BOOKSDRAMA Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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“Is this really her financial report?” Calen frowned as he skimmed the pages Beth handed him. “All this for a cultural center?” He
snorted, shaking his head. For the first time, he saw just how ambitious Izzy’s plans were. Until now, he’d always thought of her
as innovative, but this–this was bordering on reckless.
“She must have known it was over budget,” he muttered. “That’s probably why she had Sherry ‘polish‘ it for her.” A faint smile
played on his lips. Izzy was overreaching, and he was ready to capitalize on it.
Calen leaned back, his smile sharpening. “Actually, tell Sherry to make it even bigger. Add a few... enhancements.” It wouldn’t
ruin her presentation, but it would throw her off enough to make things difficult. “And over the weekend, I need you to work on the
adjustments I mentioned. We’re aiming to cut costs here. Limit whatever you can on the cultural center–strip it down. I want
those reports on my desk by Monday morning. Got it?”
“Yes, Mr. Weiss,” Beth and Simon nodded in unison.
“Thanks, Beth. Simon. Have a good weekend,” he said, watching as they left the office. He knew it’d be a busy weekend for
them, and that suited him just fine.
Once the door closed, his attention shifted to Monica, who stood nearby in a knee–length dress that clung to her figure. His gaze
lingered on her for a long moment before he spoke again. Any texts from Izzy?” he asked, keeping his tone casual.
She was still his woman, after all. Cold and stubborn, sure, but someone with the kind of class his father would approve of- a
perfect future wife, if only she could stop getting in her own way.
“No,” Monica answered. She walked toward him. “I thought Izzy’s idea of a cultural center would be good?” Monica suddenly
asked. Without a second thought, she sat on his lap and started playing on his laptop.
Calen eyed the door. It was already eight at night on a Friday; all of the staff had left, including Izzy, so he wasn’t worried that
someone might walk in on them. He placed his hand on her leg. “I did a little research, and it seems that she’s right. A cultural
center would work, but... hers was over the top. Father didn’t examine the reports when he was there. He liked the idea of a
cultural center too, so I thought there’s no harm in presenting something like that in front of him.” However, Calen would make
sure he was better, bolder, and even more innovative. Izzy focused on adapting to the local culture, but Calen was focused on
something else.
Something he knew everyone would like.
Technology.
Monica frowned, her brows knitting as she glanced at the numbers on the screen. “I don’t understand a thing you’re saying.” she
admitted, flicking through the report with disinterest. “All this talk about budget cuts and technology... why don’t you just make
the place flashy and luxurious like everyone else does?”
Calen smirked, his hand still resting on her leg. “Izzy’s idea might have its merits, but she’ll lose this game. She’s too focused on
Monica’s expression shifted, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “But why are you so... happy that she’s doing this? You’ve never
been this competitive with her before.”
Calen leaned back, watching her carefully. He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he drummed his fingers lightly on her leg, eyes
distant for a moment. He enjoyed this–having the edge, the advantage he’d always felt he deserved. And this time, Izzy wouldn’t
see it coming.
“Let’s just say I’m going to win, and I’m sure of that,” he finally said, a glint in his eyes. He didn’t need to spell out the rest.
Winning this project meant he’d prove to everyone, especially his father, who was the real visionary in the company. Izzy’s
cultural center would look like a quaint sideshow in comparison
Then, out of nowhere, his hand moved up to Monica’s chest. He unashamedly massaged it, making Monica jerk.
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Chapter 28
“Not here,” she said, her face,flushed.
“What did you say?” he asked.
“I said- Calen!” she exclaimed when Calen suddenly pulled the front of her dress, ripping it in the process.
Soon enough, the sound of two souls enjoying each other’s bodies echoed inside the room.
The suite was opulent, even by Izzy’s standards, a sprawling room within the mansion that seemed more like a private retreat
than just another guest room. Warm, muted lighting bathed the plush carpet and high–end furnishings, accentuating the subtle
gold and cream palette of the walls.
