Chapter 12

ISABELLA’S POV

Anxiety coursed through my veins, my impatience growing with each passing moment as June's words hung in the air, pregnant with mystery. "How do you know?"

With a conspiratorial glance, June leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper, as though the walls themselves might eavesdrop on our conversation. "I heard something intriguing about Levi," she said, her gaze piercing mine as if seeking confirmation or contradiction in my reaction.

My pulse quickened, the weight of her words heavy in the air. "Go on," I prompted, eager for any morsel of information.

"Levi completed a manuscript on the plane," June revealed, her tone laden with significance. "Alen, who traveled to Japan with him, mentioned that Levi was in a frantic rush to return to Italy. He even chartered a private plane, flying back in the wee hours of the morning, just touching down an hour ago. Doesn't it make you wonder why he's in such a hurry?"

I feigned nonchalance, though my racing heart betrayed my true emotions. "I can't say I have any idea," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt inside.

But then June dropped the bombshell, her words striking a chord deep within me. "He must have a girlfriend," she declared, her eyes searching mine for a reaction.

My breath caught in my throat, the mere suggestion sending a surge of pain through me. "Why do you think that?" I managed to choke out, my mind racing with possibilities.

"Clara mentioned it," June disclosed, her voice a mere whisper as though afraid the walls might betray her.

"And how did Clara come to that conclusion?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued. Clara knows a lot about what's going on in the office, but she's also not a reliable source of information because she likes the boss. What if she's just spreading this rumor so other women who like the boss stay away?

Before June could respond, a notification chimed on my phone, interrupting our conversation with perfect timing. With trembling fingers, I unlocked the screen to reveal a message from Mark.

"Mr. Levi is back," the text read, sending a jolt of electricity through my veins.

I relayed the news to June, the gravity of the moment settling upon us both like a heavy shroud.

"Shit," June muttered, her expression mirroring my own apprehension as we braced ourselves for whatever revelations Levi's return might bring.

We dashed out of the storeroom, our footsteps echoing against the sterile walls as we hurried to catch the elevator, joining a throng of eager employees awaiting Levi's return. As the doors slid shut, enveloping us in a claustrophobic embrace, the air crackled with anticipation from everyone.

I could barely breathe myself.

What fate awaits our company?

Did Levi come with good news or bad news?

Does he really have a girlfriend??

Emerging into the lobby, we were greeted by a frenzy of flashing cameras and probing microphones, the paparazzi descending upon Levi like a pack of hungry wolves.

Levi cut a commanding figure in his impeccably tailored dark grey suit, accentuated by a sleek black tie with blue stripes like his eyes. His hair, meticulously combed back, added to his aura of composed authority. Despite the stress he may have endured in Japan, there was no hint of it in his polished appearance. With a presence both handsome and intimidating, he exuded confidence that demanded attention.

Amidst the chaos from the press he stood stronger, his demeanor poised and unyielding as he fielded questions from the press regarding the recent trip to Japan, while Mark hovered nearby like a silent observer.

"Sir, do you believe the journey was a success?" one journalist clamored, their voice barely audible above the clamor of the crowd.

Levi's response was measured, his words carrying the weight of authority. "Absolutely," he affirmed, his confidence unwavering despite the scrutiny.

Another voice pierced the crowd, probing into the intricacies of the company's latest ventures. "Can you assure us of the viability of the new cars being produced?" the reporter inquired, their tone tinged with skepticism.

Levi's reply was swift and assured, his knowledge of the industry apparent in every word. "The new models exceed all expectations," he declared, his conviction evident as he addressed the concerns raised. “Our Engineers will release a press statement on them soon.”

But it was when the questions veered into more personal territory that Levi's composure faltered. A journalist, emboldened by the chaos, dared to breach the sanctity of Levi's private life, their inquiry cutting through the air like a knife.

"How is your father?" she pressed, her tone laced with curiosity.

Levi's response was curt, his jaw tightening imperceptibly as he issued a terse rebuttal. "No comments at this time," he stated firmly, his gaze flickering momentarily to Mark.

With a subtle signal from Mark, Levi's security detail sprang into action, creating a protective barrier around Levi as they guided him through the lobby and shut the door. His bodyguards stood at the entrance stopping anyone from walking in.

The voices of the press faded into the background at once.

Mark gathered the workers for an impromptu meeting with Levi in the office's main conference room. When the session concluded, I went to the office's beverage area to prepare coffee, feeling tense from all the matters discussed in the meeting.

As I stood by the counter, sipping my coffee, Levi walked in. The atmosphere shifted as Levi strode into the room, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Everyone greeted him in that sycophantic way I hated, while I just wanted to run. The thought of attracting his notice and being burdened with additional tasks left me apprehensive; after all, my focus lay squarely with Mr. L, and Levi seemed a league apart from me. Especially now that there are rumors he has a girlfriend. I didn't want to have to act nervous around him and embarrass myself.

A ping disrupted my thoughts, signaling a text. I looked at my phone and it was a text from Levi.

“Order coffee and bring it to my office,” his text read.

Why ask me to bring him coffee? Am I in trouble?