Chapter 5 Not a Perfect Match
855 Words
Isabella's heart began to race. She was nervous yet excited.
These conflicting emotions left her unsure of whether to be happy or anxious.
As a tall man stepped out of the elevator, Isabella finally saw Andrew's face.
It was really him!
For real!
Everyone in the office, except Isabella, was stunned by Andrew's appearance.
He was tall and handsome, with impeccable features, and his 6'3" frame made him even more striking.
Dressed in a high-end tailored suit, Andrew stood at the elevator entrance, giving the spacious office a glance before striding forward. Behind him, the executives hurriedly followed.
It seemed he was heading in Isabella's direction.
What?!
What should she do now?
Their meeting last night had not gone well.
If he realized she was his employee, would he make things difficult for her?
Isabella nervously watched Andrew get closer, her legs almost giving in.
She discreetly held onto her desk to steady herself.
However, Andrew merely glanced at her briefly, their eyes meeting for a second.
Then, he walked past her and headed to the CEO's office as if he didn't recognize her at all.
"Oh my gosh, I can't believe the new CEO is so handsome," the female colleagues gushed after Andrew left.
"I wonder if Mr. Andres has a girlfriend?" a beauty mused confidently. "If not, I wouldn't mind being his girlfriend."
"Ladies, just stop dreaming," a male colleague teased.
"Wake up! Even if a big shot like Mr. Andres would marry anyone, it would be a lady of equal status, not someone like you."
His words were a reality check for everyone, especially for Isabella.
Indeed!
It didn't matter if Andrew had a girlfriend now. Even if he ever started a relationship, it would always be someone who matched his status.
"Wake up, Isabella. You broke up with him ages ago. You're not worthy anymore," Isabella muttered to herself, watching the CEO's office door close.
She smiled wryly at herself and got back to work.
"Hey, Ms. Smith, you're really lucky."
At five o'clock in the afternoon, Isabella had just finished her work and was packing up to leave when the manager's voice interrupted her.
Isabella looked up at her smiling manager and frowned in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"Mr. Moore just told me the new CEO wants to see you in his office," the manager said excitedly. "You're a lucky girl, Bella!"
"Lucky? More like a curse," Isabella muttered under her breath.
Sensing her lack of enthusiasm, the manager urged, "Stop packing and go. Mr. Andres is waiting for you."
The new CEO wanting to see Isabella on his first day caused her colleagues to look at her enviously.
However, it was not good news for her!
In the CEO's office, Andrew had just finished reviewing all company documents.
He was now carefully reading Isabella's performance reports and resume.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted him.
Andrew, still focused on the report with his legs crossed, said indifferently, "Come in."
Richard opened the door and stepped aside, gesturing for Isabella to enter.
"Ms. Smith, please come in."
"Thank you, sir," Isabella replied before walking into the office.
The luxurious CEO's office now had only Isabella and Andrew.
She felt nervous, standing awkwardly.
Andrew looked at Isabella and instinctively asked, "How's your hand?"
Isabella was stunned by his question.
When she realized he was referring to her hand injured last night, she smiled, "Thank you for your concern. It's fine now."
"Concern?" Andrew glanced at her, leaning back on the sofa in disdain.
"I'm not concerned about you," he added indifferently.
Isabella was speechless.
Andrew continued, "I just want my employees to maintain a positive work attitude and not take time off for minor injuries."
So that was it!
It seemed she was overthinking it.
Indeed, Andrew was her boss now, and he had no reason to care about her.
Isabella felt a bit disappointed but stood still, replying confidently, "Don't worry, sir. I won't let personal matters affect my work."
"Good."
Andrew nodded slightly after a glance at her hand.
They didn't say anything else for a whole minute.
Andrew saw her still standing there awkwardly and snorted, "What? Are you afraid of me?"
Seeing Andrew's mocking look, Isabella took a deep breath and stepped forward confidently.
"Why should I be afraid of you?"
Her defiant demeanor reminded him of her college days.
He had loved her deeply, but in the end, she had ruthlessly abandoned him.
Even after all these years, his love for her still lingered.
Andrew couldn't understand himself. He had returned to Los Angeles because of her and even acquired her company just to see her every day.
But every time he was met with Isabella's indifferent attitude, his anger reignited.
Thinking of this, Andrew taunted, "You haven't changed at all."
Isabella frowned in confusion.
He added, "You're still so confident and arrogant. You stick to your style even if you have to earn a living under my leadership."
"What else do you expect?"
Isabella retorted, "Did you expect me to beg you not to fire me and give me a handsome paycheck?"
- Writer
