From Rags to God of War

The Next Move

Isabella pulled out a cooperation proposal and several documents from her bag, neatly arranging them on Victor's desk.

"This is the project proposal for Diamond Group with Weber Group," Isabella began. "Everything is attached, from planning, budget, to the potential profits we discussed previously." She handed him the documents. "I also brought the papers you need to sign to formalize my return to this project, as well as the final agreement."

Victor took the documents without comment, his gaze sweeping over each page with remarkable speed. Isabella could feel Victor's eyes analyzing every detail, every number. Victor's face remained flat, showing no emotion, making it difficult for Isabella to guess what he was thinking.

After a moment, Victor placed his pen on the last document. "I've read the summary and detailed the main points with my secretary. We did discuss this, Isabella."

Isabella nodded slowly. "I'm still curious. Why did you suddenly choose me? Why not Gilbert? Or someone else more senior at Weber Group?"

Isabella dared to ask further. "I'm also curious why you insisted that I lead this project, even though we had never even met before?"

Victor signed the last few documents firmly. "I'm doing this not because of my own will. But because one of the largest shareholders in Diamond Group specifically requested you. He asked for it."

Isabella was surprised. "Who? Who is that person?"

Victor looked at Isabella with an unreadable gaze. "As for that, you'd best ask Nicholas directly."

Isabella's eyes widened. "He knows my husband?"

"I suppose so."

Victor nodded, then pushed the signed documents towards Isabella. "This contract has been approved. And my secretary has detailed the specifics to you, as per our initial discussion. The project will proceed once you are ready." Victor leaned back in his chair again.

"Alright, Mr. Meyers. Thank you very much for your time." Isabella hastily gathered her documents. "I'll take my leave." She felt bad for Jessica waiting outside.

Victor just gave a small nod. Isabella rose from her seat, walking quickly towards the door. Behind the door, Jessica Vincent stood patiently waiting.

"Ugh, why did you finish so quickly?" Jessica asked.

"Victor Meyers signed it fast."

Jessica smiled sweetly. "Okay, Bela. I'm going in now." She stepped into Victor's office.

Inside the room, Jessica went straight to Victor's desk, placing a lunchbox and several bottles of vitamins. "Here's your breakfast plus lunch, and the vitamins you need to take. Don't forget your Vitamin D, you don't get enough sunlight." Jessica fussed, her tone familiar like a nagging nurse.

Victor looked at the lunchbox, then at Jessica. "Oh, why does a military doctor like you have to go through the trouble of bringing me food and vitamins? I could just order catering." Victor teased, a faint smile on his face.

Jessica scoffed. "Shut up and eat, Victor. This doctor knows what's best for you. And don't pretend you didn't hear my nagging." She rolled her eyes. "I want to see Isabella again. There's something I want to talk to her about."

Victor stopped her. "Don't you want to chat with me first? About your project in Africa?"

Jessica shook her head. "Not now. Isabella is far more interesting." She gave a mischievous smile, then turned and walked out of Victor's office.

Jessica caught Isabella in the hallway, a few steps from Victor's private elevator.

"Bella! Don't leave yet!" Jessica Vincent's clear voice rang out, chasing after her.

Isabella turned, a little surprised. "Jessica? What is it?"

Jessica grinned broadly. "Where are you off to? Such a rush. Let's grab coffee first. I know a great spot. You're not busy, are you?"

Isabella sighed. She actually wanted to go home immediately and talk to Nicholas. "Another time. I have something to take care of."

"Ugh, that's so lame," Jessica pouted, feigning a sulk. "No fun. We can also chat about Victor. You're curious about him, right?" Jessica raised an eyebrow, knowing Isabella's curiosity perfectly well.

Isabella considered it. It was true, she needed information. Jessica could be the key. "Okay," Isabella finally conceded. "But not for long."

"That's the spirit!" Jessica exclaimed happily. "Come on. My car's over there."

"Just take my car," Isabella offered. "It's faster."

Jessica glanced at Isabella, then at the sleek sports car parked in the exclusive valet area. Her smile widened. "Awesome! Let's roll!"

The two walked towards Isabella's car, unaware of a hidden pair of eyes watching from a distance. A small camera lens aimed, capturing every friendly interaction between Isabella and Jessica. Snap after snap was taken, recording their laughter and familiar gestures.

A few minutes later, in Gilbert's office.

Gilbert's phone rang. "Got some good intel, sir," said the voice on the other end.

"Good. Send it over now!" Gilbert ordered. Shortly after, an email arrived. Gilbert opened the photo file. His eyes narrowed, a sneer spreading across his lips.

He immediately stood up and rushed to his father Simon Thompson's office. He slammed several photos onto Simon's desk.

"Dad! Look at this!" Gilbert yelled, his anger boiling over. "Isabella! She's cheating! She's using a hot woman to grease the wheels for her plan to steal this project!"

Simon picked up the photos, examining them. Isabella and Jessica Vincent were seen laughing, getting into Isabella's sports car. "A very beautiful woman. Impressive that Bella managed to find her for Victor."

"See?!" Gilbert fumed, pointing at the photos. "She paid that woman to soften Victor up, Dad! That has to be it! Isabella couldn't possibly convince Victor on her own! She's not that competent! This is Isabella's crooked way of getting back into the company!"

Simon observed his son. "She's always been troubled since she was a kid. It's time we teach her a lesson!"

"I know, Dad," Gilbert smirked. A nasty idea was forming in his head. "Tomorrow at the office. I'll humiliate her with this proof. In front of everyone. I'll show them she's a nobody! She only got back in through dirty tactics!"

Simon smiled faintly. "Go right ahead. I'd prefer her out of the company."

"But, what if her husband gets mad?" Gilbert suddenly hesitated.

"You idiot!" Simon snapped. "Nicholas is a nobody. Just hire a hitman to take him out if he keeps interfering!"

"A hitman?" Gilbert trembled. "You mean, I..."

"What? Still scared?" Simon glared.

"No. But, he's Isabella's husband." How could Gilbert kill his own cousin's husband?

"If you don't do it, Nicholas will kill you someday!" Simon threatened.

"What?" Gilbert's eyes widened.

"You know, a crazy guy like Nicholas isn't afraid of anything. He's holding back now, but who knows about later. While you have the chance, just finish him!"

Gilbert swallowed hard. He understood. It seemed his father might be right after all.

"I'll find a way to get rid of Nicholas."