Chapter 141

When Michael found out Mason still had doubts about his marriage, he got even more on edge.

'Looks like I'm running out of time. I hope Mason doesn't push me, or I'll just take Isabella and leave the country,' Michael thought, rubbing his temples and letting out a long sigh.

In the next few days, Isabella threw herself into designing sketches for Kevin. Two days later, she finished the final touches and nodded in satisfaction.

"This is the style," Isabella said, looking at the design on her computer. She quickly sent the completed sketches to Gabrielle.

Another day passed, and it was time for Kevin to announce the results.

Isabella showed up with Juliet, while Madeline had her assistant, Thea, by her side. The four of them met at the entrance of the conference room, and the tension was thick.

"Ms. Taylor, seems like you've cooked up something you're pleased with in these few days." Madeline said with a fake smile.

Isabella smiled faintly, "You're oozing confidence too, our dear deputy director."

Madeline's eyes narrowed slightly; Isabella's constant mention of her deputy director status was really getting under her skin.

Madeline didn't want to argue with Isabella, but Thea stepped up to speak for her.

"Ms. Eve put in three days and nights of sweat and tears into her design. She even got Mr. Hamilton's seal of approval. Ms. Taylor, you might as well throw in the towel now to save face. It'd be a real shame if Mr. Hamilton ends up giving you a thumbs-down later on," Thea said sarcastically.

Juliet, annoyed by Thea's mocking attitude, jumped in to defend Isabella.

"The results aren't out yet. How can you be so sure we're gonna lose? Ever watched those TV shows? The bad guys who start celebrating too soon always end up eating their words," Juliet shot back with a cold snort.

Thea wanted to say more, but Isabella shot her a glare.

"Why do you have so much to say? Haven't the demotion and pay cut taught you a lesson?" Isabella said coldly.

Thea bit her lip; the demotion and pay cut had made her the laughingstock of the company. Among all the assistants to the executives, she was the only one treated this way.

Madeline shielded Thea behind her and said in a low tone, "You have no right to tell my assistant what to do."

"Just remember, until we have the final results, I have the power to direct not only your assistant but you as well." Isabella looked at Madeline with a hint of disdain.

Madeline's fists clenched instantly. The position Isabella held should have been hers! But due to connections, someone as unqualified as Isabella had taken the seat, which infuriated her.

Dwayne arrived at the conference room entrance and, seeing the four women blocking the door, rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

"What are you all doing blocking the door? Get inside already. Do I need to invite you in personally?" Dwayne asked coldly.

He then opened the door and walked in.

Madeline smiled and gestured towards the open door. "Isabella, you're the director, and I'm the deputy director, so you should go in first. Please."

Isabella didn't hesitate, leading Juliet into the conference room and taking a seat.

"Damn it! Why is she so arrogant? Does she really think she'll win?" Thea said indignantly.

Madeline smirked, "Someone on the verge of defeat always tries to make a final stand. Isabella knows she's going to lose, so she wants to show her presence in front of me one last time. Just bear with her for a few more minutes."

"Ms. Eve, you're absolutely right! How could Isabella ever be a match for you?" Thea said with a fawning smile.

Madeline raised her chin proudly and walked into the conference room, sitting opposite Isabella.

"Mr. Hamilton will be here soon. Which one of you would like to present your design first?" Dwayne asked from the head of the table, looking at Madeline and Isabella.

Isabella, without lifting her head, pointed to Madeline, "Let her go first. I'm not in a hurry."

Dwayne was a bit surprised, thinking Isabella would present her design first to increase her chances of winning.

Madeline was even more convinced that Isabella was ready to concede.

"Given Ms. Taylor's kind offer, I won't hold back. I just hope Mr. Hamilton will still be keen on viewing your work after mine," Madeline remarked with a smile, shaking her head as she plugged her laptop into the conference room's large screen.

At that moment, Dwayne received a call. After a brief conversation, he hung up.

"Mr. Hamilton has arrived. I'll go greet him. You two should prepare your presentations," Dwayne said, heading towards the door.

Just before stepping out, he stopped and turned to the four people in the room. "There are cameras here, so don't do anything foolish. To prevent any sabotage, I didn't even provide water this time!"

His words made the corners of everyone's mouths twitch slightly.

Madeline and Isabella, in particular, rolled their eyes.

They were business elites, not stooping to such childish tactics.

After giving his warning, Dwayne left the conference room and soon returned with Kevin.

"Ms. Eve, long time no see. Ms. Taylor, good afternoon," Kevin greeted as he entered.

Madeline was taken aback, not expecting Kevin to know Isabella, which made her slightly uneasy.

'So what if you know Kevin? This old guy only cares about capability, and I've got that,' Madeline thought confidently, glancing at Isabella.

Isabella paid no attention to Madeline. After greeting Kevin, she quietly waited for the meeting to start.

Dwayne, although not providing water for the four women, served Kevin a cup of coffee.

"Since Mr. Hamilton is here, let's start the presentations. Madeline, you go first," Dwayne said, gesturing to Madeline.

Madeline stood up and began to introduce her design.