Chapter 24: Tension between Theodore and Zack
Tension crackled around the table like overheated wires. Ivy, her eyes narrowed, drilled a hole into Bella across the table. How dare this bumpkin dine with them in this opulent restaurant?
If it were not for Theodore, such a woman couldn’t dare lay a foot in a fancy restaurant like this.
The more she thought, the angrier she grew. Ivy’s fists clenched beneath the table. To her, Bella was an opportunist, a gold-digger. She dumped Zack when she found a richer and more powerful man.
’Bitch,’ she muttered inwardly.
However, she wasn’t going to let her go so easily.
With a saccharine smile plastered on her face, Ivy addressed Bella. "How was your experience working with Mr. Reid?" she asked, maintaining a calm tone and not displaying her hostility. "Don’t mind. I am just curious."
"It was nice."
Before Bella could fully respond, Zack cut in, "By the way, Mr. Reid, she is my employee. She will only follow my orders. She shouldn’t be working for you."
"Is that so?" Theodore shot his eyebrows skyward, a flicker of annoyance flashing in his eyes. "Mr. Hudson here is quite within his rights. I simply requested Bella to sort through some design prospects. Nothing more."
He didn’t appreciate Zack’s territorial tone. His eyes darted to Bella for a fleeting moment, a hint of irritation brewing. It was a clear challenge.
"And as the investor in this project," Theodore continued with authority, "I believe I have the final say in assigning tasks. Don’t you agree, Mr. Hudson?"
The air hung heavy, a silent duel raging between the two men, with Bella caught in the crossfire. Ivy’s eyes darted between the men, sensing the growing conflict.