Chapter 59

The air in the executive office of The Regal Palace was thick with tension.

Isabella Sinclair stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, her hands clasped behind her back. Her poised silhouette exuded an unshakable authority, one that demanded respect without question.

"Who authorized the release of that video?"

"You said you needed something to spark public discourse," Nathan Prescott replied, his expression darkening.

"Nathan, as my secretary—and someone who has known me since childhood—you should understand what I despise most."

Isabella turned her head slowly, her piercing gaze locking onto him. "You thought you were helping, but you acted without my consent. I see right through you. You wanted to use this to elevate my public image while tearing down Victoria Sterling."

With every word, Nathan’s shoulders slumped further. Each syllable struck like a blade.

"But let me make one thing clear—I don’t need it."

Her voice turned glacial. "I do what I do because it’s right. Even if I detest Victoria, I won’t resort to cheap theatrics to humiliate her. The moment a good deed becomes a spectacle for public judgment, it loses its meaning entirely."

"I was wrong. I only wanted—"

"Your intentions don’t matter."

Isabella reached for her phone, her expression unreadable. "I’m calling Alexander Kingsley. You’re being reassigned. Your methods don’t align with mine."

"No!"

Nathan paled, his hand shooting out to grasp her wrist. "Miss Sinclair, punish me however you see fit—make me scrub toilets, wash dishes, dock my pay! But don’t send me away. Please."

A flicker of surprise crossed Isabella’s face at the desperation in his eyes.

Nathan came from a distinguished legal family—his father a senior judge, his mother a renowned attorney, his brothers pillars of the judicial system. Though not as wealthy as the elite, his upbringing had been privileged.

Yet for the Sinclair Group—for her—he had willingly stepped down to serve as her secretary.

Her resolve softened slightly. "This is your last warning. Don’t overstep again."

"Thank you! I swear I won’t act without your approval!" Relief flooded his features, his eyes shimmering.

"Release my hand. Remember your place." Her lips curved faintly.

Nathan jolted, realizing he still held her wrist. Heat rushed to his face as he withdrew, his palm tingling with the lingering warmth of her skin.

"About the trending video—"

"I’ll have Daniel Carter handle it. You’re coming with me."

She selected a tailored blazer, and Nathan immediately moved to assist her, draping it over her shoulders with practiced ease.

"We’re paying Victoria a visit."

Victoria Sterling was fuming.

"Mother, what am I supposed to do now?" she snapped into her phone. "I just got out of the last scandal, and that country bumpkin is dragging me back in! She’s doing this on purpose!"

"Have you lost your mind? Do you even realize how you escaped the last scandal? And now you’re gloating?" Elspeth’s voice was sharp.

Victoria massaged her temples. Of course she wasn’t as foolish as her mother implied—but Isabella’s sudden resurgence had rattled her.

"So what’s the plan? This negative press is ruining me! Her heroic act makes me look like a villain. Am I just supposed to let her overshadow me?"

"Your father has already spoken. No public statements, no apologies. Stay silent." Elspeth’s tone lowered. "And don’t worry—Sebastian will handle it. He won’t let the company’s reputation suffer. Just keep your head down."

Somewhat reassured, Victoria hung up and returned to browsing Moonlit Treasures with her friends.

Then the Rolls-Royce pulled up outside.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored sapphire suit, Isabella strode in with Nathan at her side. Her presence commanded immediate attention—every head turned.

"Miss, how may I assist you?" A sales associate approached, momentarily forgetting Nathan in Isabella’s radiant aura.

"Fetch your boss, Victoria. I require her personal service." Isabella’s tone left no room for negotiation.

The associate hesitated.

"I know she’s upstairs. If she keeps me waiting, she’ll regret it."

"May I ask your name?"

A faint smile. "Tell her Ms. Sinclair is here."

Victoria’s face twisted in fury when she heard.

"Isabella Sinclair! How dare she show her face here?"

Her friends egged her on. "She’s the one who released that video! This is your chance to put her in her place!"

"Yeah, teach her a lesson! We’ve got your back!"

Fueled by their encouragement, Victoria stormed downstairs, her entourage in tow.

"Isabella! You shameless gold-digger! How dare you come here?"

Isabella sat composedly, her legs crossed elegantly beneath her trousers. She sipped English tea with the ease of someone in her own parlor.

"Is this how you treat customers, Miss Sterling? No wonder your reputation is in shambles."

"Customer? You’re nothing but a social climber trying to leech off Sebastian and steal the Kingsley fortune!" Victoria jabbed a manicured finger toward Isabella’s face.

The few remaining staff exchanged uneasy glances.

Isabella Sinclair? A gold-digger? The woman radiated wealth—from her designer suit to the rare Twilight pendant glinting at her throat.

"Let’s cut to the chase. I didn’t come to shop. Your merchandise is… underwhelming." Isabella set her cup down with deliberate calm.

Victoria’s retort died in her throat as her eyes caught on the pendant.

"My demand is simple." Isabella didn’t even look at her. "You will hold a press conference and publicly apologize to the hotel employee you assaulted—the one currently hospitalized because of you."