The Contract Bride of Mr. Reid-Chapter 189: An offer

"What? Resignation?" Zack exclaimed, disbelief evident in his voice. He had imagined a future with her, a chance to start over, but now she was talking about leaving. Panic set in. Was she going to leave him?

"Why do you want to resign?" he asked hurriedly, confused and anxious. "Did anyone wrong you? Tell me, I’ll teach them a lesson."

Bella’s response was immediate. "No, no one wronged me." She hesitated for a moment, then continued with determination. "I want to pursue my dream and work with Willow. She is my inspiration, my mentor—I want to become a designer like her."

Zack stared at her, processing her words. He understood Bella’s desire to pursue her dream and admired her ambition. However, the thought of letting her resign filled him with an overwhelming sense of reluctance. He couldn’t bear the idea of her leaving the company, and he was willing to do whatever it took to keep her there.

"I respect your ambition to follow your dream," he began, regaining his composure. "But there is no need for you to resign. You’re still involved in the project, and I have plans to offer Willow the position of head of the design department. You could continue working under her as her assistant."

Bella was momentarily taken aback, surprised by his unexpected proposal. She hadn’t anticipated such an offer.

Noticing her hesitation, Zack pressed on, "After Ivy, the position is vacant, and Willow is perfect to lead the department."

"But she already has her own fashion house," Bella pointed out. "She is only here temporarily, just for this project. I don’t think she’d agree to stay."

"I’ll talk to her," he assured her. "And I’m not accepting your resignation. Focus on your work instead of worrying about leaving."

Bella hesitated. She knew Theodore would be upset if she didn’t go through with her resignation, but what if Willow did accept Zack’s offer? The possibility made her reconsider.

She thought she would wait for Willow’s decision. After a moment, she finally relented. "Alright, I won’t resign just yet. But if Willow refuses your offer, I will leave."

With that, she turned and walked out of the office, leaving Zack staring after her, his grip tightening around the pen in his hand. His determination hardened his resolve. He couldn’t let her go.

’Willow has to agree,’ he thought, his mind already racing with plans to persuade Willow.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Willow arrived at Zack’s office promptly after being summoned, curiosity piqued. "Hello, Mr. Hudson," she greeted with her usual cordiality, wondering what had prompted this unexpected meeting.

"Miss Taylor, please have a seat," Zack invited, gesturing to the chair across from him.

As Willow settled into the chair, she asked, "Is there something you need to discuss regarding the project?"

Zack shook his head, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "Not about the project... I have an offer for you."

Willow blinked in surprise, her mind racing to guess what he might propose.

"After Ivy’s unfortunate death, her position as head of the design department has remained vacant," Zack explained. "I need someone reliable to take on that role, and I believe you’re the perfect fit."

Willow gasped, pleasantly surprised. She chuckled, momentarily at a loss for words. "Are you serious? Mr. Hudson, I think you have overestimated me. I am a designer. I know fashion designing, but I’m not sure I’m cut out for that level of responsibility."

"I have full faith in you." Zack leaned forward slightly, his expression earnest as he sought to reassure her. "You’re not just a talented designer—you know how to manage a team and bring out their best. That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need. You can lead the entire department."

"I’m flattered, truly," she replied with a smile, placing her hand on her chest. "But I have to decline. I’ve got my own fashion house, and I cherish my independence. I’m not the type who can handle someone bossing me around."

Zack chuckled softly at her candor. "If you’re concerned about your fashion house, don’t be. I have a solution. Merge your fashion house with Brico. And as for your independence, let me assure you—I won’t be looking over your shoulder. You’ll have full autonomy to make your own decisions and lead as you see fit."

Willow listened attentively to Zack’s proposal, her mind spinning with possibilities. The idea of merging with Brico was tempting, especially given the company’s recent rise in the market after Zack’s acquisition of the Hill Group. It was no longer just a small venture but a growing powerhouse.

Still, the thought of merging made her hesitate. She had spent years trying to build her own brand, dreaming to establish its unique identity in the global market. A merger could dilute that individuality, and she wasn’t willing to risk it.

"Your offer is indeed tempting," Willow finally responded, her voice measured. "But I’m not comfortable with merging. My fashion house is doing well on its own. However, I’m open to the idea of us being partners."

Zack’s eyes lit up at her counteroffer, and he paused, considering the implications. Partnership was a brilliant compromise. It would keep Bella tied to Brico even if she decided to leave.

"Of course, we can be partners," Zack agreed readily. "I’ll have the documents drawn up, and we’ll sign the deal soon."

"Great," Willow said, extending her hand. "Happy partnership."

"Happy partnership," Zack echoed, shaking her hand firmly.

~~~~~~~~~

Word of Willow’s collaboration with Zack quickly reached Theodore, who was anything but pleased. Concerned and with a sense of urgency, he arranged a meeting with Willow.

By the end of the day, he found himself walking into a cozy restaurant where Willow was already waiting. She greeted him with a wide, enthusiastic grin, waving him over as he approached.

But Theodore’s mood was far from warm. He sank into the chair across from her, his expression hard. "You seem quite happy," he remarked, his tone cold and distant.

Willow, seemingly oblivious to his displeasure, continued to smile. "I have my reasons to be happy," she replied cheerfully. "I’m going to sign a partnership deal with Zack."

Theodore narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her. His younger sister had always been fiercely independent, refusing to work with him. But now, she was willing to partner with Zack?

The thought unsettled him. Was there something more behind this decision? Had she developed feelings for that cunning man?

"Why Brico?" Theodore asked with suspicion. "Are you interested in Zack?"