Isadora found herself thinking of Victor.
All the memories of these past months with him surfaced-his arrogance, his devil-may-care attitude, the way he seemed so effortlessly in control of everything. And yet, for all his confidence and charm, he could be surprisingly gentle and, in his own way, possessive-especially when it came to her.
A smile tugged at Isadora''s lips. "He''s the kind of man who makes me feel truly safe."
Nicol grinned. "Sounds like President Vaughan''s boyfriend is quite the catch! So, how did you two meet?"
Isadora kept it simple. "He saved me."
Nicol''s eyes widened. "He saved you? That sounds like a story-no wonder you feel safe with him! Can you tell us a bit about what he''s like day-to-day?"
Isadoraughed lightly. "Well, he can get on my nerves sometimes, but most of the time, he''s incredibly gentle."
The audience buzzed with excitement: "Gentle! Makes you feel safe! Isn''t she talking about The Fawcett Group''s Terrell Fawcett?"
Another voice chimed in, "Terrell is the perfect fit! He''s got that effortless charm— so dashing andposed!"
Someone else called out, "This is so sweet! Just get together already!"
Nicol, picking up on the crowd''s energy, teased, "So, it looks like everyone''s already figured out who Isadora''s mystery man is, haven''t you?"
Suddenly, the cameras cut to a man standing among the crowd.
Terrell stood there in a sleek silver-gray suit, exuding a refined, gentlemanly aura.
Nicol''s eyes lit up instantly. "Who would''ve thought Mr. Fawcett from The Fawcett Group would grace us with his presence tonight? Maybe he just wanted to make sure President Vaughan didn''t have to face the interview alone-how thoughtful! We''re all a little jealous right now!"
The audience erupted into delighted squeals.
"Make it official! Make it official!"
"Get married already!"
Isadora was momentarily stunned when she saw Terrell in the crowd.
Before she could react, Nicol had already abandoned her spot next to Isadora and moved to center stage, calling out, "Let''s wee Mr. Terrell Fawcett up here!"
Inman, watching from the audience, was frozen in disbelief.
He rushed over to the show''s producer. "Wait, this isn''t right! Wasn''t this supposed
to be President Vaughan''s interview? Why is Terrell being called up?"
The producer waved away his concern, practically vibrating with excitement. "You just don''t get it-this is what makes an interview!"
*
Meanwhile, at The Fitzgerald Group''s headquarters—
The executive office was vast and gleaming with understated luxury.
Victor lounged back in his chair, legs crossed carelessly, his long fingers tracing the edge of a crystal photo frame on his desk. His dark eyes lingered on the image of a little girl inside, his fingertip gently brushing the ss, a faint smile ying on his lips.
After all these years, Isadora, you''ve finallye back to me.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
From inside, Victor''s deep, rxed voice called out, "Come in."
Kemp, his right-hand man, opened the door and gestured for the Group''s Vice President of Public Rtions, Rankin, to enter.
Rankin had been summoned by Kemp that morning-never a casual urrence. As the head of global PR, he knew something big must be happening.
He stepped inside and approached the massive desk, meeting Victor''s piercing gaze with utmost respect. "Mr. Fitzgerald, is there something I can do for you?"
Victor carefully set the photo frame back on his desk, his tone low and unhurried. "The Fitzgerald Group will be making a global announcement on our website today."
Hearing the details, Rankin could barely contain his shock. He
stammered, "Mr. Fitzgerald, are you saying... you want to announce... your marriage to Isadora Vaughan of The Vaughan Group?!"
He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Forgive me for saying this, sir, but your marriage doesn''t just affect thepany''s internal affairs it could have a huge impact on the entire market. I strongly suggest calling a board meeting before making this publié?.."