Free Ruthless Perfection (The Rosa Legacy #1) by Susie Warren

party.” Isabel hesitated by the doorway.
    “Yes, find your escape and stay in your clearly defined role.” His cool words were delivered as he turned back toward his sculpture.
    Isabel was infuriated. As she pushed the elevator button, she wondered why he felt the need to challenge her. It was better for both of them if they ignored the chemistry between them. He wasn’t interested in a traditional relationship and she wasn’t willing to reveal her secret. She reminded herself that it was much better that they didn’t act on their desire. But still she wanted to return to him, which didn’t make any sense. Why was she so drawn to him?
    He was a billionaire who ran an empire, why was he sculpting a blank piece of marble during a party?
     
     
     

Chapter 6
     
    Four days later, Isabel rang the doorbell to Alda Santoro’s brownstone in Beacon Hill. Even though it was the beginning of May, it was overcast and damp so she wore a black pencil skirt with a pink cashmere short-sleeved sweater.
    She knew Marc wanted her to join him for lunch with his aunt but wasn’t sure why. She thought it had to do with the travel arrangements for the upcoming trip.
    A uniformed maid answered the door and brought Isabel into a formal sitting room. Glancing around, she was impressed with the architecture and beautiful furnishings. Her eyes were drawn to a vase of white lilies set on the round table near the sofa.
    The maid said softly, “Mrs. Santoro will be with you shortly.”
    “Isabel.” Marc walked into the room and his eyes raked over her in a swift male appraisal.
    Instead of looking away, she met his gaze and for a moment became lost in the intensity of it. She was becoming more attracted to him with each passing day. It would wreak havoc with her work.
    Isabel took a step away from him. “Is there a problem?” She could sense an underlying tension about him.
    “I have some concerns about the grant you have secured for the project. Hopefully Alda will be able to shed some light on the reason you were selected.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    “Alda sits on the board of the foundation that gave you the grant for this project, even going so far as to specify Santoro Designs.”
    “I presented my grant application in both writing and in person and her name was never mentioned.”
    Marc ran a hand through his short hair. “Alda was behind the scenes the entire time clamoring for you. This has the potential of turning into a public relations nightmare for my company. It’ll look like Santoro Designs purchased your film.”
    Shock infiltrated every pore of her body. How could she have not realized that Alda Santoro was on the board?
    “Foundations have tons of people on their boards. It’s how they raise money for projects. There must be a reasonable explanation.”
    Marc went to a drinks cabinet built into the wall and poured two glasses of seltzer with lime over ice. He handed her the antique crystal glass and sat on the sofa.
    The silence unnerved her as she waited for his response. He finally said, “You’ll need to look for other funding.”
    “It can take a year or more to have a grant request approved. I’ve already been working on this grant for ten months.”
    Isabel stood completely still, clutching her glass as the uneasiness washed over her. She needed this job, and would not allow a technicality to ruin this opportunity for her. She’d had no idea Alda was on the board. There had to be a way to resolve the look of nepotism. Possibly Alda could give a statement.
    Alda swept into the room, looking chic and capable in a black wool dress with an elaborate necklace.
    “Marc, dear.” She kissed him on each check. “Isabel, thank you for coming.” Alda embraced her warmly and kissed each cheek. “I was delayed by a small staff crisis, but now we can sit down to lunch.”
    Alda led them to the dining room. Isabel noticed that the table was already elaborately set for three and wished that she could escape