Chapter 78 Acquiring a Company for My Wife's Amusement

"It's this new gig called Depth Company, just set up in Riverside City. But word on the street is, their HQ is loaded," Marlowe said.

Isabella was scratching her head, trying to figure out what kind of company it was.

While she was lost in thought, a ruckus broke out in the office. She saw the boss hustling a bunch of folks towards the conference room.

Ten minutes later, the boss was hanging out at the hallway entrance with his secretary, clearly waiting for someone.

Another ten minutes went by, and the first person to walk in made Isabella's eyes pop.

'Caleb? If Caleb's here, George can't be far behind,' Isabella thought.

Sure enough, Caleb stepped aside, and in walked George.

The boss practically tripped over himself shaking George's hand before they all headed into the conference room.

Marlowe leaned in, "Isn't that your ex..."

Isabella quickly covered her mouth, "Shut up."

Marlowe peeled her hand away and whispered, "So your ex-hubby's a big shot, huh? Isabella, why'd you ditch him? Even if it was just for the cash, you should've stuck around."

"He's got money, but it ain't mine," Isabella said, her eyes glued to George as he disappeared into the conference room.

"Are you nuts? Once you're hitched, it's all shared. How's it not yours?" Marlowe shot back.

Isabella didn't buy it. In rich families, they kept things real separate. Even if they gave you something, they could snatch it back after a split.

Inside the conference room, the handover ceremony was in full swing.

The office was buzzing, everyone staring at the conference room door, nerves on edge.

They were all waiting for the "verdict."

Two hours later, the door swung open, and the boss walked out with his crew, not saying a word.

Then Caleb stepped out, all eyes on him.

"Everyone, keep grinding. No big changes in staff."

Caleb's words calmed some of the jittery employees.

Finally, Caleb's gaze landed on Isabella, "Isabella, come here for a sec."

"Me?" Isabella asked, stunned.

"Yeah, Mr. Spencer wants to see you," Caleb said.

'What does he want with me?' Isabella wondered as she slowly made her way to the conference room door.

Before she could knock, Caleb opened the door, "He's waiting."

Isabella nodded and walked in. The door clicked shut behind her.

George looked up at her, making her feel a bit uneasy. She said, "Mr. Spencer."

"Come here," George said.

Isabella put on her serious face and walked up to him, "What can I do for you?"

"It's just us here, no need to be so formal." He put down his pen and continued, "I've got a new gig for you."

"Me?" Isabella was puzzled, "What gig?"

"This company's now called Shallow Company, and you're the new general manager," he said seriously.

Isabella was speechless.

"Are you kidding me?"

"Not at all," George said firmly.

Isabella thought it was a big joke, "I'm not cut out for this."

"Whether you think you can or not, you're the new general manager. You're on the hook for profits and losses. If you can't pay the staff, that's on you to figure out."

George got up, walked over, bent down a bit, and whispered in her ear, "You got more in you than you think. Trust yourself."

Isabella thought, 'Trust in what?'

"Come on, let's go break the news," George said.

Isabella grabbed his arm, "Can't you pick someone else?"

"I believe in you."

"George, are you messing with me?" Isabella said, getting heated.

"Quit stalling."

George dragged Isabella out to face everyone.

When George appeared, the room went from shock to admiration to whispers.

"He's so hot, like, better than a movie star. Bet he's got an eight-pack and a V-line."

"Get real. A guy like that definitely has a girlfriend. Stop dreaming."

"Can't a girl dream? I didn't say anything."

George scanned the crowd, and Caleb signaled for quiet.

"The company's now Shallow Company. Most of you keep your jobs, but there'll be some changes. The boss will fill you in."

More whispers.

"Everyone, quiet down. Please welcome Mr. Spencer," Caleb said.

George stepped up, and the room went silent.

"Thanks for all your hard work. I'm announcing Isabella as the new general manager of Shallow Company. She'll be running the show. Also, Marlowe is now her special assistant."

The room erupted.

"Isabella's new here; what's her deal?"

"Even Marlowe doesn't have the pull for a gig like that."

Seeing the grumbling, George spoke up, "Isabella is my wife. Got a problem with that?"

The room went dead quiet.

'Isabella's George's wife? Is this some runaway bride story?'

'He bought a company for his wife to mess around with.'

'What kind of soap opera is this?'

Isabella stomped on George's foot and hissed, "This joke's gone too far."

"I'm just being real. I bought a company for my wife, and I won't let you get trashed by their gossip," George said.

Lenora's face went from annoyed to shocked, her expression darkening. Marlowe, on the other hand, was grinning ear to ear, even throwing a smug look at Lenora.

After the announcement, George called the finance team for a meeting.

Isabella, feeling defeated, slumped at her desk, chin in hand, grumbling, "Is he nuts? We're getting divorced, and he says I'm his wife. He's lost it."

Marlowe found it amusing, "Don't knock it. Who else buys a company for their wife to play with? Without you, how would I have landed the special assistant gig?"