Chapter 39
Margaret gently pressed her palm over Victoria's trembling hand.
"Victoria, this isn't the time for stubbornness." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "The Lowells need you."
Victoria bit her lower lip until it bled.
The metallic tang spread across her tongue.
She understood her mother's unspoken meaning perfectly.
But how could she stand by while that impostor stole her rightful place?
KL Design Group.
Isabella strode into the design department in limited-edition stilettos.
Diamond bracelets glittered on her wrist under the office lights.
"Hello everyone~"
Her saccharine voice made several male colleagues look up.
From her Hermรจs bag, she produced exquisitely wrapped gift boxes.
"Handmade chocolates from Milan."
She placed them on each desk with calculated grace.
"Let's get along~"
Penelope from accounting gasped.
"Are these...Venchi's Golden Collection?"
The office erupted in murmurs.
Isabella surveyed their awed expressions with satisfaction.
She paused deliberately before Evelyn's workstation.
"Care to try one, sister?"
The box landed with a thud.
Evelyn kept typing without looking up.
"Allergic."
Jessica immediately scurried over.
"Don't mind her, Isabella. Some people have no appreciation."
She raised her voice pointedly.
"Only a true Roland heiress would give such extravagant gifts."
Isabella smiled demurely.
But something dark flickered in her eyes.
Adrienne pushed through the glass doors.
Just in time to witness the spectacle.
"Are we being paid to socialize?"
Her icy tone scattered the crowd like startled birds.
Isabella hurried after her into the manager's office.
"Ms. Kleinโ"
She extended a navy velvet box.
The Patek Philippe logo gleamed faintly.
Adrienne didn't even glance up.
"This isn't a charity."
Her pen slashed across documents with brutal precision.
"Either prove your worth."
"Orโ"
At last, she lifted her gaze.
"Take your bribes and get out."
Isabella's face drained of color.
Her manicured nails dug into her palms.
She whirled toward the elevators.
And pressed the button for the top floor.
Through frosted glass, a tall silhouette moved in the CEO's office.
Isabella's lips curved.
"Sebastian..."