The man, whose cold eyes were fixed on a file awaiting his signature, didn't lift his gaze. His left elbow rested on his left hand's palm, creating an image of detached authority. His voice, hoarse and commanding, instructed, "Read it."

  Albert cleared his throat, flipping through the pages. "Her name is Isabella Grey. She turned 18 this year. She was adopted at the age of five from Peace Home Charity Trust by Mr. John Grey and Mrs. Ella Grey. There is no information about her biological family. The couple had an accident when Miss Isabella was 16. Since then, she has worked part-time jobs. One is at 'DELIGHT' hotel, owned by Mr. Jim Hanley, who is set to hand over the hotel to his daughter. The other job is as a caretaker for Mr. Ebraham Perry. She started caring for Mr. Perry because of Mr. Jim Hanley's recommendation."

  "No," Albert replied, "Miss Isabella is an innocent soul who forgives easily and avoids creating problems. She keeps a low profile."

  "Continue," the Boss commanded.

  "She visits the graveyard once a month and has been seen crying there, sharing her troubles with her deceased foster parents. On the surface, she pretends to be okay. She doesn't have many friends, just a co-worker named Emma. Her beauty makes her a target of jealousy, especially from Mr. Perry's grandchildren."

  "Photo," the Boss demanded.

  Albert handed over an envelope containing secretly taken photos of Esther. The Boss's eyes, as cold as the Arctic, softened slightly as he gazed at her blue eyes, reminiscent of the ocean. "Why didn't the Grey family support her?" he asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

  "Mrs. Ella was not from a prominent family, so the Grey family disapproved. Mr. John left his house after a fight with his sibling and father and married Mrs. Ella. They adopted Miss Isabella after discovering they couldn't have children. Since she is adopted, the Grey family showed her no affection," Albert explained.

  "Our people also reported seeing unknown individuals around her, though they haven't caused any harm," Albert added.

  "You've done a good job, Albert. You've thoroughly studied her documents," the Boss said, finally meeting Albert's gaze with his chocolate eyes, a hint of curiosity there.

 Albert smiled, "I found her intriguing, that's all."

  The Boss's lips curved slightly. "You have your wife at home to amuse you, Albert."

  Albert chuckled, "I just wanted a sister like her, President."

  The Boss's expression turned serious. "Appoint someone to keep an eye on her and report back."

  Albert nodded, "President, if you excuse me, I need to accompany my wife to the doctor. She’s three months pregnant.''

  The Boss's eyes softened slightly. "Take a month of paid leave. Arrange for a temporary assistant who meets my standards."

 Albert left with a bright smile, leaving the Boss alone. The Boss's fingers traced the edges of Isabella's photos. He whispered to himself, "I will make you unwrap your mask one day." A sinister smile crept onto his face.

 ________________________________

  "So, this is the new student. Introduce yourself," the professor said, his voice patient yet authoritative. He leaned on his desk, eyes falling back onto the open textbook before him.

  Isabella stood at the front of the classroom, the murmur of students rising like a tide around her. The boys were captivated by her doe-like blue eyes and rosy lips, her milk-white skin almost ethereal. Her hair, tied in a simple ponytail, framed her face with delicate strands.

  Taking a deep breath, Isabella spoke, her voice melodious, "Hello everyone, my name is Isabella Grey. I hope we can be friends, and please take care of me in the future." 

  Her voice was so pleasing that the boys seemed entranced, while the girls whispered among themselves, curiosity and envy mingling in their expressions.

  The professor pointed to an empty seat at the corner of the classroom. "You can take the seat over there."

  Isabella bowed slightly and began walking toward her seat. As she passed, an outstretched leg attempted to trip her. She paused, smiling charmingly at the owner of the leg. "Friend, could you please move your leg? Someone might step on you, and you’ll be in great pain. Take care."

  She smiled again and continued to her seat. The classroom buzzed with murmurs.

  "Is she from the Grey family?" one girl whispered. "I've never seen her before, but she’s so beautiful and cute."

  Another girl scoffed, "If she's from the Grey family, why is she wearing such cheap clothes? The real Miss Grey always wore the latest fashion."

  Meanwhile, the boys were still absorbed in her appearance, discussing her sweetness. Isabella, however, was already engrossed in the professor's lecture, diligently taking notes.

  At lunch, Isabella carried her small tiffin box, filled with homemade food. Unable to afford the school cafeteria’s offerings, she searched for a quiet place to eat. Her blue eyes scanned the room, and she smiled when she found an empty seat. But as she approached, two girls claimed it, their challenging glares daring her to protest.

  The cafeteria fell silent, all eyes on Isabella.Boys leered, making crude comments, while girls shot daggers with their eyes. Others looked on curiously, noticing her small tiffin box.

  Embarrassed, Isabella bowed and fled the cafeteria, hearing laughter in her wake. She found herself in a secluded area, where an old bench, covered in dust, sat abandoned. "Why does no one sit here? It looks perfect," she thought.

  She dusted off the bench with her handkerchief and sat down, finally able to eat her lunch in peace. As she ate, she spoke softly to the wind, trees, and grass around her, finding solace in their quiet company.

  •••

  In the Benjamin's office, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. He sat at his desk, the photos of Isabella spread before him. His mind churned with thoughts of the girl who had unexpectedly captivated his interest. His fingers traced her image once more, and he made a silent vow. This was more than a passing curiosity; it was a challenge, and he was determined to uncover every layer of her life.

  •••

  Meanwhile, in the classroom and the cafeteria, Isabella continued her day, unaware of the intricate web of intrigue and protection being woven around her. Her innocence and resilience shone like a beacon, drawing both admiration and envy. In her quiet moments, she found strength in the memories of her foster parents, and in the simple joys of nature.

  As she sat on the dusty bench, a soft breeze rustled the leaves around her, and for a moment, she felt a strange sense of calm. Little did she know, her life was about to change in ways she could never have imagined. Forces beyond her understanding were at play, and her path would soon intersect with that of the enigmatic Boss who now held her fate in his hands.

  Isabella Grey finished her lunch quickly, whispering to herself, "Then I will come here for lunch every day." After rinsing her mouth and cleaning her tiffin box, she headed back to her class to put it away in her bag.

  Now free to explore, she stepped into the hallway, her eyes wide with curiosity. "This college is huge!" she murmured, marveling at the grand architecture and sprawling campus. Her awe was short-lived, however, as she collided with someone. The impact caused her to lose her balance, but a strong hand swiftly caught her by the waist, pulling her towards a solid chest. Her forehead lightly bumped into it, and she felt the warmth and firmness of his body.

  Dazed, Isabella opened her eyes to find herself staring into a pair of dark chocolate eyes that were intently studying her face. Flustered, she quickly stepped back and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Sir. May God bless you," with a shy smile.