Chapter 26

ISABELLA'S POV

The last time nerves had gripped me this tightly at work, I was a fresh-faced graduate, desperately vying for an internship role in this very company. Now, as a confirmed intern and member of the team, my job hung in the balance due to a glaring mistake of my own making.

I have blamed Levi, even Mr L, but the truth is, it was all my fault. I did this to myself because of my lack of control when it came to my boss. A man I can never have and should never desire. But was I ready to bear the consequences?

"Okay," I replied to Mark, attempting to mask my nerves as I returned my attention to my laptop. I feigned nonchalance and forced a smile. "Did his message specify what he wants?"

Mark glanced at his phone briefly before turning his attention back to his MacBook. "He said you need to bring the PR template you created last week."

"Okay. I'll print the documents shortly," I responded, hoping to buy myself some time. I managed a strained smile, hoping it masked the turmoil churning inside.

"He said now, Isabella," Mark asserted with his stern work voice, leaving no room for negotiation or delay. His tone made it clear that there was no escaping this discussion.

“Okay.”

I stood, adjusting my dress and gathering my laptop. "I'll finish the memo in my office," I announced, though it felt more like a subtle farewell.

As I walked away, no one even glanced in my direction. It seemed like everyone was caught up in their own work, or maybe the friendly atmosphere from Friday had completely disappeared, leaving me alone and isolated. It was just a mere illusion born out of happiness, I guess.

I couldn't help but wonder if Levi's insistence on driving me home had played a part in this shift. Why had he been so insistent anyway? You know what, never mind.

With a sense of urgency gnawing at me, I knew I had to speak with Levi to clarify my situation.

I hurried back to my office, printed the necessary documents, and made my way to the top floor where Levi's office commanded a view. Greeting the guards and his secretary with a forced smile, I approached Levi's door.

Pausing before it, I took a deep breath to steady my nerves before finally knocking, the sound echoing faintly down the corridor. Each second that passed seemed to stretch into eternity, anticipation and dread intertwining within me as I awaited Levi's response.

"Come in, Isabella," Levi's voice cut through the thick silence outside his office.

How did he always know it was me? His calling my name sent a fresh wave of anxiety coursing through me. Swallowing hard, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

"Good morning, boss," I greeted as I approached his desk, my eyes cautiously studying his demeanor. Levi looked striking in his white suit, his hair slightly tousled as though he'd been running his hands through it—a look that somehow made him even more attractive.

But his expression was natural as if Friday night hadn't happened at all. Seeing his casual ease only reinforced how foolish I'd been to let things go that far on Friday. I knew better than to get involved, yet I had let myself be swept away, playing right into his hands.

Fuck!

"Here's the document you wanted, sir," I said, placing the papers carefully on his desk.

Levi lowered his head, scanning through the pages meticulously. As he did, I nervously picked at my nails, acutely aware that my future hung on his scrutiny. If I impressed him now, perhaps he would reconsider sacking me. If not...

Finally, Levi looked up, his gaze penetrating. "Sit down, Isabella. Do you have a pen and paper?"

"Yes, sir," I replied, my voice betraying my nerves as I took a seat opposite him.

Levi leaned back in his chair, his expression serious. "Isabella, let's talk about the issues with your PR template. It's crucial that we address these."

His words hung in the air, laden with implication. This meeting was not just about fixing mistakes—it was about salvaging my reputation and proving my worth.

I nodded, gripping the pen tightly. "Yes, of course, I appreciate your feedback, Sir."

Levi pointed at the paper, "Firstly, the formatting here is inconsistent. Look at these headings—they're all over the place. We need consistency to keep our brand image strong."

I winced, a pang of regret hitting me as I acknowledged my mistake. "I understand what you mean. I'll ensure it's consistent moving forward," I admitted, feeling a knot of unease tighten in my stomach. The rush on Friday had led me to overlook the formatting, a lapse that was uncharacteristic of my usual thoroughness. There was no point in offering excuses to Levi; I should have been more careful.

Levi leaned forward, his fingers tracing down the document. "And here, the messaging lacks clarity. Our PR releases need to be concise and impactful. This paragraph," he pointed out a dense block of text, "it's too verbose. We risk losing the reader's interest."

I bit my lip, mentally rearranging the content to enhance its clarity. "I'll make that section more concise," I promised, determined to rectify the oversight.

Mark folded his arms, his expression stern as he continued his critique. "Lastly, the key information needs to be more prominent. Clients and journalists must quickly grasp the essential details. You've highlighted some areas here," he gestured towards my notes, "but it should be immediately clear."

I nodded earnestly. "Understood. I'll make those changes right away."

"Also, don't forget to include that Kevin is recovering and will soon resume our operations in Switzerland," Levi added, his tone softening slightly.

"I'll add that in," I assured him, grateful for the additional direction.

Levi smiled reassuringly, his demeanor encouraging despite my many mistakes. "Good. Remember, consistency and clarity are crucial in PR. Your attention to detail will contribute greatly to our success."

I nodded again, relieved to have a clear path forward. "Thank you, Sir. I appreciate the opportunity to improve."

Levi nodded in acknowledgment, his confidence in my abilities restoring a measure of my own. "Keep refining your skills. It's how we grow as a team. I believe in you, Isabella. And I need you to believe in yourself.”

There was a look in his eyes that I had never seen before. Is he…