CHAPTER 46

Chapter 46

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Isabella was stunned. She thought for a while and nodded. “I see. I’ll tell Gwen that she lacks confidence the next time we meet. She shouldn’t dislike Victor simply because he’s beautiful, even though Victor doesn’t appear to have any other redeeming qualities other than being good–looking

“Did Victor offend you? Your evaluation of him doesn’t seem very high.” Clayton was puzzled. Victor’s biggest worry since childhood had been the fact that there were so many women who were obsessed with him. Apart from his four assistants, Isabella and her friends were the only ones who seemed to be indifferent to his looks.

“He said I was childish, but in fact, he’s the childish one. He’s narcissistic, clearly a sign of immaturity, and behaves like a child.” Isabella pursed her lips at the thought of Victor.

Clayton was speechless. He wondered why they ended up talking about Victor when they were discussing her work issues earlier.

Isabella suddenly thought of a question. “Clayton, does Rayson International have nepotism?”

Clayton thought for a moment before replying, “Nepotism exists everywhere. Rayson International doesn’t oppose employees introducing their relatives and friends to work, but we have a comprehensive assessment system. There is no place for someone whose abilities do not meet the requirements. Those who managed to stay are here due to their abilities. However, in terms of resource allocation, relatives are not allowed to work together in some of the departments.”

Isabella nodded. “That sounds reasonable. want to use the same system, would you let me reference your assessment system?”

“Of course, everything I own is also yours. Feel free to use them,” Clayton smiled.

Blushing, Isabella glared at him.

“Two–thirds of our department has nepotistic relationships with the Vaughn family.” Isabella shared her work–related matters with Clayton.

“There are only a few people who really get things done, and Rihanna and I are currently very busy because of it,” she explained.

“Rihanna’s your colleague? What’s her last name?” Clayton suddenly thought of someone.

“Yes, the two of us are the only interns in the department. Rihanna’s last name is Leslie. She is a beautiful girl who does not speak much and has a cold personality, but I like her,” she replied.

Clayton nodded and didn’t say anything. Perhaps he was overthinking.

“Are you really not considering joining Rayson International?” he asked.

“No, Rihanna and I are doing great together. If I leave, Rihanna will be lonely by herself. It may be exhausting, but we can learn a lot too,” she responded.

“But I’m worried you will overwork yourself,” Clayton looked at her dotingly.

“Then treat me to delicious food more often.” Isabella smiled adorably.

“Sure!” Seeing her happy, Clayton didn’t say anything more. He loved her, but he wouldn’t treat her like a kept companion.

He liked seeing her happy smile, and he also liked her perseverance.

Chapter 46

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He would shelter her, but he would not limit her ability to weather storms.

After a passionate night, Isabella fell asleep in Clayton’s embrace. Clayton washed her body, dressed her in pajamas, and held her close, admiring her peaceful sleeping face.

His phone suddenly vibrated, indicating that there were urgent matters at such a late hour.

Clayton put Isabella down gently and went to the study to answer the phone.

It was Connor calling, and just as he ended the call, another came in from Victor.

“Clayton, Coles is in trouble.” Victor’s tone was grave.

“Connor already informed me. Get the plane ready. We’ll depart at dawn, Clayton replied swiftly.

“I’m coming with you,” Victor insisted.

“Victor, the situation could be dangerous. I’ll go alone. Clayton hesitated.

“I don’t care! You go to th

the office as usual tomorrow, and I’ll come to find you. We’ll say I took you away to help me handle things.” Victor hung up before Clayton could reply.

Clayton set down his phone and stood by the window, staring out into the night sky, pondering all the possibilities.

He suddenly felt exhausted, wondering when they would be able to live a peaceful life. They did not ask for much, as they had no desire for wealth or power. All they wanted was to escape the chaos and live a simple life. However, it appeared elusive.

Isabella got up early the next day and walked out of the room. Breakfast was already on the table, with the tantalizing aroma of gnocchi.

She blinked in disbelief.

Clayton, who had dressed up, said, “Morning.”

“Morning! Who prepared the breakfast, Clayton?” Isabella asked.

“Go wash up, then

come eat.” Clayton didn’t answer her question.

Seeing the gnocchi, Isabella hurried to wash up and sat down, eager to enjoy the meal.

“Did you go out to b

go out to buy breakfast early in the

morning?” she asked as she ate.

“I had Kayson buy it and bring it here.” Clayton sipped his milk.

“You shouldn’t trouble people like that so early in the morning.” Isabella frowned and thought, ‘What a capitalist!”

“I’m going abroad for a few days.” Clayton’s heart softened as he saw Isabella happily eating the gnocchi.

Isabella paused. “Is it a business trip?”

Clayton nodded. “I’ll have Kayson come over to fetch you to and from work these days. Elsie will come and prepare breakfast and dinner for you. Take care of yourself.”

2/5

Clayton was reluctant to leave.

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Surprised, Isabella looked at Clayton. “That’s unnecessary. We shouldn’t trouble others. I can cook myself, and it’s troublesome to make Elsie come every day. Kayson doesn’t need to pick me up every day, either. I can take care of myself.”

“You’re always tired after work. Let others take care of it,” Clayton insisted.

