CHAPTER 4

LUCAS' POV

The airplane ride was very uncomfortable and I was so happy I finally got out of the damn airplane. I glanced around with my sunshades on when I felt soft hands wrap around my arms and I glanced down to see Isabella smiling at me.

“Welcome to Nashville, Sir.” I heard my driver say as a car came to a stop in front of us and I held the door open for Isabella to go in first before I got in beside her.

“You're quiet, babe,” Isabella said and I turned to look at her as she took the glasses off and I let out a sigh as I took my hands in hers.

“I just feel tired, that's all.” And burdened. But of course, I wouldn't tell her that.

“You want a hug?” She quipped in her childlike voice and I immediately shook my head as I laid my head back and closed my eyes. I could feel her pouting but I didn't care. I hated physical contact, she just wouldn't understand that.

After what felt like hours, the car came to a stop and I opened my eyes to see the driver already pulling the door open for me. I stepped out and extended my hand to Isabella who happily took it like she was just mad at me for ignoring her hug.

“Remind me why you're choosing this company again.” She said as we both stood and observed the tall building in front of us.

“Because they have what we don't. And they're willing to sell this off for a meager amount of money. It's a win-win situation. I'm saving their broke ass and in return, I take over this whole place.” I reminded her and she nodded like she understood even though I knew that she knew nothing about business life.

What does a model know other than smiling for the camera and being followed by paparazzi? I shook my head as she held my arm and we walked inside the almost empty company with a few workers moving here and there.

“Babe, I'll be back. I need to use the restroom quickly.” Isabella said as she let go of my hand and I breathed out in relief. Thank goodness.

“Sure, take your time,” I said as I blew her a kiss and she giggled as she turned around and walked again. I could finally breathe well without someone trying to gum themselves to me.

I took my time walking around as I inspected the offices, noticing how everything was so out of place. There were so many things I would need to change once I took over.

I took the elevator to the last floor where the office of the CEO should be and after a few minutes, the elevator door pushed open and I stepped out to see a young lady standing in front of me with a caked face and a smile.

“I'm Kendall Adrian. Mr Ford is waiting for you in your office.” She said and I nodded as she turned around and hurried away while I walked behind her.

I arrived at the not-so-impressive office and Mr Ford came up to me with a smile as we shook hands and my eyes trailed to the lady standing in front of me with her back turned to me.

“Allow me to introduce you to Audrey Jackson.” He said and I raised a brow as she turned around slowly and finally, I got a good glimpse of her face. Well, she was the first lady I'd seen today who didn't have a caked face.

Her eyes widened as she laid her eyes on mine and I frowned in response as Mr Ford called out her name again. She suddenly came back to reality and burst out of the office like she was being chased, to my utmost surprise and I looked at Mr Ford in question.

“Sir, I think something is wrong with her, she's not usually like this. Please have your seat. I'll send for her again.” He said nervously and I raised a brow at him before taking a seat.

Isabella came in with an exasperated expression as she rushed to me and pointed towards the door.

“Some dumb girl almost made me fall just now! The audacity she had! And she didn't even stop to apologize! When I get my hands on her, I will-”

“That's enough Isabella. Come sit with me.” I said, hoping that would ease her anger and just like I thought, it did. She smiled as she came to sit beside me and wrapped her hands around my arms.

“Mr Ford, I noticed that there were only a few employees left in the office. Why is that?” I asked as I crossed my legs and he let out a nervous chuckle.

“I removed the ones that weren't doing their jobs well. I was hoping to take in new employees that would help the company grow, not take it backward.” He explained and I nodded in response.

“Miss Isabella Grey, it's very nice to finally meet you. I'm a huge fan.” He added and I rolled my eyes in response while she giggled and nodded.

“I'm famous, Lucas.” She whispered as she laid her head on my shoulder but I wasn't listening. My mind kept trailing back to the lady who ran out of the office earlier. She looked like she had seen a ghost.

“Babe? Were you even listening to me?” She asked as she sat up and looked at me with a pout. I let out a sigh as I honestly shook my head and she hit my shoulder harshly.

“I'm sorry, okay. I was just thinking of the company, you know.” I lied as I tried to comfort her and I overheard Mr Ford tell Kendall to get Audrey back to the office.

“She's refused to come out of the restroom, Sir,” Kendall whispered and my brows furrowed even more in confusion and frustration. What was this lady's deal?

“Tell her to get here now or she's fired!” He whispered back in anger and I stood up, Isabella following suit.

“It's okay. Gather everyone around, let's have a quick meeting. The transfer of power can be done by someone else. Miss Kendall, can you do that?”

Kendall nodded in excitement and I glanced at Mr Ford who also nodded in agreement.

“Then it is settled. Lead the way to the meeting room.” I ordered and they both started to walk out of the office while Isabella and I trailed behind them.

My eyes caught sight of someone ducking to hide behind a wall and I frowned as I turned to the side and started to walk towards the wall to see who it was.

It was her, hiding from me. I could see her hair dangling at the side and it only fueled my curiosity even more.

Who was she and why was she hiding from me?