Chapter 277
Chapter 277:
Even though Marie had seen it coming, hearing Dustin lay out the plan still sent a shockwave through her entire body.
“Dustin, you expect me to stage my own suicide? Come on, it won’t work. Gabriela will pierce through our deception without hesitation p>
“Then we’ll transform the suicide into reality p>
Dustin’s declaration rang out as he uncapped the poison and swallowed a draught of the dark brown liquid.
No𝘃𝗲𝗅𝘀 𝗂n 𝗍𝗿𝗲𝘯𝗱 oո
“Have you lost your mind completely?” Marie lunged forward, grasping him desperately. “That poison will destroy you p>
“Did you believe I would actually consume genuine toxins?” Dustin’s laughter filled the space around them. He extended the bottle toward Marie’s trembling hands. “I replaced the contents with cola hours ago p>
Marie accepted the bottle and inhaled deeply. The familiar sweetness of cola greeted her senses.
The revelation struck her like lightning, and Dustin’s masterful strategy crystallized in her mind. Her eyebrows arched with mounting excitement.
Dustin pressed forward with his explanation. “When our moment arrives, you’ll drain the entire bottle before everyone’s watchful eyes, wearing an expression of absolute desperation. If your tears convince them, every witness will believe you consumed actual poison. Should Gabriela dare challenge your performance, the online masses will devour her mercilessly on your behalf p>
Marie absorbed every word, her eyes blazing with newfound enthusiasm. “Dustin, your brilliance astounds me p>
This scheme would redirect all the criticism previously aimed at Marie straight toward Gabriela’s doorstep. Gabriela would become the focal point of universal public fury. The mere thought of this scenario flooded Marie with overwhelming satisfaction.
“I’m glad you approve of the plan,” Dustin said, his smile radiating fake warmth.
Marie’s eagerness bubbled over as she asked, “When does our live broadcast commence p>
Her patience had evaporated completely; she craved the moment when Gabriela would become the internet’s primary target, hoping the woman would never find the courage to appear publicly again. That outcome would ensure Gabriela could never steal the Haynes Group from her grasp.
“Within three days,” Dustin responded. “I must first establish contact with the medical team. The financial requirements will demand your assistance p>
Marie’s expression darkened with displeasure. “Fine, expedite this process immediately. Whatever sum you require, name it without hesitation.” As long as this scheme demolished Gabriela’s reputation completely, Marie would gladly spend whatever fortune necessary.
“At minimum, one million dollars,” Dustin said.
Marie recognized that such elaborate deceptions commanded steep prices. She clenched her teeth and authorized the transfer to his account. Her recent gambling victories had enriched her considerably, making one million feel insignificant.
Gabriela remained completely unaware that Marie would sacrifice a million dollars and risk her own life to orchestrate her downfall.
At that precise moment, Gabriela occupied the Vasquez Group’s reception area, awaiting their CEO, Adolf Vasquez. He had expressed considerable interest in the Alphacom Electronics project. However, Gabriela’s proposal positioned Apex Group as the primary partner, relegating the Vasquez and Williams Groups to secondary roles.
Adolf thought the whole arrangement was utterly ridiculous. Given the current marketplace dynamics, Apex Group’s commercial influence matched the Vasquez Group’s power exactly. Accepting a subordinate position would essentially allow Apex Group to surpass the Vasquez Group and claim supremacy. He would never consent to such an arrangement.
Gabriela waited for several hours with remarkable composure and tranquility. Finally, Adolf’s secretary returned bearing disappointing news. “I apologize sincerely, but Mr. Vasquez’s conference has extended beyond schedule. You should return home now, Miss Haynes p>
Gabriela had anticipated this difficulty and smiled gracefully. “That’s perfectly acceptable. I’ll continue waiting here p>
Her persistence meant darkness had already fallen by the time she was still waiting there.
Just then, Vivian arrived to meet her brother for dinner. She spotted Gabriela, asked the secretary what was going on, and quickly understood the situation. A peculiar discomfort stirred in Vivian’s chest. She and Gabriela were the same age: Gabriela had already secured a billion-dollar contract and earned recognition across their social circle, while Vivian still depended on her brother’s generosity for spending money.