Chapter 425
Chapter 425:
Isolde walked in wearing a sharp, tailored black suit, with Arland Roth a half-step behind her, carrying a sleek leather briefcase. She walked the full length of the table and sat down directly opposite Belle.
The power dynamic in the room had completely, irreversibly flipped.
“Here is the deal,” Grayson announced, looking at Belle. “The Lancaster trust will cover InnoTech’s immediate financial losses and settle the lawsuits p>
Belle let out a massive, shuddering exhale of relief. “Thank you, Gray. Thank you p>
Grayson raised a single finger, stopping her.
“But,” he continued, his voice hardening, “InnoTech will no longer manage its own supply chain or production.” He looked at Isolde. “Carson Dynamics will immediately take over all procurement and manufacturing for the Phoenix-X7 project p>
Belle’s head snapped up. “What? You are siding with her p>
“I am giving her the job that you proved you couldn’t do,” Grayson stated brutally. “You keep your CEO title for the press. But she holds the actual reins p>
He folded his hands. “In exchange for saving the project, Carson Dynamics receives a fifteen percent equity stake in InnoTech p>
Isolde smiled — a small, razor-sharp expression.
T𝘩𝗈𝘶ѕаn𝖽𝘀 𝘰𝖿 𝘳e𝗮𝘥е𝘳s о𝗇
“Twenty percent,” Isolde corrected.
Grayson stared at her for a long moment. Deep in his dark eyes, an undeniable spark of admiration flared to life.
“Done,” Grayson agreed. “Twenty percent p>
Belle shot up from her chair, both hands slamming onto the table. “I will not agree to this! I will not work with her p>
Grayson didn’t even blink.
“Then you can personally write a check for fifty million dollars to the federal government,” he said. “Today p>
Belle stared at him, realizing she had absolutely no leverage left. She sank slowly back into her chair, utterly defeated.
Isolde reached into Arland’s briefcase, pulled out a thick legal contract, and pushed it across the polished wood toward Belle.
“Sign here, Belle,” Isolde said. She leaned forward. “Welcome to the team. Try your best to keep up p>
Belle picked up the heavy gold pen. Her hands were shaking so violently she could barely grip the barrel. She pressed the nib to the paper and signed her name, officially surrendering her autonomy.
Isolde stood and buttoned her suit jacket.
“Arland will send over the new production schedule this afternoon,” Isolde said, looking down at Belle. “Do not be late p>
She turned and walked out of the boardroom. As they reached the doors, Arland shot a slow, mocking wink at Daron. They stepped into the private elevator, and the doors slid shut, sealing them in silence.
Isolde leaned her head back against the cool metal wall and let out a long, shaky exhale. The adrenaline was finally leaving her system.
Arland looked at her, a massive grin on his face.
“You now own twenty percent of your worst enemy’s company,” Arland said. “How does it feel p>
Isolde opened her eyes. The exhaustion vanished, replaced by a cold, burning determination.