Married To a Stranger

Chapter 12

The receptionist personally escorted Isabel to the elevator.

While they waited, Isabel glanced over her shoulder and her smile tightened.

Ruby was still there, sitting calmly on a lobby sofa, not moving.

Not leaving.

How shameless can she be? Isabel thought bitterly.

She turned to the receptionist.

You guys have it rough.

I'll tell Carter to give you a raise.

The receptionist's face lit up.

Thank you, Miss Anderson. Please just let me know if you need anything at all.

Isabel let out a delicate sigh.

My sister is just so stubborn.

Don't let her actually wait around for Mr. Knight.

Leaving the receptionist with that thought, Isabel stepped into the elevator.

As the doors slid shut, she saw the woman walking toward Ruby, a smug smile already spreading across her face.

Did Ruby really think she could win over a man like Carter Knight with just her looks?

What an i***t.

In the world of the wealthy, feelings take a back seat to benefits.

Carter had chased her for four years and was completely hung up on her.

But who did he propose to in the end?

Me.

Because I'm the one who brings a powerful alliance to the table.

She thought to herself.

The elevator arrived swiftly on the sixty-eighth floor.

By the time Isabel entered the office, her expression had smoothed back into her usual calm and gentle mask.

Carter Knight, dressed in a tailored suit, had shed the last of his collegiate awkwardness.

Replaced now by a sharp, ruthless edge.

His gaze immediately snapped to the red mark on her cheek.

What happened to your face?

Isabel lowered her gaze.

Ruby hit me.

Carter's expression soured.

I told you to stay away from her.

Why do you do this to yourself?

She's not worth your time or trouble.

I know it was my fault.

Isabel walked closer to his desk, shifting the subject smoothly.

Anyway, I heard your new project is in sustainable energy.

Carter relaxed slightly.

Looks like someone's been doing their homework.

Of course.

I'm good at what I do. She replied proudly.

It's a major initiative.

If Knight Group doesn't lead in the latest tech, we'll fall behind.

Carter said.

Isabel smiled sweetly.

Well, my mom and I are having dinner with Dr. N.

I was thinking maybe I could bring up the idea of him joining your R&D team.

The tension in Carter's shoulders melted.

His mood shifted instantly, almost greedily.

He slid an arm around her waist.

You're full of surprises, Miss Anderson.

His fingers traced her cheek gently.

Ruby really crossed a line.

Does it still hurt?

Let me see.

Isabel lowered her eyes, playing shy.

But inside, she was smirking.

With Dr. N in her pocket, Ruby had nothing on her.

As for Carter's old feelings for Ruby, Isabel couldn't care less.

She wanted the Knight name, and she would have it soon enough.

Meanwhile, downstairs in the lobby, Ruby sent the restaurant address to Matilda's grandson.

She was just about to suggest a meeting time when a shadow fell over her.

The receptionist, now flanked by two security guards, glared down at her.

I need you to leave.

You can't sit here.

She snapped.

Ruby's expression darkened.

The lobby couches were meant for visitors, and she hadn't made a sound.

How exactly was she causing trouble?

Leaning back lazily, she asked.

And why should I?

The receptionist faltered, then hissed at the guards.

Security, escort this woman out now.

Just as the guards took a step forward, the entire lobby went still.

The doors to the CEO's private elevator slid open.

Owen stepped out, cool and composed, with Leo right behind him.

Owen barely glanced at the crowd and scanned the lobby as if searching for someone.

Leo, however, spotted the commotion instantly and strode over.

You again.

He muttered at Ruby, already annoyed.

The receptionist rushed to justify herself, eager to play the victim.

Mr. Yates, she claimed she had a delivery for Mr. Knight.

I didn't believe her, so I refused to let her in.

Now she's causing trouble and refusing to leave.

I told you I'm not delivering anything.

Ruby said evenly.

The receptionist sneered.

Doesn't matter.

You can't sit here.

Leo cut her off with a dismissive wave.

Doesn't matter.

She can sit here all day if she wants.

Then, glaring at Ruby, he declared.

But she's not seeing Mr. Knight.

Not today.

Not ever.

He then turned back to the receptionist, annoyed.

Anyway, the AC on the top floor is out.

The repair tech said he arrived a while ago, but the front desk wouldn't let him through.

What's going on?

The receptionist blinked, startled.

I didn't see any repair tech come in.

You're sure?

Leo pressed.

Yes.

I've been here the whole time.

Leo pulled out his phone.

Fine.

