Chapter 81: The failed attempts at manipulation.
The tranquility of Zack’s office shattered with the tempestuous entrance of Ivy. Her brisk steps echoed a brewing storm as she marched towards his table, fiery eyes fixed on him. "Zack, you need to do something about Bella," she snapped.
Zack, already burdened by the weight of his earlier meeting with Selena, felt a fresh wave of weariness wash over him. He pinched the bridge of his nose, willing away the throbbing headache threatening to bloom.
"What has she done this time?" he groaned with exhaustion.
"I saw her leaving," Ivy said with conviction as if she had seen Bella leaving by herself.
Zack’s head snapped up, a flicker of concern sparking in his eyes. "What? Leaving where?" His mind raced, conjuring a thousand anxieties. ’Why would she leave in such a hurry? Did she receive bad news? Maybe a call from the hospital?’
Sensing his shift in focus, a smug satisfaction played on her lips. Ivy grew even more confident. She persisted in poisoning Zack’s mind against Bella, painting her as irresponsible.
"Wasn’t she so eager to work with Miss Willow on the project? Now, look at her! Leaving early the very first day Miss Willow officially starts. I’m telling you, Zack, that woman is nothing but trouble."
She didn’t leave a chance to defame Bella, hoping Zack wouldn’t take this matter lightly. "She can’t be bothered to show even the most basic commitment. This is bound to cause problems down the line. We can’t have such an irresponsible person on a critical project."
Ivy’s words, each one a carefully aimed barb, painted a picture of an unreliable Bella, hoping to plant a seed of doubt deep within Zack’s mind. She watched him intently, waiting for his reaction.
Zack, maintaining his composure, refused to give Ivy the satisfaction she sought. "She is under Miss Willow’s purview now," he stated calmly, refusing to be swayed by Ivy’s venomous accusations. "If Bella left the office, then she most likely obtained Miss Willow’s permission. It’s not my place to interfere."
Ivy’s face contorted in disbelief. "But, Zack, you’re the boss," she sputtered, desperation creeping into her voice.
"Ivy," Zack sighed, weariness lacing his voice, "can you stop it? Yes, I may be the CEO, but Miss Willow is the project lead. The team falls under her authority. It wouldn’t be appropriate for either of us to meddle. Why don’t you focus on your own workload instead of fixating on Bella?"