Chapter 2: They Are Blind

The employees of Quirk Group harbored long-standing resentment toward Isabella's antics, especially those in the CEO's office. From their perspective, the request to recheck the surveillance footage implied an accusation against her. They had all witnessed Isabella entering the office. Otherwise, no one would have accused her.

Nevertheless, at Alexander's command, the surveillance footage quickly appeared on the large screen. Fast-forwarded, the footage clearly showed Isabella entering and remaining for half an hour. She appeared gloomy upon leaving, seemingly disappointed at not meeting someone.

Everyone present inwardly scoffed, judging Isabella as stubborn and unwilling to listen until cornered. They were eager to see how she would continue her stubborn act. Only Hannah showed signs of nervousness, breaking into a light sweat.

Eventually, Hannah appeared in the footage. Her pupils constricted slightly as she cautiously glanced at Alexander.

When that scene appeared, some of those who had previously rolled their eyes at Isabella were taken aback, while others remained indifferent. The footage paused.

A frosty expression settled on Alexander's face. "I can't believe it's true!" he exclaimed. He cast a cold, questioning glance at those who had sworn only Isabella had been in his office. "Only Mrs. Quirk entered my office, you say?"

They remained momentarily speechless. The senior assistant responded without hesitation, "Mr. Alexander, I see no issue. Mrs. Quirk was the only one who entered…" The others nodded in agreement.

"They're truly blind," Alexander thought, hearing Isabella's internal commentary. He scowled.

Suddenly, a male voice interjected, "Technically, two people entered and left. Mrs. Quirk and Ms. Gates."

"Surprisingly, there's one who isn't blind!" Alexander thought, again picking up Isabella's thoughts.

Everyone turned to see a young, recently promoted assistant standing at the back. Alexander remembered this man had been on an errand during the initial accusation against Isabella.

At this point, the others seemed to understand. However, upon further reflection, they found the situation rather amusing.

"What are you blabbering about? Ms. Gates frequently enters and leaves the office."

"You're new; you might not understand, but Ms. Gates is Mr. Alexander's confidante!"

"Are you suggesting Ms. Gates betrayed the company?"

The others' exaggerated reactions made the young assistant's statement seem preposterous.

Alexander let out a cold huff, silencing the room. Isabella's thoughts flooded his mind: "If they knew the truth, their reactions would be entertaining."

Isabella looked curiously at Hannah, a woman everyone implicitly trusted. Hannah, with her sleek high ponytail, meticulously styled hair, professional dress, and flawless makeup, projected an image of effortless chic. Yet, her expression was unnatural.

Isabella's inner voice reached Alexander: "I can't blame them. Their attitude toward Ms. Gates and me mirrors Alexander's."

Alexander felt a pang of guilt. "Yes, it's my fault!" he thought. "What do you have to say for yourself, Ms. Gates?"

"Mr. Alexander, are you suspecting me?" Hannah asked, her voice laced with disbelief, though her composure quickly returned. "Yes, I went in, but haven't you forgotten, Mr. Alexander? I prepare for your meetings every night."

Isabella's sardonic thoughts continued: "That's why she chose to do it when I was alone. Much more convenient. It seems she's planned this for a long time. Brilliant! Though, after listening to them, it seems they all work late. I never thought Alexander was such an oppressive employer! After our divorce, I should gift him a copy of the labor law!"

Alexander's thoughts were momentarily derailed: "I can't believe she's focusing on that right now! Her innocence is at stake! Also, I pay triple overtime!" He regained his composure. "Anyone who visited my office during that period will be investigated, no exceptions!"

Hannah looked hurt, unprepared for Alexander's impartiality, especially given Isabella's confession. She believed her position in Alexander's heart differed significantly from Isabella's. She had been by his side for ten years, flawlessly managing his affairs.

The other assistants showed discontent, likely finding Alexander overly strict. They saw no reason to suspect Hannah when Isabella was also a suspect. Hannah was Alexander's confidante; they didn't expect him to treat her this way. They also noticed something Alexander hadn't – Hannah's silent crush on him. Her devotion was evident; she endured Isabella's bullying without retaliation. No one believed she'd betray Quirk Group.

As tension mounted, a scoff echoed from the entrance. Isabella looked up curiously. Several intimidating individuals entered, the CEO's office assistants respectfully making way. The leader was Hector Tanner, a board member; the scoffer was his son, Joseph. Joseph appeared frivolous, a typical silver-spooned child.

Joseph approached Hannah, addressing Alexander with disdain. "Alexander, have you lost your mind? You stated clearly at the board meeting you'd divorce this disaster, but now this? There's nothing suspicious enough to warrant investigating the footage, let alone suspecting your loyal secretary! You must be insane!"

Hector chided Joseph, "Stop it! You can't speak to Mr. Alexander like that. His meticulousness is a virtue. It doesn't mean he suspects Ms. Gates. It's probably because Mrs. Quirk refused to admit guilt."

Joseph glared at Isabella. "Even now, you try to drag others down. It's simply…"

Before he could finish, Alexander stepped protectively in front of Isabella. Isabella's thoughts interrupted: "Where did someone steal a sewer cover to let this sorry man out?"

Her inner monologue continued: "Joseph, is it? How dare you stand up to the corporate bigwig! I want to see what gives you such audacity!"

Alexander was taken aback by her rudeness.

Isabella's thoughts continued, illuminating Alexander's internal conflicts with Hector. She noted Joseph's perceived inadequacy and Hector's desire for his son's promotion. Isabella's newfound understanding of the company dynamics, and her knowledge of Hannah's late-night visits, struck Alexander as unusual. Then, another internal scream from Isabella startled him: "What has she seen now?"

He half-heartedly listened to Joseph's defense of Hannah as Isabella's internal commentary continued to reveal Joseph's secret, long-standing and unrequited infatuation with Hannah. Isabella detailed Joseph’s unwavering devotion, despite Hannah's cold responses, chronicling his relentless acts of service, including his desperate attempts to win her affection, culminating in various unfortunate mishaps, revealing Joseph's obsessive behavior.

Alexander was stunned by the level of Joseph's devotion and compared it unfavorably to Joseph's work ethic. Isabella's narration ended with Joseph's obliviousness to her insight into his actions, leaving him unaware that Alexander and Isabella were now looking at him with a mixture of sympathy and exasperation.

Isabella's thoughts concluded with a final observation: "Hahaha! This is all because of Hector's fault!"

Alexander was perplexed. His mind raced, overwhelmed by the revelations. His attention was captured once more by Isabella’s thoughts, overshadowing even the seriousness of the situation at hand. The allure of gossip, even in the most serious situations, proved irresistible.

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