Matthew was glad Valerie hadn't seen him; otherwise, his identity would have been revealed, causing complications. He detested trouble and preferred to maintain control.

"I'm going upstairs to the meeting. You handle everything else," he instructed Charles, striding upstairs and subtly avoiding Valerie's gaze. Only after reaching the second floor and confirming through the peephole that she couldn't see him did he turn around. Valerie, however, was still engrossed in her cupcake.

She ate so much this morning, and she's still eating! he thought. Such a foodie!

Valerie remained oblivious to his scrutiny. She dabbed her mouth with a napkin, thinking, "It's worthy of being the Noria Group. Even the cupcakes are incredibly delicious." However, having eaten two, she felt slightly queasy and decided to get some water. But as she stood, Isabel blocked her path. Isabel blocked her left when Valerie moved left, and her right when Valerie moved right. It was clearly deliberate opposition.

Valerie frowned and glanced behind Isabel. "Hi, Mr. Grant."

The only "Mr. Grant" at Noria Group was the CEO. Isabel, startled, hastily straightened her clothes and offered a strained smile. Turning around, she found no one there. Rage contorted her face. "I fell for Valerie's trap! It would have been noisy if Mr. Grant had really been there!"

Valerie, seizing the opportunity, calmly walked away.

"Valerie, stop! I need to talk to you!" Isabel, unwilling to be outmaneuvered, stopped Valerie again. "I admit taking your order was wrong, but I returned it. Tell Katherine to keep her mouth shut; if she mentions me and Dylan again, I won't be polite."

Valerie frowned. She could tolerate Isabel's provocations, but not those targeting Katherine. A light, sardonic laugh escaped her lips. "Isabel, as long as you don't cause trouble, no one cares about your petty games."

Isabel felt a direct hit. She realized Valerie had never respected her. Irritation flared.

We have the same position, joined at the same time, and neither of us has a good background. We're here to make money. Why does she get it so easy, and I struggle? Isabel thought bitterly.

A fierce glint entered Isabel's eyes. Clenching her wine glass, she hissed, "What are you so proud of? You're just relying on your looks! I'll make you regret this, make it impossible for you to survive at Noria Group and Arcton Cars!"

Her eyes shone with malice. As she approached Valerie with the wine, Valerie tried to leave, but Isabel grabbed her injured arm—the same arm Katherine had asked about that morning. Isabel had been listening and remembered the injury's location. The sharp pinch made Valerie wince. "Isabel, are you crazy?"

Valerie shoved the wine glass away. A public humiliation would make her the laughingstock of Noria Group.

Isabel, annoyed by Valerie's evasion, had a new idea. She smiled. "You think you're safe because I didn't spill wine on you?"

Splash!

Valerie watched, confused, as Isabel raised her glass. With the wine splashing, Isabel screamed, "Valerie, why did you throw wine on me?"