Chapter 385

The moment Evelyn heard from Edmund Windsor that Isabella Laurent had left the event prematurely, she dashed toward the underground parking garage with Theodore in tow.

Isabella sat rigidly in the luxury van, her expression stormy.

Just as the automatic door began to slide closed, a manicured hand shot out, gripping the edge with surprising strength.

"I understand your anger about the Twitter post, Isabella. I'm equally furious about the photo leak. Monarch Group had no prior knowledge of this breach."

Evelyn's chest heaved from exertion, beads of perspiration dotting her forehead.

Isabella offered a practiced smile - the kind perfected over three decades in the entertainment industry. Her face revealed nothing of the tempest beneath.

"No need for dramatics, Ms. Carter," she said coolly. "We had an agreement. I believe you're a woman of integrity - why else would Edmund speak so highly of you?"

Theodore's shoulders relaxed slightly. Perhaps there was still hope.

Their relief proved premature.

"However," Isabella continued, voice sharpening, "you can't deny Monarch Grand Hotels has serious security flaws. As general manager, that falls under your purview. Today it's wedding designs - tomorrow it could be clients' private data. Wouldn't you agree, Ms. Carter?"

Theodore's jaw clenched. He could endure personal attacks, but watching Evelyn take the blame was unbearable.

Evelyn raised a silencing hand. Drawing herself up, she met Isabella's gaze squarely. "You're absolutely right, Ms. Laurent. The photo leak was our failure. As general manager, I accept full responsibility."

"Ms. Evelyn—" Theodore's knuckles whitened.

"Credit where it's due - most executives wouldn't admit fault so readily," Isabella conceded. "But facts remain: the contract was violated. Therefore, I must terminate our collaboration per the agreement's terms. Contracts exist for a reason, don't they?"

With a meaningful glance at her assistant, Isabella signaled for the door to close.

"Wait, please!"

Evelyn retrieved an ornate box from Theodore and extended it toward Isabella with both hands. "I respect your decision to withdraw. Though we can't work together, I hope we'll remain friends. I prepared your favorite dessert - a small token of my esteem."

Isabella eyed the offering without touching it. "That's kind of you. Perhaps I'll accept it when next we collaborate."

The engine purred to life as the van pulled away.

"That was deliberate humiliation!" Theodore exploded.

Evelyn exhaled slowly. "No, she was being professional. With no deal between us, accepting gifts would be inappropriate. And given her impending wedding date, she's undoubtedly scrambling to find a new venue now."

She squared her shoulders. "This isn't over. First priority - uncover who sabotaged us. There's clearly a mole in our organization."

"A mole?" Theodore's eyebrows shot up. "You think it's an inside job? I assumed Cassandra Blackwood was behind this."

"Oh, she orchestrated it," Evelyn said darkly. "But without internal help, she couldn't have obtained those photos. We start our investigation within Monarch Group."