Valerie, being pregnant, naturally avoided alcohol. Drinking was harmful to both her and the baby. After eating two cupcakes, she chose a glass of water. Babel wasn't entirely wrong to suspect Valerie's actions were deliberate. When Isabel offered Valerie wine, Valerie guessed Isabel intended harm. She played along, making Isabel believe her plan had succeeded.

Simply put, Isabel's disgrace stems from her malicious intent toward Valerie.

Though Valerie preferred avoiding conflict, Isabel's actions were excessive. Valerie wouldn't allow Isabel to perceive her as weak. Maintaining a calm smile, she said, "Miss Spencer, you held the wine glass and spilled it on yourself. How can you blame me? Do you think I control your actions?"

Isabel was speechless.

The man she'd deceived—a leader of the Noria Group—had believed he was helping. His anger was palpable as he glared at Isabel, noting her name badge. "Isabel Spencer of Arcton Cars," he stated. "I'll report your actions to Mr. Moreno, word for word, for appropriate disciplinary action."

He then apologized to Valerie: "Miss Warren, I apologize for the misunderstanding. I'm truly sorry."

Valerie waved dismissively, her faint smile remaining. "No worries. You had good intentions but were deliberately deceived. I won't hold it against you."

Isabel, furious and trembling under the scrutiny of onlookers, felt humiliated. Her attempt to disgrace Valerie had backfired spectacularly. Embarrassed, she quickly left.

Valerie said, "Although you made a mistake, your willingness to help is commendable. If you encounter a similar situation, I hope you'll still stand up for the wronged. The truth always prevails."

The man, feeling guilt, attempted another apology, but Valerie's words eased his embarrassment. The matter concluded.

Matthew lingered halfway up the stairs before returning to the second floor.

Charles peeked out. "Mr. Grant, Mrs. Grant is brilliant. She sensed Miss Spencer's revenge and cleverly set a trap, allowing Miss Spencer to believe she'd succeeded, then exposing the truth to shame her. If I were Miss Spencer, I'd deeply regret it."

Matthew, frowning, summarized Charles's points: "Mrs. Grant"

"My wife," Charles mimicked Matthew's tone, chuckling. "Mr. Grant, you said it yourself. You wouldn't deny it, would you?"

Matthew, surprised, furrowed his brow. Did I really say that?

Charles continued, "Mr. Grant, I've known you a long time, and this is the first time I've seen you care so much about a woman. But Miss Warren is striking, smart, and gentle—no wonder you're captivated."

"She's mynominal wife," Matthew offered weakly.

"Ah, yes," Charles teased. "You're very considerate and gentle to your wife."

"We have a six-month agreement," Matthew stated coldly, slamming the conference room door after his statement. Charles, left outside, touched his nose, embarrassed.

Charles mused, "Mr. Grant, you'll admit you care sooner or later. Many relationships blossom through interaction. Love at first sight fades, but love that grows endures. Besides, only someone as gentle as Miss Warren could tolerate your coldness."

Charles, despite only meeting Valerie twice, was impressed by her handling of the situation. No one could resist such a remarkable person.