*Isabella's POV*
A sharp sting of anger and frustration hit me from his words, but I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to keep my composure. I reminded myself that I was a professional—that this was just business. But deep down, I knew Jacob's words had struck a nerve, poking at something fragile inside me.
"Jacob, focus. We are working," I said, trying to sound steady, voice tight with restraint. He shot back, a grin curling his lips. "Jacob? That's not an appropriate way to address your boss," he spat, voice dripping with condescension. I rolled my eyes, my voice icy. "Well, I've decided you're not worthy of being a Mister or Sir to me," I shot, my tone sharp.
He chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know, since I am the Vice President of this company, you can just call me Mr. President," he said with a wink, clearly enjoying himself.
"Fuck you," I muttered, voice trembling with frustration.
"You wish," he replied, chuckling darkly. My fists clenched, my voice a low, venomous growl. "Arg… you fucking entitled asshole," I spat, voice thick with contempt. He raised an eyebrow, voice cool and teasing. "Woah. Is that the proper way to speak to your boss, Ms. Williams?" "Oh, so I'm Ms. Williams now? You're not my boss," I snapped back. "My boss is a kind, respectful man."
His smile didn't falter. "My instincts tell me you don't want that kind of man between the sheets," he said with a chuckle, the words hitting me like a punch. I gasped—how on the nose he was—but I refused to show any sign of that impact. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "You know what. I'll just email you the presentation. Knock yourself out," I said, voice exhausted and drained of energy.
Without another word, I stormed out of the office, my steps heavy with frustration. I didn't look back—well, almost. As I left, I caught the fleeting look of pain and hurt flickering across his face, and my stomach clenched. But I refused to acknowledge it. I had no energy left for that.
*the next day*
The next day, I woke up feeling like a damn queen, more confident and refreshed after the shit that went down yesterday. Today was the meeting with Pheonix, and I was determined not to screw it up for Damien's sake, and I sure as hell wasn't going to let Jacob fuck it up either. I got up, feeling like I was on a mission, and started getting ready for the big day ahead.
I put on a black thigh-high skirt that hugged my curves in all the right places, making me feel like a total bombshell. I paired it with a black lace top that accentuated my cleavage, and I couldn't help but feel a little naughty and sexy. I threw on a white blazer and buttoned it up, trying to look as professional as possible, while still showing off my assets. I kept my makeup minimal, just a swipe of mascara and a bit of lip gloss, and I was ready to take on the day.
As I stood outside the meeting room, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I was nervous, but I was determined to nail this meeting and make a good impression on Mr. Pheonix. When he arrived, I greeted him with a cheerful "Good morning, Mr. Pheonix," trying to sound as friendly and welcoming as possible.
The older man looked at me with a hint of surprise, but then returned my greeting with a curt "Good morning." I led him to the office, trying to make small talk and put him at ease. "I'll take you to Mr. Lancaster's office. As you've been informed, Mr. Damien Lancaster has business to attend to abroad, so you'll be meeting his brother, the vice president of operations," I informed him, trying to sound as professional and knowledgeable as possible.
But as we walked, Mr. Pheonix seemed a bit skeptical, and I could tell he was wondering if this meeting was going to be a total waste of his time. "I hope today won't be a total waste of my time," he said with a scoff, his tone dripping with disdain. I felt a nervous flutter in my chest, but I tried to keep my cool and replied, "I'm sure it won't be, Mr. Pheonix. We have a lot to discuss, and I'm confident that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement." I forced a smile, trying to reassure him, but inside, I was freaking the fuck out. What if this meeting didn't go as planned? What if we couldn't convince Mr. Pheonix to work with us? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, but I pushed it aside and focused on the task at hand. I was going to nail this meeting, no matter what it took.
___________________________________________________________________________
Isabella stepped into the office, clipboard in hand, heels clicking softly against the polished floor. Right behind her strode Oliver Pheonix—imposing in his tailored navy suit, his presence sharp and deliberate. "Good morning. I'm Jacob Lancaster," Jacob said, standing confidently with that smug grin he always wore like armor. "I'm afraid the projector in this room isn't working. And I'm sure Ms. Williams over here would love to show you the doodles she's been working on," he added, his tone dipped in mockery as he threw Isabella a teasing glance.
Oliver smirked. Just fucking great, Isabella thought, jaw tightening behind her polite smile. This son of a bitch just had to pull that in front of a potential business partner. "Let's head back to the meeting room," Jacob added nonchalantly.
"I've already prepared the Diamond meeting room, sir. And I've made your tea," Isabella cut in smoothly, masking her irritation with professional grace. "Good," Oliver said, his voice honeyed with faux charm. "Honey, I really need it this morning." There was something in his tone—a low current of something darker. Predatory. And when she glanced away from him, she missing it: the way his gaze clung to her body like it had no business being there. Slick and shameless.
"Follow me, gentlemen," Isabella said, turning on her heel. She was oblivious to the way Oliver's eyes trailing over her hips, practically undressing her with every step. The Diamond room welcomed them with quiet opulence. The meeting began, and to Isabella's surprise, Jacob, although the smug bastard that he was, didn't screw things up. Not even a little. In fact, he had Oliver chuckling within minutes. That stupid, magnetic charm of his really did work on everyone.
"So, you really developed that platform?" Oliver asked, his curiosity piqued. "That I did," Jacob replied, casually leaning back.
"But I thought you were the VP?"
"In my free time," Jacob answered with a grin. Oliver laughed—a deep, hearty sound that didn't suit him. "I must say, I'm impressed. I mean, it's not as good as our platform, but…" he shrugged with a smirk. Jacob chuckled, taking it in stride. Then Oliver turned his head, eyes landing on Isabella like a dog spotting a steak. "Honey, I'd like another cup of tea."
"Yes, sir. I'll bring more," she replied, standing and walking out with poise. But the second her back was turned, Oliver's gaze dropped—hungry, unapologetic. His tongue flicked across his bottom lip like a fucking creep. "Damn, that ass,"