Liam reached the elevator, where Anna pressed the button to call it down. The three waited in silence until the doors slid open, and they stepped inside.
“Thank you for letting me know,” Izzy said to Anna as the doors closed.
10:45 Sat, Jan 4
Chapter 36
course, Miss Bosst,” “Anna replied simply.
Soon, they arrived on the third floor, where CEO Weiss stood amidst a circle of board members and prominent businessmen, many of whom had already received their invitations to the event.
Tabellal” CEO Welss greeted her warmly, using her first name, which caught Izzy off guard. She hesitated, her thoughts
her expression racing. What is the old man up to now? His overly familiar tone hinted at some hidden agenda. Still, she kept neutral and decided to wait and observe.
“Mr. Horvath, I’m so glad you could make it,” CEO Weiss added, turning to Liam with a courteous nod as he noticed him standing beside Izzy.
After exchanging the expected pleasantries, CEO Weiss wasted no time. He gestured for Izzy to follow and guided her toward a group of influential businessmen engaged in conversation. Meanwhile, Liam found himself approached by another cluster of executives and business leaders eager to speak with him.
Izzy cast a quick glance back at Liam, but his calm demeanor reassured her. She turned her focus to the group had introduced her to, ready to navigate whatever his plan might be.
“I am a long–time friend of Augustus,” said an older gentleman in a well–tailored brown
CEO Weiss
, extending a hand toward Izzy. “I never thought his granddaughter would grow up to be such a lovely lady. Augustus was a decisive man–sharp, focused, and a real force in business overseas. It’s such a shame he passed away.”
Izzy nodded politely, offering a small smile. “Thank you. My grandfather always valued his connections.
Another man stepped forward, his gray hair neatly combed back and his suit impeccably tailored. “Augustus was a visionary,” he said. “His ability to make bold moves in international markets was unmatched. We all admired his decisiveness and resilience. It seems those qualities have been passed down.”
Izzy inclined her head slightly. “He left behind a legacy I’m proud of. She had heard these same words countless times before. Whenever businessmen learned of her grandfather’s identity, they would launch into a stream of praises so repetitive it often left her feeling dizzy, Izzy hated those businessmen for this very reason. Sadly, she works in the business industry. Maintaining a facade is a must.
Hearing her words, the older gentleman in the brown suit chimed in again, his eyes twinkling. “And now, with your impending connection to the Weiss family, Augustus’s foresight is paying off in ways he would have been thrilled to see. CEO Weiss and his capable son–what a fortunate match. The Rossi and Weiss families joining forces will create an empire
Izzy’s smile didn’t waver, but she said nothing, letting the men continue their remarks.
A younger businessman with sandy blond hair leaned in slightly, his expression eager. “I’ve heard so many stories about Augustus’s ventures. Did he ever tell you about the time he negotiated a major deal in Singapore? The way he handled those negotiations–it’s legendary in our circles.”
Izzy nodded, acknowledging the comment but leaving the storytelling to them. She noticed CEO Weiss observing her with an approving glint in his eye, clearly pleased with how she handled the conversation. However, the praises didn’t stop Before long, more and more of them gathered around her, swarming like bees to a flower.
Fake. All of it, just fakeries! she thought inwardly, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes.
“Miss Rossi,” another businessman, Mr. Vaughn, added. “You should know that Augustus always spoke highly of you whenever we met. He’d be incredibly proud to see you here, carrying on his legacy with such grace.”
“Thank you,” Izzy replied simply, keeping her demeanor composed and respectful.
Augustus always knew how to pick his allies,” Mr. Vaughn continued, raising his glass slightly “And with CEO Weiss as your future family, I can only imagine the heights you’ll reach. CEO Weiss has been an excellent leader, and his son–well, he’s just as capable.
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Chapter 56
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group nodded in agreement, their focus shifting briefly to Lam, who was handling his own circle of admirers with practiced ease. Izzy caught his eye for a moment, and he gave her a subtle nod that seemed to irritate her instead of making her feel at ease.
Clearly, Liam heard them, and he was enjoying the attention that Izzy is having! Sadly, she could only grit her teeth in silence.
“I must say,” the older gentleman in the brown suit interjected again. “It’s a pleasure to see a young woman so composed and accomplished, especially in a room filled with seasoned businessmen. Your grandfather would be very proud, Miss Rossi.”
Izzy’s smile widened slightly as she inclined her head again. “I appreciate that. My grandfather’s values have always been a guiding principle for me.”–By now, Izzy was only half listening to the conversation as she smiled and nodded. Listening to these empty praises is simply useless!
“Alright, alright.. enough of this… the event is about to start, CEO Weiss said, a huge smile apparent on his face as he gestured everyone to their seats. It didn’t take long before the event officially started, and CEO Weiss got up to make a
statement.
As the event commenced, CEO Weiss stood at the podium, his commanding presence drawing everyone’s attention. The room quieted as he began his statement, his gaze sweeping across the audience.
“Thank you all for being here tonight,” he started. “This year has been an incredible one for Weiss Inc. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, we have seen growth, innovation, and unwavering dedication from our team. Tonight, we not only celebrate these achievements, but also recognize the individuals who have gone above and beyond in their contributions”
His eyes landed on Izzy, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge someone who has been instrumental in our success–Miss Isabella Rossi
The audience’s attention shifted to Izzy.
“Isabella has not only shown remarkable commitment and creativity in her work, but she has also been a driving force behind one of our most ambitious projects–the Macau initiative. Her leadership, foresight, and ability to overcome obstacles have set a new standard for excellence in our company
The room erupted into applause. In response, Izzy gave a polite pod, keeping her expression composed. She didn’t know that something like this was going to happen.
“As such,” CEO Weiss continued. “It is my pleasure to announce that Isabella Rossi will officially lead the Macau project. She, has earned this role through her hard work, determination, and unparalleled results. I have no doubt she will bring this project to new heights.”
The applause grew louder, and Izzy allowed herself a small smile as she caught Liam’s approving glance from across the room. Is this the show that Liam wanted to watch?
“But that’s not all,” CEO Weiss added, raising his hand slightly to quiet the room. “It is also my honor to present Isabella Rossi with the Best Employee of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to her extraordinary dedication and the values she upholds, which align perfectly with our company’s vision
The applause was immediate and enthusiastic, echoing through the hall. CEO Weiss gestured toward Izzy. “Miss Rossi, would you please join me on stage and say a few words?”
Caught off guard, Izzy hesitated for a fraction of a second before standing. She adjusted her dress and made her way toward the stage, her steps poised and confident despite the surprise.
CEO Weiss handed her the microphone as she turned to face the audience. Her gaze briefly scanned the room, taking in the expectant faces. Luckily, Calen was not there, she thought inwardly.
“Thank you, CEQ Weiss, and thank you to everyone here for this honor,” Izzy began, her voice steady. “It has been a privilege to work with such a talented team, and I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to Weiss Inc. The