Chapter 27

Chapter 27

"They're just things to fill my stomach," Isabella said coolly.

Christopher's playful expression turned icy.

He merely wanted Isabella to understand that there is a fundamental difference between high-end and low-end ingredients.

The same applies to people: he could give Isabella the confidence to command respect, while Benjamin could only leave her vulnerable to being bullied.

Christopher couldn't understand why Isabella was so stubborn, unable to see who she should really rely on.

She couldn't distinguish between people's worth.

Before Christopher could react, Isabella stood up with her bag. "Lately, I've gotten a lot of support from Mr. Harrison at Nexus Technologies. I should be the one treating you to this meal as a thank you."

She really walked toward the cashier, but Christopher quickly got up and moved to her side.

His tall, imposing figure cast a shadow on the ground, like a cage trapping Isabella.

Christopher grabbed Isabella's arm and pulled her outside.

"No need, I already paid. If you really want to treat me, how about next time?"

His voice was hoarse and low, with a hint of mockery. "You set the time, and I'll be there."

It sounded like Isabella was the one with the busy schedule.

Isabella looked at the hand gripping her arm, trying to pull away, but Christopher's grip only tightened.

Finally, she said helplessly, "Christopher, you're hurting me."

Both of them froze at her words.

During their passionate times, this phrase had become Isabella's catchphrase.

In bed.

Isabella had a striking and dignified appearance, but her voice was soft and alluring.

Every time Christopher was rough with her, tears would hang from the corners of her eyes, and she would whimper, "Christopher, you're hurting me."

And that would only make Christopher more aggressive.

Christopher had once said he liked her that way, completely submissive to him.

Christopher's grip loosened, a spark of desire ignited in his heart, impossible to extinguish.

But he knew that if he used force now, he would lose Isabella forever.

Because she appeared obedient, but Christopher knew she was stubborn to the core.

Frustrated that he could only look but not touch, Christopher cursed under his breath.

As they reached the door, Isabella spoke up, trying to control her irritation. "Mr. Harrison, it's late. I'll just take a cab home. You should get some rest too."

Without waiting for his response, she hailed a passing taxi and got in.

Isabella's slim figure seemed fragile, as if a gust of wind could blow her over, evoking a sense of pity.

But this pity did nothing to quell the fire in Christopher's heart.

Feeling agitated, he didn't chase after her. Instead, he leaned against his car and lit a cigarette.

The first puff of smoke brought some calm to his turbulent emotions.

The taxi windows were fogged up, and Isabella leaned back, watching the bustling night scene outside.

Billboards flashed luxury ads, models' smiles breaking into light fragments in the traffic, and the warm glow of a nearby tea shop wrapped around the chatter of patrons. 

Businesspeople in suits hurried to the subway, high heels clicking on the pavement.

The brighter the neon lights, the darker the old alleys seemed, like corners devoured by the city's splendor.

The taxi took Isabella past one streetlight after another, finally stopping at her run-down apartment.

After paying the fare, she got out. The old community's streetlights had been broken for months.

But Isabella was used to the darkness, knowing where the trash bins were without needing a flashlight.

As she reached the building, someone suddenly appeared from the shadows.

Evelyn grabbed Isabella's arm, her hair disheveled and face gaunt, a far cry from her previous domineering self.

"Miss Carter, I was wrong that day. I misunderstood and falsely accused you. Can you forgive me?" Evelyn's voice was pleading. 

"Could you ask Mr. Harrison to lift the ban on us? Samuel and I have worked so hard to get here, and our company just went public. We have three kids... What will we do?"

Evelyn's distress grew, and she knelt before Isabella.

Isabella was startled at first, but recognizing Evelyn, her feelings were conflicted.

Evelyn had wronged her, but without Christopher, she might not have cared even if she knew the truth.

Even now, Evelyn's plea wasn't a genuine apology, just a bid for Nexus Technologies to spare her.

Isabella prided herself on her integrity and hard work.

But to Evelyn and Ryan, she was only worth something because of Christopher.

Feeling humiliated, Isabella looked at the sobbing woman but didn't help her up. "Mrs. Martin, you're asking the wrong person. I'm just an employee. I can't help you. Please leave."

Evelyn persisted, "Miss Carter, it was my fault. I'm sorry. I know you and Mr. Harrison have a special relationship. Could you ask him to show mercy?"

"I have a professional relationship with Mr. Harrison, nothing more. You're asking the wrong person." Isabella closed her eyes and headed upstairs.

Seeing Isabella's resolve, Evelyn lashed out, "Who are you kidding? If you were so innocent, would Christopher go after my small company for you? One day, you'll regret this when you're no longer young and desirable!"

Evelyn's words struck Isabella deeply, but she continued up the dark stairs as if nothing had happened.

On the morning of the Vertix Atelier team-building event, Isabella was planning to head to the company first to meet up with everyone.

But she was woken by a call from Ryan. "Isabella, there was a mix-up with the tour company, so there's no spot for you. I figured since Mr. Harrison is coming and it's on his way, I asked him to pick you up."

Isabella fell silent.