Let me call to see if he went to the wrong building.

Before he could dial, a lazy voice cut him off.

Didn't go to the wrong place.

Still here.

Leo froze.

Ruby offered him a small, tired smile.

And it's true.

The front desk wouldn't let me go upstairs.

Both Leo and the receptionist just stared at her, blank and confused.

Until the realization slowly dawned on Leo.

You're the repair tech?

He blurted.

No way.

Ruby calmly held out her work ID.

The issue date.

Nine years ago.

Leo blinked.

Is this another one of your side hustles?

Ruby didn't bother denying it.

Instead, she glanced toward Owen, who stood a short distance away watching.

She wouldn't let me speak.

Ruby said flatly.

Tried to have me thrown out.

And then lied about me causing a scene.

Mr. Knight, your receptionist likes to throw her weight around.

The receptionist paled.

Mr. Knight, I can explain—

Owen didn't even blink.

You're fired.

He said coldly.

The receptionist's face went white, but she didn't dare argue.

Only then did Owen's gaze settle on Ruby.

Really looking at her.

Leo had pulled her file.

She'd moved out of the Anderson residence in junior high.

And had been working to support herself ever since.

Yesterday, a delivery driver.

Today, a repair tech.

Just how many jobs did she have?

Despite a life that hard, her spine was ramrod straight.

So why would a woman with so much pride stoop to chasing him like this?

At the thought, whatever flicker of admiration he'd felt a moment ago was extinguished.

Replaced by a familiar irritation.

Are you satisfied, Miss Anderson?

Ruby nodded, getting to her feet.

Mr. Knight, did you check with the city clerk's office?

Owen ignored the question, turning to Leo.

Get her upstairs to do the job.

He said coldly.

And then make sure I don't see her again.

Ruby was confused.

Leo grabbed her arm.

This way, Miss Anderson.

If I were you, I'd give up.

Even if you managed to weasel your way to the top floor, the boss isn't going to look at you twice.

Sure, her delivery and repair jobs were real.

But showing up at Knight Group again?

Owen didn't look impressed.

He pulled out his phone and called the person he was desperately looking for.

The woman who'd watched over his grandmother.

At that exact moment, Ruby's phone rang.

Owen flinched at the sound.

His head snapped toward her, eyes narrowing.

You've got to be kidding me.

Ruby answered casually.

Hello.

Owen checked his screen.

His call hadn't even connected yet.

He'd been getting ahead of himself.

Meanwhile, Ruby was talking to Miles Jordan, who was absolutely delighted.

Boss, you sure you still got the touch?

Haven't done a repair job in years, have you?

You underestimate me, Miles.

Ruby said coolly.

Anyway, I need something from you.

I want Owen Knight's private number.

No excuses.

I'm tired of chasing him across the city.

Miles groaned dramatically.

Do you even hear yourself?

The man has zero online footprint.

Getting his schedule nearly killed me.

Ruby smirked.

So there's something Miles Jordan can't do?

A direct strike to his ego.

Miles snapped upright.

I'm on it.

He said, and hung up.

Ruby pocketed her phone, only to find Leo standing beside her.

Face twisted with disdain.

Good luck finding it.

He said stiffly.

Ruby raised an eyebrow.

Why?

You think I can't?

In your dreams.

Leo shot back.

Right then, her phone chimed.

It was a message from the old woman's grandson.

Call me anytime you're free.

Ruby sighed and got to work on the air conditioner.

Within ten minutes, she clapped the dust from her hands.

It was fixed.

The filter was just clogged.

It looked like it hadn't been cleaned in a while, which is why it wasn't cooling properly.

All clean now.

Just needs to be put back in.

She said.

Leo watched her work, quick and efficient.

And his opinion of her shifted just a little.

To make sure she wouldn't pull another stunt to see the boss, he personally escorted her downstairs.

At the entrance, he turned to her with a pointed look.

Miss Anderson, we won't be needing any more special deliveries.

And nothing else on the top floor is going to break anytime soon.

Then, with an amused, superior smile, he added.

And a friendly word of advice.

Stop trying to get the boss's number.

Security is tightening.

You're never meeting him again.

Don't bother.

Ruby smiled sweetly.

Got it.

She paused, then added lightly.

Oh, and I think we'll meet again at noon.

See you.

With that, she turned and walked off.

Leo blinked.

Noon?

Wait, what?

By the time he tried to ask, Ruby was already striding out the doors.

He shook it off and headed back upstairs.

Completely unaware of how wrong he was.