Chapter 143

Evelyn Roland tucked the medical records into her bag and strode out of the hospital without a backward glance. Dylan Orlando hurried after her, opening the car door for her.

"Boss, the riverside penthouse you requested is ready," Dylan said, gripping the steering wheel. "It's in the heart of the CBD with top-tier security."

"Take me to the office." Evelyn closed her eyes. "I'll stay in the lounge until the new collection launch."

The shadows of plane trees flickered past the window. Her fingers tapped lightly against the leather seat as she calculated the details of the upcoming spring collection.

"But the Roland family—"

"One more word," Evelyn opened her eyes, "and you’re running back to the office."

Dylan immediately sealed his lips with an imaginary zipper.

Three days later, the Roland estate blazed with lights.

Isabella Langley curled up on the sofa, scrolling through her phone. The termination notice from KL Design Group still lay on the coffee table. The mining disaster investigation had concluded, pinning all blame on the silenced foreman.

"The material shortage is critical," Alexander Roland loosened his tie. "We’re still forty percent short on pre-order deliveries."

Edward Roland twisted his jade ring. "Find a subcontractor."

"No domestic jewelry factory can handle such an urgent order," Alexander massaged his temples. "Unless—"

"CH." Edward narrowed his eyes. "They’ve just established headquarters here, but their overseas resources are extensive."

Isabella suddenly sat up. "Father, let me go." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "After what happened at KL, I owe it to the family."

"You were framed," Alexander patted her shoulder. "Very well. Handle the CH negotiations."

Isabella lowered her head to hide her smirk. She carefully selected a Chanel suit and spritzed on her most alluring perfume.

The CH lobby glittered under crystal chandeliers.

In the top-floor office, Evelyn finalized the last design sketches. The Valdemar Group order was nearly complete, and she couldn’t wait to sever ties.

"Boss!" Dylan waved the intercom. "A white lotus just showed up downstairs."

Evelyn didn’t look up. "You deal with it."

Dylan rubbed his hands gleefully as he answered the call.

"Hello, I’m Isabella Langley from KL," a saccharine voice cooed through the receiver. "I’d like to discuss a subcontracting partnership."

"KL?" Dylan pinched his nose. "The unethical company with that fatal accident?"

An awkward cough sounded on the other end.

"Here’s the deal," Dylan suppressed a laugh. "We have a company rule—all business negotiations require thirty laps around the lobby first."

Isabella’s knuckles whitened around the phone. But remembering her father’s expectations, she gritted her teeth and changed into spare sneakers.

In the surveillance room, Dylan slapped the desk laughing. The screens showed Isabella’s disheveled state, her carefully styled curls plastered to her sweaty face.

The elevator doors suddenly opened. Sebastian Valdemar stepped out just as Isabella collapsed like a drowned rat. Their eyes met as she frantically tried to smooth her ruined hair, only smearing her makeup further.