From Rags to God of War

What's Their Plan?

"I don't know Victor. I've never met him. So why does he want *me* to handle his project?" Isabella demanded, her tone cold and filled with suspicion. She looked at Adam and Elsa alternately, searching for lies in their eyes.

Adam stammered. "He's... well, he's just... very selective, Isabella. He has high standards."

"High standards?" Isabella scoffed. "So high he'd cancel a huge contract with Weber Group just because I wasn't there? What kind of nonsense is that, Dad?"

Elsa interjected, her voice trying to sound convincing. "It's not like that, Bella. It was a misunderstanding yesterday. Gilbert made decisions too hastily. Victor Meyers must have seen your potential himself."

"What potential? I just got fired! And I was fired by *both* of you!" Isabella pointed at them alternately. "I was fired because of Gilbert's decision, and you, Dad, signed off on it. What happened between yesterday and today that suddenly made me so 'potential' in Victor Meyers' eyes, when I haven't even met him face-to-face?"

Adam avoided Isabella's gaze. "Victor Meyers is a unique individual, Bella. He has his own judgment. He says you're the best fit for this project."

"And Gilbert? Why wasn't Gilbert, who's already been fired and appointed CEO, chosen?" Isabella gave them no room to maneuver. "Clearly, you're hiding something. Tell me the truth, Dad. Otherwise, I will never return to that company, even if you beg at my feet."

Elsa started to get annoyed. "Bella, why do you have to be so difficult? We're asking you to come back, which means everything is fine! Dad already said Victor wants you to lead his project. Why don't you just believe it?"

Isabella shook her head. "I know how you operate. So, I won't just believe it. What happened to Gilbert? Why did Victor Meyers cancel his project, and why do I have to be the one to return?" She demanded answers, her voice leaving no room for lies.

Adam and Elsa exchanged glances, trapped. Isabella wouldn't back down. Isabella's face was demanding, as if scanning for every lie they tried to hide.

"Alright, alright," Adam finally gave in, his voice soft and heavy. He knew there was no point in continuing to lie. "Victor did... reject Gilbert. Even more than that."

Isabella waited, her eyebrows raised. "More than that? What do you mean, Dad?"

Elsa grumbled in annoyance. "Gilbert... he was utterly humiliated publicly by Victor. Victor not only rejected him, but also insulted him."

"Insulted?" Isabella was shocked. Gilbert? Her arrogant nephew? Insulted? "How could that be? And why?"

Adam sighed. "We don't know why, Isabella. What's clear is that Victor was furious with Gilbert. He said he wouldn't accept Gilbert in his company again. And he would only work with you."

"So that's why you're here? Not because you suddenly realized I have potential, but because you're desperate?" Isabella looked at her father with disappointment. "Is that it?"

Adam shook his head quickly. "It's not like that! This is for the Weber Group. You know the company's situation right now. We can't afford to lose a project of this magnitude!" He looked at Isabella pleadingly. "You have to meet Victor tomorrow, Isabella. I've already scheduled the meeting for you. You must obey! This is an order!"

Isabella remained silent, processing everything she had just heard. There was hesitation, but also a great deal of curiosity. Just as Adam was about to speak again, a deep voice interrupted.

"She doesn't need to meet Victor."

All eyes turned to the source of the voice. Nicholas stood in the doorway of the living room, his gaze sharp and cold, directly piercing Adam and Elsa. He walked calmly, stood beside Isabella, his hand touching her shoulder.

Adam flinched. "Who are you to dare dictate what my daughter should do?!"

"I'm her husband," Nicholas replied casually, his gaze unwavering. "And I won't allow my wife to be treated like a bargaining chip for your company."

Elsa jumped to her feet, her face flushed. "How dare you speak to Dad like that! Who exactly are you?!"

"Bastard!" Adam cursed, his face turning beet red. "You think you can threaten us, huh?!"

Nicholas stood there, beside Isabella, with a calm gaze that ignited Adam's fury. The disdain in Nicholas's eyes was too clear.

"Unemployed scumbags like you will never understand business!" Adam snapped, his voice rising. "What do you think? You think with your empty talk, you can control my daughter's life?!"

Nicholas offered a thin, unfazed smirk. "I understand more than you think, Mr. Weber."

Elsa chimed in, her voice shrill. "Understand what?! Understand how to just live off us here? A big house is useless, Nicholas! If Isabella doesn't work, where will the money come from? Do you think you can live just from this luxurious house?!"

Isabella stared coldly at her sister, then shifted her gaze to Adam. "Dad! Enough! You have no right to insult my husband!"

"Right?!" Adam took a step forward, pointing at Nicholas. "Of course, I have a right! I'm her father! I raised her! Do you think she'll be happy living with an unemployed man like you, Nicholas? Isabella, maybe she's forgotten who *you* are?!"

Nicholas just stared sharply at Adam, a dangerous glint visible in his eyes. "I'm warning you, Mr. Weber. As my wife, Isabella is my responsibility."

"How dare you interrupt me when I'm speaking to my own daughter! You shameless, low-life bum!" Adam's face was beet red, his hands clenched into fists. He stepped forward as if to attack.

"DAD!" Isabella screamed, holding Adam back from crossing the line further. "Stop it! This is too much!"

"Too much, what?!" Adam snapped back at Isabella. "You're my daughter! Don't get swayed by his words! Tomorrow you *will* meet Victor! This is for the survival of the Weber Group! You have to follow family rules!"

Isabella saw Nicholas's expression harden. She didn't want Nicholas to get angrier. Taking a deep breath, Isabella made a decision. "Alright. I'll meet Victor tomorrow."

Nicholas turned quickly to Isabella, his eyes showing a hint of disappointment and question. But Isabella winked, as if signaling she had a reason.

Adam and Elsa were silent for a moment, surprised by Isabella's agreement. A faint, satisfied smile appeared on Adam's face, though a remnant of anger still lingered.

"Good," Adam said, his tone softening slightly. "I'll tell my secretary to set up your schedule. First thing tomorrow morning."

Without another word, Adam and Elsa turned and walked quickly out of the mansion. The sound of a door being harshly shut echoed a few seconds later, accompanying their emotional departure.

Isabella immediately turned to Nicholas. "We need to talk, Nick. Now."