From Rags to God of War

Slander

"What's wrong, Bella?" Nicholas asked, offering her a slice of pepperoni pizza. "You've been quiet all this time. Aren't we supposed to be celebrating the new car?"

Isabella shook her head slowly, taking a slice of pizza without much appetite. "Nothing, Nick. I'm just thinking about work." She didn't want to spoil Nicholas's mood with her office problems. Today, Nicholas had already made her happy.

Nicholas looked at her intently. "You can't lie to me, Bella. Something's up. What is it?"

Isabella sighed. "Later, Nick. Today, we're celebrating the new car. Let me not think about anything else for now." She tried to smile.

Nicholas didn't press. He knew Isabella would tell him in due time. "Alright. Now, focus on your pizza. I told you, all my money went into your car. So this is the first expensive pizza I've eaten since becoming 'poor'." Nicholas laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

Isabella finally let out a small laugh. "You brute! Fine, just finish it. My treat."

...

The next morning, Isabella prepared to leave for Weber Group. This time, she was driving her red Ferrari 488 Pista. Nicholas walked her to the car, giving her a farewell kiss.

"Remember my advice, Bella," Nicholas reminded her. "Don't let them demean you."

Isabella nodded, her eyes full of determination. She drove the Ferrari to the office. Her arrival naturally drew attention in the Weber Group parking area. Employees whispered, disbelieving that Isabella, who had just been fired, was returning with such a luxurious car.

When Isabella entered the lobby, she saw Gilbert standing near the elevator, as if intentionally waiting. Gilbert's face looked cold, and a thin sneer played on his lips.

"Well, well, well," Gilbert began, his voice filled with sarcasm. "Look who's back. And with a new toy." He glanced at Isabella's Ferrari, still visible through the lobby glass. "That was quick, wasn't it? Not even a week after being fired, and you can already afford such a luxurious car."

Isabella looked at Gilbert calmly. "That's none of your business, Gilbert."

"Oh, it certainly is my business!" Gilbert chuckled cynically. "Where did an item worth that much come from? Is this the result of your 'friendship' efforts with Victor Meyers? You think we don't know you went out alone with that sexy woman yesterday, who happens to be close to Victor?"

Isabella was shocked. "What do you mean?"

"Don't pretend!" Gilbert stepped closer. "You think I'm stupid? This new car, I'm sure it's a gift from Victor. Or from that seductive woman you're using? A reward for your efforts to 'serve' her, isn't it? So she agrees to continue the project and reinstate you?"

Isabella glared at him. "This is a gift from Nicholas. My husband."

"Nicholas? That hobo Nicholas Krause you married?" Gilbert burst into scornful laughter. "Come on, Bella. Don't joke around. He doesn't even have a job. Where would he get the money for a car this expensive? He's just freeloading in your mansion!"

"Watch your mouth, Gilbert!" Isabella retorted, her emotions starting to flare.

"Why? Offended? That's the truth, isn't it?" Gilbert leaned closer. "Now go upstairs, Bella. Your father and my father are waiting for you. And I think you'll see some evidence of your 'cheating' up there."

Isabella ignored Gilbert, anger burning in her chest. She strode towards the elevator, heading to the floor where Elsa was. This wasn't right. She hadn't done anything wrong.

...

Isabella entered Elsa's office without knocking. Elsa sat at her desk, her face rigid.

"Elsa," Isabella began. "I need the old proposal report for the Diamond Group project. I want to revise it."

Elsa stared at Isabella with an expression of disgust. She then grabbed several photos from her desk and tossed them in front of Isabella. The pictures scattered across the table.

Isabella looked at the photos. They were of her with Jessica Vincent in the Diamond Group lobby yesterday. Some showed Jessica with her arm around Isabella, or them laughing together. In one photo, Jessica was seen giving her a quick kiss on the cheek as they parted ways in front of a car.

"What is this?" Isabella looked at Elsa, not understanding.

"Still playing dumb?!" Elsa shrieked, her anger erupting. "This is your proof, Isabella! This is the dirty tactic you're using to get back into the company! You used this woman to seduce Victor! Is she your payoff?"

