Chapter 124

Dwayne had always had a bone to pick with Madeline. She was always challenging him, thinking she was all that because of her skills.

Now that Isabella had a plan to take Madeline down a notch, Dwayne was all in. Plus, Isabella's reasons made perfect sense to him.

"Thanks for backing me up, Mr. Larson. Madeline, you should thank Mr. Larson too," Isabella said, giving Madeline a look that said, "You better show some sincere gratitude."

Madeline's face contorted with rage. They weren't just insulting her; they expected gratitude for it. Was this some kind of sick joke?

Dwayne waved it off with a grin. "No need for that. Just get back to work. This is nothing. I gotta head back to my office; you all carry on."

He walked back to his office, still smiling. He knew Madeline wouldn't thank him, but he had already humiliated her enough. Pushing it further might make her snap.

Isabella watched Madeline's sour expression with a smug smile before heading back to her office, Juliet trailing behind.

Soon, news of Madeline's apology spread through the company like wildfire. Everyone knew the once-proud deputy director of the design department had bowed down to Isabella.

Back in the office, Juliet was all smiles. "Ms. Taylor, you were amazing! Did you see Madeline's face? She and her crew looked like they just swallowed a fly."

Isabella sighed, sinking into her chair. "Honestly, I don't want this drama. I'd rather work in a place where everyone gets along. It's better for the company and the employees. Sometimes I feel like I'm cursed because no matter where I go, I can't escape this kind of drama."

Isabella's voice was filled with resignation. Suddenly, she remembered something and turned to Juliet. "By the way, did you manage to sell those roses I asked you to?"

Juliet nodded. "Piece of cake. As soon as the companies heard about our low prices, they snapped them up. They sold out fast."

Isabella sighed in relief. "From now on, if John sends me anything, just send it back. If he won't take it, sell it."

Juliet nodded, making a mental note.

In the days that followed, with Juliet's help, Isabella started getting the hang of the company's operations. She needed to get up to speed quickly to avoid giving Madeline and her cronies any chance to exploit her weaknesses.

After a long day, Isabella had just about grasped the basics of the company's operations. She was about to head home, exhausted, when her phone rang. It was Amelia.

"Isabella, can you join me for a drink? I'm feeling really down right now." Amelia's voice was filled with despair, like something bad had happened.

Isabella frowned and asked, "What happened? Don't worry, I'll come to you. Send me your address."

After getting the address, Isabella rushed out of the company, where Leo was already waiting for her.

"Ms. Taylor, are we heading home now?" Leo asked with a smile.

Isabella shook her head, looking worried. "No, Leo. I'll give you an address. Take me there right away."

Leo glanced at the address Isabella handed him, started the car, and drove off.

Meanwhile, at a bar, Amelia had already downed several drinks, but the alcohol wasn't doing its job. She kept replaying what she'd seen earlier that day.

With the Brown Family temporarily backing off from their plans against Isabella, Amelia felt like the usual eyes on her had disappeared.

Feeling a bit safer, she decided it was time to move out of Benjamin's place. So, she headed to the hospital to find him.

But when she got there, she saw Benjamin holding a beautiful woman who was crying in his arms.

The scene made Amelia uneasy; a sharp, unexpected stab of jealousy. It was jarring, considering the casual nature of her relationship with Benjamin. They were friends, nothing more, yet here she was, consumed by jealousy.

"I've heard that physical intimacy can sometimes lead to deeper feelings. Is that what's happening to me? I can't believe I'm developing feelings for Benjamin." Amelia couldn't believe she had feelings for Benjamin.

Noticing Amelia, Benjamin gently pushed the woman away and walked over to her.

"Why are you here? You didn't come to see me, did you? Let me explain: that girl is a patient's family member. I saved her father's life, so she was emotional and hugged me out of gratitude. We're not in a romantic relationship. This kind of thing happens to doctors all the time," Benjamin said with a shrug and a smile.

Hearing his explanation, Amelia felt a bit relieved but didn't show it.

"Why are you telling me this? We're just friends. I came to tell you I'm planning to move back to my own place," Amelia said, getting to the point.

Benjamin frowned. "Paxton won't give up so easily."

"But I feel much safer now. I've troubled you too much these days. I feel really bad about it, so just please say yes to this," Amelia said, turning to leave, not daring to meet Benjamin's eyes.

If Amelia had turned back, she would have seen the sadness, anxiety, and reluctance in Benjamin's eyes. She might have even heard the whispers escaping his lips.

"Are we destined to stay in this kind of relationship? Damn it, I spend all day teaching Michael how to date, but when it comes to me, I can't even muster the courage to confess my feelings," Benjamin muttered to himself.

After leaving the hospital, Amelia went straight to a bar and drank until now.

During this time, many guys tried to hit on the drunken Amelia, but she shot them down with harsh words.

Amelia held it together until Isabella arrived, then, overwhelmed, she collapsed into her friend's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.