Chapter 13: Arranging a date?
Bella’s face was alighted with a radiant smile at the end of the presentation as she thanked everyone. The applause echoed thunderously through the room. Ivy, resisting the urge to roll her eyes, joined the clapping begrudgingly.
Theodore watched her with a newfound appreciation. He hadn’t expected Bella, who had seemed so timid and nervous initially, to display such a level of confidence and competence. His expression remained neutral, but internally, he was impressed.
"Well done, Bella," Zack chimed in, his praise dripping with satisfaction. "That was impressive. You went beyond what I expected." His gaze lingered on her, a glint of something more sparking in his eyes.
Theodore recognized that look instantly. It was a man smitten. A knot of anger twisted in Theodore’s gut, and his jaw clenched. What irked him more was Bella’s reaction. She was smiling from ear to ear, her eyes sparkling as if Zack’s words were the most precious she had ever heard.
’Is she flirting with him?’ the thought burned in his mind, jealousy simmering beneath the surface.
Had she forgotten his warning not to indulge in another man while she was still his wife?
Theodore felt a mix of jealousy and possessiveness that he struggled to suppress. Every smile Bella directed at Zack felt like a slight against him, a challenge to his authority.
Finally, the applause died down, and the room returned to its professional atmosphere. Ivy, still fuming internally, could barely contain her rage. Zack continued to beam with pride, seemingly oblivious to the tension brewing around him.
"Mr. Reid, what is your opinion about our new project idea?" Zack’s voice cut through the lingering tension.
Theodore tore his gaze from Bella and plastered on a professional smile. "There is no doubt the project is promising. Your team did an excellent job presenting it."