Isabella's POV
The way Susan had been losing her mind over not being able to reach me for the past two days was hilarious. Her frustration, her growing desperation it was like watching a puppet dance to my tune.
Ha! Got you, bitch. This is what you get for acting like you're something special. You dared to insult me? I'll make you kneel and beg for forgiveness. Just wait.
With that satisfying thought lingering in my mind, I stepped out of their office building, feeling victorious.
Back at my own office on the 15th floor, the moment I walked in, I noticed an odd tension in the air. The entire team looked like they had been transported to Antarctica.. shivering, their faces pale with anxiety.
I frowned. "What happened?" I demanded, my tone sharp.
One of my assistants hesitated before speaking. "Ms. Wilson…"
I rolled my eyes. "Open your damn mouth! Do you think I have all day to listen to your nonsense?"
She flinched. "Ms. Wilson, we are in trouble."
I scoffed. Trouble? Me? "What?" I crossed my arms, waiting for her to blabber whatever trivial issue she had.
"We received an email from the CEO's Secretary Office of Aurora Adkins."
That name alone made my blood boil. "And?"
She gulped. "And they stated that if we fail to cooperate with their team any further, not only will the issue be escalated to our CEO's office for wasting their resources, but they will also remove us from the bid."
A thick silence followed.
Then, "WHAT?" The sheer audacity of that woman! My fury exploded like a storm. "How dare they?" My voice echoed in the room, making the assistant step back in fear.
I smirked. I love this. I love watching them tremble.
Before I could snap again, my secretary ran up to me, her face flustered. "Ms. Wilson… a moment, please."
I stormed into my cabin, and she followed behind, closing the door softly.
"What now?" I spat, still seething.
"Ms. Wilson, I believe it's time we cooperate with them."
I turned to her, my eyes narrowing. "What the fuck? That bitch Susan insulted me as if I were a nobody, and you expect me to bow down to her? Why not kneel while I'm at it?"
Her voice was firm despite my outburst. "The situation is slipping out of control. If we continue this way, it might spiral beyond repair. Also, please remember your father's warning. If you ruin his plans, he won't hesitate to cut off your allowance and throw you out of the apartment."
My jaw clenched. She didn't stop.
"You barely managed last time....."
"STOP IT!" I slammed my hand on the desk. Damn it!
That woman, Aurora Adkins, was going to regret crossing paths with me.
Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself. "Fine. But make sure nothing reaches the CEO's office. And schedule a meeting with the CEO."
The secretary hesitated. "Ms. Wilson… you mean our CEO?"
I smirked. "Yes. I want a meeting with Theron Drakos."
Her eyes widened. "You mean… Mr. Drakos?"
"Exactly. Since I'm leading this project, I have every right to see him."
Of course, I wasn't just going there to talk about business. If played right, this could be an opportunity to get closer to him.
Aurora Adkins thought she could outplay me?
She has no idea who she's dealing with.
Theron's POV
"Boss… erm…" John hesitated.
I glanced at him. "What? Finally, you've started causing trouble with women?"
His eyes widened. "That's not it! I would never!" Then, with a smirk, he added, "By the way, it's your woman's problem."
I frowned. "What?! Since when do I have a woman?"
John shrugged, feigning innocence. "You tell me, boss."
I shot him a glare. "Shut up. I don't have a woman. Not yet."
His expression turned mischievous. "Boss… don't tell me you're—"
"STOP." I cut him off. "I'm only interested in women. I just haven't found the right one yet."
John gasped dramatically. "That explains a lot… After all, who would marry a cold, ruthless, moody bastard who never smiles?"
"You little—"
He chuckled, dodging my glare.
"But seriously, boss. What I meant was, Isabella Wilson is here to meet you personally."
I leaned back, my interest piqued. "Isabella Wilson? Why?"
"It's about Adkins."
My expression darkened. So this is about her?
"And you were joking around instead of getting to the point?" My voice turned icy.
John gulped. "Um… sorry. I'll send her in now."
"DO THAT."
As he left, I caught him muttering something under his breath.
"What did you just say?"
"Nothing, boss! I'll call her in!" He practically ran out.
I sighed. That idiot needs some serious discipline.
Moments later, a sickeningly sweet voice filled the room.
"Mr. Drakos."
I turned my head—and immediately regretted it.
What the…
Isabella Wilson had deliberately dressed to kill. Her dress was too tight, and her assets were practically spilling out of her low-cut blouse. Any other man would've taken the bait.
Too bad for her—I wasn't just any man.
I smirked internally. Nice try, Wilson. But I've played this game before.
"Yes, Ms. Wilson. What is it you wish to discuss?" I asked, locking my gaze with hers.
For a second, she faltered.
Oh? Not used to being ignored?
She quickly recovered, stepping forward and leaning slightly over the table. "Mr. Drakos, it's about Adkins."
I raised a brow. "You seem to have trouble with heels. You keep bending unnecessarily. Sometimes, comfort matters more than fashion."
She blinked. Once. Twice.
Ha! She looks like a damn goat!
"I'm talking about Adkins, Mr. Drakos," she said, quickly regaining her composure.
"Then sit down and explain yourself," I said, barely hiding my amusement.
She sat down awkwardly.
"We have properly prepared the proposal and offered the best we could. But for some reason, they keep stalling us. We've tried multiple times to reach out, and at this point, we should be moving forward with legal agreements. Yet, they refuse to cooperate."
I narrowed my eyes. That shouldn't be happening. "Why?"
She hesitated. "It seems they have an interest in Aetos."
My entire body tensed. "WHAT?"
"Aetos approached them. And despite choosing us initially, they keep delaying negotiations. This is wasting our resources, and frankly, we can't keep waiting."
I clenched my jaw.
Aurora Adkins, what the hell are you planning?
I took a deep breath. "Understood. Issue a formal notice warning them that any further delay will be seen as a waste of resources. If necessary, involve the legal team."
She nodded.
"Dismissed," I said coldly.
As she walked out, my fingers tapped against the desk.
How dare they play games with me?
This project wasn't just about business. It was part of my revenge.
And I never let anything slip through my hands.
NEVER.
If I want to destroy everything, even if it means cleaning out Adkins and Aetos, I will do it to get what I want.