Chapter 388
No.1
Even under immense pressure, Isabella had devised a truly ingenious strategy.
The entire plan, however, hinged on Arabella’s innocence. Beatrice lifted her eyes to meet Isabella’s. “Harrison Winslow has already given his public statement. How can you claim Arabella was deceived? Do you possess any proof?”
“The evidence will be here within the next forty-eight hours. You should review my track record, Ms. Worthington. I have never failed to deliver on my word,” Isabella stated, her confidence radiating an almost regal authority.
It was intimidating.
“Under different circumstances, I would not hesitate to take this risk,” Beatrice conceded. “But the Celestial Gala is different.”
She placed the proposal back on the table. “Every costume for that event is custom-made for each specific artist. My team would need to work non-stop for a minimum of three days to produce just one garment. This is precisely why the liquidation damages are so extraordinarily high.”
Her tone was final. “Therefore, I must terminate the contracts with your artists today. I need to immediately begin searching for suitable replacements. I apologize, but this is the only logical course of action.”
Isabella’s expression darkened. She had not anticipated such stubbornness. Beatrice doubted her capabilities and distrusted her guarantee. The apprehension was understandable; even a one percent chance of failure could catastrophically damage the Celestial Gala.
It seemed termination was the only option left. Just as Isabella was about to reluctantly agree…
No.2
“Ms. Worthington, surely there’s no need for such haste? Can we not discuss this further?” A deep, magnetic voice cut through the tense atmosphere.
All heads turned toward the door.
Alexander Whitmore walked into the room, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit.
Isabella frowned. What was Alexander doing at her company?
Beatrice, however, immediately stood up, a surprised smile gracing her features. “Alexander! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?”
“I heard you were paying a visit, Ms. Worthington. It seemed only right that I stop by to say hello. You are an exceptionally busy woman. You never seem to have time for me these days.” His tone was warm, laced with a hint of playful humor.
Beatrice chuckled softly. “Look at you, still such a charmer! I wouldn’t be where I am today without your help all those years ago. I’ve just been preoccupied with some minor issues recently.”
There was a history between them. Years ago, Beatrice had been hiking in a remote wilderness area. She had run out of oxygen near a mountain peak and was close to death. Alexander had been there. He provided her with an oxygen tank and stayed with her until she recovered.
Isabella had felt indebted to Alexander ever since the rescue incident. His tarnished reputation did nothing to diminish her respect for him.
No.3
Alexander glanced at the proposal on the table. "These are minor adjustments with minimal costs. I'm confident Isabella can handle them. If you remain unsatisfied, I'll secure top-tier artists for the show." He produced a list and handed it to Beatrice. "I've already prepared potential candidates."
Beatrice scanned the document, recognizing renowned SilverPeak artists. Their measurements aligned perfectly with Arabella's team, eliminating need for costume modifications.
Her expression softened considerably. "Excellent work! You've always been so thorough. I'll allow two more days then."
"Thank you, Ms. Worthington," Alexander responded with polished grace.
"Continue your efforts, young man. Remember—it's never too late to cherish what matters. Isabella deserves your devotion." Beatrice gave his shoulder an approving pat before exiting.
Alexander offered a polite nod before turning his attention to Isabella. He anticipated gratitude, but she rose without acknowledgment, moving toward the exit.
"Isabella." He reached for her, but Adrian intercepted with a protective stance. "Mr. Whitmore, maintain appropriate boundaries. The contract termination severs all ties. Do not touch her."
Alexander withdrew his hovering hand awkwardly. "I only wish to speak. Ms. Worthington was right—we learn through errors. Won't you grant me one opportunity?"
Errors? He reduced their history to mere mistakes?
No.4
"What purpose exists in sparing a murderer?" Isabella's scoff carried glacial sharpness. "If mistakes taught lessons, why would law enforcement exist?"
Her words landed with precise, brutal clarity.
Alexander's kick had killed her unborn child. Though not his, it remained a life extinguished. How dared he seek redemption after such brutality?
Did he truly believe she couldn't discern his motives? Marriage. Domination. Asset acquisition.
Delusional arrogance.
"Security!" Her command echoed.
Ten guards immediately flooded the room, forming a barrier around Isabella. Shielded by their presence, she exited with an icy, untamable aura.
Alexander stood cornered under the guards' vigilant stares. His gaze hardened as he watched her retreat.
The timid girl who once trailed after him had transformed into an unattainable force.
No.5
Hmph! She required a harsh lesson.
Outside, the parking lot revealed a vandalized motorcycle. Deep scratches marred its surface. Rotten eggs and fruit splattered across the seat. The handlebars bore unmistakable graffiti:
DIE, ISABELLA!
Her frown deepened. Who would do this?
The underground garage was monitored with cameras everywhere. Who would dare cause such destruction?
Isabella pulled out her phone to investigate, then noticed several other vehicles nearby were also vandalized.
Each car bore the same spray-painted message: [TRAITOR! GO BANKRUPT!]
Every tire had been slashed, rendering them undrivable. GoldenPhoenix had to call technicians for towing. Repair costs would easily reach six figures per vehicle. Was the culprit truly this reckless, targeting 'homewreckers' and the company itself?
This was clearly a premeditated attack.
No.6
Narrowing her eyes, Isabella called Adrian. "Is there another car in the company garage?"
"Huh? Why?" Adrian sounded confused.
"Bring me the keys if you have one," Isabella stated flatly. "I need it now."
Adrian arrived shortly after she hung up. His face flushed with rage at the sight of the destroyed cars, especially his beloved red Ferrari.
"Damn it! My precious Miss Red! What did they do to her?!"
Isabella watched him coldly. "Do you want payback?"
"Absolutely! I just acquired Miss Red recently! She's my baby! I'll make whoever did this pay!" he seethed.
Isabella extended her hand. "Lend me the car from the garage."
Adrian clutched the keys in his pocket protectively. "What for?"
No.7
"Didn't you just say you wanted revenge for Red? Should I walk to help you get it?" she deadpanned.
Adrian glanced at his damaged Ferrari uneasily. "But you'll be targeted again if you drive now. My Miss Red is already ruined... I don't want my Black to get hurt too..."
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing," Isabella assured confidently.
Reluctantly, Adrian handed over the keys. "Please take good care of my Black. Even if it means forgetting about revenge for Red..."
"Hah! Men are so fickle!" Isabella snatched the keys. "Now go prepare something for me. Place it on the company's second floor."
Adrian listened to her instructions, frowning in confusion. Why would she need those items?
Isabella opened the garage door and slid into the matte black supercar. She slammed the accelerator, making the car skid dramatically out of the garage. Instead of driving far, she parked at the left side of the building where no guards were stationed.
Watching from above, Adrian's heart pounded violently. "Damn it! What is she doing? She promised to protect my Black!"
Julian glanced sideways with a frown. "She's your cousin. Don't you know her by now?"