Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Chapter 10

During the private tour of the lab at Grayson’ Enterprises. Her heart beats out of her chest when Liam walks in on them in a rather compromising position. “Liam, what are you doing here? And why is Madelyn calling you?” Ethan questioned, trying to calm the panic.

“She was looking for you. Do I even want to know what you two were up to?” Anger curled hot and unstoppable in his guts. Isabella briskly responded to him. “We were just working, nothing more.”

Liam sends a dead look her way. “You know this isn't actually part of your work, right Isabella?” She nods her head. “Mr. Grayson was just showing me the prototypes. That counts as work...”

“We don’t need to explain ourselves to you, Liam. Did you finish the press release for the L.A breach?” Ethan changed the topic instantly. “I've been a little busy, but apparently I'm not the only one.” He sends them a revolting look. “That’s enough! If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, get back to work!”

Liam storms towards the exit but pauses at the door. “I almost forgot Madelyn had a message for you, Isabella. She said since you’re busy working hard in the office, you should come to the company picnic this weekend.” Isabella gapes her eyes widely. “Really? I thought she wanted me fired from my job?”

Liam was so furious. “It’s probably a ‘keep your enemies closer’ type of thing. She already told mom and dad about the invite, so they’re expecting you to be there.” Liam walks out of the lab without a second glance. Ethan sighs and turns to her. “Isabella, are you okay?” He asked worriedly. “Ethan, I can handle Liam. I'm not worried about him. It’s not like he actually saw anything incriminating.” Ethan nods, his eyes searching her expression... “you don’t have to come to the picnic, you know.” Something about the tone of his voice gives her a pause. Does he not want her there?

“Oh... if you think it’s best I don’t--” Isabella moves away, but Ethan reaches out to put a hand on her arm. She turns towards him, but avert her eyes from his. “That’s not what I meant. I want you there. Against my better instincts... I always want you wherever I am.” she finally looks up, her breath catching as she meets his gaze. “Okay then. I'll be there.”

**

Finally, the day of the company picnic arrived. She rifles through her things, trying to find the right outfit. “Okay, I give up. I have no idea what to wear to something like this!” As if on cue, she hears the door open and Hannah appears. “I got you something.” She hands a paper bag to Isabella. “What’s this?” She asks as she opened the bag. A cute, summery outfit, perfect for a dat in the sun. “Oh my... this is... okay... Let’s see how it fits.”

Isabella rushes to her bathroom and came back to show off her new look for Hannah. “What do you think?” Hannah squealed and hugged her tight. “You look so, so hot damnit! I bet Mr. CEO would not take his eyes off you.”

Isabella laughs as she breaks the hug, then she jumps as someone rang the door bell. They both looked at each other and smiled. “Go, go now.” Hannah urges her to the door.

Isabella opened the door. “Hey, I... oh, wow. You look... nice.” Isabella chuckles softly. “Just nice?” Ethan glances over at Hannah, then drops his voice to a husky whisper so only Isabella could hear. “Definitely not ‘just nice’, but I'm trying to act professional.” She feels her cheek flushed. “I think I like you better when you let yourself be bad.” His eyes darkens as he drinks her in, then he clears his throat and straighten up. “Right. Are you ready?” Isabella nods and turned her head to Hannah who was admiring them inches away.

This is going to be one hell of a picnic.

When they arrived at the Central Park, the sun was high and a pleasant breeze wafts over the grounds. Madelyn strides across the lawn towards the two of them, waving hello. “Ethan, you’ve got to see this. It’s accounting versus legal on the badminton court.” She pauses as she takes in Isabella’s outfit, then plasters a smile on her face. “Well, don’t you look adorable. You always know how to turn it on when it matters most, don’t you.”

Isabella returned a smile. “I try.”

“Can you please make sure everyone’s comfy here. Ethan and I will be right back.” Isabella nods before they walked off together.

Across the picnic area, she runs into some familiar faces. “Isabella! Welcome to our humble little affair.” Ethan’s parents welcomed her. “Thanks for having me.” She gave him a warm smile. After a little convo with Ethan’s parents, she stays behind while they went ahead to welcome in more guests.