The main bedroom featured a king–size bed that was nothing short of majestic, with an intricately carved headboard and sheets
that looked like they’d been flown in from some remote corner of Europe just for this room. Nearby, a couch sat against the far
wall, tasteful but uninviting for the purposes of sleep. Beyond the bed was a small living area with a low, polished table
surrounded by deep–cushioned chairs, as well as a dining nook with a round, marble–topped table and two delicate yet sturdy
chairs.
A walk–in closet spanned one wall, open just enough for her to catch sight of spacious drawers and enough shelving to satisfy
even the most committed fashionista. To the right, double doors led to an en–suite bathroom complete with a freestanding tub,
glass–enclosed shower, and a vanity that sparkled under artfully positioned lights.
Izzy’s mouth twisted slightly as she stared at the suite. “So... we’re staying here?” she asked for what felt like the hundredth
time, her gaze moving suspiciously from the plush bed to the couch. “And you don’t wanna stay on the couch?”
The king–size bed called to her, but she felt herself resisting the allure of it, stubbornly eying the couch. As luxurious as it looked,
a couch would still be a couch. The thought of her back twisting into knots by morning made her shudder.
Liam was standing by the minibar across the room, casually sipping from a teacup. She could smell the faint, calming notes of
chamomile drifting in her direction. She eyed him, puzzled. What kind of twenty–six–year–old drank chamomile tea on a Friday
“You don’t like the room?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “If it’s not to your taste, we can always ask Grandfather to make a few
changes.”
“That’s not what I asked,” she replied, walking over to the bed and sitting on the edge. She couldn’t resist the lure any longer
leaning back to let herself sink into its embrace. The mattress was firm yet soft enough to cradle every part of her perfectly. She
let her legs dangle over the edge, sighing as the luxury washed over her. “What kind of bed is this?” She couldn’t hide the awe in
her voice. Her own bed, she now realized, had nothing on this one.
“Made in Europe.” Liam’s voice was as casual as if he’d just stated the weather. Without warning, he strolled over, sat down
beside her, and then, to her complete surprise, stretched out on his back next to her, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
She shot him a look. “A bit cozy, don’t you think?”
He didn’t move, just gave a faint smirk. “I suppose it is.”
It took a few minutes for her to notice his breathing had steadied. She turned to find his eyes closed, his profile soft in the dim
light. She’d known him for more than half her life, yet somehow had never realized how good he smelled.
Weird, she thought.
She studied his long, curly lashes, wondering if he’d had anything done to his face. Surely, he wasn’t that vain right? And why did
he seem so comfortable sleeping next to her like this? She frowned. The man was completely helpic..
What if I was like that woman who drugged him? The thought flickered through her mind, unsettling. What if I had other plans?
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Chapter 28
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She shook her head and glanced up at the ceiling, her own eyes growing heavy as exhaustion crept in. Just as she was about to
drift off, there was a soft knock on the door. At first, she ignore it. Then the door began to open slowly.
A maid walked in, saw them on the bed, and immediately bowed Izzy jolted up, her eyes wide.
“I apologize for disturbing the young madam and master. The old master just wanted me to inform you that he is ready for
dinner.”
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“Grandfather?” she asked. “I thought he was still in Singapore?”
“The old master just arrived an hour ago and wanted to take a quick rest before dinner. He asked us not to disturb you.” Izzy
nodded. “I, uh-” she looked at the sleeping Liam. “Then we will go down in a bit.”
The maid bowed once more before slipping out of the room, leaving them alone. Izzy turned toward Liam, debating whether to
wake him. After a moment’s hesitation, she sighed and settled back down. Strangely, she wanted to let him rest a few more
minutes.
She looked at him again. He seemed peaceful, almost angelic. Ridiculous, considering she knew exactly how devious he could
be.
“Satisfied?” His voice broke the silence.
www.w
Izzy froze, her expression souring as she turned her head away. “If you’re awake, then get up. I want to eat something.I’m
hungry!” Why had she even thought of letting him sleep? She should have just flicked his nose to wake him up!