Falling for a Dark Soul

Chapter Four

Disclaimer: None of this mine, nor do I claim to be Stephenie Meyer. I just like to dabble in the playground that she created with Bella, Edward and her Twilight characters. No copyright infringement is intended.

The previous chapter is the last of the prewritten chapters. After this, we'll have all new parts of the story. We're going to go back to Edward in the next chapter. We're going to backtrack in time in his eyes. We'll go to the fundraiser and meet Edward's adoptive parents. Then, we'll get a glimpse of the latter part of the previous chapter along with his interactions with Katie, plus moving forward a little bit.

Chapter Four

Edward

Despite our heated interaction in the ladies room, Isabella nailed the presentation for New Moon Cosmetics. She was well-spoken and focused, laying out the promotional plan for their launch. Victoria and Laurent hung on every word, loving every idea that the team had created. Alice was the team leader, but it was clear that Bella carried this presentation.

Her ideas were fresh.

Her plan was multi-faceted, using traditional advertising mediums and venturing out with social media.

Her excitement was apparent as she shared the projected profits the company would receive, using our company.

Her professionalism was on point, pushing aside my behavior and giving the clients what they wanted.

After the meeting, paperwork was signed with promises of further meetings to discuss photo shoots and putting the plan that Isabella had created into place. Victoria, Laurent and their company, New Moon, had committed to a two-year advertising contract with my advertising agency. It was a multi-million dollar contract.

I was so proud of the work of the team, but in awe of Isabella Swan.

I carried the contract and walked back to my office. I scanned a copy of it into my computer before putting the hard copy into my files. I also sent a digital copy to the team. Checking my computer, I had another couple of hours before I had to leave for the fundraiser. It was being held at the Lincoln Conservatory.

There was a quiet knock on my door. "It's open," I said.

Alice Brandon walked inside. "Do you have a moment?" she asked. Her voice was still a bit hard, pissed off at how I'd treated her obvious star team member.

"I do," I replied, looking at her.

"I just wanted to talk to you about Bella," she said, sitting down in front of my desk. Her hands were in her lap, in tight fists. "She did amazingly well, despite your behavior ..."

"I apologized, Alice," I said. "I was in the wrong."

"She also told me about the changes in her contract," Alice said. "Regardless, I would be remiss as a team leader if I didn't bring the concerns of my team to you. You are a brilliant man. You've saved this advertising agency and made us a leader, industry standard among our competition. You strive for excellence, but the way you want us to achieve it is through fear. You are brilliant, but you don't have our respect. You have our fear. I understand that you've been dealing with some difficult personal issues recently, but it's not appropriate to treat your employees so poorly."

I frowned, upset that I was feared. I did respect my employees and their hard work. I paid them handsomely, giving huge bonuses at the end of the year. "Alice, there is no excuse for my recent behavior. Regardless of what I was dealing with personally, I should have never treated any of you without the highest modicum of respect. I am sorry."