Bella stormed back to her desk and slammed her hands down on her desk, fuming. Zack’s behavior had crossed a line, and she seethed with a fresh wave of anger.
"I can’t believe he followed Joe," she muttered. "What’s wrong with him?"
"Someone light a fire under you?" Willow’s cheerful voice startled Bella from her brooding. "Did my foolish brother upset you? You know, if he is giving you any trouble, just say the word. I’ll teach him such a lesson that he won’t forget this lifetime."
Despite her anger, Bella couldn’t help but crack a smile. "Foolish?" she echoed, amusement dancing in her eyes. "What makes you say that about your brother?"
Willow waved her hand. "He is undoubtedly smart, but a little dim when it comes to women. Let’s just say he is a bit... inexperienced."
She looked around and then leaned over to her, her tone dropping to a murmur. "He has never dated any woman before you. You wouldn’t believe the rumors that used to follow him around here before you showed up. Some even thought he was gay."
Bella clamped a hand over her mouth, stifling a burst of laughter. She was well aware that Theodore was very much straight.
"He might come across as cold or harsh sometimes," Willow continued, her expression turning serious. "There are times he might even seem a little... well, awkward. But here is the thing: when he sets his mind on something, he sees it through. He is a committed person. And let me tell you, Bella, you are lucky he likes you."
A wide grin spread across Willow’s face. Willow squeezed Bella’s hand reassuringly. "But if he upsets you, you can always come to me. I know just how to handle my brother."
Bella’s frustration began to melt away in the warmth of Willow’s words. The support she felt from Willow eased her anxiety. She felt a renewed sense of strength.
"Thank you, Willow. That truly means a lot." A mischievous glint entered her eyes. "Though, by any chance, did you have something else you wanted to tell me before gossip took over?"
"Uh!" Willow lightly smacked her forehead. "Look at me – I came to hand you over his file." She plopped a file onto Bella’s desk. "Lost in the thrill of the gabfest, I completely forgot! These are the rough sketches the design team whipped up. Need some polishing."
"I’ll do that."
Willow flashed a thumbs-up before retreating back to her own corner. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of envious eyes had been glued to their interaction.
Olivia had been watching with rapt attention. Seizing the opportunity, she whipped out her phone and snapped a picture of the two women, a sly smile twisting her lips.
"I need to inform Miss Hill."
Olivia made a beeline for Ivy’s office. "Miss Hill," she announced, pushing open the door without knocking. "I have some rather... interesting news."
Ivy glanced up from her paperwork, a flicker of irritation crossing her features. "Olivia? What is it?"
"It concerns Miss Willow and Bella," Olivia began. "They seem quite friendly. It doesn’t look like Miss Willow is the boss and Bella is just a mere assistant. They were talking like good friends."
"Friends?" Ivy echoed with surprise, her brow pinching.
"Indeed, Miss Hill," Olivia confirmed. "I think they know each other very well. Otherwise, Miss Willow wouldn’t have recommended Bella."
Ivy steepled her fingers, her mind racing. "We need to find out how close they are. Keep your eye on them."
"Sure."
"You can leave now." Ivy waved her hand dismissively, asking her to leave.
Olivia turned to leave, then paused as a memory surfaced. "Oh, and Miss Hill," she said, turning back. "There is one more thing. Mr. Hudson summoned Bella a while ago."
"Is that so?" Ivy’s head snapped up, a stormy look crossing her face. "Why did she summon her?"
"No idea." Olivia shrugged. "I didn’t catch the details. All I know is she came back looking rather flustered. I went to check on her which was when I noticed her speaking with Miss Willow."
"Okay, go and do your job."
Olivia nodded and left.
A scowl settled on Ivy’s face as Olivia finally took her leave. The unexpected news about Zack’s meeting with Bella only fueled her growing animosity. "What game are you playing, Bella?"
Ring-Ring-Ring...
The jarring ringtone of her phone pulled her back to the present. She glanced at the phone and saw a familiar number.
She swiftly answered the call. "Papa! Did you return from the trip?" she chirped. "How was it?"
"Uneventful, dear," came his reply. "But enough about me. How is your work going? Any trouble from that... Hudson fellow?"
"Things are just fine here," she replied.
"Good," he rumbled. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, Ivy. And if that man isn’t making you happy..."
"Papa, please," she interrupted, a touch of desperation creeping into her voice. "Everything is fine between Zack and me. He wouldn’t dare cause me any trouble."
"Good for him. If I find out he is not keeping you happy, I’ll ruin him."
"Don’t be harsh on him, Papa. You know how much I love him."
"Ah!" He dismissed her with an exaggerated sigh. "Now, the real reason for my call. There’s a charity gala at the Mayor’s residence this weekend. All the city’s elite will be there, a perfect opportunity to expand your business network. I managed to snag an invitation. Attend the event."
A genuine smile bloomed on her face. "Thank you so much, Papa!" she exclaimed cheerfully. "You always know how to make me happy."
"I can do anything for my daughter. If you had not been smitten with that useless fellow, I would have found a better match for you. The whole business of the Hill household is yours, but you left everything and chose to work in his small company. This is just a token of favor that I am giving him for being my daughter’s fiancé."
"You are the best father. I love you, Papa."
Mr. Hill’s voice softened slightly. "Just do your best, Ivy. This could be a great opportunity for the business."
"I will, Papa. I won’t let you down," she promised.
"Good. I’ll talk to you later," he said, ending the call.
Ivy hung up and leaned back in her chair, a smirk forming on her lips. The upcoming gala presented a perfect opportunity for her to network and strengthen her position. Her mind buzzed with plans for the event.
"My dear, Zack... I can offer you success, the kind you only dream of. What can Bella possibly give you that compares? You have to come out of your fantasy and face the reality."
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