Chapter 125
“I am going to take this call. Please excuse me.”
Izzy stood from the table, smoothing the fabric of her dress as she stepped away. Atty. Alcaraz and Frederik continued fer conversation, but she barely paid attention as she walked toward a more secluded area near the reasons
She pulled out her phone and answered. “Liam.”
“Hey,” Liam said casually. “Just got to the hotel. Figured I’d call before I eat. Have you had dinner yet
Izzy glanced back toward the table, where her half–finished plate sat. She pouted slightly before leating against the wall I have.”
There was a pause before she added, “I didn’t realize how much I missed hearing your annoying voice”
Liam chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Izzy shifted, moving farther into the quiet hallway. “I’m out with Atty. Alcaraz. Just dinner. Then I immediacy go home? She silently scolded herself. Why was she telling him her plans? He didn’t even asked
Just as she expected, there was silence on the other line. She was about to say something when Liam talked.
“How are you?” Liam asked.
“I’m fine. I can take care of myself.”
There was another chuckle. “You’re too slow.”
Izzy narrowed her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” Liam said easily. “Just saying… if you need my help, I’m here.” He paused for a beat before adding “If it were p to me, I’d be done with them in a day.”
Izzy rolled her eyes. “You need to stop fighting other people’s battles.”
Liam didn’t argue. Instead, he let out a low laugh. “I missed you.”
Izzy blinked. She hadn’t expected that.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the phone. She hesitated, but instead of acknowledging the sudden warmth in her chest, she exhaled and said, “Then come back soon.”
Liam laughed again. “I will. Take care of yourself and don’t forget to eat.”
Why was he talking as if she was a child? “Right, you too,” she responded before she could even think.
After a few more minutes, Izzy ended the call, staring at her screen for a moment before slipping the phone back into her bag.
She straightened her posture, adjusted her dress, and took a breath before heading back to the table.
Just as Izzy turned to leave, she caught movement from the corner of her eye.
She stilled.
12:15 Mon, 17 Feb
Chapter 125
Frederik Vasili stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.
Her eyes narrowed. “Were you eavesdropping?”
Frederik tilted his head slightly. “I just got here.”
Izzy held his gaze for a moment, then gave a curt nod and stepped forward. “Excuse me.*
Before she could walk past, his hand caught her wrist.
Izzy immediately frowned, her expression darkening as she turned to him. “Let go, Mr. Vasili
Frederik’s grip loosened instantly, and he took a step back, raising his hands slightly in apology. I’m sorry,” he said. “Bor please–call me Frederik. ‘Mr. Vasili‘ is too formal.”
Izzy brushed off her wrist as if dusting away the contact. “Formality is necessary when speaking to people I don’t kno
Frederik smiled faintly. “Are you sure you don’t know me?”
Izzy’s eyes remained cold. “What do you mean?”
Frederik studied her for a second before exhaling. “If you don’t recognize me, then tell me–why did you lie?”
Izzy’s expression didn’t change. “Lie?” She tilted her head slightly, her tone laced with practiced innocence. “Lie about what?”
Frederik chuckled, stepping closer.
Izzy’s irritation flared, but she didn’t move, didn’t retreat. Instead, she stood her ground.
Frederik watched her for a moment before speaking again. “Why did you lie about your name, Miss…. Horvath?”
Izzy’s lips twitched. So, he knows about her being Isabella Rossi–this was within her expectations.
“Lie about my name?” She smiled. “Have we met before, Mr. Vasili?”
Technically, she wasn’t exactly lying, as she was already married to Liam Horvath. But not many people had the privilege of knowing that.
Frederik smirked, tilting his head slightly. “You’re quite the actress, aren’t you?”
Izzy’s expression remained unreadable.
Frederik took another step toward her. “I know you’re from the Rossi family. And if I’m right, you know exactly who I am too. That’s why you lied–about your name and about your relationship with Atty. Alcaraz. Am I right, Isabella?”
Izzy’s frown deepened.
This conversation was over.
She stepped forward, intent on brushing past him, but once again, his hand caught her arm.
Izzy’s patience snapped. She turned sharply, her eyes flashing with irritation. “Let go.”
Frederik immediately released her, raising his hands slightly as if to show he meant no harm. “I just want to talk.”
12:15 Mon, 17 Feb JO
Chapter 125
Izzy exhaled, crossing her arms. “About what?”
Frederik studied her for a moment before speaking. “It would be best if we talk somewhere private.”
Izzy scoffed. “This is private,” she said, gesturing around them. “It’s just the two of us.”
Frederik chuckled. “I must say, I never expected Isabella Rossi to be so different from the rumors.”
Izzy’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What rumors?”
Frederik’s smirk remained. “I’ll tell you–if you come with me.”
Izzy rolled her eyes. “Don’t waste my time, Mr. Vasili.” She turned on her heel. “And don’t disturb me again.”
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“Alright, chill…jeez!” Frederik chuckled again. “They said that you are a love fool who chose not to work under the Rossi Group to chase after a man. How is that possible?”
Izzy’s mouth dropped. She–she had never heard of this rumor at all.
Frederik watched her reaction closely and let out an amused chuckle. “You seem surprised,” he said. “But don’t worry about it. I never believed that rumor anyway.” He tilted his head slightly. “Besides…the woman I just met doesn’t seem like a love- struck fool.”
Izzy pursed her lips.
So that’s what people thought of her?
She supposed it made sense. She had spent years with Calen, following him like some loyal shadow. To the outside world, it must have looked like she had given up everything–her family, her career, her name–just to be with him.
Pathetic.
Her fingers curled slightly before she exhaled, shaking off the irritation. “What do you want?” she asked.
Frederik smiled, his expression easy. “I just came here to get to know you. Is that so wrong?”
Izzy snorted. “If you’re trying to flirt with me, save yourself the effort.”
Frederik lifted an eyebrow, clearly entertained. “Are you saying no to possibilities?”
Izzy didn’t hesitate. “I’m saying there are no possibilities.”
Frederik pressed a hand against his chest, faking a look of mock hurt. “So, you’re shutting me down before I even ask you out?”
Izzy rolled her eyes. “I’m squashing the idea out of your head before you even think about it.”
Frederik’s grin widened slightly, but Izzy had already turned away, leaving him standing alone in the dimly lit hallway.
