Chapter 22 – Twins Takeover

Isabella's heart raced as she ended the call with Ava. The fact that she missed her meeting with Xavier struck her like a ton of bricks.

She looked at her kids, who were still joyfully eating their ice cream sundaes, completely unaware of their mother's sudden anxiety.

"Alright, kiddos," Isabella uttered, trying to maintain a steady voice. "Plans have changed. How about you two visit Mommy's office today?

Skylar's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? We get to go to your big office?"

Mickey's voice chimed in, "Can we play with the spinny chairs?"

Isabella couldn't resist a chuckle. "We'll see about the spinny chairs. But first, we need to clean up and get ready. Mommy has an important meeting."

While rushing to prepare, Isabella's thoughts raced. Grandma Liz was away from home and she was unable to locate a babysitter at the last minute.

Bringing the twins to work was not the best situation, but there was no other option. Rescheduling this meeting with Xavier was not an option due to its significance.

The drive to FashionForward's headquarters was a whirlwind of cars and kids talking.

Isabella gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white as she maneuvered through the crowded streets.

"When we get there, you'll stay with Aunt Ava while Mommy has her meeting. Be on your best behavior, okay?"

"Yes, Mommy," they said together, but Isabella doubted if they fully grasped the seriousness, given the mischief in their eyes.

Upon arrival at the parking garage, Isabella's phone vibrated. Another message from Xavier: "I trust all is well." "We're here, still waiting."

She took a deep breath, preparing herself for what lay ahead. "Come on, little munchies," she said, assisting the twins as they got out of the car.

They took the elevator to her office which was on the top floor, it seemed like an endless ride. When the doors opened at last, Ava stood there with a mixture of relief and exasperation.

"Thank goodness you're here," Ava said, then noticed the twins. Her eyebrows shot up. "And you brought reinforcements?"

Isabella managed a weak smile. "Ava, I need a huge favor. Can you watch the kids while I'm in the meeting?"

Ava nodded, already reaching for the twins' hands. "Of course. Come on, kiddos. Let's go see if we can find some coloring books."

As Ava led the children away, Isabella smoothed her clothes and took a deep breath. She could do this. She was Isabella Ricci, CEO of FashionForward. She remained unfazed by a slight delay and unforeseen childcare problems, staying focused on her tasks.

Every step she took towards the conference room was help with purpose, new beginning as her heels clicked on the polished floor.

Looking through the glass walls, she observed Xavier and his team huddled together, deep in quiet discussion. She felt a flutter in her stomach when she saw him, but she ignored the sensation.

Isabella opened the door, and everyone's gaze shifted towards her. "Sorry for making you wait," she stated, her voice strong and sure. "I apologize," she added, her voice clear and confident. "There was an urgent family matter. Thank you for your patience."

Xavier stood, his expression a mixture of concern and something else Isabella couldn't quite place. Relief, perhaps? "No need to apologize, Isabella. Family always comes first. I hope everything's alright?"

For a moment, Isabella was taken aback by his sincerity. This wasn't the Xavier she remembered from years ago. This man seemed... different. More mature. More considerate.

"Things are all good, thanks," she replied as she settled into her place at the head of the table. "Should we get started?"

During the meeting, Isabella became more and more impressed by Xavier's presentation. His suggestions for merging StoneTech's advancements with FashionForward's creations were incredibly brilliant. Isabella could see the potential for transforming sustainable fashion and she felt her skepticism fading.

"And this," Xavier indicated, referring to a detailed diagram on the screen, "is where we could implement the smart fabric technology. Imagine clothing that adapts to the wearer's body temperature, reducing the need for multiple layers or frequent outfit changes."

Isabella was leaning forward, her thoughts already filled with numerous possibilities. "That could be a game-changer for our athleisure line," she mused aloud.

Xavier's face brightened with delight at her engagement. "Exactly! And it's just the tip of the iceberg. With our combined expertise, the possibilities are endless."

While Xavier continued his presentation, Isabella couldn't help but observe Xavier with great attention. Getting more interesting.

