Isabella's POV
When I stepped onto the top floor and entered the meeting room, I couldn't help but stare in awe. Every inch of the space was meticulously designed to reflect the CEO's taste elegant, powerful, and undeniably expensive. The atmosphere alone screamed dominance. But what intrigued me the most wasn't the luxurious setting; it was the fact that, for the first time, I would finally lay eyes on the elusive man himself.
We had all been required to sign confidentiality agreements...no photos, no mentions of his name outside the office. The secrecy surrounding him only made my curiosity grow stronger. Hmmph, as if I'd sell his identity to some talent agent, I scoffed internally. But still... there was something thrilling about finally meeting the man behind the empire.
As I took my seat, my gaze flickered across the room. My mood soured instantly. The other sales directors had been called in as well. I clenched my jaw. Why are they even here? It was infuriating. I was the top sales director. I was the one who consistently closed the highest deals. Why did I have to share the spotlight with them?
Just as I was about to click my tongue in irritation...
He entered.
The air in the room shifted, thick with an undeniable tension. And for the first time in my life, I was left utterly speechless.
Theron Drakos.
His presence was overwhelming. He wasn't just attractive....he was breathtakingly magnetic. Not overly muscular, but undeniably strong. The kind of body that hinted at disciplined workouts, sculpted yet effortless. His custom-tailored suit sat on him like it was made for no one else. The wavy dark hair, those cold, piercing eyes....it was like staring at a Greek god carved out of pure dominance.
I swallowed. Hard.
I had seen powerful men before, had them eating out of the palm of my hand. But this? This was different.
Before I could compose myself, John's voice rang out, introducing us.
"Mr. Drakos, these are the top three sales directors—Ms. Isabella Wilson, Mr. Jason Brown, and Mr. Lucas Smith. Not only are they our leading contributors, but they are also exceptional at handling high-profile clients."
I snapped out of my trance and quickly plastered on my most seductive smile. I was known for my charm. Men always noticed me—admired me. But as Theron's gaze swept over us, he barely even acknowledged me. A nod. A curt, indifferent nod. And then he moved on.
That was it.
My smile faltered for a fraction of a second before I quickly masked it. What the hell? Not even a second glance? I purposefully adjusted my posture, ensuring my low-cut blouse revealed just enough to tease. I leaned forward, engaging actively in the discussions, making sure my voice carried over the others, subtly overshadowing them.
And yet...
Nothing.
Not a single glance.
My nails dug into my palm under the table. I hated this. Men never ignored me. They either admired me or feared me, but they never dismissed me like I was insignificant. And yet, Theron Drakos hadn't given me a second of his attention.
Then, he announced the next phase of the project.
"We're going after this land Not just because of the location. I want to see if Adkins Real Estate is as competent as their reputation suggests."
My ears perked up.
I had heard of Adkins Real Estates. More specifically, I had heard of her. Aurora Adkins. A woman who had built a formidable business from the ground up, competing against corporate giants and winning. Her name was whispered among elite circles, sometimes in admiration, sometimes in frustration. Unlike other real estate moguls, she had a reputation for fair deals, unshakable ethics, and a ruthless efficiency that left even the biggest sharks wary of crossing her.
But what caught my attention the most? The way Theron looked at her profile.
His eyes, which had barely flickered at me, were locked onto the file as if it held the secrets of the universe. It was the first time I saw something in his expression... something beyond calculated indifference. Interest. Curiosity.
I clenched my jaw.
So he notices her?
The thought made my stomach twist with an unfamiliar emotion. Jealousy? No, not quite. It was more than that. It was rage.
When he concluded the meeting, he assigned the three of us to prepare proposals. "The best proposal will be selected," he announced. "And the chosen director will be responsible for handling the negotiations with Adkins Real Estates."
And just like that, he left the room. No lingering glances. No hesitation.
As soon as I reached my office, I slammed my desk. My blood was boiling. How dare he? He had spent the entire meeting practically analyzing her, Aurora Adkins like a hawk staring at its prey. And yet, he hadn't spared me even the briefest look. Unbelievable.
A slow, wicked smirk curled on my lips.
Fine. If he wanted to ignore me, I would make him see me. I would win this proposal. I would lead this project. And I would ensure that I was the one standing in front of him, not Aurora.
Yet, one problem remained.
Jason Brown.
Out of the three of us, he was the only real threat. Not just because he was talented, but because he was damn good. His numbers were impressive, his strategies even more so. If it comes down to merit, I might not win against him.
I let out a slow breath, my mind already working. I need a different approach. A better strategy.
And I already had one in mind.
Jason might be talented, but talent alone wouldn't guarantee him victory.
I will find a way to win.