Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Isabella finally got why Ryan was being so generous this time.

It looked like the team-building event was just a front; the real goal was to get on Christopher's good side.

Given that Vertix Atelier was involved in two projects with Nexus Technologies, it made sense to try to butter up the project leader.

Isabella couldn't find a good reason to say no, so she reluctantly agreed.

Ryan said, "Alright, alright. If you need anything from Nexus Technologies, just let me know and I'll take care of it."

After hanging up the phone with Ryan, Isabella sighed quietly.

She wondered when the project with Nexus Technologies would finally wrap up.

Once it was done, she and Christopher wouldn't have any reason to interact anymore.

Despite her thoughts, Isabella sent a message to Christopher: [Mr. Harrison, are you free this weekend?]

The reply came quickly: [What's up?]

Isabella was about to respond when another message popped up.

[Come to my office.]

Isabella had planned to just inform him via message, but since Christopher had asked her to come in person, it wouldn't look good for Vertix Atelier if she refused.

Nexus Technologies was a major client now, so Isabella didn't hesitate long before heading to the top floor.

Lena was tidying her desk when she saw Isabella. Her eyes were red, and her face clearly showed her disgruntled feelings.

But she didn't dare do anything to Isabella.

Getting blacklisted in the industry would be a real nightmare for Lena.

Feeling indifferent, Isabella straightened her posture and knocked on the CEO's office door.

A deep male voice came from inside. "Come in."

Isabella pushed the door open, walked up to Christopher's desk, and greeted, "Mr. Harrison."

Christopher gave a light acknowledgment without looking up, his eyes still on the document in his hand. "Have a seat on the sofa. I'll be done in a minute."

With Christopher's instruction, Isabella didn't dare interrupt and sat down on the sofa.

She had been to Christopher's office several times now.

It always seemed like he had an endless pile of documents to review.

As soon as Isabella sat down, Ryan sent over a file for her to check.

Ryan: [Have you invited Mr. Harrison yet?]

Isabella: [I'm in Mr. Harrison's office, about to talk to him.]

Ryan: [Alright, alright. This file isn't urgent. Focus on talking to Mr. Harrison.]

Ryan: [You have to get Mr. Harrison to join our team-building event.]

Isabella was speechless.

That sounded a bit off.

She could almost feel Ryan's desperate expression through the screen.

Isabella glanced at Christopher, still engrossed in his documents, and sighed quietly.

With nothing else to do, she started reviewing the file Ryan had sent.

Several Nexus Technologies employees came in to see Christopher during this time, each casting curious glances at Isabella before leaving.

They seemed to be wondering why Isabella was there.

Isabella didn't like being the center of attention.

She felt like she was being watched like an exhibit at the zoo, making her uncomfortable.

Especially after Christopher had dramatically saved her last night.

Isabella didn't want any strange rumors spreading at the office tomorrow.

After hesitating for a few seconds, she spoke up, "Mr. Harrison, if you're busy, I can come back later."

Afraid her words sounded too stiff, she added, "I still have work to finish."

Christopher finally looked up from his documents. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

Isabella explained the company's team-building event. "If Mr. Harrison is available, our company would be honored to have you join us."

Christopher signed his name on a contract and set his black pen aside. His dark eyes lifted to meet Isabella's cool gaze, half-joking, half-serious. "Do you want me to go?"

Christopher's voice was deep and husky, with a hint of expectation.

Isabella's heart skipped a beat. She felt as if he would go if she said she wanted him to. The thought seemed absurd to her.

"Vertix Atelier would certainly welcome Mr. Harrison's participation."

Christopher said, "I meant you."

He wasn't satisfied with Isabella's vague answer and pressed on.

Isabella felt a bit uneasy, but remembering Ryan's instructions, she replied calmly, "As a member of Vertix Atelier, I naturally hope Mr. Harrison can join us."

Although she added a personal touch, Christopher seemed satisfied overall. 

But he didn't give her an immediate answer. Instead, he said, "Are you free tonight? Have dinner with me."

Isabella asked, "Is it about work?"

Christopher's eyes were deep as he looked at her.

Isabella said, "Evenings are my personal time. I don't want to have dinner with a client."

Though she didn't say it outright, it was clear she considered Christopher just another client.

Recently, Isabella had noticed a change in her emotions when dealing with Christopher. It felt dangerous.

"It's just a simple dinner. If you agree to have dinner with me, I'll attend your company's team-building event," Christopher laid out his condition.

Isabella wanted to refuse, but remembering Ryan's instructions, she finally agreed, "Alright, I accept."

Christopher's lips curved into a slight smile. "Meet me in the underground garage after work."

"Okay, if there's nothing else, I'll get going."

Isabella had worried that Christopher would ask her to meet him during the busiest time after work. But Christopher sent her a message half an hour after work.

Isabella understood that Christopher was also concerned about being seen with her. After all, she was just a regular employee. 

But Christopher was the CEO of Nexus Technologies, a figure whose every move could make headlines. He was likely more worried about being seen than she was.

Isabella composed herself, gathered her things, and headed to the underground garage.

As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw a luxurious Maybach parked ahead. 

The car's owner had already started the engine, casually resting his arm on the window, exuding an air of nonchalance.

Seeing Isabella, Christopher got out and opened the passenger door for her.

Isabella tightened her grip on her bag, suppressing her unease, and sat down.

Christopher leaned in closer.

Isabella's brows furrowed slightly, her body instinctively leaning back, her cool eyes fixed on Christopher's strikingly handsome face. 

She didn't speak, but her eyes clearly questioned his intentions.