*Isabella's POV*
Her grin spread all over her flawless face, a radiant, knowing smile that made my insides churn. Was she implying what I thought she was? That she was his lover? Of course she was. Jacob was screwing his assistant. He took her whenever he pleased, discarded her when he didn't want her—like the bastard he was. A gorgeous, beautiful bastard. I knew it. I'd expected it. I'd prepared myself for the worst, but still, a strange, uncomfortable ache twisted in my chest.
Stupid jealousy. It was so stupid—so childish. I wished it was me instead of her. I wanted to be the fun brother—the one who didn't hold back, who got to put his hands all over him, who could have him on his desk, on the office floor. Were they exclusive? Was that why he rejected me? Or was it something else? My mind spiraled with questions I didn't want to ask out loud.
"Walk with me, hun," Jo said softly, breaking my train of thought. "I'll show you around and tell you about the fun week you have ahead." I rolled my eyes inwardly—fun, right?—and reluctantly followed her, my thoughts swirling with bitter curiosity.
"Okay, hun," she continued, her tone casual. "Today, we didn't get any visitors, except you and the big boss. Tomorrow, Canada and the rest of the US managers will arrive. On Wednesday, the European managers come in. I've emailed you the details—you can use my computer to log in. I'll be around. Call me if you need anything." She turned to answer her phone, her voice fading into a low murmur.
Was she talking to Jacob? I clenched my fists, pushing the thought aside. None of your business.
*Wednesday*
Apparently, in Europe, #womampowee was stronger than in the US. A flood of female managers arrived, and I couldn't be happier. The room was packed—everyone seated around the long, sleek boardroom table as I prepared to give my presentation. My nerves fluttered, but I kept my composure.
Jacob threw me a wink from across the room, sending a jolt of distraction through me. I tried to focus, to keep my voice steady, but the image of that quick, knowing smile kept flashing in my mind. I pushed through, finishing my part with a confident tone. Once I was done, Damien chimed in smoothly. "Thank you, Isabella. Now, could you tell me about our newly opened offices? Are there any particular subjects we should discuss?"
He turned his piercing gaze to the room of managers. All nodded in agreement—they had no issues on their side. "What about the one in America?" a woman asked from the far side of the room. "Karina Fernandez, at your service," she said softly, blushing slightly under Damien's gaze.
"Nice to meet you," I said politely. "Likewise. I've only ever met your brother," she replied with a hint of a blush. I cringed inwardly—unbelievable. "We have a few problems in human resources," she continued, voice more serious now. "We're struggling to perform at our highest when employees are coming and going. We need a solid HR manager. The last one left quietly last week." Damien thought for a moment, then nodded. "I have just the person for you. I'll send someone next week."
"Thank you, sir," she replied gratefully. Jacob leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "Brother, I think someone needs to go there—make sure things are starting to move." Damien raised an eyebrow. "Someone like the CEO," he said calmly. "Mrs. Fernandez, what do you think?" Damien asked, turning to her. "Yes, yes, sir," she responded quickly before Damien could finish. "We would really appreciate your help. My flight is Friday at noon."
Jacob's expression shifted subtly, the knowing look in his eyes unmistakable—calculated, confident. Damien sighed deeply, a hint of resignation threading through his tone. "Very well. I'll prepare a two-week trip to Santiago de Cuba. The only problem is the meeting I have with Pheonix in ten days. As you all know, I moved to Raleigh because that's where the greatest competition in e-commerce is based. Mr. Oliver Pheonix founded his company over fifteen years ago. Over the years, we've built a relationship, and now, with him nearing retirement, he's open to a merger or even a takeover. His son isn't interested in the business—at least, that's what he claims. I'm glad to assist with the new offices, but I can't postpone my meeting with Mr. Pheonix."
A tense pause filled the room, the weight of Damien's words hanging heavily in the air. "You won't have to postpone anything," Jacob interrupted smoothly, his voice steady and unwavering. "I'll meet with him." Damien's brow furrowed, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "You? But you don't know where we stand with him. He's a quirky man—I—" Jacob cut him off, his tone firm. "I'm sure Isabella can brief me. She'll tell me what I need to know. Is that alright, brother?" His gaze shifted from Damien to me, a quiet challenge lingering in his eyes.
Damien hesitated, then nodded slowly, the tension easing just a fraction. "Yes, I suppose you can count on her help," he said, his voice measured but with a hint of reluctant acceptance. I felt my jaw tighten, caught in the middle of their unspoken power play. My role was clear, but the weight of their decisions pressed down on me. I nodded silently, knowing I'd be expected to deliver—no matter how much I wished I could step back from the chaos swirling around them. ____________________________________________________________________________________
Damien's voice was low but firm as he finally confronted Jacob alone in his office after the meeting. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension, a silent war of intentions and secrets. Damien's eyes bore into Jacob's, revealing a mixture of frustration and warning. "I know what you're tryna do here," Damien said, voice steady but edged with steel.
Jacob looked up, surprised to find Damien had silently joined him. He blinked, then chuckled softly, standing up to face him directly. "Oh, you scared me," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "What's up?" Damien's gaze didn't waver. "I know what you're trying to do. Being away from you doesn't mean I've forgotten all your vicious ways."
Jacob half-smirked, shrugging. "I'm just working in my office. You came in and attacked me. And am I vicious?" His tone was teasing, but beneath it, a flicker of defiance burned. Damien's expression hardened. "Stop playing games, Jacob. You know damn well what I'm talking about. Isabella—you sent me to Cuba, just to buy yourself some time with her. You're a piece of shit." The words hit like a punch, heavy and unfiltered. Jacob's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. "Are you asking me to stop playing games? Fine. I'm done messing around. I've had my fun. Now let's get real. She could be the one."