Page 57 of VOGUEish

“I see.” Ms. Birdie studied her.

“Do you?”

Ms. Birdie wagged a finger. “I’m still asking the questions.”

Isabella bit her bottom lip.

“Second question, what would your intentions toward my godson have been, were it not for Naked Runway and your need to be accepted?”

It was a question Isabella had asked herself in the past twenty-four hours. Her answer to herself had been it doesn’t matter, because it is what it is.

“Speak up,” Ms. Birdie said. “We don’t have a lot of time.”

Isabella weighed her options. She bit her tongue to keep: screw him from rolling off.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Chandler tried to focus on their interviewee’s words. And failed. As much as he’d like to deny it, the knowledge Isabella had an upcoming date with Ryder bothered him. And don’t even get him started on wondering why Nonna felt the need to question Isabella about her intentions toward him. It was none of her business, and he’d told her as much right before Isabella had walked into his office.

Combine that with the feeling he had that something had happened between Isabella and Nonna while he was gone, and his mind was anywhere but on the matter at hand. The interview with India Jenkins.

“Ms. Jenkins, tell us why you wish to leave Style Road?” Nonna asked.

“Truthfully,” the brunette said, “I’m ready to spread my wings and become a part of a magazine that has a larger budget.”

Chandler reined in his thoughts. “And what could you bring to the magazine that is different from what others might bring?” He didn’t know a lot about the world of fashion, but he did know about hiring in general, and the type of question to ask to get to the real thoughts of a candidate.

India gave him a pert smile. “I’m married. Happily.” She paused. “You wouldn’t have to worry about scandal with me at the helm.”

Chandler digested her words. Bringing up the magazine’s latest scandal was either daring or heedless on her part. He just wasn’t sure—

Isabella made a noise, drawing all eyes her way. She didn’t look up.

“Isabella, dear, did you have a comment?” Nonna sounded amused.

Isabella glanced up. “Sorry. Not at all. I was clearing a frog out of my throat.”

“Then, you agree with India’s opinion about how to keep scandal away from a corporation?”

Isabella’s brows drew inward. “I didn’t say that.”

“No, you didn’t.” Nonna looked quite pleased with herself for getting Isabella to say as much. “Why don’t you share with us what you would do to keep scandal from the company?”

“I would think Isabella can share her opinion with us after the interview,” Chandler said.

What had happened between Nonna and Isabella while he’d left to collect India? Whatever it had been had manifested in the form of tension—or hell, it might be solidarity—bouncing between them like a lightning storm.

“Oh, I don’t mind. I’d love to hear Isabella’s answer. I am always open to others’ opinions,” India said. “I’m not so set in my ways that my mind can’t be changed if someone proves me wrong.”

Isabella clasped her hands in her lap. “I don’t believe being happily married is the key to keeping scandal at bay. In my opinion, married or single, the moral values your leader brings to the table are your starting point.”

Chandler startled. It was an excellent response. A leadership response.

“India, can you respond to Isabella?” Nonna asked.

India gave Isabella a serene smile. “With all due respect, all things being equal, a married boss with high moral values is better than a single boss with high moral values. The same goes with the employees you hire. When two candidates are parallel, hire the one who is married.”

“Why?” Nonna wasn’t married and neither was he. All things being equal be damned.

---