Breaking Billionaire Rules

Chapter 3

Isla's POV

“Hey baby girl, I'm home.” Camilla said as she opened the front door loudly and walked in.

I was in the kitchen preparing dinner for the both of us. Camilla was always in charge of cooking until today, because I came home early from work since I wasn't assigned any task after Margot King gave us the briefing and showed me my workspace.

“In here.” I answered, tuning down the volume of the music playing on the media player.

She gave me a hug as she rolled up her sleeves and started assisting me with the dishes.

“You seem so happy today.” I said as I looked at her, she was smiling more wildly than usual. “And don't tell me ‘it’s nothing’, because I know something is definitely up.”

She chuckled lightly, she knew she couldn't hide anything from me, as I would always make sure I disturb her until she tell me about it.

“Well,well. Oliver and I will be going on a date tonight. Today makes it a year since we started dating and he's taking me to one of the most beautiful couples restaurant in town.”

She said with a smile beaming on her face, giving the kind of expression that a person make when they are deeply lost in love.

“So I guess you will be eating dinner alone tonight, baby girl. But don't worry, I will surely get you something on my way home.”

I shot her a glare, my face blushing with irritation. “So you mean I'm going through all these stress just to have a solo dinner?. Nice one, lover girl.”

“Come on, Isla.” She said, her expression becoming serious. “On a more serious note, when are you going to get a boyfriend? You can't continue living this way.”

I exhaled sharply.

“Oh Camilla. We are having this conversation again, aren't we? You just won't give up, will you?”

The only time I ever had a boyfriend was in high school, which after our breakup, I never really had time for any man.

Not only was I a student on scholarship, but also one of the best in my department. The pressure was unreal. I had a goal to change the business world from inside out, and having a man in my life was nothing to me but a distraction.

“Oooh right. I heard the CEO of Blackwell Enterprises is hot as hell.” Camilla suddenly said, as if she had wanted to talk about it but never had the chance to. And this conversation seemed to be the perfect moment for her to bring it up.

“And from what I know, he seems to be single at the moment. Maybe he isn't that bad for you after all.” She said, looking at my face for a response.

“Cam. Where do you get all your information from?”

She chuckled lightly. “You seem to forget I work for a fashion magazine company. We hear everything, even outside the fashion industry.”

“Well, you of all people should know I'm not the type that chase after rich men.” I said. “And besides, wait until you hear the very first and most important rule every employee at Blackwell Enterprises must adhere to, before you start making assumptions.”

She dropped the dish in her hand in the cabinet and as she moved closer to me.

“Tell me about it.” she said, waiting eagerly as I dipped my hand into the pocket of my jean pants to bring out the onboarding packet from the office, which had the employees guidelines and policy write inside it.

Camilla collected it from me, surprise written all over her face as she read it out.

“Section 2.4. All employees, regardless of rank or contract status, are prohibited from engaging in personal relationships with executive officers. Breach of this policy may result in immediate termination of all involved parties. No exceptions.”

The words glared up at her like a dare. “Well, that's one hell of a guideline. With that kind of CEO, I wouldn't even last a week there.” She said with a humorous grin, sending me into laughter.

She was just about to bring up another conversation when my phone started vibrating in my pocket. I brought it out, and looking at the screen, it was my mom calling.

I knew she would be mad at me by now, after I had promised to call he after work this morning but didn't. I guess I forgot.

I picked up the call and moved towards the living room area to speak with her.

“Hello mom.” I greeted her, waiting patiently for her outburst on why I hadn't remembered to call her the whole day.

“Good evening, Isla.” She replied. “And why haven't you made any attempt to give me a call since morning. Guess you are too busy for your own mom now, right?” She asked sarcastically.

I knew it!.

My mom would always find a way to make me apologize for petty things that she could have easily overlooked. I always find it amusing most of the time, as it help strengthen the mother-daughter bond between us.

I guess she enjoys it too.

“I'm sorry, mom. It's not as if I forgot, I just have been occupied with work since morning.” I lied, I'd actually forgotten to call her.

“Fair enough. By the way, just wanted to let you know your dad sent a mail again this morning. I didn't bother to check what's inside, I burnt it.” She said, her tone mixed with sorrow and unspoken anger.

A long silence stretched between us as I tried hard to control that burning question inside me, a question I had found no answer to for many years.

Why a man would suddenly vanish with a rich lady all in the greed for money, leaving behind his wife and their 6 months old baby. And then two decades later, he started sending mails upon mails to check on the well being of the same daughter he abandoned years ago.

My estranged father was a failed entrepreneur who abandoned us and took off with a rich lady. Rumours had it that he later got dumped by that lady and had been stranded afterwards.

But nothing would ever erase that ruthless decision he made, that has changed my mom's view of life and definitely mine.

She sees every rich men out there as people who can't be trusted and can betray you at any time, more reasons why she wanted me to succeed on my own terms. And these views of hers have practically shaped who I am over the years.

My mom –Ava Morgan– worked two jobs to support me throughout school, and she had been protective every since I was small.

“Block him from sending you any more mails. I have to go now.” I finally said, breaking the silence hanging between us over the phone.

“Alright, my dear. Have a good one.” She said as I hung up the call.

“What took you so long?” Camilla said as I approached the bedroom. She was already dressed in a sleek shiny red gown.

“I was speaking with mom.”

“Oh. How is she? Is everything okay? Hope you remembered to extend my greetings?”

I gave her a frustrated look. “And which of those questions exactly do you want me to answer first?”

“Everything.” She said jokingly.

“Knock, knock. Anyone home?” A voice called from the door as the doorbell jingled. It was Oliver's voice, Camilla’s boyfriend.

“I guess it's time we part ways for the night. And how do I look?” Camilla asked as she stood up to leave.

“Astonishing.” I said to her. “And don't forget to have fun.”

“See. That I will surely do.” She said as she opened the door. Oliver was already standing at the door with an excited grin.

“Hi, Isla.” He said, flashing me a smile.