Chapter 102: The opportunity
Bella stormed back to her desk and slammed her hands down on her desk, fuming. Zack’s behavior had crossed a line, and she seethed with a fresh wave of anger.
"I can’t believe he followed Joe," she muttered. "What’s wrong with him?"
"Someone light a fire under you?" Willow’s cheerful voice startled Bella from her brooding. "Did my foolish brother upset you? You know, if he is giving you any trouble, just say the word. I’ll teach him such a lesson that he won’t forget this lifetime."
Despite her anger, Bella couldn’t help but crack a smile. "Foolish?" she echoed, amusement dancing in her eyes. "What makes you say that about your brother?"
Willow waved her hand. "He is undoubtedly smart, but a little dim when it comes to women. Let’s just say he is a bit... inexperienced."
She looked around and then leaned over to her, her tone dropping to a murmur. "He has never dated any woman before you. You wouldn’t believe the rumors that used to follow him around here before you showed up. Some even thought he was gay."
Bella clamped a hand over her mouth, stifling a burst of laughter. She was well aware that Theodore was very much straight.
"He might come across as cold or harsh sometimes," Willow continued, her expression turning serious. "There are times he might even seem a little... well, awkward. But here is the thing: when he sets his mind on something, he sees it through. He is a committed person. And let me tell you, Bella, you are lucky he likes you."
A wide grin spread across Willow’s face. Willow squeezed Bella’s hand reassuringly. "But if he upsets you, you can always come to me. I know just how to handle my brother."
Bella’s frustration began to melt away in the warmth of Willow’s words. The support she felt from Willow eased her anxiety. She felt a renewed sense of strength.
"Thank you, Willow. That truly means a lot." A mischievous glint entered her eyes. "Though, by any chance, did you have something else you wanted to tell me before gossip took over?"
"Uh!" Willow lightly smacked her forehead. "Look at me – I came to hand you over his file." She plopped a file onto Bella’s desk. "Lost in the thrill of the gabfest, I completely forgot! These are the rough sketches the design team whipped up. Need some polishing."