Chapter 211

John noticed Jasper's silence and the sour look on his face, which really ticked him off.

"Jasper, you should know your company's pretty much worthless now. Getting some cash to live the good life is your best bet," John said, glaring at Jasper.

Jasper sighed internally. He knew John was right, but now just wasn't the time.

"Give me a few days to think it over, at least until I'm out of this detention center," Jasper finally said.

John got even more irritated, but Bianca tugged at his sleeve and shook her head.

John snorted and stormed out of the detention center with Bianca.

With the detention center official respectfully seeing them off, John and Bianca hopped into the car.

"Didn't think Isabella would want the family shares too. Looks like I've got some competition," Bianca said, glancing at John with a smirk.

John sneered. "Isabella? Where's she gonna get the money to buy the shares? From her ghost of a husband? No way! She'll just have to watch as you become the new family heir."

Bianca's smile widened. "Isabella's already cut ties with her parents, so her claim's gone. I'm way luckier to have you on my side!"

Bianca's hand rested gently on John's thigh. The simple touch sparked a sudden, intense feeling within him.

"How are you feeling? Any pain left?" John leaned in closer, his hand finding its place on her thigh.

Bianca blushed and whispered, "It barely hurts anymore. I'm almost all better. We can head back to the room... or, if you can't wait, right here."

John's breathing quickened, but he managed to keep his desire in check. "Let's head back to the room. I'd rather not end up on the internet as 'that couple in the car.'"

He flashed a mischievous grin and quickly started the car, driving towards the nearest hotel.

Meanwhile, Isabella had already lined up Kevin and Gabrielle for the portrait painting the next day. She texted Dwayne after she'd made all the arrangements.

Dwayne quickly replied to Isabella.

The next day, as soon as Odette and Madeline arrived at the company, Dwayne called them over.

"Isabella is on leave today, so I have an important task for you," Dwayne said, placing a file in front of Madeline.

"That woman takes leave all the time and still gets to be a director?" Odette muttered under her breath.

"What did you say?" Dwayne frowned at Odette. Her voice had been too low for him to hear clearly.

"I said we will definitely complete this task diligently," Odette replied with a polite, fake smile.

She hadn't forgotten that Madeline's previous assistant had been sent to Evernia for gossiping in the office.

Madeline frowned as she read the task details. "That's a long way to go, and I have other tasks to complete."

Dwayne leaned back in his chair and said calmly, "If you're feeling swamped, you can pass this task to one of your team members. It's important, but not particularly tough. The main hassle is all the running around. But the reward for finishing it is pretty sweet."

Odette's eyes lit up. She had just lost 10% of her bonus thanks to Isabella yesterday and was stressing about money. A good reward now meant she could finally splurge on those fancy designer accessories and handbags she'd been eyeing.

"Okay, I get it," Madeline nodded. Since she could delegate the task, it wouldn't be too hard for her.

Madeline had just stepped out of Dwayne's office with the file when Odette immediately grabbed her hand.

"Ms. Eve, please, let me handle this task," Odette said eagerly.

Madeline handed the file to Odette without a second thought. "Alright, if you want to do it, go ahead. Just be careful and don't give Isabella any reason to catch you out."

Odette nodded and quickly started flipping through the file.

After Madeline and Odette left, Dwayne picked up his phone and typed a message to Isabella.

Isabella replied quickly.

'Madeline, we've given you so many chances. Why don't you appreciate them?' Dwayne thought, shaking his head in resignation, though his eyes were cold.

Meanwhile, Odette, having received the task details, immediately drove to the assigned locations. The task was to poach talent from other design companies!

Odette had jumped at this mission-not just for the payday, but to help Madeline build a stronger team. If she could bring in top talent under Madeline's leadership, they could take control from Isabella, even if Isabella used her connections to stay.

Odette enthusiastically engaged with each designer. After contracting the third designer, she arrived at a nearby hotel where they were supposed to meet.

"Damn it, where is he? This guy is so unreliable," Odette muttered, glancing at her watch. The designer was already five minutes late.

Just as she was about to make another call to check on his whereabouts, her eyes caught sight of a man and a woman walking into the hotel.

Odette quickly hid behind a nearby potted plant, watching the familiar faces cautiously.

It was Isabella and Kevin, walking and laughing together, looking very close.

Odette's hands trembled with excitement. She'd told Madeline about this before, hoping to use it against Isabella, but Madeline had dismissed it for lack of evidence. Now, with the evidence right in front of her, she wouldn't let this opportunity slip.

Odette immediately took out her phone, silenced it, and began frantically taking photos of Isabella and Kevin.