Chapter 216

The team's morale had been restored after their last meeting. Where there was once despair, now burned a renewed fire of determination.

Isabella Sinclair wasn't just a leader—she was a force of nature. Her presence alone could turn skeptics into devoted followers, her brilliance impossible to ignore.

Today, she stood at the head of the conference table, radiating confidence as always.

"I've secured a meeting with Ms. Ada tonight," she announced. "No matter the outcome, this is already a victory."

The room erupted in cheers.

Only Nathan Prescott, seated at the far end, wore a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Even though we breached contract first, I know Ms. Ada values flexibility. My new proposal surpasses the Abernathy Group's. Once she sees it, she'll forget their offer ever existed."

"President Sinclair! Let us see it too!"

"I'd love to share it now," Isabella said, her tone measured, "but after last time, I can't take risks. It's not about trust—we're being watched. As manager of The Regal Palace, I won't make the same mistake twice."

The team nodded in understanding, their faith in her unshaken. They were ready to fight alongside her.

As dusk fell, Isabella dined in the hotel restaurant while Daniel Carter organized her documents in the office.

Once finished, Daniel made a call and left.

The moment the door closed, Nathan burst in like a storm.

Security was lax that evening, and he slipped into Isabella's private area unnoticed.

He knew the cameras were everywhere, but time was running out.

If he didn't steal the proposal tonight—if Isabella succeeded in winning Ada back—his revenge for Victoria Sterling would be lost.

Blinded by what he believed was love, Nathan was willing to risk everything.

Even breaking the law.

Using his phone's flashlight, he rifled through drawers and cabinets, sweat beading on his forehead.

It had to be here.

Isabella hadn't left the hotel yet. Daniel hadn't taken anything when he exited.

Then—there. Buried beneath stacks of files, he found it.

"Finally!"

Nathan clutched the document, hands trembling. "Victoria," he whispered, voice thick with emotion. "This is for you."

Click.

The lights blazed on.

Security swarmed in, led by Daniel, surrounding Nathan before he could react.

Caught red-handed, he stood frozen, the papers still in his grip.

He'd known this was a possibility—but not so soon.

Then the guards parted.

Isabella strode in, clad in a sleek black suit, her red-soled heels clicking against the floor. She moved like a detective in a noir film, all sharp edges and calculated grace.

"Nathan," she said coolly, "commercial theft is still theft. With what you're holding, I could send you to prison and ruin your life."

Daniel's voice cut through the tension. "Whoever causes substantial losses to trade secret holders faces up to three years imprisonment. Severe cases? Ten years."

Nathan staggered back, face draining of color.

"With all this evidence," Isabella tilted her head, "what do you have to say for yourself?"

Daniel's jaw clenched, fury simmering beneath his calm.

"Nothing." Nathan lifted his chin, defiance burning in his eyes. "I stole it. I leaked it to the press. I'll take whatever comes."

Isabella dismissed the guards, leaving only Daniel with them.

"Since we're here," she said, plucking a chocolate from a tray, "I might as well tell you the truth." She took a deliberate bite. "There was never a new proposal. No meeting with Ada."

Nathan's breath hitched. "What?"

"See for yourself."

He frantically flipped through the document—only to find blank pages after the first sheet.

A trap.

Isabella had played him perfectly.

"How did you know it was me?"

"The Regal Palace is impenetrable to outsiders," she mused. "Only an insider could betray us."

She studied him over another chocolate. "After the leak, I suspected a mole. I watched everyone—but you were careful. No contact with Victoria. If I hadn't set this up, you'd still be hiding."

"You knew about Victoria?" Panic flashed across his face.

Daniel scoffed. "Did you forget who President Sinclair is?"

Nathan's shoulders slumped.

Isabella Sinclair, heir to the Sinclair fortune. Of course Victoria couldn't hide from her.

The realization was crushing.

"Nathan," Isabella sighed, "you've worked here ten years. Diligent. Talented. I was going to promote you to Director of Planning."

His eyes widened.

"And for what? Love?" She shook her head. "Was it worth throwing away your future?"

"Absolutely!" Nathan's voice cracked with desperation. "I'd do anything for her!"

Suddenly, he lunged forward, face twisted in rage.

Isabella didn't flinch.

Daniel moved instantly, shielding her.

"Stop pretending to care!" Nathan spat. "This is revenge for Victoria! Her father's in jail because of you! You ruined her life! People like you—you deserve worse than losing a deal. You deserve to die!"