Chapter 4 FOUR

ISABELLE

"Miss Reynolds," Mr. Montero voices out sharply during a team meeting. "That's the third typo I've seen in your report. Are we running a professional firm or a high school newspaper?"

My face burns as everyone's eyes dart toward me. I want to shrink into my chair, but instead, I nod, keeping my voice steady. "I'll fix it immediately, Mr. Montero."

He doesn't even acknowledge my response, just moves on to the next topic. The moment the meeting ends, I gather my things, muttering curses under my breath but before I can slip out, his voice stops me.

"Miss Reynolds, my office. Now."

"Great," I mutter

Here we go again.

I just can't seem to catch a break with this man

The office door clicks shut behind me as I step inside and Jake leans against his desk, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

"You don't let mistakes slide, do you?" I say before I can stop myself.

Instant panic sets in and I remember the outcome of last night.

The way both men had stormed out and the dangerous look on their faces.

I have always heard the Monteros were a powerful and possibly dangerous family, which made me question if they had something to do with my parents death.

And with what I heard the previous night, it looked more serious.

The look on his father's face when he came out to check who was at the door was terrifying.....

I believe that was the second time I has come close to death, but thank God, I could snuggle my way out without getting caught.

First time was the accident that gave me this chance.

"Sorry," I rush out as I give a small bow.

His lips twitch into something that might be a smirk. "I push the people I see potential in."

The intensity in his voice makes my heart race, and I hate that he has this effect on me. His eyes linger, just for a second, before he straightens. "You're dismissed."

I leave his office feeling more confused than ever.

***********************

Andrew, on the other hand, is acting like a completely different person.

"Where are you?" his text reads.

"Working late," I type back, my fingers trembling with annoyance.

"You have been working late a lot lately. With him?"

I close my eyes and count to ten before responding. "I'm at work, Andrew. Can we not do this?"

It's not like him to be this possessive. The Andrew I remember was more detached, more confident. So why the sudden change?

As I toss my phone aside, my mind drifts to Jake. His rare smiles, the way his voice softens when he's not tearing into me, it's unsettling. And worse, I'm starting to notice.

And to like it.

I remebered the words he told me, before he dismissed me, how he wanted me to accompany him to the company's gala.

I believe that was my next test.

"I need you there," Jake says, not looking up from his laptop.

"As your assistant?" I ask, already dreading the long night.

"Yes," he replies, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Can't I just call one of your... lady acquaintances for you?"

"No," he says and I can do nothing but sigh and walk away.

*****************************

I arrive at the venue in a simple navy gown, nothing flashy, but it fits me like a glove. The moment I step into the room, I feel all eyes on me but the one that stands out is Jake's.

And it really bothers me how I react to him

His usual stoic demeanor falters for a split second, and it's enough to make my pulse quicken.

"You clean up well, Miss Reynolds," he says, his voice low as he offers me a glass of champagne.

"Thank you, Mr. Montero."

"Please, call me Jake. For tonight at least."

"Very well," I say with a smile. "Jake."

The evening is a blur of handshakes and polite conversations, but I can't shake the feeling that Jake is watching me. Every time I glance his way, he's already looking.

Everything is going well and I am act beginning to have fun until an unwanted fly spoils it all

Andrew shows up and with him, his domineering arrogance

"Isabelle!" he calls out, his voice cutting through the crowd.

I freeze as heads turn and Jake's eyes narrow, his expression hardening.

I quickly move away from Jake and head over to Andrew

"What are you doing here?" I ask, seething as I force a smile as I walk over to him.

He doesn't answer me. Instead, he looks straight at Jake. "I don't know what game you're playing, but she's mine."

At that, the room falls silent. My heart pounds in my chest as Jake steps forward, his calm demeanor barely masking the storm underneath.

"If she were mine," he says, his voice icy, "I wouldn't be foolish enough to let her walk alone or slave herself for anyone."

The words hit harder than they should, and for a second, I can't breathe.

What is up with him lately?

Andrew moves to hot him at that and I make my move.

"Stop it, both of you," I whisper, stepping between them. "This is not the time or place."

I manage to drag Andrew out of the room, his grip on my arm tighter than I like. "What the hell was that?" I demand, shoving him away.

"I don't trust him," Andrew says, his jaw clenched.

"Well, I don't trust you," I fire back.

I don't wait for his response. I turn on my heel and head back inside, my chest heaving with frustration.

The night isn't over yet.

Jake finds me in a quiet corner, his expression softer than I've ever seen it. "Isabelle," he says, his voice low.

"Mr. Montero," I reply automatically, but the words feel wrong now and at his look, I correct myself. "Jake."

"Why are you with someone like him?"

The question catches me off guard. I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. His gaze pins me in place, and for the first time, I see something other than cold detachment in his eyes.

"Jake," I whisper, unsure why his name slips out.

His brows lift slightly, but before either of us can say another word, someone clears their throat.

It's Andrew.

And he looks furious.

I really can't catch a break