Chapter 123

Just as Isabella wrapped up her sentence, Dwayne's voice chimed in from behind her.

"Hey, I heard there was some drama, so I thought I'd check it out," Dwayne said, flashing a smile at the design team.

Dwayne knew exactly what had gone down and that Madeline was in for some trouble. He was here to back Isabella up.

"Mr. Larson, Ms. Taylor brought in some fake phones and tried to pass them off as the latest models from a big brand. We only use the real McCoy. You should set her straight," Madeline said with a smug grin.

Dwayne glanced at the phones on the table, raised an eyebrow, and pulled out an identical one from his pocket.

"Is this what you're talking about? I just checked it out. It's the real deal. You can verify the serial numbers on the official site," Dwayne said, pointing to the phone's serial number with a casual shrug.

Madeline's face fell.

Dwayne looked at her, clearly annoyed. "Ms. Eve, did you accuse Isabella without even checking the phones? Even the cops need evidence to arrest someone. Throwing around baseless accusations is called slander, and it can get you in legal trouble."

Madeline's face darkened. She never thought Isabella would hand out real phones.

These phones were crazy expensive, way out of most people's league, and Isabella's story had seemed like a joke to them.

With Dwayne's confirmation, some of the design team started giving Madeline the side-eye. They were kicking themselves for not taking the phones, especially since Isabella wasn't giving them another chance.

Madeline felt the hostile stares around her, like she was about to be roasted alive.

'Damn Isabella,' Madeline thought, feeling the pressure. 'She actually gave away that many phones? My people will turn on me if I don't fix this.'

Madeline quickly put on a remorseful look. She grabbed Isabella's hand and bowed. "I'm really sorry, Ms. Taylor. I misunderstood you. I shouldn't have doubted you! My colleagues refused the phones because of my bad judgment. It's all on me. I'm not asking for your forgiveness, but I hope you can forgive these innocent colleagues."

Isabella narrowed her eyes, seeing through Madeline's act. If she turned down Madeline now, she'd look unforgiving.

But if Isabella accepted, it would make Madeline look good in front of everyone.

Dwayne watched Isabella, curious about her next move.

Isabella grinned and called out to the design team, "Hey everyone, if you missed out on a phone earlier, come grab one now. And let's give a big thanks to Ms. Eve for her heartfelt apology. We could all learn a thing or two from her."

The design team lit up, eagerly stepping forward to reclaim the phones they had turned down before.

'Isabella's so easily manipulated,' Madeline thought. 'That apology was a small price to pay for having my colleagues firmly in my corner. I always win.'

Isabella caught Madeline's fleeting smile and sneered internally.

'You think I'm that easy to fool? You've got another thing coming,' Isabella thought, already plotting her next move.

Once everyone had their phones, Isabella spoke up again, "These phones are just a welcome gift. From now on, anyone who makes outstanding contributions and excels in their work will get even more rewards!"

Her words were met with cheers and applause from her colleagues, who now saw her in a whole new light.

Nothing gets people motivated like some good old-fashioned perks.

Just when Madeline thought it was all over, Isabella continued, "We strive for excellence, but even the best can learn from their mistakes. Ms. Eve's apology is a valuable lesson for all of us. To prevent similar situations, I suggest we share her experience-and her sincere apology-on the company intranet as a reminder of the importance of humility and staying ahead of the competition."

Dwayne's face lit up with amusement, while Madeline's turned a deep shade of red.

Isabella's smile was saccharine, belying the icy satisfaction in her eyes. 'Want to improve your reputation? I can help with that, and ensure it's not just limited to the design department.'

"Ms. Taylor, isn't this a bit much?" Madeline forced a strained smile.

But Isabella's expression was firm. "Ms. Eve, have you forgotten you're a senior leader here? The higher our position, the greater our responsibility. One mistake from us can cause huge losses for the company. I believe this incident will remind everyone that work is serious and personal feelings should never interfere with company operations!"

Isabella then turned to Dwayne. "Mr. Larson, what do you think of my idea?"

"I think you're spot on. As a company leader, I know that one careless order can mess up the whole operation. I'll get in touch with the PR department right now and have them publicize this incident. Of course, we'll highlight Ms. Eve's positive image of owning up to her mistake," Dwayne said, pulling out his phone and making the call right there in front of everyone.