Chapter 452
Chapter 452:
Isolde’s knuckles whitened around the document, her hand trembling slightly. “Belle doesn’t have the skill for this,” she said. “She only manages crude tricks — she can’t pull off a precise chemical trap p>
“But she has the money to pay someone who does,” Arland said.
A name flashed through Isolde’s mind: Mike Ross. Former InnoTech supply chain supervisor. A chemical engineer fired by Grayson for embezzlement, then quietly hired by Belle as her enforcer.
The pieces locked into place.
“Look into Mike Ross,” Isolde ordered. “He’s Belle’s man. He has the expertise, and a grudge. He did this on her orders p>
Arland nodded, jotting the name down. “I’ll have my team track his whereabouts, finances, and contacts immediately p>
He pulled out a gold-embossed invitation. “Also — the Nexus Corp gala is tonight p>
Isolde picked up the card. “Will Grayson be there p>
“He’s a key Nexus shareholder,” Arland replied. “He’ll be there. With Belle p>
Isolde set the card down, her gaze sharpening. “This isn’t a social event — it’s the ISSDC pre-event. Nexus is the title sponsor, and tonight determines Carson Dynamics’ spot in the competition.” She rose and turned to the window, her back straight. “I need an outfit for this fight. I can’t afford to lose tonight p>
𝗔𝗱𝘥𝘪𝗰𝗍𝘪𝗏𝖾 s𝘵𝗼𝘳𝗶𝗲𝗌 𝗼𝗻.со𝘮
Harper stepped forward, fired up. “Leave it to me. They called you the black sheep? We’ll own it — sleek, glossy black couture. We’ll show everyone you won’t be pushed around p>
InnoTech Group Lounge.
The air in InnoTech’s private lounge was stiff and artificial. Belle stood in a white tulle gown dotted with tiny crystals, playing the innocent, fragile victim in preparation for the gala.
Grayson sat on the sofa, scrolling his phone, irritable and uninterested in her dress fitting.
Belle twirled. “Gray, does it look good p>
Grayson nodded dismissively. “Yeah p>
Belle’s smile turned triumphant. She lowered her voice. “The Nexus CEO will announce the ISSDC preliminary list tonight. I’ve arranged for Carson Dynamics to be cut for insufficient qualifications and commercial disputes p>
Grayson set his phone down, a frown creasing his brow. “You interfered p>
Belle kept her composure. “I only submitted the article to the committee. It’s standard due diligence, fully compliant p>
Disgust flashed across Grayson’s face. “If you were confident in your work, you wouldn’t need cheap tricks. Winning through conspiracy means nothing p>
Belle’s expression fell, hurt bleeding into defiance. “I’m doing this so you can win p>
Grayson didn’t argue. He stood abruptly. “I’m going to change p>
He left. The moment the door closed behind him, Belle’s composure shattered. She slammed her handbag onto the sofa, eyes blazing.
She moved to the corner and dialed Mike, her voice dropping to something venomous. “Watch Isolde closely tonight. If she speaks out of turn, do what we agreed p>
A cold, flat voice answered. “Don’t worry. Her brakes are fixed, but she isn’t. I’ll keep her in line p>
In the Carson Dynamics dressing room, Isolde sat at her vanity and picked up a bold red lipstick, applying it slowly.