After a brief introduction, Liam asked Isabella to outline her strengths. She was prepared and handed over her portfolio.
“You studied abroad at Bosmith University,” he commented as he skimmed through her
résumé.
Bosmith University’s fine arts program was renowned, especially since one of the famous directors of a well–known animated film graduated from there and later became a professor. Coincidentally, both Theodore and Isabella studied under that professor.
They had stayed abroad for two years after graduation, working on a project under that professor–an animated film adaptation of a popular competitive video game. The movie was released earlier this year and was a box–office hit.
All of this was clearly stated in her résumé. This was their advantage: cutting–edge design techniques from abroad, with the ability to render even the finest details like individual strands of animated hair and innovate unique animation scenes.
Isabella came fully prepared. Normally, a newly established studio like theirs would be dismissed quickly, but they weren’t.
Liam’s expression clearly showed interest, and he told her to wait for further notice.
Back in her car, Isabella called Amelia to ask about Mason, wanting to understand the client better before collaborating.
Amelia, being a great friend, didn’t hold back.
She explained that Mason was the type who appeared cold on the outside but was warm on the inside and was a bit of a reserved type. He was incredibly serious about his work, demanding top performance from his team and paying close attention to details.
Thinking about Liam’s stern, focused demeanor Isabella nodded in agreement. It seemed she would have to win them over with skill, not personal connections. No wonder she hadn’t even seen Mason in person today.
“By the way, what’s someone like him doing running a gaming company? Does he love playing video games?” Isabella couldn’t picture such a serious person gaming.
“Honestly, I think it’s his late rebellion phase,” Amelia said, completely serious,
Are you kidding?”
“Alright, alright. I’ll be serious now.” Amelia laughed before continuing in a more sincere
tone. “I heard from Larry that he had a girl he liked since high school. She has the last name of Kennedy.
Chapter 17
“Not sure if they ever ended up together, but apparently, she was a gamer and majored in the
same field as you.
“She had an accident during her freshman year and went abroad after that. Never came back. Supposedly, Mason started his gaming company because of her.”
Isabella’s jaw slowly dropped. “That’s so romantic.”
“By the way, it seems that she’s attended Bosmith University, too.
Isabella’s eyes lit up. She did know someone with the last name Kennedy from Bosmith University, but it couldn’t be that much of a coincidence, could it?
That evening, Isabella got home late. The studio was only a few days old, so to boost morale, she had organized a team dinner. The four of them went out and indulged in a feast. She had a bit too much to drink and couldn’t drive. Since Theodore never drank, he volunteered to drive
her home.
The car pulled up to the front gate of Orchid Residence, and after getting out, she waved at him, telling him to be careful on his way back.
Theodore nodded. He was about to start the car when he was suddenly blinded by the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. He squinted against the light.
Isabella turned her head to see a flashy off–road vehicle stopping right in front of them.
Inside, in the dim lighting of the car, she could make out the strikingly handsome face of Xavier. His expression was unreadable as he stared at her through the windshield.
For some reason, she felt like she had been caught in the act, likely because Xavier often insinuated that something was going on between her and Theodore.
“Well, isn’t this a coincidence,” Theodore said with a smile.
Isabella forced a slight smile but didn’t acknowledge Xavier. She was about to tell Theodore to drive safely back.
