Chapter 18 Eighteen
The dining hall looked like something from a dream.
Soft golden lights hung from the ceiling, reflecting against the glass walls that overlooked the calm lake. Gentle music played in the background, and waiters moved smoothly between tables, serving glasses of wine and plates of appetizers.
Everyone looked happy, relaxed, laughing as if the week’s stress had melted away.
Everyone... except Izzy.
Her heart thumped quietly in her chest, though her face stayed calm.
Calm. Confident. Untouchable.
She reminded herself again...just like Maya had taught her.
Izzy felt that familiar sting deep in her chest.
But she lifted her chin.
No, not tonight.
Tonight wasn’t about crying over a man who isn't hers. It was enjoying a little moment like this.
She took her seat, pretending not to notice Dominic at all. Her eyes wandered the room instead... until she spotted another familiar face approaching.
Adrian Cross.
He looked as charming as ever in a gray suit, his smile warm and confident.
“Isabella Hart,” he greeted, his voice rich with amusement. “I didn’t know you’d be here. Looks like this retreat just got interesting.”
Izzy smiled faintly. Adrian had that kind of energy that made people feel at ease... charming, teasing, a little dangerous. Everything Dominic wasn’t.
“Hey, Adrian,” she said. “Yeah, I didn’t expect to see you here either. Business never takes a break, I guess.”
He chuckled, his blue eyes glinting. “True. But sometimes business gives you nice surprises.”
She tilted her head. “Like what?”
“Like running into you,” he said smoothly.
Izzy laughed quietly and shook her head. “You never change, do you?”
“Not when it works,” he teased.
She couldn’t help but smile. For once, she didn’t have to overthink every word she said. With Adrian, the conversation flowed easily.
And that was when Operation Make Dominic Jealous officially began.
Across the hall, Dominic was talking to a few partners when he saw her.
Izzy.
She was sitting at her table, laughing... with Adrian Cross.
Dominic’s jaw tightened immediately. His hand clenched slightly around his glass as he watched Adrian lean closer to her, smiling like he owned the moment.
That bastard.
Dominic forced his expression to stay calm, but something inside him burned.
He hadn’t seen Adrian in over a year... not since their business fallout and friendship.
Once upon a time, Adrian Cross had been Dominic’s closest friend. They’d started out together, built their first deals side by side... until ambition and betrayal tore them apart.
Adrian had broken Dominic’s trust.
He’d stolen a major contract and then smiled about it.
From that day, Dominic had promised himself one thing... Adrian Cross would never win against him again.
And now, seeing him with Izzy...his Izzy... was pushing every buried feeling to the surface.
Sienna’s soft voice pulled him back.
“Dominic,” she said sweetly, “you seem distracted. Something wrong?”
He looked at her briefly and gave a faint, practiced smile. “Not at all.”
But his eyes… cold, sharp, and restless — found Izzy again across the room.
Izzy could feel his stare.
Even without looking, she felt it... that heavy, burning gaze that made her skin tingle.
But she didn’t turn.
She kept talking to Adrian, laughing when he joked about the retreat activities, smiling when he asked about her work.
He leaned in slightly. “You know,” he said, “this place has a beautiful lake. You should see it at night. Care to join me for a walk later?”
Izzy looked at him... calm, composed, and graceful… before saying softly, “Sure. I could use some fresh air after dinner.”
Her voice didn’t shake. But inside, her pulse jumped.
Because she knew.
Dominic had heard that.
Dinner went on smoothly. The room was filled with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. People moved from table to table, introducing themselves and catching up.
Izzy stood to get a drink from the buffet. She was just about to turn when a familiar voice stopped her.
“Izzy.”
She froze for a moment before looking up.
Dominic stood right in front of her.
His expression was calm, but his eyes... those deep, stormy eyes... gave him away.
“Mr. Steele,” she greeted politely, her tone cool and formal.
He frowned slightly. “You’re avoiding me.”
She arched a brow. “Why would I? You’re my boss. Wouldn’t want anyone getting the wrong idea with you thinking that way sir.”
His eyes darkened. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what did you mean sir ?” she asked softly, all formal.
He opened his mouth, but another voice cut in.
“Hey, Izzy,” Adrian said, walking up with two glasses of wine. “ I thought you’d like a drink.”
“Thanks,” Izzy said, smiling as she took one glass from him.
Dominic’s jaw tightened so hard it almost looked painful.
“Mr. Steele,” Adrian greeted with that easy, confident grin. “Good to see you again.”
Dominic nodded stiffly. “Adrian.” His voice was low, controlled... but the tension in it was thick enough to slice through.
Adrian smiled wider, enjoying it. “Still as serious as ever, I see.”
Dominic’s lips curved faintly. “And you’re still as irritating.”
Adrian laughed softly. “Some things never change.”
Izzy glanced between the two men...one calm and teasing, the other cold and furious...and she realized instantly.. this wasn’t just dislike. This was war.
She took a slow sip of her drink. “So,” she said to Adrian, her tone light, “what time’s our walk?”
Adrian grinned. “Whenever you’re ready.”
“Perfect,” she said, her voice smooth, as if Dominic wasn’t standing right there.
Dominic’s gaze flicked between them, sharp and unreadable. For a second, he looked like he wanted to drag her away. But instead, he stepped back.
“Enjoy your evening, Miss Hart,” he said coldly. Then, to Adrian...“Try not to bore her.”
Adrian smirked. “Oh, don’t worry. I never do.”
Dominic turned and walked away before he said something worse.
Izzy stood still, her heart beating too fast. She let out a quiet breath and turned to Adrian with a small smile.
“Looks like he doesn’t like you much,” she said lightly.
Adrian chuckled. “No, he doesn’t. But that’s Dominic for you. A grumpy grandpa”
She smiled again, but inside, she felt something else... something sharp and hot.
Dominic’s anger had thrilled her.
Not because she wanted to hurt him… but because it proved he still cared.
Later that night, after dinner, Izzy and Adrian strolled by the lake. The air was cool, the moonlight soft against the water. Adrian told funny stories about work, and Izzy laughed, though her thoughts kept drifting.
Even as she smiled at Adrian’s jokes, she could still feel Dominic’s gaze from earlier... that possessive, burning look she could never forget.
She looked out at the lake and whispered to herself with a faint smile,
“Operation Make Dominic Jealous… in process.