Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Ryan's back was drenched in cold sweat, his eyes darting nervously towards Christopher.

Unaware of the tension, the client threw an arm around Isabella's shoulders and turned to Christopher with a grin. "Mr. Harrison, if I didn't already have a full team, I'd be trying to steal her away to be my secretary."

It was clear what kind of "secretary" he meant.

"Sure," Christopher leaned back on the couch, a cold glint in his eyes despite the smile on his face. His gaze shifted to Ryan. "Didn't you hear, Mr. Mitchell? Would you be willing to recommend this employee?"

Ryan hadn't expected such trouble just from offering a toast, and sweat was already forming on his forehead.

But he knew who he needed to protect today.

Ryan stepped forward, grabbed the client's glass, and downed it in one gulp. Then he smiled and said, "You're kidding, right? Isabella's a designer, not someone's secretary. Isabella, didn't you say you weren't feeling well? You should head out."

Isabella looked relieved, quickly apologized to everyone, and left.

The client, humiliated by the small, unknown company Vertix Atelier, looked displeased.

But with Christopher still sitting there, he couldn't lash out.

He had no choice but to drink another glass with Ryan, his face darkening.

He returned to his seat beside Christopher, but Christopher immediately stood up. Seemingly by accident, he stepped hard on the man's foot and ground it in.

"Enjoy yourselves. I'm out."

As soon as he left, everyone in the room exchanged glances, sensing that something was off.

Isabella rushed to the restroom as soon as she got outside, locking herself in a stall and throwing up.

She had already had too much to drink, and the last shot pushed her past her limit.

Feeling a bit better after throwing up, Isabella texted Chloe to say she was leaving.

She leaned against the wall, slowly stood up, and tried to tidy her messy hair in the blurry mirror. She splashed some cold water on her face, regaining some clarity.

As soon as she stepped out of the bar and turned a corner, two burly men blocked her path.

"Hey there, pretty lady, all alone?" The thug on the left swaggered, his eyes lingering on her swollen eyes and red lips. "Which room did you come from? How about a drink with us?"

The other thug reached out to grab her arm. "You look like you're about to fall over. Let me take you home."

Isabella shrank back in fear, stumbling into the wall, the pain helping her regain some clarity.

She clutched her phone tightly, her voice trembling but defiant. "Don't touch me. My friend is coming soon!"

"Friend?" The thug sneered, reaching for her wrist. "Where? Let's meet them."

Just then, a low, indifferent voice came from the side. "Let her go."

Isabella looked up to see Christopher leaning against a nearby railing, a cigarette between his fingers, smoke curling around him.

The thugs saw he was alone and got cocky. "Mind your own business, or you'll get it too!"

Christopher didn't respond, just took a slow drag on his cigarette, the tip glowing in the night.

His movements were elegant and unhurried, as if he didn't consider the two men a threat.

One of the thugs lost patience and swung a punch. Christopher dropped his cigarette, caught the man's wrist, and twisted it with a sharp crack.

The thug screamed in pain.

Seeing this, the other thug grabbed an empty bottle and swung it at Christopher.

Christopher yanked the first thug aside, and the bottle shattered on the ground.

He kicked the second thug hard in the stomach, then stomped on his face as he fell.

Christopher seemed to be in a foul mood, using the moment to vent. Blood trickled from the thug's mouth.

Though Isabella's head was fuzzy, she retained some sense and hurried to grab Christopher's arm. "Christopher, that's enough. I'm okay."

This was the first time since their reunion that Isabella had approached him voluntarily, even calling him by his name like she used to.

Christopher turned to look at her, seeing her pale face and frightened eyes.

He kicked the thug one last time and told him to scram.

After they left, Isabella thanked Christopher.

Christopher took her arm and led her to his parked Maybach, his tone calm but firm. "I'll take you home."

"No need, Mr. Harrison. I can manage," Isabella instinctively refused, her tone reverting to its usual coldness and distance.

Christopher frowned and didn't give her another chance to refuse. He wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her effortlessly.

"Mr. Harrison! Put me down!" Isabella struggled, her surprise sobering her up. She clawed at his shirt, trying to free herself. "I can walk."

Her struggles were futile against Christopher's unwavering grip.

His eyes burned with a barely restrained desire as he growled, "Behave, or I can't promise what I'll do."

Isabella froze, understanding his meaning all too well.

Two years ago, he had told her that sometimes just a look from her could ignite his desire.

She stayed still as Christopher carried her to the car's back seat.

Mike turned from the front. "Miss Carter."

Isabella felt awkward, but Christopher seemed unfazed, sitting beside her with a blank expression.

She felt the seat dip as he settled in, the confined space filled with his intoxicating scent and the familiar cedarwood fragrance enveloping her.

Isabella stiffened, trying not to move.

Christopher gave an address that wasn't her home.

Isabella was about to protest when her phone rang. It was Benjamin.

She didn't want to answer, but Christopher pressed the button for her. Benjamin's voice came through. "Isabella, Chloe said you weren't feeling well. Are you okay now?"

"Yeah, just a bit dizzy from drinking too much."

Benjamin told her to take some medicine and apologized. "I'm sorry, Isabella. I've been so busy with work. I'll make it up to you once things calm down."

"Okay..." Isabella started to reply, but Christopher suddenly leaned in.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, his hand sliding up her thigh.

He buried his face in her neck, nibbling gently.

Though they'd only been together a month, they'd done everything.

Christopher knew all her sensitive spots.

He pulled her closer, lightly biting her earlobe.

Isabella's eyes darkened, and a soft moan escaped her lips.