Chapter 74
邮83%
23
“Another upgrade?” Izzy repeated, frowning. This has been the third upgrade that she received on this trip. First was during the first flight where she was upgraded to first class, then she was once again upgraded to business class on the second flight and now, she was upgraded to a suite room. Isn’t this too lucky?
“Yes, Miss Rossi,” the receptionist confirmed, handing over a key card. “Your room has been upgraded to a suite. Here is your elevator card and room key.”
Izzy glanced at Anna, who stood silently beside her. “For only one room?” Izzy asked, arching a brow slightly. This trip was sponsored by the company and they were supposed to stay in an adjoining room. So, she was surprised that she was suddenly upgraded to a suite room.
The receptionist nodded politely. “Yes, Miss Rossi. It’s been arranged under your reservation.”
Anna gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s fine, Miss Rossi. You should enjoy the suite. I’ll be fine in my room.”
Izzy hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. “Alright, if you’re sure.” She accepted the key card and headed to the elevator.
The suite was impressive, with large windows offering a stunning view of the city skyline and enough space to feel more like an apartment than a hotel room. She set her luggage near the closet and took a moment to settle into the plush sofa.
The fatigue from the flight finally hit her. She kicked off her shoes and stretched out on the bed, letting her mind wander as she closed her eyes. Tomorrow’s opening ceremony would be important, and she needed to be well–rested.
The next morning, Izzy woke up later than usual. The jet lag had taken its toll, and the blackout curtains in the suite didn’t help her internal clock. She sat up, rubbing her temples, and grabbed her phone to check the time
“Great. Behind schedule already,” she muttered to herself.
She quickly ordered breakfast from room service, choosing something light to save time. While waiting for the food, she jumped into the shower, letting the warm water wake her up. By the time she stepped out, her meal had arrived.
Izzy ate quickly, glancing over her notes for the ceremony while sipping her coffee. She made sure everything was in order, then dressed in a sleek business outfit, carefully applying makeup and styling her hair to look polished and professional.
Once satisfied with her appearance, she grabbed her notes and bag before heading out. Then, she met with Anna in the lobby.
The opening ceremony was just a short drive away, and despite her delayed start, she intended to be right on schedule. “Izzy…” Izzy’s face turned sour when she heard Calen’s voice. She turned and gave the man a polite smile.
“Mr. Weiss….” she nodded as she pursed her lips, hoping the latter would get the cue and stay away from her. To her surprise, however, not only did Calen approach her, but he also had the audacity to reach out and try to hold her hand.
Luckily, Izzy quickly took a step back.
“Do you need something?” she asked, her voice cold. CEO Weiss assured her that Calen wouldn’t be on the same flight or in the same hotel as her, so she didn’t know when he had arrived or where he was staying. She actually hoped that CEO Weiss warned his son to stay away from her as well. It seems that she was wrong.
–“Calen looked around. Like everyone else, he was wearing a black suit, his face surprisingly better than the last time she saw him. “Can we talk?” he asked.
“If you need something- please feel free to tell it to my secretary Izzy said.
13 Thu
Chapter 74
“Izzy, look-”
83%
+23)
“Is it going to be about the project, Mr. Weiss? Because… I thought I already sent you all the details of the project that I… will be leading.”
“Izzy…” Calen frowned. Again, he looked around and bit his lip. Look… I need you to be logical about this, alright? I know you were tasked by my father to take care of this project, but this would be your first time speaking in front of this many people. I believe it’s beneficial for both of us if I do it instead of you.”
Izzy’s frown deepened. “Does your father know about this?”
Calen hesitated for a moment before nodding. “He knows I have the intention to speak at the event, but he wanted me to get your approval first.”
“Approval for what?” Izzy raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “I’m leading this project. Why would I allow you to stand in front of everyone and speak? That would make it look like you’re the one spearheading the team.”
“Izzy, think about it. This is a major event. It’s your first time addressing such a large international audience. Wouldn’t it make sense for someone with more experience to handle it? It’s not about undermining you–it’s about ensuring the company looks its best.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And what exactly does that imply? That I’m incapable of presenting my own work? That I can’t represent the team I’ve been leading?” Surprisingly, she managed to keep her voice calm despite her irritation. Why would he think she would give up this opportunity?
Then it hit her. In the past, she would encourage him to speak at events like this while she worked in the background.
“No, that’s not what I’m saying,” Calen said quickly. “But my presence–my involvement–would reinforce the company’s image. People know me, Izzy. They expect me to represent projects like this. You know how these events work.”
Izzy shook her head firmly. “Unless your father himself informs me otherwise, I am not stepping down from this role. If you have a problem with that, you’re free to take it up with him.”
Calen’s jaw tightened as he looked at her. She could see the frustration in his expression, but she stood her ground.
“Since when have you been this… stubborn?” Calen asked, his voice laced with disbelief. “You were never like this. Before, you’d always step back, and let me take the spotlight. You’d even convince me to do it.”
Izzy didn’t flinch. “That was in the past. Things are different now. This is my project, my responsibility. If you’re worried about how it’ll look for you not to lead, that’s not my problem.”
Calen’s frown deepened, his hands clenching at his sides. “Do you even realize how embarrassing this is for me? I’m the CEO’s son. People will question why I’m not the one presenting They’ll assume—”
“They’ll assume,” Izzy interrupted, cutting him off, “that the person most qualified to speak is the one leading the project. If you’re so concerned about appearances, maybe you should talk to your father. But don’t expect me to step aside to save your ego.”
“Izzy, look-” Calen took a deep breath as he stepped closer, his hands outstretched slightly as if he were trying to touch her. “Izzy, listen to me. I’m not saying you’re not capable. You’re talented, and I know you’ve worked hard for this. But let’s not make this personal and think about the company’s reputation. These people know me. They’ve seen me at events, representing the company alongside my father. They trust me to handle situations like this.”
“If you do this instead of me, it’s going to raise questions,” he added. “Questions about why I wasn’t involved, why the CEO’s son wasn’t taking the lead. It could make the company look disorganized like there’s internal conflict or a lack of alignment in leadership. That’s not good for either of us.”
Izzy’s expression didn’t waver.
10:13
Thu, Jan 9
83%9
Chapter 74
+23
“And,” Calen continued, “this isn’t just about me. It’s about the team and the shareholders. They’ll want to see someone they recognize someone with a track record of handling events like this. You’re brilliant, Izzy, but this is your first major event. Letting me handle the presentation would reassure everyone involved.”
Izzy tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. “If that’s how you feel, Calen, then maybe you should take it up with your father. Or better yet, speak to the board that approved my presentation instead of yours.”
Calen’s jaw clenched. “Izzy-
But she didn’t let him finish. She stepped past him, grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby server, and turned back to him briefly. “I suggest you direct your arguments to someone who has the authority to change this decision. That person isn’t me.”
Without waiting for a response, she walked away, leaving Calen standing there, his frustration evident as he watched her disappear into the crowd.