A moment later, Tyler waves at her over to where he’s talking to Liam. “Hey, Isabella. I see you made it to the company picnic. You really did earn it, after your last meet with Mr. Grayson.”

Liam sends a dagger her way. “Yes he definitely did, by the looks of it.”

“Mr. Grayson definitely did. The entire lab was so friendly and mature, not to mentions focused.” Isabella fired back, politely.

“Well, we are only human. Sometimes you just see something that makes you emotional.” Liam retorted again.

Just then, Ethan’s step father’s voice rings out through a megaphone, and everyone gathers in the grassy field to hear him speak.

“Welcome to the Annual Grayson Enterprises Company Picnic! I hope you’re ready for some good old-fashioned fun! We've got everything from candy balloon relay to lawn twister. But the highlight of the afternoon will be starting in five minutes. Kick balls!”

Isabella turns to Liam, who was still standing next to her. “Is he serious? That sounds... aggressive. I though this was a family-friendly affair!” Liam shrugged it off. “So did I.” He spoke, nonchalantly.

Isabella scoffed out of annoyance. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s complex A versus complex BB! If you’re not an employee, pick a side.” There was an excited murmur as everyone splits into teams on opposite sides of the field, leaving Isabella stranded in the middle. Madelyn smirked at her. “Are you sitting out too, Isabella? This game is so filthy and juvenile, I always sunbathe through it.”

“Hey, we could use an extra hands here.” Ethan flashes a sly smile at her. “If Isabella does want to play, she doesn't have to play.” Liam grunted. He definitely doesn't want her to be on Ethan’s team, but since when does she care what he says?

“I think I'll sit this one out actually. But good luck out there.” Isabella joins Madelyn at the edge of the field. The two teams square off. Later after the game ends, she just placed her order when someone steps behind her. “You’re a hard woman to catch alone.” She looks up to see Liam. “I didn't know you have been trying.” She averted her gaze from him after speaking.

He settles down beside her and grunted. “After what I saw at the lab, talking to you is all I've been able to think of. What the hell is going on between you and Ethan? For real this time!” Isabella was shocked by the audacity. “There’s nothing going on between us.” She crosses her arms over her chest, refusing to back down. “And I don’t appreciate the accusation.” She clamoured. “It didn't look like ‘nothing’ in the lab.” He refused to believe her statement.

Isabella was getting fed up with him. “You know what they say about assuming, Liam.” Liam sighs deeply, massaging his temple. “Look, Isabella, I'm all for some innocent flirting, like at the engagement party. But whatever I walked in on the other day wasn't innocent. I was on-board for making Ethan mad when I thought he just didn't want be sleeping with his supervisor. I didn’t know I was making him legit jealous. I'm just worried about you, Isabella.”

“Liam, I can take care of myself. I appreciate your concern but it’s not necessary. I've got everything under control.” She gave him an assurance smile. “From where I’m sitting, it doesn't look like it. Ethan is the best man I know. And in another life, you two could've been great together. But in this life, he has obligation to his family, his company, and his fiancee. You have to back down. It’s the right thing to do.”

She stares at Liam, unsure of how to respond. No matter what her heart says, a part of her worried he’s actually right. But before she could confront the truth of that realisation, the snack vendor calls her order number. She exhaled, desolately. “That’s mine. And I'd better know my limits I'm... just the supervisor.” He let out long sigh “Think about what I've said, okay?” She nods to him, her eyes looking elsewhere. Thankfully, by the time she has collected her food, Liam disappeared into the crowd.

Later that afternoon, after many more games and sandwiches, the picnic draws to a close. She spots her friends, Tyler, lily and Olivia by the curb. Madelyn and Liam were also waiting for their ride. “Isabella, are you coming?” Tyler interrupted her. She looks at the crowded back seat and her soon to be squished middle seat... then at Ethan. He smiles at her encouragingly. “I'd better stick with them. Since you know, we have work to do tomorrow.” She climbed into the crowded limo, giving Ethan one last look as they drove away.

Over the few days, everything seems to return to normal. Until she hears a knock on her door. She got off her bed wondering who it could be by that time of the day. “Wha- Madelyn! What are you doing here?” She queried, astonished to see Madelyn on her door step. “Isabella, I heard about what happened at the picnic. We need to talk.” Madelyn sounded infuriated.