Chapter 6 The Aloof CEO

• Isabella knew very well how gossip could spread like wildfire.
• If her colleagues saw her coming to work in the new CEO's car, the gossip would be unbearable.
• So, when Quinn offered her a ride to the office, she shook her head without any hesitation.
• Though she didn't take Quinn's car, they arrived at the office at almost the same time.
• While Isabella waitde for the elevator with a group of colleagues, Quinn made his way to the CEO’s exclusive elevator, surrounded by his two special assistants.
• She wanted to pretend not to see him at first, yet she felt that it wouldn't be appropriate. So she followed the others and greeted him politely, "Good morning, Mr. Quinn."
• "Morning," Quinn responded with a cool tone. He looked around before stepping into the elevator, leaving everyone an aloof back.
• Quinn's indifference did not dampen the crowd's buzz. Almost immediately, they began to discuss the new CEO with great interest.
• Isabella did not join in the discussion. She was amused instead.
• She thought, ‘Quinn draws a clear line between work and personal life."
• She then thought about the words "ascetic dream man" that were trendy online. She realized Quinn fit that description perfectly.
• As soon as Isabella entered the company, she forgot all about Quinn and immersed herself in work.
• Recently, Isabella and several colleagues had been inmersed in preparations for the tender project of Stellar Enterprises.
• As the bid opening approached, Isabella's workload became so intense that she sometimes did not have time for lunch.
• Isabella was known as a workaholic in the company. She frequently skipped meals, which had become normal for others, so no one had ever expressed their concerns about her health.
• Today, amidst another hectic workday, she got a call from Quinn.
• She looked around and saw that no one was nearby. Then she cautiously answered the phone, saying, "What's up?"
• Her implication was that when in the company, he ought not to call her. She didn't want others to know about their relationship.
• Quinn was momentarily taken aback by her tone. He paused before saying, "Work is important, but you shouldn’t skip meals."
• His tone was as flat as always, yet she could sense a hint of concern behind his words.
• Isabella blushed and said, "OK. I see."
• Quinn didn't say anything further, leaving her unsure of what to say. She said bye and was about to hang up.
• Quinn, on the other side of the line, said suddenly, "I'm in Room 1808 at Orchid Inn."
• Isabella nodded instinctively. "Go ahead. I won't keep you from eating."
• "Isabella!" Quinn's voice was firmer now. After a few seconds, he said, "I'll wait for you."
• "No need..." Isabella subconsciously wanted to say no, yet he had already hung up the phone.
• She looked at the dark phone screen, a slight frown forming on her face. Finally, she let out a resigned sigh. How could she refuse to have lunch with her newlywed husband?
• Orchid Inn was a five-star hotel near the company, and its food was very expensive. Isabella only came here if the company was hosting important clients.
• She arrived at Orchid Inn and hoped that she wouldn't run into anyone she knew. Yet to her surprise, she bumped into Ava Westbrook, Quinn's special assistant, in the next second.
• She wanted to pretend that she didn't see Ava. But before she could act, Ava spotted her and called out, "Ms. Jennings, Mr. Quinn asked me to pick you up."
• Isabella smiled awkwardly and quickly caught up with Ava.
• She thought, ‘I'm legally married to Quinn. However, I feel that we're having an affair. How weird and embarrassing.’
• When they arrived at Room 1808, Isabella saw Braylon Snyder, Quinn’s other special assistant.
• Quinn stood up, took Isabella's coat, and hung it on a hanger. He then pulled out a chair for her and said, "Ava and Braylon have been working with me for many years, and they know about us."
• Isabella nodded quietly. She just glanced at Ava and Braylon again.
• They both nodded politely to her and, without saying anything, exited the room in a polite manner.
• Quinn handed her a plate of soup and said, "I've been in business for years, so there’re a few people following me."
• Isabella was relieved by his voluntary explaination and smiled shyly at him. "I understand."
• She thought, ‘With his maid making and delivering breakfast in the morning, and talented people like Ava and Braylon by his side, his background is far more complicated than I imagined.’
• But she doesn't exactly want to know too much. After all, she agreed to marry him, because she thought he was a decent guy, not because of his family background.
• Isabella didn't ask further, and Quinn didn't say anything more either. They ate in silence.
• Quinn was raised in a family with strong manners. It was natural for him to eat and sleep in silence and, of course, not used to talking at the dinner table.
• It was another quiet meal.
• After they both put down their forks, Quinn said flatly, "From now on, no matter how busy you are at work, you can't skip meals."
• Isabella nodded. "I'll make sure of it."
• Upon hearing her perfunctory answer, Quinn was obviously dissatisfied. His eyes under the golden frame darkened, and he said, "Have lunch with me from now on."
• His tone was a little commanding, but Isabella didn't resent it. She looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Quinn,, but..."
• "Mr. Quinn?" Quinn raised his eyebrows. "If you're going to address me like that, don't you think you should listen to me, the new CEO?"
• She was surprised that he used his status to "threaten" her so quickly.
• She had spent three years working in the Sales Department of NextEra Technologies and was known for her quick wit. Yet, she didn't know how to respond to Quinn's "threat."
• Quinn took the chance and continued, "Then it's settled."
• Although Isabella did not want to have the "tryst" with Quinn every noon, she could not come up with an valid excuse to refuse him. Reluctantly, she nodded.
• She even found a reason that was as lame as it could be and fled hastily.
• Quinn's eyes darkened slightly as he watched her flee in a hurry. His fingers tapped on the table, a subtle indication that he was planning his next move.
• "Mr. Quinn." A woman who appeared to be in her 40s or 50s knocked on the door, interrupting his thoughts.
• He looked up, his eyes as cold as always. "Yes?"
• The woman said, "Are these dishes to your liking?"
• Quinn, a neat freak who hardly ate out, had made an exception on because Orchid Inn was part of his business empire. The elegant private room 1808 had been specially furnished for him by his subordinates to his liking. His food was also cooked for him specially.
• This woman had been responsible for overseeing his meals since his youth. She knew his food preferences the most.
• "From now on, prepare two spicy dishes for each meal. But go easy on the chili," Quinn did not answer but ordered.
• He preferred light food, whereas Isabella favored spicy things. She had never told him this, yet he just knew.