Chapter 23

Chloe sent Isabella a news link, detailing how Samuel inflated his income through virtual transactions and forged contracts. The economic investigation team had already stepped in.

The article listed Samuel's various actions in detail, even mentioning his mistress. There was even a photo of the two of them together.

This morning, many media outlets reported on Samuel's situation, making it nearly impossible for him to recover.

But in reality, Samuel's company was pretty small, and wouldn't have such a big impact.

Isabella only had to think for a moment to know who was behind this.

[This sleazebag deserves it. I hope he loses everything!]

Chloe felt a rush of satisfaction but then grew curious: [Isabella, I wanted to help you last night, but when Mr. Harrison showed up, I didn't dare approach.]

[Where did you and Mr. Harrison go? Was it...?] Chloe didn't finish but sent a smiling emoji.

[Although Benjamin is great, compared to Mr. Harrison, he doesn't quite measure up.]

Isabella frowned at the message.

She suddenly realized that although she had reunited with Christopher for only a month, they had already faced off several times.

His personality was still as bad as two years ago, still arrogant to the core.

But she couldn't deny that he had secretly helped her quite a bit.

Even though it was just a small effort for him.

As Isabella was lost in thought, Benjamin called her. "Isabella, I just found out what happened last night. Are you okay? Do you need me to come over from Eldridgeville?"

"No need," Isabella knew he was busy, and if she delayed the Eldridgeville project, it could affect Benjamin. "It's already been clarified online as a misunderstanding. I'm fine now."

"Last night," Benjamin didn't press further but instead asked, "I heard Mr. Harrison helped you?"

Benjamin had known about Isabella's situation last night but didn't bother to care.

No matter how much concern he showed Isabella, she always remained cold and distant.

Besides, Benjamin was enjoying his time in Eldridgeville, planning to keep his distance from Isabella for now.

But today, seeing the company's chat records, he learned that Christopher had saved her last night.

Benjamin didn't know their past issues and assumed Christopher was interested in Isabella.

Otherwise, he couldn't understand why a big shot like Christopher would help Isabella.

If that were the case, Benjamin definitely needed to maintain his relationship with Isabella. It might greatly benefit his career.

But Isabella didn't know his thoughts and assumed Benjamin was jealous, hurriedly explaining, "Last night was just an accident. Since I work at Nexus Technologies now, Mr. Harrison helped me out. Don't overthink it."

Benjamin felt a bit disappointed but thought it made sense. A woman like Isabella was neither interesting nor charming, just a pretty face with the personality of a wooden block.

A big shot like Christopher had seen countless women; how could he be interested in Isabella?

Benjamin lost interest in continuing the conversation and ended the call with a few perfunctory words.

But Benjamin's call completely unsettled Isabella's calm.

She couldn't figure out Christopher's attitude towards her lately.

Since Benjamin had already sensed something, Isabella didn't want him to misunderstand.

She decided to keep her distance from Christopher from now on.

With that resolve, she quickly typed a message to Chloe: [Stop talking nonsense. It's because we work at Nexus Technologies, and Mr. Harrison treats us like his employees.]

They exchanged a few more messages before ending the conversation.

Isabella turned off her phone, looked up at the lavish decorations in the room, feeling conflicted as she got ready for work.

After freshening up, she walked out and saw Christopher in casual clothes, holding a white porcelain plate with two slices of lightly toasted bread, edges crisp, with melted cheese in the middle.

Seeing Isabella, he spoke warmly, "Awake? Perfect timing for breakfast."

He said it so naturally, as if they were a married couple.

Isabella had woken up at Christopher's place twice now. Last time he wasn't home, but this time he was, making her feel a bit awkward.

She had already moved past last night's emotions, regaining her usual cool demeanor.

"No need, I have to get to work."

"I've already requested two hours off for you. I have a meeting later, so we can go to the office together after breakfast," Christopher said calmly, his deep eyes fixed on her.

It seemed like if Isabella didn't speak, they would remain in this standoff.

Isabella couldn't compete with Christopher; she was just an ordinary employee, while Christopher was the CEO of Nexus Technologies.

If he was late for a meeting, she couldn't compensate for it.

Isabella sighed silently and finally sat down.

She ate her bread quietly, and Christopher suddenly asked, "Is it good?"

Isabella's hand holding the cup stiffened slightly, looking up at Christopher's gaze.

She had gone through too much since last night, having little appetite. She replied lightly, "It's okay."

"Does your company have many clients like Samuel?"

Isabella didn't expect Christopher to bring this up, sipping her milk with a calm expression, "I only handle the initial design; I don't get involved in communication and coordination."

The meaning was clear; her connection with clients wasn't deep.

Christopher nodded, "You're not really suited for a company like this. I remember you mentioned wanting to open a coffee shop."

"Mentioning it and actually opening one are different," Isabella finished her last piece of bread and took her plate to the kitchen.

Her demeanor clearly showed she didn't want to chat with Christopher.

Christopher stood up, "I'll take you to the office."

Isabella was about to refuse but remembered his villa was on a hillside, with hardly any vehicles passing by.

Looking up, she saw Christopher waiting for her decision.

Isabella had to go to work and didn't want to prolong the standoff, "Thank you, Mr. Harrison."

Isabella got out of the car a bit away from the company, not wanting to arrive with Christopher and make her colleagues speculate.

Christopher didn't insist.

At her desk, Isabella noticed Nexus Technologies employees occasionally glancing at her, but she ignored them and focused on her work.

During lunch, she went to the break room and ran into Lena.

Lena knew what had happened to Isabella last night. Seeing Isabella walk in nonchalantly, Lena crossed her arms and said sarcastically.

"Some people are shameless, becoming a mistress and still daring to come to work. If it were me, I'd find a place to hide."