Alexander King looked up.
His eyes briefly lit with an unspoken appreciation for Isabella Scott.
He quickly masked it with a neutral expression.
Isabella was no stranger.
She had been a constant, elegant presence by Ethan Blackwood’s side for two years.
Her demeanor was always polished and subtle, like a finely crafted piece of art.
Alexander offered a casual smile.
“Ah, Miss Scott. What a pleasant surprise. Is Mr. Blackwood with you today?”
His gaze swept the room, pretending casual interest while secretly searching for Ethan.
Isabella held her composure.
She extended the business proposal—a document she had refined tirelessly—toward him.
Her voice was firm, perfectly balancing respect and assertion.
“Mr. King, I’m here to present this proposal on Mr. Blackwood’s behalf. He values your prior cooperation deeply. He expressed concerns about potential oversights in the planning department’s details. That’s why he sent me personally to ensure you receive this.”
Her gaze remained steady.
Alexander gave the proposal a brief glance.
His expression was unreadable.
He set it aside without opening it.
His smile was thin, almost forced.
“Miss Scott, I came here to unwind. Not to discuss business.”
His eyes lifted, sharp and assessing.
“Please tell Mr. Blackwood to let bygones be bygones. There’s no point dwelling on the past.”
Isabella’s heart skipped a beat.
She refused to back down.
She drew a steady breath to calm her nerves.
She dove straight into Oakridge Industries’ current dynamics.
“Our partnership for this quarter is nearing its end. Oakridge is actively exploring new alliances that better align with your vision.”
Her tone remained professional, though her eyes flickered with subtle desperation.
“Blackwood Enterprises has the solid infrastructure needed to support Oakridge’s expansion strategies.”
She paused, letting her words sink in.
Her tone turned earnest.
“Mr. King, I urge you to consider our proposal. I’m confident it could change your perspective.”
This moment was pivotal—not just for her, but for Blackwood Enterprises as well.
The line between success and failure was dangerously thin.
Isabella articulated her thoughts with such precision and conviction that Alexander, previously dismissive, now seemed visibly taken aback.
His slender fingers drummed a rhythmic beat on the table.
Each tap echoed in sync with Isabella’s pounding heart.
Finally, Alexander opened the proposal.
He skimmed through its contents.
While generally aligned with his expectations, it was far more detailed than he anticipated.
It offered numerous insightful recommendations that would undoubtedly benefit Oakridge Industries.
With each page he turned, his eyebrows drew tighter together.
His skepticism grew.
This proposal demonstrated an intricate understanding of Oakridge’s operations.
It astutely forecasted potential partnerships—a level of insight not typical of an average secretary.
“Well, about this proposal…” Alexander began hesitantly as he closed the document.
His sharp eyes locked onto Isabella’s.
“Did you prepare this yourself?”
Outwardly composed, Isabella felt her heart hammering fiercely.
She clenched her delicate fingers so tightly a thin layer of sweat dampened her palms.
Originally, she had devised this proposal to lighten Ethan’s burden.
Using invaluable insights she gathered from him about Oakridge Industries, she assembled a detailed and strategic plan.
Yet, she never dared present it to Ethan, fearing he might view her initiative as presumptuous.