Chapter 153

Izzy pushed open her office door, stopping short at the sight of Calen. He stood by the window, arms crossed, gazing at the city skyline. Sunlight cast shadows across his face, highlighting the tension in his posture. The air felt thick, almost suffocating. Had he already heard about what she’d done?

Sensing her presence, Calen glanced over his shoulder. “You’re late,” he said flatly, his words cutting through the silence. “I’ve been calling, but you couldn’t answer. What if it was an emergency? What if your presence was needed?”

Izzy arched a brow, ignoring the accusation as she turned to Anna. “Didn’t I tell you not to let anyone in while I’m gone?” she asked evenly.

Anna bit her lip, glancing between them. “I apologize, Miss Rossi, but Mr. Weiss—”

“I am your direct superior, Izzy,” Calen smoothly interrupted, turning to face her. His suit was immaculate. “I have the right to be in your office whenever I want.”

Izzy snorted, unimpressed. Without another glance at him, she placed her bag on the table and began organizing scattered files with practiced efficiency. Since Calen had already taken her seat, she didn't bother to sit. “Why are you here? If you need anything, we can use email.”

Calen’s eyes narrowed, irritation flickering across his face. His fingers drummed against his arm. He paused before speaking. “You know why I’m here,” he said tightly. “I need you to debrief the staff on the Macau project.”

Izzy didn’t pause in her work. “That’s your job,” she replied coolly.

Calen’s jaw clenched. “You managed them before,” he snapped. “They’ll listen to you. You’ll say what I tell you to say.”

Izzy’s lips twitched, but she didn’t look up. “That’s not in my contract,” she said lightly, sliding a folder into place.

Calen scoffed, his glare intensifying. “I get it,” he muttered. “You’re angry my father took the project. But do you have to be this petty? Show some professionalism. People will suffer because of you, Izzy. Can you really do this?”

Izzy straightened, meeting his glare with an icy stare. “Following my contract is professional,” she countered. “If you have concerns, take them up with HR.”

Calen’s fists clenched, his eyes flashing with barely contained anger. “Are you serious? What are you doing? This pettiness will ruin the project!”

Izzy’s expression didn’t change. “That’s no longer my concern,” she said simply, brushing an invisible speck of dust from her sleeve.

Calen’s teeth ground together. Before he could retort, a knock sounded at the door, cutting through the tension. Both turned as CEO Weiss’s secretary entered, clutching a clipboard.

“Miss Rossi,” the secretary said hesitantly, her eyes darting between them. “CEO Weiss would like to see you in his office. Immediately.”

Izzy’s eyes glinted with amusement. “Of course,” she said lightly. Without looking at Calen, she grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder.

She walked past him, her heels clicking on the polished floor, her posture relaxed and unbothered. The door swung shut behind her with a soft click, leaving Calen alone, fists clenched and eyes burning with frustration.

“Damn it,” he muttered, a scowl twisting his features.

Renard Weiss stood behind his desk, fingers pressed tightly against the mahogany surface, eyes fixed on a document. Sunlight filtering through the blinds cast harsh lines across his face, accentuating the dark circles under his eyes and the tightness in his jaw. The office was silent, except for the faint hum of the city.

He exhaled slowly, nostrils flaring as he stared at the single sheet of paper—a resignation letter. What the hell was Izzy thinking?

A knock sounded. Renard’s eyes flicked up, narrowing. “Come in,” he snapped.

The door opened, and Izzy entered. She paused at the threshold before stopping a few steps from the desk.

Renard wasted no time. He lifted the letter. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, the paper crinkling in his grip.

Izzy’s eyes dropped to the letter, then back to Renard’s face. “Exactly what it says,” she replied.

“A resignation?” he ground out. “You’re leaving?”

“Yes,” Izzy said. After yesterday, she’d decided to leave for good.

Renard’s fingers tightened around the paper. “This is about Calen taking the Macau Project, isn’t it? You’re doing this because you’re upset.”

Izzy arched a brow. “Calen is Vice President,” she pointed out. “He doesn’t need my guidance; he needs yours. I don’t think I have the right to be upset, sir.”

Renard’s expression darkened. Izzy never called him “sir” before. Was she distancing herself from the Weiss Company? He drew a slow breath, controlling his temper. “Calen still needs you,” he said sharply. “You’ve handled the Macau Project for months—he can’t just take over without guidance.”

“Then I suggest you guide him,” she smiled. “Besides, Calen is already familiar with everything. He’ll do well without me.”

“This is because I made Calen the lead,” he muttered. His gaze snapped back to Izzy, eyes hard. “I knew you’d be hurt, but I did it for the company. You need to understand that.”

“I do,” Izzy replied smoothly, folding her hands. “That’s why I’ve decided to leave.”

Renard’s fingers stilled. His eyes narrowed. “Izzy, you’re seriously doing this? Walking out because of one decision?”

It’s not about one decision, Izzy thought, meeting his glare with a steady gaze. “I have already made my decision, sir.”

“You’re being unreasonable,” he snapped. “Do you think the board will accept this? They’ll see it as you abandoning the project—abandoning the company!”

“I’ve already submitted my reports and transferred everything to Calen,” she said, her lips quivering faintly. “The project is in excellent hands, isn’t it?”

“Don’t get smart with me, Izzy,” he growled, his gaze darkening. “Do you even realize what you’re doing?”

“Perfectly,” Izzy replied.

The silence that followed was cold and sharp. Renard’s hands shook slightly before he threw the letter down with a snarl. He sucked in a breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’re making a mistake, and you know that,” he muttered. “This—walking out like this—it’s impulsive.”

Izzy glanced at the letter, then back at Renard with an indifferent look. “I disagree,” she said evenly. “But thank you for the opportunity. I will never forget what I learned from the company… what I learned from you.”