Chapter 18

Isabella's POV

Levi had gone all out for tonight. The venue buzzed with energy, drinks flowed freely, and music filled the air. What had started as a casual Friday night out had quickly turned into an unforgettable celebration for the new racing season.

Away from the pressures of our daily routines, my colleagues and I embraced the chance to unwind and connect. It was a rare moment of feeling at ease with them, especially after their warm compliments on my outfit, hair, and makeup when I arrived. I knew damn well I looked beautiful. However, Levi's lack of acknowledgment stung—especially since I had dressed up with so much attention and care partly for him.

“I think you're onto something. Boss definitely has a girlfriend,” I murmured to June, who leaned on my shoulder with a drink in hand.

“I'm always right. Remember when I said he flew back from Japan just to see her? You should trust my instincts more,” June slurred slightly, clearly a bit tipsy.

“You're right,” I replied, my eyes welling up with unshed tears. “Let's grab another drink.”

“Hell yeah!”

Hand in hand, we made our way to the bar. I was beginning to feel a growing fondness for June; her persistent attempts at friendship were slowly breaking down my walls. Since being betrayed by a former friend, I have been wary of forming new connections. But with June, there was something genuine that I couldn't ignore. I hoped this time I was right about someone. I am generally not a good judge of character.

The nightclub hummed with life as we reached the bar. Bartenders expertly juggled bottles and glasses, creating tasty cocktails amidst the chaos. Some of my colleagues, like Mrs. Sebastian, had brought their partners along—Mr. Sebastian, a short, plump man, stood beside his wife, chatting animatedly with another group.

"Can we get two more of these?" June called out to the nearest bartender, waving her empty glass enthusiastically.

The bartender nodded with a warm smile, his eyes all over June. "Coming right up! What can I get you?"

As we waited for our drinks, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness. Everyone seemed to have someone here tonight—except me. Yet, standing beside June, I felt a glimmer of hope that perhaps I was not as alone as I had thought.

“I like him,” June whispered in my ear with a mischievous grin. “I'm going to flirt with him.”

“Okay,” I replied, feeling a mixture of amusement and dizziness.

June sauntered over to the bar, leaning against it with practiced ease. She flashed the bartender a coy smile, and I couldn't help but give her a thumbs up when I saw her slip him her phone number. Her boldness reminded me of myself—I, too, liked to go after what I wanted.

I grabbed a shot from the passing tray and tossed it back in one swift motion, feeling the burn as it went down. Leaning against the bar, I tried to regain my composure. The alcohol was starting to hit me, and I watched as Levi, usually reserved in the office, moved through the crowd with a wide smile, ensuring everyone felt included.

I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.

“Boss, you've outdone yourself tonight!” I called out over the music, surprising myself with my audacity. I never would have ever called out to him if I wasn't already tipsy.

Levi turned towards me, his grin widening. He approached with a confident stride, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sent a thrill through me. “Cheers to surviving another quarter, Isabella. You're my favorite employee of this quarter. I hope you will be for the next.”

I clinked my glass with him, grateful for the chance to unwind and also secretly thrilled to be in his presence and to be praised by him. "This is exactly what we needed. Thank you for organizing it and I promise to do even better this season.”

“Bartender, we need another round of shots here!” Mark’s voice cut through our moment, his empty glasses waving in the air.

The bartender, quick-witted and efficient, nodded with a smile. "Coming right up! You guys are keeping me busy tonight."

Levi chuckled and raised his glass. “Enjoy the night,” he said casually before walking away, leaving me feeling deflated. I wished he had stayed, but his departure only fueled my determination to catch his attention.

I glanced over at June, who was still chatting animatedly with the bartender. She caught my eye and flashed a grin, signaling that she was having a great time. It struck me then that sometimes, letting go of our reservations and embracing the unexpected could lead to the most memorable experiences.

I turned towards Levi and watched him make his way to the VIP section where a well-known runway model was seated. As soon as Levi approached, she stood up and gave him a peck on the cheek. My heart sank. Could she be his girlfriend?

Damn it!

I had been foolish, obsessing over him all evening while he might already be taken.

“This night is about having fun, Isabella,” I scolded myself, forcing my thoughts away from Levi. I turned back to the bar, determined to enjoy the rest of the evening.

“Another shot,” I ordered, needing something to distract me.

“Go, girl!” June cheered, hyping me up with a playful nudge, finally returning to my side.

As the night continued, I found myself letting go of my earlier disappointments. The alcohol loosened inhibitions, and soon my colleagues and I were sharing personal stories and dreams, far from our usual office conversations about spreadsheets and deadlines.

The dance floor became a haven of laughter and carefree movements, and I joined in, reveling in the liberating feeling of being drunk and carefree.

At one point, amidst all the jumping and dancing, my spaghetti strap slipped off my shoulder, almost completely revealing my cleavage. I hurriedly adjusted it, hoping no one would notice. But when I turned around to resume dancing, I caught Levi's gaze fixed on me. In a moment of audacity, I did something crazy—I blew him a kiss.