Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss

Chapter 126

The early morning sun cast long shadows across the streets as Kylan pulled into the company parking lot, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white. The sleepless night had drained him, and the hollow ache in his chest grew heavier with each passing hour. When he got back to their house, Katrina had already left with Clarence. He had flown to Portland to meet with her since she mentioned she would be at Alois' home. But when he got there, Alois had already been waiting for him, guarding the door.

He told Kylan to leave Katrina alone for now, telling him pursuing her would not be the best action while her emotions were still high. Kylan had no choice but to go back to New York, dejected and heartbroken.

The office buzzed with its usual energy, employees scurrying to their desks and exchanging pleasantries. But as Kylan strode through the hallways, the atmosphere shifted. His presence silenced the chatter, replaced by tense whispers and hurried footsteps. The once- charismatic leader now wore a stormy expression, his eyes cold and unyielding.

"Mr. Ross," a nervous employee ventured as he passed, holding out a file.

"Later," Kylan snapped, not breaking stride. The employee froze in place, startled by the sharpness of his tone, before retreating hastily. Everyone looked at each other, especially those that were working in the Ross Corporation during Katrina's time. The scary and intimidating Kylan Ross known for his impatience seemed to be back.

In the break room, Ryan watched the scene unfold, his brow furrowed in concern. He had known Kylan for years and could see the cracks forming beneath the surface. This wasn't the man who had gone past his traumas. This was someone entirely different. Ryan caught up with Kylan just as he slammed his office door shut. He knocked once before stepping inside, undeterred by the icy glare that met him.

"What do you want?" Kylan growled, his tone low and dangerous.

Ryan crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe. "I want to know what's going on with you."

"Nothing that concerns you," Kylan snapped, turning his chair to face the window.

"Don't give me that," Ryan said firmly, pushing himself away from the doorframe and walking to the table. He settled on the chair. "You're barking orders, scaring the staff, and acting like you're trying to outdo a thunderstorm in intensity. This isn't you, Kylan." Kylan's shoulders tensed, his hands gripping the armrests of his chair. "I don't have time for this."

Ryan stared at Kylan before he nodded to himself. "Is this about Katrina?"

Kylan didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"Did you talk to her?"

Kylan swallowed as he closed his eyes and shook his head. "She's at Portland."

Ryan nodded slowly. "Give her time. She will eventually allow herself to talk to you. Then, you can explain to her clearly without emotions clouding her judgment. Right now, don't let it consume you. People here respect you. They look up to you. Don't throw that away." The CEO didn't respond anymore. Ryan lingered a moment longer before quietly leaving, the door clicking shut behind him.

Meanwhile, Isabella had just entered the lobby of the company. She was humming a tune under her breath. Her demeanor was cheerful, almost too much so, drawing attention from her coworkers.

Aaron, knowing what had happened to Katrina and Kylan a few days before, had been watching her closely after they came back from a business trip. Something about her felt off, and today, he decided to act.

He followed her to her desk and glanced at the closed door of Kylan's office.

"Isabella," he called, his tone sharp. She looked up, her bright smile unwavering.

What brings you here?" she asked, tilting

said

fraction of a second before she recovered. "Kylan? What about

voice low but firm. "I know you had something to do with Katrina

widened, and she placed a hand on her chest, feigning offense. "Aaron, that's a serious accusation. I've only ever tried to help Mr. Ross. He's been going through so much, and I thought I could be a

Aaron interrupted. "You might fool others, but not me. You're up to something, and

"I can't believe you'd think so poorly of me," she whispered, her voice trembling. "All I've done is care for

near whisper. "You don't care about him.

after him. Her hands clenched into fists beneath the desk, her

buried himself in work, using the endless stream of emails and meetings as a distraction from the emptiness clawing at him. But his harsh demeanor, once an exception, became the rule.

to her in a clipped tone and professional manner, even as far as calling her by her last name. She looked upset, her expression soft and wounded, and for a moment, guilt stirred in him. But then the memory of Katrina's departure

coldly. And trust, he realized bitterly, was a

~0~0~0~

of camera

in corners, whispering nervously about the drama that had exploded out of nowhere. The news

behind his desk, his face buried in his hands as he tried to process the whirlwind of chaos. His phone buzzed incessantly with calls, each one from another journalist asking for a comment, or worse, demanding an interview. His once-impeccable reputation was being dragged through the mud, and the company was teetering on the edge of

When they had decided that a contract

could elevate the sales and shares of his company, or they could

a look of concern. "They're practically surrounding the building. People are already talking. What should we

"I don't know, Max. Have

"There is nothing we could do even if we knew who spread this. We should address the

the office door opened again, and Isabella stepped in with an air of purpose. She had been waiting for this moment: the opportunity to take charge, to show Kylan just how indispensable she could be. Her eyes flicked over the

Kylan's desk, her heels clicking with confidence. She looked him over, her expression cool and

she said, her voice

raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her level of assurance. "And

"I'm a PR expert, Kylan. I've been managing crises before I worked for you. I know exactly how to

"Ryan, you and the others need to focus on calming down the staff and keeping them from speaking to the media. You don't need any

wouldn't say it while the company was still in

cut him off.

his. "I'll handle the press. We'll put out a statement, and I'll make sure the company's image stays intact. We can turn this into an opportu to show your commitment to the business, and to the people

His company was at risk, his personal life was being exposed, and the media was relentless. He felt cornered, and for the first time in a long while, he wasn't sure what the right move was. "You have to be careful of what you say, Isabella," he said, his voice firm. "I'm not

his gaze, her eyes unwavering. "Trust me. You need a strong front, and I'm the one who can help you maintain it. We'll control the narrative, Kylan. I'll make sure you come out

hours, Isabella had

work, her fingers flying over her phone and laptop as she crafted a flawless public response. She quickly assembled a press release, carefully worded to portray Kylan