&quot;You did well at the press conference today. Really, good job.&quot;

 The compliment was gritted out through clenched teeth.

 As expected, he was here to reprimand me.

 I sat up straight and looked at him, explaining sincerely, &quot;I’m sorry, but I did it for the good of the V&amp;R brand. Since we already have built-in traffic and buzz, why not use it to generate even more hype for the brand’s products?&quot;

 &quot;And?&quot; he asked.

 &quot;And... I shouldn’t have arranged those interactive games for you. You’re not like those celebrity influencers.&quot;

 &quot;Anything else?&quot;

 Anything else? What else?

 I honestly couldn’t think of anything more.

 I blinked, looked at Alexander, and stayed silent.

 Alexander, exasperated, let out a bitter laugh. &quot;Why did you set up an interactive game between me and Isabella?&quot;

 &quot;Didn’t you like it?&quot;

 His 

The company had booked a large bus to take everyone to a seaside resort, leaving the night before. With three departments combined, there were over forty people—three buses in total. The next morning, when the staff arrived for work, they all brought their clothes, toiletries, and other necessities. As soon as the workday ended, everyone eagerly headed to the buses, chatting excitedly and looking forward to the resort.

 By the time I reached the ground floor, some employees had already boarded. I grabbed my bag and walked down the aisle, looking for an empty seat. I found one in the back, in a row with two seats, and settled in. Employees continued to board one by one, and soon, the bus was nearly full.

 &quot;Director Vivienne, is it okay if I sit here?&quot; a male voice suddenly asked. I looked up, glanced at the person, then gave a small nod. &quot;Sure, go ahead.&quot;

 &quot;Tha

Could it be that Isabella’s so-called illness was actually caused by this?

 &quot;No, I can’t... I can’t.&quot;

 Isabella’s voice cracked as she sobbed, her cries heart-wrenching. &quot;Every time I close my eyes, I see that scene. I can't forget it. I kept calling your name, hoping more than anything that you’d come to save me…&quot;

 Alexander didn’t respond.

 I stood in the corner, too afraid to step forward.

 Outside, a loud “bang” echoed, followed by the sound of a car door slamming shut, cutting off her crying.

 I clasped my hands together, tightening my grip slightly, then turned to glance outside. A black Porsche was leaving the underground garage.

 I looked at my phone screen and let out a deep sigh. It felt like the dust had finally settled.

 I had expected that Alexander would give in to Isabella.

 I wasn’t disappointed—I hadn’t hoped for much—but I did feel a little 

&quot;You did well at the press conference today. Really, good job.&quot;

 The compliment was gritted out through clenched teeth.

 As expected, he was here to reprimand me.

 I sat up straight and looked at him, explaining sincerely, &quot;I’m sorry, but I did it for the good of the V&amp;R brand. Since we already have built-in traffic and buzz, why not use it to generate even more hype for the brand’s products?&quot;

 &quot;And?&quot; he asked.

 &quot;And... I shouldn’t have arranged those interactive games for you. You’re not like those celebrity influencers.&quot;

 &quot;Anything else?&quot;

 Anything else? What else?

 I honestly couldn’t think of anything more.

 I blinked, looked at Alexander, and stayed silent.

 Alexander, exasperated, let out a bitter laugh. &quot;Why did you set up an interactive game between me and Isabella?&quot;

 &quot;Didn’t you like it?&quot;

 His face darkened. Was this really about whether he liked it or not?

 I replied truthfully, &quot;You h

Chapter 66