Chapter 3: Hooked by a Handsome Man

Initially, Hector, driven by ambition, sent Joseph to investigate Ms. Gates, hoping to lure her away. Unexpectedly, he lost his son in the process. Isabella's inner voice echoed in Alexander's head: "If he knew his son became infatuated with her, I bet he'd Hahaha! He's probably supporting his son now because he thinks he's winning her over. Not only did he lose his son, but he's unintentionally helping his enemy!"

Hector, standing calmly behind his son, shuddered at Alexander's intense gaze. He puffed out his chest, feeling smug. "Alexander's wrong," he thought. "He can't escape this gracefully after my son's lecture! Perhaps we can win Hannah to our side! Let's see who dares call my son a silver-spooned wastrel again!"

Joseph, seeing Alexander unresponsive, his gaze shifting, angrily confronted him. "Alexander, are you humiliating Ms. Gates for this woman? Don't forget, Isabella is the only one who met Mr. Russell from the rival company! We have photos and videos as proof!"

Alexander, realizing he'd been caught up in gossip, cleared his throat and turned to Isabella. "Why did you meet him?" His previous attempt had yielded a hysterical, unhelpful response. Now, however, he felt he could uncover the truth by other means.

Isabella, sensing the situation's escalating complexity, blinked. She hadn't expected Alexander's relentless investigation. He was commendable, fair, and diligent—but she wanted a divorce.

Just as she was about to speak, she met Alexander's gaze. His perfectly proportioned features were strikingly handsome, captivating her for a moment. However, without the two hundred million, his face seemed deceptive—at least momentarily. His solemnity and seriousness were compelling. His penetrating gaze startled her, making her heart tremble.

"It was a job arranged by my agent," she stammered, instantly regretting her honesty. Her inner voice wailed: "Was I hooked by a handsome man? Why did I speak honestly? This is going to cause more problems!"

Joseph scoffed. "That's a clumsy explanation. Has your agent lost her mind, taking work from the competition?" Quirk Group owned Isabella's studio; an agent working for them wouldn't accept work from rivals unless deliberately.

Joseph immediately called Winona Palmer, Isabella's agent. Winona answered frantically, "What? I didn't arrange anything! Mrs. Quirk, you can't falsely accuse me! I'm insignificant, I can't bear this blame!"

Hannah, noticing Winona's strained tone, smirked. No one suspected Winona's stiff demeanor.

Joseph smugly told Isabella, "Next time, don't make up easily exposed lies," then mouthed, "You fool."

Isabella was upset. She'd thought it a simple setup, but it was far larger, even bribing Winona.

Alexander, contemplating investigating Winona, heard Isabella's thoughts: "I want to see how much they paid her." He was speechless. Isabella's thoughts continued: "What? My innocence is worth only two thousand? This can't be! I must have missed a zero!"

Alexander was baffled. Was it really only two thousand? Isabella's quiet sob reached him: "I can't believe it's only two thousand—Huh? Wait… So that's how it was…"

Alexander waited, finally hearing only exasperated sighs. His cool demeanor was fraying. He thought: Tell me what it is! How can I prove your innocence?

Isabella's thoughts provided the answer: "No wonder she didn't want more money. Winona's Ms. Gates' cousin-in-law. They're family, working together. Ms. Gates planted her spy a long time ago! They even pretended not to know each other. Impressive! Very impressive!"

Alexander's internal monologue: Why are you praising her? Though, I'm shocked. Hannah has been planning this from the beginning!

His subordinate asked if he should end the call with Winona.

Alexander's tone shifted: "Since statements don't match, I'll arrange a thorough investigation. If there's no physical evidence, Ms. Palmer, I'll scrutinize your connections."

Everyone was stunned. They hadn't expected his stubbornness. Isabella was shocked. Her thoughts: Damn! How did he stumble on the truth?

Hannah's panic and Winona's sharp intake of breath went unnoticed.

Joseph protested, "You're hell-bent on protecting her. I suspect you'll let Ms. Gates take the blame, but she's never contacted anyone from the rival company! She was at the office or home those two days!"

Hannah, composed, stated, "If you don't believe me, I'll undergo any investigation, Mr. Alexander!"

Standard procedure called for tracking Hannah's movements and examining her electronic devices. Alexander suspected Hannah hadn't met anyone from the rival company, but her confidence suggested no incriminating evidence. Could she have left no trace on her devices?

Isabella's voice in Alexander's mind: "I was wondering why she was so confident. This is her plan!"

Alexander felt relief.

Isabella's thoughts: "The email was sent on the morning of the twelfth, but even if you recover deleted records, you'll find nothing. She sent it using Joseph's computer. He implicitly trusted her and his password was her birthday. Even if suspected, nothing will be found. If the rival company betrays her, the investigation will point only to Joseph."

Alexander's gaze shifted from Hannah to Joseph.

Isabella's thoughts continued: "However, she left a trace. Perhaps she's too confident."

Isabella then stopped, "Forget it. I can't reveal what I know. Ms. Gates won't be affected. Winona might get in trouble. I just want this mess to end."

Alexander scoffed internally. He thought: It's a mess, alright. "Summon the technical department and have them check Ms. Gates' electronic devices."