Chapter 28
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At the Wyndham Wardrobe, Jeff stood with Isla’s phone in his hand. He already knew it was the CEO on the line -the reason he dared to answer in the first place. But now, after hearing Gabriel’s harsh tone, he wished he hadn’t answered the call.
“I’m sorry, sir. This is Jeff, but Isla p>
“Isla? Did you just call my wife by her first name? How dare you?” Gabriel’s voice cut sharp, like a whip.
Jeff swallowed, fear consumed him whole. “With due respect, sir, I don’t know what this is all about. I’ll just go give your wife her phone. Please, hold on a moment.” His voice stayed polite, even though his palms were sweating.
But before Jeff could move too far, Gabriel hung up. The sharp click in his ear left him frozen with the phone in his hand.
By evening, everything at Wyndham Wardrobe was almost set. Originally, the team had booked a luxury resort for the launch. The cost of the venue alone was close to a hundred million. But when Isla heard about it, she immediately cancelled the plan. She refused to waste that much on just a venue.
Instead, she decided the launch would be hosted right there at Wyndham Wardrobe–their own pride. And under her supervision, the place now looked nothing short of a masterpiece.
The runway had been built to perfection, designed like a glass of light. Rows of sports lights framed the sides, tested again and again until they glowed like stars. The decorators–some of the best in Richbouph–had. dressed every corner with elegance. Everything whispered, class.
Isla walked slowly down the runway, her eyes scanning every detail. Beside her, the Creative Director and the Production Manager followed like bodyguards, waiting for her approval. She bent once to feel the glassy runway, then stood straight, she smiled with satisfaction. Now they are ready.
By the time the final rehearsals ended, the hall was emptying. Staff yawned, shoulders drooping with exhaustion. It was already late, and everyone was drained. Check latest chapters at ͟.net
Jeff, still holding his ip*d in his hand, turned his attention to Isla. “I think you should go home and rest, Isla. You need it more than any of us p>
She had earlier instructed the whole team to call her by her first name, not her official one. She believed it broke the stiff walls between them, made them feel like one team working together.
“ Thanks, Jeff. I’m sure we all need rest tonight.” Her smile was faint but real. Then she asked quickly, “I hope Clara has gone home p>
Clara–the lead model for tomorrow–was their most important model. She was the model that will replace Delphine.
If Clara wasn’t fine, the whole show would shake.
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“Yes, ma’am. She’s home now. Don’t worry p>
Relief softened Isla’s face. She nodded once. “Good. In that case, I should be on my way too p>
She turned to leave, and Sofle, her quiet assistant, immediately followed behind.
Isla’s car hummed as they drove through the city lights. Isla sat behind the wheel, her hands on the steering, while Sofie sat beside her, eyes fixed on the glowing iP*d in her lap. She was checking through the long guest list, her fingers scrolling carefully.
The soft buzz of Isla’s phone broke the silence. Sofie picked it up instantly. On the screen, the contact name flashed: Mine. Her chest tightened a little as she swiped to answer.
“Hello, sir,” Sofie said gently. “Mrs. Wyndham is driving now. She’ll call you back as soon as she can p>
A low voice replied gently on the other end. She listened quietly, then gave a small nod even though he couldn’t see her. “Yes, sir p>
The line went dead. Sofie returned the phone into the holder on the dashboard.
“You did well, Sofie,” Isla said without looking away from the road. Her voice was calm, almost encouraging.
But Sofie only pressed her lips together and kept quiet. Her mood had been heavy all day, and Isla noticed it. She knew the reason too. Ever since she told Sofie she didn’t want to speak to Gabriel, her husband, Sofie had carried a distance in her tone and actions.
Isla ignored it, pushing her focus back to driving.
When they finally arrived at her place, Isla cut the engine and turned sharply to face Sofie.
“You’ve been holding something back. I can feel it. Say it now p>
Sofie’s fingers gripped her iPad tighter. She hesitated, her eyes flickering with conflict. At last, she spoke out, a calm manner, “I’m sorry, but I think you’re being too mean to the boss.” Her head dropped as the words left her lips.
One of Isla’s brows arched. Her voice stayed firm. “Go on. I know there’s more p>
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Sofie exhaled and dropped the weight from her chest. “I know it’s not my place, and I don’t know what he has done to hurt you. But I don’t think you should give up on him so easily. He cares, I can see it. Don’t shut him out completely p>
Her voice trembled at the end, and she squeezed her eyes shut, almost expecting Isla to lash out.
But Isla only shook her head. She stepped out of the car and walked a few steps away, her heels clicking softly on the garage pavement.
“Thanks for the advice, Sofie. But trust me he deserves everything he’s getting from me.” She paused, glancing over her shoulder. Her voice is like steel. “Just focus on your work and follow my instructions. Goodnight, Sofie p>
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She left her assistant standing there and walked straight into the elevator. While Sofie was left with no other choice than to run after her.
Inside, Isla went directly to her bedroom. She closed the door behind her and rested her back against it, exhaling deeply. The silence of the room pressed around her.
She was drained. Too drained to think. Too drained to fight. All she wanted was for tomorrow to come and go quickly. Gabriel could wait.
Slowly, she undressed and stepped into her bathroom. Her hand turned the silver knob of the shower. The warm water sprayed down immediately, running through her hair, sliding down her skin in gentle streams.
She closed her eyes, tilted her head back, and gasped softly as the heat wrapped her body. Her mind drifted to everything–Gabriel’s constant calls, Sofie’s words, the pressure of tomorrow.
But for now, under the steam, she let herself breathe. Just breathe.
Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.