Chapter 707

The striking receptionist swung open the doors to the CEO's office, revealing Henry Lancaster standing at the threshold. Isabella sat poised in the executive chair, her manicured fingers flipping through documents with practiced ease.

"Ms. Lancaster, Mr. Lancaster has arrived," the receptionist announced.

Without glancing up, Isabella signed the final page with a dramatic flourish. "Take a seat. I'll be with you shortly."

Henry's gaze traced her silhouette. The ivory silk blouse clung to her frame, paired with a tailored ebony skirt that accentuated every curve. Her caramel waves were pinned carelessly, exposing the elegant slope of her neck. Breathtaking.

"Coffee, Mr. Lancaster?" the attendant offered.

"Dismissed," Henry clipped.

The attendant vanished, leaving palpable tension in his wake.

Isabella snapped the folder shut and leveled him with an expectant look. "Early. Do you have the results?"

His jaw tightened. "Must there always be an agenda between us?"

She arched a sculpted brow. "Someone woke up on the wrong side of the penthouse."

Truth burned in his chest. Since her return, every conversation revolved around their child. Nothing more. Nothing less.

His laugh was ice. "Surrounded by your personal harem, I'm sure every day is delightful."

She blinked. "My staff?"

"An all-male ensemble. Revolutionary hiring strategy."

Crimson lips curved. "Six feet minimum. Chiseled abs. Ivy League pedigrees. Non-negotiable qualifications."

A muscle ticked in Henry's jaw. "Is this a corporation or a dating service? Since when does competence require testosterone?"

"Personal preference. My company, my rules." She leaned back, eyes glinting. "Now I understand why men stock their offices with lingerie models. Aesthetics matter."

"You're impossible." His fists clenched. "My entire executive team is male."

The butler coughed discreetly. "Ms. Lancaster, it's true. Mr. Lancaster hasn't employed a female assistant in seven years."

Isabella smirked. "Your celibacy doesn't dictate my HR policies." She turned to the butler. "And it's Ms. Lancaster now."

"Understood, Ms. Lancaster."

"Overruled," Henry growled. "She remains Mrs. Lancaster."

"Try the divorce papers, darling."

"Which you haven't signed!"

The butler inched backward, mentally drafting his resignation.

Isabella exhaled through her nose. "Results. Now."