Chapter 245 A Brush of the Cheek
Isabella had no idea what struck her today. All she did was stretch languidly, and somehow, her hand grazed Sebastian's face in the process.
Realizing what she had done, Isabella snapped out of her daze, feeling as if she’d been thrown into the deep snow on a winter day.
"Sorry Mr. Lawrence, I didn't mean to poke you." Unbeknownst to Isabella, her fingers had brushed past Sebastian's lips.
She was oblivious to the effect of her touch, but Sebastian felt it keenly; a tingling sensation spread from his face throughout his body.
Sebastian threw off the blanket that was on his legs and stood up with an air of icy indifference, the very picture of nobility.
Isabella nearly rolled her eyes at his reaction. She hurriedly packed her things and stood up, not daring to dawdle.
Before she left, Isabella caught a long look at the blanket on Sebastian's seat, causing her to pause.
Perhaps Sebastian really had cherished her before. In the past, he had rescued her when she was in danger and helped her out of trouble. She had thought that it was all for the sake of the child.
Now, she wasn't so sure; otherwise, why wouldn't Sebastian even offer her a blanket when she’s pregnant? Isabella couldn't quite identify the mixture of sourness and loss she felt. Isabella quickened her pace to catch up with Sebastian.
Sebastian, the CEO of Lawrence Group, had come to the branch office to deal with a crisis, like an emperor making a secret visit in disguise.
CEO Sawyer, the branch head, had arrived early to greet him. "Mr. Lawrence, I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience. It's my negligence," Sawyer said, his face flushed with embarrassment.
The San Francisco branch had recently made a poor decision which resulted in a cash flow problem. Despite Sebastian holding a video conference previously, the situation hadn't improved much.
Joshua should have been the one to handle this, yet given his current condition and the need to avoid overexertion, Sebastian had come in person in his stead. And his visit was not solely for the sake of the crisis but for Joshua as well. This was another purpose which was not disclosed to anyone.
Sebastian simply nodded, "Meeting in forty minutes. Start preparing immediately."
With those words, he left immediately. His cool detachment and assertive decisiveness were unmistakable; there was no room for argument, and his authority was imposing without using force.
Isabella had to admit, Sebastian was truly exceptional.
"Miss Assistant," Sawyer's voice quivered, "is Mr. Lawrence... angry?"
Isabella's Assignment
Despite the current strained relationship with Sebastian, Isabella knew she had to perform her duties impeccably; she couldn't afford to bring disgrace to the company.
She was all business, and with a no-nonsense attitude, she greeted, "Good morning, CEO Sawyer. My name is Wallace, and I am Mr. Lawrence's assistant."
Having introduced herself, Isabella responded to CEO Sawyer's inquiries. "If Mr. Lawrence hasn't left any free time in his schedule for you to ponder over his intentions, then please arrange the meeting in thirty-nine minutes. I will send the details to your email shortly."
"Please take care of Mr. Lawrence's luggage as well; have it sent to the hotel. You will get the address with the other details."
With a slight nod, Isabella promptly followed Sebastian.
CEO Sawyer affirmed repeatedly, and after Isabella departed, he wiped his forehead. Was it possible that even Mr. Lawrence's assistant was this intimidating? Weren't they supposed to have a relatively gentle male assistant?
[Buzz—Buzz—]
His phone vibrated twice - messages from Isabella had arrived. CEO Sawyer had no time to reflect; he started to busy himself immediately.
Sebastian, walking ahead of Isabella, could overhear her talking. A wave of pride surged through his chest. The apprentice he had trained was undoubtedly capable of handling things on her own. But quickly, his face darkened, and with a begrudging huff, he muttered the words "brutal and cold-blooded" before opening the car door and getting in.
Innocently amused, Isabella thought, could he talking about her?
"Hurry up," Sebastian commanded sternly.
"Right away!" Isabella responded crisply, quickly getting into the car, and sitting down next to Sebastian.
Thirty-five minutes later, they arrived at the Lawrence Group's regional office. It lacked the grandeur of the headquarters, of course, and the atmosphere was far less intense. Some staff members appeared rather lax.
At first, Isabella thought it was just her imagination, but as the meeting commenced, she realized it wasn’t a mere conjecture.
Forget the rank and file; even certain executives appeared lackluster, struggling to keep pace with Sebastian's rapid train of thought and progress.
Seated confidently at the head of the conference table, Sebastian was composed as he delegated tasks in an organized fashion. The only difference this time was perhaps he wasn’t as... fierce?
Isabella had witnessed how formidable he could be during meetings at headquarters. Even the seemingly laid-back Joshua was serious and focused, not to mention the other executives.
Sebastian was oddly mild-mannered today. Isabella scribbled notes quickly, pondering over Sebastian's unusual behavior.
Suddenly, it struck her. A stern-faced Sebastian was intimidating, but his being calm was even more terrifying. This usually foreshadowed danger.
Isabella realized that this visit from Sebastian wasn't just to resolve financial issues. He was here to downsize the San Francisco branch. It was due for a major overhaul.
She guessed no one else knew about the layoffs. After all, some decisions and actions can only be made by the president himself. But ultimately, it wasn't of her concern.
During the meeting, Sebastian noticed Isabella watching him, and he glanced back at her. Isabella dodged quickly, but Sebastian still caught a glimpse of... pity in her eyes.
Sebastian's heart tightened; a certain emotion buried deep wished to break free. He suppressed the feeling and continued the meeting, "Assistant Wallace, distribute the documents."
"Yes."
The two acted as if they were truly unacquainted with each other, just maintaining a simple professional relationship.
Having distributed the documents, Isabella sat at the end of the table, carefully and cautiously taking notes during the meeting, in an astoundingly harmonious silence with Sebastian.
The meeting dragged on for quite some time. Before they knew it, dinner time had arrived. With overtime work looming, Isabella followed the crowd to the staff cafeteria alone. She found a corner to dine by herself.
Soon after, the PR department manager putting on a smile, approached with her tray and sat at Isabella's table which surprised Isabella.
"Hello, Assistant Wallace," the manager greeted, taking the initiative. "My name is Parker."
Isabella offered a subtle smile, "Hello, Olivia Parker."
Her mind was filled with data and meeting details that needed organizing, with little interest in small talk, she directly asked, "Olivia Parker, do you need something from me?"
Olivia Parker pursed her lips, a flush passing over her face. She sat upright, looking around cautiously.
Isabella had an idea of the manager's intentions.
Sebastian's allure had never been in doubt. That face, his physique, his exceptional abilities, and his wealthy background – he was the quintessential bachelor in everyone's eyes.
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