“it’s fine. When you’re not home, I can make something simple, like pasta. There’s no need to trouble Elsie.” She did not want to bother anyone, and she did not particularly enjoy having someone else in the house, even though Elsie was very nice to her.

Clayton pondered for a moment. “Then I’ll have Kayson take you out to eat every day.”

Isabella chuckled “Clayton, there’s no need for that. I can take care of myself. By the way, I didn’t hear you mention anything about going on a business trip yesterday.”

“Some urgent matters came up last minute that I need to attend to,” Clayton replied truthfully.

Isabella nodded and said, “Be careful. Have you packed your luggage? Also, won’t Kayson and the others be busy when you’re gone? I shouldn’t trouble him, I’ll take the subway.” Isabella wiped her mouth and stood up.

Clayton also stood up and pulled her into his embrace. “Let him escort you. It’ll put my mind at ease.”

Looking at his earnest expression, Isabella nodded. “Okay. Take care of yourself on your business trip. Do you need help with packing?”

She didn’t know how to assist Clayton with his affairs.

Clayton shook his head and suddenly bent down to kiss her on

Isabella resisted. She had just finished eating and hadn’t brushed her teeth yet.

Nonetheless, Clayton refused to let her leave until he was satisfied, leaving her lips slightly swollen.

Resting his forehead against hers, Clayton caressed her lips with his index finger, murmuring softly, “Be good and wait for me.”

Feeling the weight of his words, Isabella pulled Clayton closer, looking at him with concern. “Clayton, is something wrong?”

Clayton was surprised by her perceptiveness. “No, it’s just some business matters.”

“Okay, take care of yourself” Isabella bit her lip.

Clayton smiled and stroked her hair. “Are you worried about me?”

Isabella looked at him and laughed. “I don’t want to be a widow.”

Clayton was taken aback and gritted his teeth before pinning her against the wall, his hand slipping under her clothes. “Perhaps I should punish you for cursing your husband.”

Startled, Isabella quickly apologized, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

Clayton chuckled and released her, pulling her

gently in

into his arms. “I can’t bear to leave you.”

Feeling his reluctance, Isabella patted his back. “I’ll be waiting for you. Take care.”

Chapter 46

Clayton didn’t say anything. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling her scent.

“Okay, be good and wait for me.” Finally, he let her go.

After breakfast, he accompanied her to work as usual.

Isabella and Rihanna remained busy all

and got into some trouble.

The five major designers acknowledged Isabella and Rihanna’s abilities and attitudes. They became increasingly reliant on the two of them,” causing discontent among others.

Especially Louisa, who had been pursuing one of the designers, Zayn, for a long time. However, Zayn had always been indifferent to her. Meanwhile, he treated Rihanna differently, often asking her for help and giving her pointers.

That made Louisa upset.

That day, Zayn went out to meet with clients.

Louisa had been causing trouble for Rihanna since that morning.

She criticized Rihanna’s drawings, demanding that they be redone to her liking. The next moment, she would tell Rihanna to photocopy meeting minutes and deliver them to a specific department within a certain time frame. Just as Rihanna returned, Louisa pulled out some old design drawings, instructing her to organize them and keeping her occupied with various tasks while forbidding anyone else from assisting

After finishing the tasks assigned by another designer, Isabella noticed everyone’s attention was focused on Rihanna’s predicament. After inquiring, she learned that Louisa was deliberately making things difficult for Rihanna,

Isabella approached Nigel under the pretext of delivering documents, hoping to enlist his help. If he could speak up for Rihanna, Louisa wouldn’t dare to go too far.

Nigel greeted Isabella warmly upon seeing her, taking the documents from her and asking with concern, “Isabella, how have you been feeling these days? Are you tired?”

Isabella smiled and shook her head. “I’m fine. My colleagues have been taking good care of me.”

Nigel smiled and reached out to touch Isabella’s hair, but she instinctively dodged, leaving his hand hanging in the air.

Isabella’s heart missed a beat, and she forced a smile, saying. “Mr. Yost, I’ve finished my work, so I’d like to help Rihanna share some of her workload to increase efficiency.”

Nigel clenched his hands, glanced outside, and said, “Isabella, when working in the company, you must be aware of your surroundings. You have to understand who you can be close to and who you should keep a distance from. You must exercise discernment, Ms. Luckett is Mrs. Vaughn’s niece. She is not someone you interns should provoke; do you understand? But with me watching over you, she will not dare to bother you,”

After saying that, he took icabella’s hand and patted it.

Isabella’s smile froze, her scalp tingling. She forcefully withdrew her hand, trying to force a smile. “Okay, I’ll take my leave now.”

With that, she quickly left Nigel’s office.

理

“Damn it! He has ulterior motives! No wonder he treated us so well. It turns out that he is up to no good!” she cursed inwardly, furious that she had been subjected to workplace harassment.

Now that Louisa was targeting Rihanna, he had set his sights on Isabella. To keep himself out of trouble, he wanted Isabella to keep her distance from Rihanna.

‘Darn it! They are all weirdos! Vaughn Corporation’s employment mechanism is really messed up. Since he wouldn’t help, I’ll have to find a solution on my own,” Isabella thought.

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