He moved with a blend of old and fresh assurance. His enthusiasm for the project was clear in every word, every gesture. For him, this was more than just a business endeavor; it was about inventing something truly groundbreaking.

Isabella was distracted from her thoughts by a disturbance outside the meeting room. Looking through the glass walls, she witnessed Ava running after Mickey and Skylar, who had taken over the office as their own play area.

"Sorry, just a moment," Isabella muttered, her face turning red as she hurriedly left the room.

Just as the twins were about to enter another meeting room, she caught up with them.

"Skylar! Mickey! What did I tell you about behaving?"

The kids gazed at her with big, pure eyes. "But Mommy," Skylar protested, "we were just exploring your workplace!"

"Yeah," Mickey added, "and we wanted to see where you work!"

Isabella knelt down to their level, her voice stern but gentle. "I understand you're curious, but this is a place of business. People are working here. You need to stay with Aunt Ava and be quiet, okay?"

As she was talking to the twins, she heard the conference room door open behind her. Xavier's voice floated over, tinged with amusement. "Everything alright out here?"

Isabella turned, her heart sinking as she realized the entire meeting had probably witnessed her impromptu parenting moment.

To her amazement, Xavier wasn't gazing at her with disapproval or irritation. Instead, he had his gaze focused on the twins, with a gentle smile on his face.

"And who might these little explorers be?" he asked, crouching down to the children's eye level.

Skylar's eyes suddenly expanded in realization. She didn't hesitate and threw herself towards Xavier, who instinctively held her in his arms.

"It is you!" she exclaimed, her face filled with joy. "The nice man from the store who saved me!"

Mickey, not wanting to be overshadowed, also leaped forward, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "And you got us Awana pop!" he exclaimed with excitement. "You were the one in the traffic too, remember Sky?"

Xavier was briefly taken aback by the children's excitement, as he delicately held Skylar and tousled Mickey's hair, his face reflecting a blend of emotions.

"That's right," Xavier said softly, his voice filled with warmth. "I'm glad you both remember me."

Skylar, still in Xavier's arms, turned to look at her mother. "Mommy, did you forgive him? Is that why he's here?"

The questions hit Issabella like a punch in the guts.

Forgive...

Isabella, caught off guard by her daughter's question, stammered, "I... Skylar, what do you mean?"

"He looks sad that day.." she added Making the air tense.

"Well," Skylar continued, her young mind making connections in its own unique way, "you always say we should forgive people who are nice and help others. And he helped me, but..."

Skylar, still in Xavier's arms, turned to look at her mother. " But since he's here, that means Mommy forgives him right?" She smiled. "Mommy did you know this nice man was coming to see us, that's why you said we visit your office?"

Noticing Isabella's unease, Xavier carefully placed Skylar on the ground and knelt down to the twins' height. "I'm simply a friend of your mom's," he quietly stated. We were acquainted many years ago.

Mickey's eyes sparkled with excitement. Mickey's eyes lit up. "Oh! Like Aunt Ava? She's Mom's friend from a long time ago too!"

Isabella, recovering her cool, moved ahead. "That is correct, honey. Xavier is... a longtime friend." She briefly locked eyes with Xavier, exchanging a silent moment of shared history.

"Mickey interrupted, saying, "Mom! Is he here to play with us like Uncle Austin?

Isabella was stunned and taken by surprise by her children's sudden recognition and excitement towards Xavier, causing her to become motionless.

She attempted to speak, but no words escaped her lips. The scenario she had feared and made great efforts to steer clear of was happening in front of her.

Xavier noticed Isabella's unease and carefully placed Skylar on the ground before bending down to meet the twins' height. "Actually," he said softly, trying to help, "I'm here to help your mom with work."

However, Skylar, always observant, glanced back and forth between her mother and Xavier. "But Mommy, if he's your friend, why haven't we met him before? He's so nice!"

Mickey agreed and nodded. "Yeah, and he saved Sky and bought us Awana pops. He's the best!"

The question lingered, carrying with it meanings that were beyond the comprehension of the children.

Isabella and Xavier shared a meaningful glance, both trying to figure out how to handle this sudden situation.