Chapter 9

Remembering that Dominic was now her boss, Isabel had no choice but to compose herself before answering the call. "Mr. Zimmerman."

He didn't sound as teasing as before. In fact, he sounded rather grim. "Pull over at the crossroads ahead."

Isabel faltered at that and quickly turned to glance behind her.

Dominic said, "I'm behind you. Stop looking around when you're driving."

Isabel hung up, feeling like her anguish had been scared away by Dominic's sudden appearance. After pulling over, she got out of the car.

Harvey approached her. "Ms. Shore, please get into the car behind me. I'll drive your car back to Premiero Estate."

She glanced at Dominic's Rolls-Royce. Harvey continued, "When you drove out earlier, Mr. Cameron sent a car to follow you. If you hang around here any longer, he'll find you."

Her eyes widened at that, but she remained calm as she nodded. "Thanks, Mr. Fuller."

She stopped hesitating and grabbed her bag before getting into the Rolls-Royce. Dominic sat inside with his legs crossed lazily.

"Mr. Zimmerman," Isabel greeted.

The overhead light was on in the car. Dominic glanced at her and caught the handprint on her face. He immediately reached out and gripped her jaw, turning her left cheek to him.

"Mr. Zimmerman…" She tried to break free, but he'd already leaned in. His gaze darkened, making her breathing hitch.

"Whoever did this didn't hold back. Was it your adoptive father or mother?" The ice in his tone was clear. He didn't sound like he was purely concerned about her. It was almost as if he would get even with whoever had slapped her the moment she told him.

Kimberly was the only one who'd ever made Isabel feel so secure. Isabel would never have expected another man to make her feel the same way.

Now that she thought about it, not even Samuel had made her feel so safe. The more she learned about his true colors, the more she realized what an asshole he was.

Isabel moved Dominic's hand away and settled in her seat. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Zimmerman. I'm fine. May I know which client we're supposed to be meeting?"

"We can leave that for another day," he said shortly.

Her head shot up as she looked at him. She could almost see the words "I'm super pissed" on his handsome face.

She asked hesitantly, "Since we're not meeting anyone, should I get out of the car?"

Dominic rested his arm along the window and leaned his face on his hand. He asked, "Have you memorized the additional clauses of your contract, Ms. Architect?"

Isabel didn't bat an eye as she said, "Yes, I have. But you just said that we'll meet the client some other day."

"That we will, but did I say anything about not having other arrangements for you?"

She couldn't think of a retort for that. "What other instructions do you have for me, Mr. Zimmerman?"

"Sit tight," he said.

Isabel had no idea what he was up to; she could only listen to him and sit with her side pressed against the door. Just then, her phone rang. She pulled it out to see that it was Samuel calling.

Dominic drawled, "You're not allowed to answer your phone in my car. I don't care who's calling."

Isabel had nothing to say in response. She put her phone on silent and tucked it into her pocket. Even if he hadn't said anything, she wouldn't have answered.

Seeing her choose not to answer without any hesitation put Dominic in a better mood, even if there was no telling whether it was her own decision or because of what he'd said.

The phone kept buzzing in Isabel's pocket after being turned to silent mode. It didn't stop, even as the Rolls-Royce drove into Zeeson Manor.

Why were they there?

Isabel's chest tightened, but she put on a composed facade as she got out of the car. Then, she shut the door and said, "I should get going if you want to rest, Mr. Zimmerman."