Chapter 128
“I appreciate the offer, Mr. Davenport, but my skills are quite ordinary,” Isabella said with a polite smile as she tucked Raphael’s business card into her pocket. “I’m not nearly qualified enough for a prestigious company like yours. Besides, I’m currently assisting a friend at Charisma Company, so leaving now isn’t an option.”
Raphael, ever the perceptive businessman, took the hint gracefully. He stepped back with an understanding nod. “Well, thank you for your hard work, Ms. Sinclair.”
With that, Isabella wasted no time returning to the lab. The mountain of work awaiting her was daunting—500 handmade perfume bottles in a single day was no small feat, and the team was already pushing overtime to meet the deadline.
“How many have we finished?” she asked the moment she stepped inside.
“Two hundred so far,” came the weary reply.
“Good. Let’s tackle the rest together,” Isabella announced, her voice infused with encouragement. “I know it’s been grueling, but the client is satisfied, and the contract is secure. Once we finish, everyone gets a bonus.”
The exhausted team perked up at the mention of bonuses, a renewed wave of determination washing over them. Without hesitation, Isabella joined them, her hands moving with practiced precision as she assembled bottle after bottle in record time.
Her efficiency was nothing short of mesmerizing. As the hours slipped by, the team’s admiration for her grew. It became clear that her reputation as the legendary “Scarlet Serpent” of perfumery was well-earned.
“Ms. Sinclair, you’re incredible,” one technician murmured. “Just by smelling the ingredients, you know the perfect blend. We’d be lost without you.”
Another chimed in, “You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve got your back.”
Meanwhile, in a shadowed corner, Marcus seethed. His incompetence had long been an open secret, making him the target of silent scorn. Watching Isabella effortlessly lead the team only deepened his humiliation.
Under her guidance, production surged forward. By one in the morning, the final bottle was sealed. Exhausted but proud, the team bid her goodnight before heading home.
“Goodnight, Ms. Sinclair. See you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight.”
Isabella lingered behind, tidying the lab in the quiet aftermath. As she opened a drawer, she discovered a small jar of candies tucked inside, accompanied by a note signed by Evelyn, the shy assistant who rarely spoke up.
You’ve been working nonstop. Didn’t want to disturb you, but don’t forget to take a candy—low blood sugar is no joke.
A little smiley face punctuated the message. Isabella couldn’t help but smile. Evelyn, usually so reserved, had a surprising thoughtfulness.
Just then, thunder rumbled through the night, followed by a flash of lightning. Rain poured outside in relentless sheets. Isabella sighed, realizing she hadn’t brought an umbrella.
“Perfect,” she muttered, stretching as she debated whether to brave the storm or wait it out. Opting for the latter, she sank into a chair and closed her eyes—only to drift off almost instantly.
Upstairs, Alexander had just signed the last contract of the night. Rubbing his stiff wrist, his gaze drifted to the lab below, where the lights still glowed. He checked his watch.
Strange. Everyone should have left by now.
Curious, he made his way down. To his surprise, Isabella was fast asleep at the table, her sharp features softened in slumber. The flutter of her dark lashes gave her an almost ethereal tranquility, so different from her usual composed demeanor.
Alexander’s expression softened. Without thinking, he shrugged off his jacket and moved to drape it over her.
“This rain won’t let up anytime soon,” he murmured. “You’ll catch a cold.”
Before the fabric could settle, Isabella’s hand shot up, gripping his wrist with startling speed. Alexander froze, momentarily caught off guard, before a slow smirk curved his lips.
“Even asleep, you’re on guard, Ms. Sinclair,” he mused. “You’re certainly unlike anyone else.”
There was something almost feline about her—a predator disguised as prey.
Their eyes locked briefly before Isabella released his wrist, feigning nonchalance. “I’m a light sleeper. And you, Mr. Kingsley—shouldn’t the CEO be home by now? Burning the midnight oil isn’t healthy.”
He chuckled. “I could say the same about you. The lab’s empty, and you’re sleeping here. Not worried about catching a cold?”
Isabella sighed, glancing at the relentless rain. “My car’s across the street. It’s a ten-minute walk, and I didn’t fancy getting drenched. Thought I’d rest my eyes, but…”
Alexander’s voice gentled. “You’ve worked hard today. My car’s downstairs. If you don’t mind, I can take you home.”
Isabella hesitated, then nodded. “That would be great. Thank you.”
Note from Tac-K: Good morning, lovely readers! Sending you all warmth and love. Stay tuned for more! (=?=) /
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