With the curt question hanging heavy in the air, all eyes were on Henry.

Though intimidated by Bella’s stern gaze, Henry pulled himself together and replied, “It’s an opensecret. Ada couldn’t decide between us and the Salvador Hotel before, but you managed to impressAda enough to host her wedding. Now that we lost the contract and Ada’s wedding is around thecorner, it makes sense that she switches service to the Salvador Hotel.”

That was an airtight response.

Sinking her back into her seat, Bella smiled and uttered, “You got a point, but you’re neglecting onething. The Salvador Hotel has yet to sign a formal agreement with Ada.”

Everybody was surprised. “What? It’s been a week. I can’t believe they have not signed a deal yet.”

Henry might look unfazed, but his expression froze.

“If they did, the Salvadors would be announcing it to the whole world. I doubt there’s any progresssince they have been quiet. I believe we still stand a chance.”

Putting her feet to the ground, Bella twirled in her leather chair. “I’m a stubborn woman. I’ll fight toothand nail until the very last second. I have come up with a new proposal, and I’ll be showing it to Adawithin the next two days. Hopefully, I can catch Salvador Corporation off guard.”

Everybody cheered. “Yay! We know we can count on you, Ms.

Henry smiled pretentiously while echoing the group’s sentiment.

“But we were the ones who violated the contract in the first place, Ms. Thompson. We are probably thelast people Ada wants to see. I don’t think she would agree to meet you.”

“Yeah. Some things can’t be forced.”

Bella smiled cockily, her eyes glistening.

“Things never really go as planned. Even if we can’t force things, I still strive to make a difference.”

The project committee left after the meeting.

Bella and Steven were the only ones in the huge conference room.

Holding the coffee from Steven, Bella stood before the floor-to-ceiling window to enjoy the bird’s-eyeview of Savrow while sipping on coffee.

“Ms. Bella, were you baiting when you mentioned the new proposal?” Steven stood next to her andasked probingly.

“That’s right, and someone took the bait.”

Steven widened his eyes excitedly. “Really? Who?”

“It’s only a suspicion of mine. I can’t be sure without evidence.”

Bella hid the emotions behind her eyes. “Steve, monitor Henry once you get off work tonight, and reportback to me right away on any meetings or suspicious activity.”

Carrie woke up the next day. Justin had dropped her off at home.

With Justin having Carrie’s back, Shannon dared not express her grievance to Gregory.

Bethany kept her thoughts to herself since she picked on Carrie to begin with. Shannon would not tellher off anyway, but Gregory would lecture her about it.

That evening, Carrie lay in bed sulkily and held her long-lost teddy. As her mind flew back to last night,her heart raced and her cheeks flushed.

In fact, she blacked out last night. She could not remember what happened after and how she gotback.

The only memory that lingered was the weight on her lips when the lights went out, not to mentionRyan’s smothering gaze that could look into her soul.

Carrie drew a deep breath and got out of bed. She went to sit down by the table.

Pulling out a sketchbook and pencil, she closed her eyes for a moment before sketching on the blanksheet.

Minutes later, the portrait of a deviously handsome face was laid out on the paper.

Carrie managed to capture the essence of his cheekiness.

She stared at her drawing, tracing his beautiful eyes with her fingers.

“Ryan is so good-looking.”

Unbeknownst to Carrie, Ryan drove his fiery red Ferrari to Tideview Manor.

“Who did you say was here?”

Shannon was enjoying the fall foliage in the backyard with Gregory when the butler came bearingunexpected news.

“Mr. Ryan Hoffman has arrived.”

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