Uncrowned Princess

44

As the meeting concluded, the board members began to file out of the room. Isabella rose from her chair, ready to retreat to her new office, when her father's voice cut through the shuffling of papers and murmured conversations.

"Isabella, a moment please," Charles called, his tone brooking no argument.

She turned, seeing her father standing with a young man she had noticed during the meeting. He was tall, with dark hair neatly styled and a sharp suit that spoke of taste and affluence. Throughout the discussions, he had impressed her with his insightful comments and apparent experience.

"Isabella, I'd like you to meet Alexander Reed," Charles said, gesturing to the young man. "He's the son of our partners at Reed Enterprises. Alexander, this is my daughter, Isabella."

Alexander extended his hand, his grip firm and professional as he shook Isabella's hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Harrington," he said, his voice smooth and controlled.

"Likewise, Mr. Reed," Isabella replied, matching his formal tone.

Charles nodded approvingly. "Alexander has been with his family's company for several years now. He'll be mentoring you as you transition into your new role here."

Isabella felt a flicker of annoyance at her father's implication that she needed a babysitter, but she kept her face neutral. "I look forward to learning from your experience, Mr. Reed."

"Well, I'll leave you two to get acquainted," Charles said, checking his watch. "I have another meeting to attend. Alexander, I trust you'll show Isabella the ropes."

With that, Charles strode out of the room, leaving Isabella and Alexander alone. As soon as the door closed behind him, a noticeable shift occurred in Alexander's demeanor.

His serious expression melted away, replaced by a more relaxed, almost playful smile. He loosened his tie slightly and leaned against the conference table. "So, now that the old guard is gone, how about we drop the formalities? Alex is fine."

Isabella blinked, surprised by the sudden change. Then, understanding dawned on her face, and she felt herself relax as well. A small, genuine smile tugged at her lips for the first time that day.

"I see we have something in common," she said, her own posture becoming less rigid. "I'm guessing you're not always so serious either?"

Alex chuckled. "Only when the suits are watching. It's exhausting, isn't it? All this pretense and protocol."

Isabella nodded, feeling a unexpected sense of camaraderie with this young man who seemed to understand the pressures of their world. "Tell me about it. I'm Isabella, by the way. Or just Ella, to friends."

"Well then, Ella," Alex said, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "what do you say we ditch this stuffy boardroom and I give you the real tour of how things work around here? I promise it'll be more entertaining than whatever your father has planned."

For a moment, Isabella hesitated, years of conditioning making her wary of stepping out of line. But then she thought of the events of the past few days, of the facade she'd been forced to maintain for so long. Maybe it was time for a change.

"You know what? That sounds perfect," she said, her smile growing more confident. "Lead the way, Alex."

As they left the conference room together, Isabella felt a small spark of hope ignite within her. Perhaps, in this world of corporate politics and family expectations, she had found an unexpected ally. For the first time in what felt like ages, she was looking forward to what the day might bring.

As Isabella and Alex settled into their work routine, the atmosphere in Isabella's new office became surprisingly comfortable. They sat across from each other at her large desk, laptops open and documents spread between them.