Beneath His Cold Gaze

Day had passed, Bella heard a loud conversation, she noticed a flurry of activity around Alex's office. Curios, she approached Lisa, who was talking in hushed tones with a few other colleagues.

"What's going on?" Bella asked, her curiosity piqued.

Lisa glanced around to make sure no one was listening before leaning in closer. "Apparently, there's a big investor coming in today. Alex has been on edge all morning."

Bella nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. A major investor's visit could mean significant changes for the company, and the pressure on Alex must have been immense.

As the day progressed, Bella focused on her work, trying to stay out of the way. However, just as she was making final adjustments to a design, she heard Alex voice calling her name.

"Miss Hart, I need you in my office," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Bella hurried to his office, her heart racing. When she's already at the hallway and almost enter the office door, Bella hesitated but before that happen, Alex then said, "Just don't come over Miss Hart I need to take this phone call!"

The door was slightly ajar, and she could hear Alex's voice raised in anger. She peered through the gap and saw him on the phone, his expression livid.

"I don't care about the excuses!" Alex shouted, slamming his fist on the desk. "This is unacceptable, and I won't tolerate failure. Do you understand me?"

Bella's heart raced as she watched, her breath catching in her throat. She had always known he was demanding, but this was a side of him she hadn't expected.

As Alex hung up the phone, he took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. Bella quickly stepped back, hoping he hadn't seen her. She returned to her desk, her mind reeling from what she had witnessed. The image of Alex's anger was seared into her memory, and she couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

The next morning, Bella arrived at the office early, determined to avoid any confrontation with Alex. She was working diligently when Alex approached her desk, his expression unreadable.

"Miss Hart," he said, his tone icy. "I need you to accompany me to a meeting with one of our clients. Be in the conference room in ten minutes."

Bella nodded, her heart pounding with apprehension. She quickly gathered her things and made her way to the conference room, wondering what the meeting would entail.

When she arrived, shw found Alex already there, along with Mr. Donovan, a high-profile client known for his demanding nature. The atmosphere was tense, and Bella could sense that the meeting was not going to be easy.

"Mr. Blackwood, Miss Hart," Mr. Donovan greeted them curtly, his eyes narrowing. "I've reviewed the latest designs, and I must say, I'm not impressed. This in not the level of quality I expect from Blackwood Enterprises."

Alex's depression hardened, his gaze cold and unyielding. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Donovan. We'll make the necessary adjustments to meet your standards."

Mr. Donovan's eyes flicked to Bella, his expression skeptical. "And who is this? An intern?"

Bella delt a pang of humiliation but managed to keep her composure. "Im Isabella Hart, one of the designers."

Mr. Donovan raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "We'll Miss Hart, I hope you're up to the task. I don't have time for mediocrity."

Alex's gaze shifted to Bella, and she could feel the weight of his expectations pressing down on her. "Miss Hart will ensure that the designs are flawless," he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Bella nodded, determined not to let Alex down. "I will, Mr. Donovan. You have my word."

The meeting continued, with Mr. Donovan outlining his expectations in excruciating detail. Bella took meticulous notes, her mind racing with ideas on how to improve the designs. She knew that this was a make-or-break moment, and failure was not an option.

As the meeting concluded, Alex and Bella walked back to the office in silence. Bella could feel the tension radiating from him, and she knew that the pressure was mounting.

"Miss Hart," Alex said finally, his voice low and intense. "I expect you to work through the weekend to complete the revisions. This client is crucial to our success, and we cannot afford to disappoint him."

Bella nodded, feeling a mix of determination and dread. I'll make sure the designs are perfect, Mr. Blackwood."

Alex's gaze softened ever so lightly, and he placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know you will. Don't let me down."

With those words, he walked away, leaving Bella to ponder their interaction. Despite his harshness, there was a part of Alex that seemed to believe in her, and that belief fueled her determination.

The next few days were a blur of activity as Bella herself into her work. She barely slept, consumed by the need to perfect the designs and meet Mr. Donovan's expectations. The office was quite over the weekend, with most of her colleagues enjoying their time off.

On Sunday evening, as Bella was putting the finishing touches on the designs, she heard a knock on her office door. She looked up to see Alex standing there, his expression softer than she had ever seen it.

"Miss Hart," he said quietly. "You've been working tirelessly. I brought you something to eat."

Bella was taken aback by his gesture. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood. I appreciate it."

Alex placed the food on her desk and sat down across from her. "You've done well, Bella. I know I can be demanding, but it's because I see potential in you."

Bella a surge of emotion at his words. "Thank you, Mr Blackwood. I'll keep working hard to meet your expectations."

Alex nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. "I have no doubt you will."

As he stood to leave, Bella couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to him. Despite the challenges and the glimpses of his darker side, there was a part of Alex that was deeply human, and she was determined to understand him better.