Isabella's eyes widened. "Elsa! What are you saying?! Jessica is my friend!"

Suddenly, Elsa's office door burst open, and Gilbert entered with Simon Thompson, his father. Gilbert's face wore a satisfied smirk.

"Look, Father," Gilbert said to Simon. "This is the evidence. Isabella has no shame! Using such underhanded methods for a position!" He pointed at the photos. "And that red Ferrari she drove this morning? That must be Victor's payment, Father!"

Simon examined the photos, then looked at Isabella with disappointment. "Isabella, is this true?"

"No, Uncle!!" Isabella vehemently denied. "That car was a gift from Nicholas! And Jessica, she's just my friend! She's a doctor!"

Gilbert snorted. "Nicholas? Who do you think will believe that? Nicholas Krause is a jobless bum! Where would he get money to buy a Ferrari this expensive? He's probably just freeloading in your mansion. Don't lie to yourself, Bella!"

"I don't know what his job is, but our marriage has no problems!" Isabella insisted. She felt shattered. Why did they have to insult Nicholas in front of her?

Elsa smirked cynically. "You don't know his job? And you're going to tell me he can afford a luxury car like that? Seriously, Bella! Are you too naive or just pretending not to know? You must know what's going on!"

Isabella felt the office walls closing in on her. All the accusations, all the insults, were painful. They weren't just belittling her, but Nicholas too. Her face flushed with anger and hurt. This wasn't just about a job title; it had become a personal humiliation.

"Enough!" Elsa finally spoke, her voice sharp. "Isabella, I know you're desperate. But using dirty tricks like this, paying a woman to seduce Victor, it's an utter disgrace to the Weber family name!" Elsa pointed her index finger at the photos on the desk. "I'm telling you right now, submit your resignation from the Diamond Group project lead position! I will not allow our family name to be further tarnished by your behavior!"

"I didn't do that, Elsa!" Isabella countered, her voice rising. "I never bribed anyone! And Jessica is my friend!"

Gilbert laughed cynically. "A friend? A friend who happens to be a conglomerate, a military doctor, and very close to Victor Diamond? Come on, Bella! Who's going to believe that nonsense? If you just want your old job back, just ask nicely! Don't resort to such cheap tactics!"

Simon Thompson interjected, his tone full of disappointment. "Isabella, you have to understand our position. The good name of Weber Group is everything. Your actions, if they get out to the public, could ruin everything."

Isabella felt helpless. All the evidence, all the assumptions, seemed to weigh against her. They wouldn't believe her. Nicholas's words from this morning echoed in her mind, *'Don't let them demean you. Fight. Stand tall.'*

"I will not resign," Isabella said firmly, her gaze sweeping from one face to another. "I was fired without a clear reason. I was asked to return also without a clear reason. And now I am accused of cheating without strong evidence. I will not back down!"

Elsa's eyes widened. "Isabella! You dare to defy Father and me?!"

"I defy injustice!" Isabella retorted.

Gilbert smiled cunningly. "Okay. If you won't resign, then we'll have to take drastic action." Gilbert pulled out his phone. "I'm calling Uncle Adam Weber. We'll have an emergency meeting this afternoon for Isabella's cheating case."

Isabella understood that Gilbert would use this to bring her down, to reclaim his position as project leader. She wouldn't let that happen. She had to prove her innocence. She had to contact Jessica.

Before going to the designated meeting room, Isabella tried to contact Jessica. She pulled out her phone and dialed Jessica's number. The first call went unanswered. The second call was the same. The third call went straight to voicemail. Isabella felt anxious. Jessica was the only one who could explain the situation.

Gilbert, who saw Isabella pacing near the elevator while on the phone, smiled mockingly. "You're just wasting your time, Bella. That hired woman surely knows her place. She won't bother helping you. Besides, who would believe a paid woman's word?"

"She's not a hired woman!" Isabella snapped, glaring at Gilbert angrily. "And you'll see who suffers the consequences!"

Gilbert just laughed. "Consequences? You think your threats scare me? I have all the evidence. Everyone already knows what you did."

Simon Thompson glanced at his watch. He'd make sure all the shareholders knew of Isabella's 'conduct'.