Bella's face was alighted with a radiant smile at the end of the presentation as she thanked everyone. The applause echoed thunderously through the room. Ivy, resisting the urge to roll her eyes, joined the clapping begrudgingly.
Theodore watched her with a newfound appreciation. He hadn't expected Bella, who had seemed so timid and nervous initially, to display such a level of confidence and competence. His expression remained neutral, but internally, he was impressed.
"Well done, Bella," Zack chimed in, his praise dripping with satisfaction. "That was impressive. You went beyond what I expected." His gaze lingered on her, a glint of something more sparking in his eyes.
Theodore recognized that look instantly. It was a man smitten. A knot of anger twisted in Theodore's gut, and his jaw clenched. What irked him more was Bella's reaction. She was smiling from ear to ear, her eyes sparkling as if Zack's words were the most precious she had ever heard.
'Is she flirting with him?' the thought burned in his mind, jealousy simmering beneath the surface.
Had she forgotten his warning not to indulge in another man while she was still his wife?
Theodore felt a mix of jealousy and possessiveness that he struggled to suppress. Every smile Bella directed at Zack felt like a slight against him, a challenge to his authority.
Finally, the applause died down, and the room returned to its professional atmosphere. Ivy, still fuming internally, could barely contain her rage. Zack continued to beam with pride, seemingly oblivious to the tension brewing around him.
"Mr. Reid, what is your opinion about our new project idea?" Zack's voice cut through the lingering tension.
Theodore tore his gaze from Bella and plastered on a professional smile. "There is no doubt the project is promising. Your team did an excellent job presenting it."
"Bella is the best we have in my team," Amy interjected, a grin spreading across her face. Without Bella, it would have been impossible to deliver this presentation. She not only saved Zack's face but also the project.
"Bella worked tirelessly till late last night to put this together." Amy couldn't help but praise her.
Theodore's eyes snapped back to Bella. He hadn't been aware of her late-night efforts. A flicker of annoyance sparked within him as he recalled Skyler's earlier report of a missing presentation file, leaving Bella with a mere thirty minutes to rebuild everything.
Bella had been working so hard, and someone had deliberately tried to sabotage her. Who could it be?
Bella stood there, a mix of relief and anxiety swirling within her. Theodore's piercing gaze lingered on her, a silent promise that he would find out the person who had messed with her.
"Her hard work is visible," Zack added.
"If she had been working till late last night, why the delay in delivering the presentation?" Ivy interjected with venom in her words. "Zack was supposed to do the presentation. But Bella couldn't get the PPT ready in time. Now it all makes sense. Without access to the files, how could he possibly have presented? This isn't talent, it's negligence."
"If you can't praise someone, don't slander," Zack defended Bella, scowling at Ivy. "Do you have any idea what happened? Someone deleted the file from her system."
"What rubbish?" Ivy snapped. "You believe in some trashy lies! Who would do something like this?"
"If the security cameras weren't down for repairs, I would have found it by now and punished the perpetrator," Zack muttered, frustration evident. "But I'll get to the bottom of this. Whoever dared to mess with this project will answer to me."
Ivy's indignation clashed with Zack's determination, but she opted to stay silent, sensing his rage. It was not the time to lose her temper and raise suspicion in Zack's mind. She would find other means to kick Bella out.
"I am not interested in what politics are going on in your company." Theodore's chilling voice demanded attention. "We can't let this incident overshadow the project's potential. However, I expect a thorough investigation into this matter. Sabotage of any kind is unacceptable."
"I'll look into it," Zack promised.
"Since the meeting is over, I'll take my leave. I'll let you know my decision later." Without further ado, Theodore rose and glided towards the exit, his gaze briefly flickering towards Bella.
Skyler followed suit, mirroring Theodore's confident stride. "Should I do something to help her?" he asked in a hushed tone.
"Hmm." Theodore offered a curt nod. Bella had helped him last night, even cooking breakfast for him. He owed her a favor. "Find out who's harassing her. That secretary, Amy, seems friendly to her. Reach out if necessary."
"Understood, sir."
A pause. Theodore pivoted towards Skyler. "How should I thank a woman?" he asked out of the blue, catching Skyler by surprise.
"En?" Skyler's jaw nearly hit the floor. 'He wants to thank a woman?' He stared back, utterly bewildered. Then, a flicker of understanding crossed his mind. 'Perhaps he wants to meet with Isabella.' The confusion cleared.
"It's simple," Skyler said with a grin. "Take her out on a date, give her flowers, and surprise her with a thoughtful gift."
Theodore's expression darkened. "Do you have a death wish?" he hissed. "Have you ever seen me doing such things?"
"You asked my opinion," Skyler objected.
"Fuck off," Theodore muttered, turning and striding away briskly. Giving her flowers and gifts was out of the question. Yet, a pang of guilt gnawed at him as he remembered Bella leaving without eating. Maybe a simple meal wouldn't hurt, would it?
"Skyler!"
Skyler scrambled to his side. "Yes, sir?"
"Book a table at The Imperial Restaurant," Theodore commanded, a hint of unfamiliar urgency in his voice.
Skyler fought back a chuckle. It seemed his boss had finally come around to his suggestion. Pride puffed up his chest. "Certainly, sir. Shall I arrange flowers or a gift as well?"
Theodore shot him a withering look. "Absolutely not. Just inform Bella to meet me there during her lunch break."
Bella?
Skyler's jaw fell apart yet again. "You mean your wife, Bella?"
"Who else?" Theodore snapped. "Who did you think I was taking to lunch?"
Leaving Skyler flummoxed, Theodore exited the building in a brisk stride. Skyler had assumed his interest lay with the enigmatic Isabella, the angel he'd described. Now it seemed his entire focus had been on his wife all along.
"Perhaps he was impressed with her presentation," Skyler mused. "Not a bad thing at all. Maybe sticking with Bella is the smarter move, compared to some mysterious woman."
A satisfied grin finally spread across Skyler's face.